Overview & Reviews

When the Mazda MX-5 Miata debuted for 1990, this snazzy little convertible was an instant hit. Marking a revival of the affordable sports car in a stripped-down roadster format popularized by British automakers in the 1950s and '60s, the MX-5 Miata brought reliability and modern engineering to the concept. Buyers lined up outside Mazda dealerships and gladly paid well over sticker price for the fetching new Miata.

Though the initial mania has long since faded, the Mazda MX-5 Miata continues to be a very popular convertible. Today's third-generation car continues the trend. It still changes direction like a go-kart, communicates the character of the road clearly to the driver and accelerates with an inspiring growl from its inline-4 engine. If you're in the market for an affordable sports car that provides plenty of top-down, open-road thrills, we highly recommend putting a new or used Mazda Miata on your list.

Current Mazda MX-5 Miata
The Mazda MX-5 Miata is a two-seat convertible powered by a 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder engine good for 167 horsepower. Depending on trim level, you'll find this power routed to the rear wheels through a five- or six-speed manual transmission or an available six-speed automatic. With the automatic, engine output drops to 158 hp.

The Miata is available in three trims: Sport, Club and Grand Touring. The lightly equipped Sport is aimed at enthusiasts on a budget, while the Club trim's added performance upgrades (strut tower brace, high-performance tires) and styling tweaks kick the Miata character up another notch. The Grand Touring is downright luxurious with its automatic climate control, leather upholstery and heated seats.

Customers who like the idea of combining open-air exhilaration with fixed-roof refinement can order a Miata with a power-operated retractable hardtop. The "PRHT" might seem to run counter to the Miata's less-is-more philosophy, but its simple design adds just 70 pounds to the car's curb weight and transforms top-up motoring into a much quieter, more weatherproof experience.

For more than two decades, the Mazda MX-5 Miata has been one of the purest forms of automotive fun, and the latest edition is no different. While we'd probably stick with a lightly equipped version for duty as a weekend toy, the many luxury features and roomier cabin of the latest generation make the Miata a more plausible choice for daily driving duties.

Used Mazda MX-5 Miata Models
The current third-generation Mazda MX-5 Miata dates back to 2006 when it was completely redesigned. A stiffer, more sophisticated chassis, a more powerful engine, a roomier interior and greater interior refinement were key improvements. A change in SAE testing methodology the following year reduced the horsepower rating to 166 from the initial rating of 170, but there is no functional difference. Initially, the lineup consisted of six trim levels: Club Spec, Base, Touring, Sport, Grand Touring and Third-Generation Limited Edition. For 2007, equipment was reshuffled into four trims -- SV, Sport, Touring and Grand Touring -- and the power-retractable hardtop (PRHT) also arrived that year.

A Special Edition model in Icy Blue paint was offered for 2008. That year also saw a 5-hp drop for cars with the automatic transmission. The following year the Miata received a mild refresh with tweaked exterior styling, engine revisions for a bit more power and fuel economy, a more aggressive suspension and some new convenience features. For '10, the PRHT was discontinued in Sport trim, and the value-oriented SV trim (available from 2007-'09) was dropped. Special editions continued to be offered and were essentially loaded Grand Touring PRHT models sporting unique colors and trim.

Right up through 2011, stability control was only available on the Grand Touring and then only as an option. For 2012 that safety technology became standard equipment across the board.

The second-generation MX-5 Miata was in production from 1999-2005. This Miata was the same size as the original MX-5, so while the cockpit was more cramped, the car felt much livelier and more responsive to drive, though its cornering limits were much lower and its ride was much worse. The addition of a glass rear window to the cloth convertible top made visibility better (the old plastic window would become cloudy from sunlight, requiring replacement).

This second-generation Mazda Miata was powered by a 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine that produced 140 hp and 119 pound-feet of torque. A five-speed manual transmission was standard and a four-speed automatic was optional. As before, base models were sparsely equipped, but items like leather upholstery and Bose audio were available on upper trims. In its second year, a streamlined model lineup including the Miata and Miata LS with three simplified option packages was introduced, while a Miata Special Edition with a six-speed manual debuted. For 2001, the adoption of variable valve timing bumped output to 142 hp and 125 lb-ft of torque, while the Special Edition's six-speed manual became optional on the Miata LS. For '04 a turbocharged Mazdaspeed model arrived featuring a 178-hp turbocharged engine, high-performance suspension and unique exterior styling enhancements.

The original, first-generation Mazda MX-5 Miata of 1990 offered a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine that delivered 116 hp and 100 lb-ft of torque matched with a five-speed manual transmission. Just three colors were initially available: red, white and blue. Detail improvements saw the Miata through its first several years, with revised option packages, more power from a 128-hp 1.8-liter engine introduced for '94, and ultimately even luxuriously appointed M-editions (special paint colors, a tan convertible top, tan leather interior and 15-inch BBS wheels). Competition-minded individuals might want to focus on the Miata R-Package introduced for 1994, which turned the Miata into a race-ready street machine with drivetrain and suspension modifications. The final year for this first-generation model was 1997 (there was no 1998 MX-5 Miata).

User Reviews:

• 

  A pure sports car for not that much $$ - 2013 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By desmolicious - July 17 - 6:35 am

  Ive had my CS w 6 speed manual for about a year now. It really is a joy to drive - fun, engaging, the steering feel/handling balance is just right. Sports cars originally were simple, light, rear wheel drive, convertibles. This is that with the added bonus of being affordable and reliable. The seats dont seem like they would be comfortable for a long trip, but I was surprised - after a 10 hour drive (with stops) I was just fine. In comparison my BMW 330is seats feel much better initially, but wear on me after a few hours. The trunk is small, but if you buy one of those custom made luggage sets online (mine was about $80), you can fit plenty for a week trip for two.

• 

  Excellent, but a few gripes - 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By BobB - June 17 - 9:06 am

  No dispute about this being the best handling, most refined & practical under-25k roadster. Mines a GT, supposedly top-of-the line niceties... not. No fuel/trip computer. The ECU knows how much fuel its burning. Let me know! No MP3 support in the CD changers (without a $500 upgrade just for MP3 support) Crazy cheap. No external media input, despite looking like it on the stereo faceplate --> devious. Intermittent wipers not adjustable rate, as if there were only 3 settings of rain. On/off seat heaters are off or hot.

• 

  Great fun - 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By mikeandjudy - June 7 - 5:02 am

  My wife wanted this car and I did not. I went to the dealership and tried it out. It is hard to get into if you are used to driving a truck but once you get over that, the car is such a blast to drive. It is not oozing performance but the handling and responsiveness is better than many of the more expensive roadsters. The wind noise is not bad at all. I always saw this as a "girls car" but now I drive it more than she does. Will probably get my own one day. If you try it out with an open mind you will be pleasantly surprised and may even have some fun driving it.

• 

  Collins Review - 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Collin Garcia - April 21 - 2:00 am

  I own a 1995 Mazda Miata MX-5. For a small as it is, it is a great car. Suprisingly, the Miata is very roomy on the inside and can comfortably seat a full size adult with some room to spare. THe accelleration and performance doesnt lag either. For as small as it is, its packs a powerful punch.

• 

  soaking in the rays - 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By miata man - April 7 - 2:00 am

  this is my first convertable-its 35-48 degrees and top has not been up yet except to wash car. handles great!! so far gas milage is great

• 

  That which we call a Rose. - 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Josh Smith - February 26 - 2:10 am

  The Miata is one of those cars people just awe over, you cant help but name it, you want to call her something. The sleek curves give off a sense of class, while the small, but cocky stance says "I want to play". The Miata, in my opinion, is underrated, it has enough power for most people, and enough aftermarket support for the rest of us. A light-weight rear-wheel drive car is just one of those things that any generation could admire. Cruising the interstate with the top down, wind blowing.. You cant resist but feel that youre free.

• 

  Driving those Hills in San Francisco - 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By ericbythebay - February 24 - 2:00 am

  I bought my car on Halloween Night! 2nd Miata (traded in 1993)and was very pleased on the upgrades over the years...Very comfortable, but having had MGs and an old Miata felt a lot of the rough/bumpy of the old Sports car was missing...I enjoyed that kind a feeling...The Mazda rumble is missing. More like a whine! Car is more like a cushy compact with the top down. Handles beautifully. Wont win any speed races with the power.

• 

  NOT A PORSCHE AT HALF THE PRICE - 2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Bradford Wm. Yules, Esq. - January 11 - 2:48 pm

  Miata CLUB Edition is a drivers car . . . not a race car. Driving one is akin to flying a WWII RAF Spitfire . . . fits like a glove, spartan to say the least . . . simply thrilling in action. The CLUB Edition . . . with sport chassis and suspension handles like a dream . . . has outstanding street acceleration . . . and . . . sips premium fuel. Purchase price is not entirely inexpensive . . . but . . . is roughly half that of the far superior Porsche 718 Boxster (or 718 Cayman) . . . and . . . maintenance and repair costs are almost nothing compared to either Porsche 718. The desirability of hyper-expensive to replace Brembo front only brakes and/or BBS forged wheels . . . for street only use . . . is a matter of personal taste and pocketbook. I will opt for the CLUB Edition for its cornering, manual transmission for fun, red for visibility, all weather mats to protect and preserve the interior, keyless entry for convenience, metal pedals for durability ... pass on Brembo/BBS.

• 

  Best of its Breed - 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Andrew - December 22 - 6:13 am

  When you purchase this car you must have the understanding that this is a basic roadster. It doesnt pretend to be something else. Its raw, tiny, a little unrefined in some areas but definity fun. It will be hard to come from a complete car such as an Accord or an SUV to go to Miata because somethings just doesnt work right in the Miata. The cupholders in the center are completely useless because they intrude into the elbow space while shifting gears. The grade of plastics is from the 70s and thats not a good thing. And the sound the comes from opening and closing the truck is truly horrible.

• 

  A Very Fun Car - BUT? - 2017 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By P Mac - October 11 - 9:13 am

  Ive own alot of Mazdas. They all have been very good to me. I also own a lot of cars in general. I purchase a NEW 2017 MX5 RF for my 18 Year old son as a Graduation Gift. Yes he is spoiled. Mazda did a good job keeping true to its roots. The RF Model grabs a lot of attention. Layout is great, design is great. No way will you fit if your over 6 , or if you are on the heavy side, you will not fit. You have to be 150 - 180lbs max at around 58 to enjoy the comfort. For my son, its perfect. My only con, and again its nothing new about this car,......The Power. my wife has a Mazda cx5 with the 2.5 Skyactiv and it has good torque, it moves the cx5 along great. The 2.0 in the Mx5 to me feels just like my 116HP 1992 miata I had. 200HP would be PERFECT! Overall it was well engineered and boy can you push it through turns. Out of five stars, I give it four. bump up the HP and it will receive a FIVE STARS.................another bullet proof Miata/MX5 that will run for the next 20years. Oh and dont let the Dealer sucker you into a 900.00 Nav sim card, I order one from eBay @ 125.00, it works GREAT!!!