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:

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  MX5 Great Value - 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Jazzycat - July 8 - 10:26 am

  The MX5 is a feature packed well engineered roadster. Probably one of the best values on the market. The engine and suspension of the new Miata are more sophisticated, but leave you wanting a more sports car like feel. The engine while strong feels and sounds like a boring sedan. Suspension is incredibly supple, but is too soft and leads to ridiculous levels of body roll in corners. The MX5 has great options and features for a car that sells under $25K. My car with dynamic stability control, LSD, traction control, Bilstein suspension, Bose stereo, side airbags, leather interior, 17" wheels -- was $24K. The MX5 also has one of the easiest to use convertible tops ever!

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  Followup - 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Alex - May 24 - 3:40 pm

  This is an update from "Be careful what you wish for" below. Mainly I write this Followup to praise the Continental Extreme Contact tires and the positive change they have wrought. I went from the OE Michelin run-flats to a slight wider (215 vs. 205) tire but kept the 45 series aspect ratio. In effect I made the tires a few millimeters taller and a bit wider. But the switch from run- flats has been amazing. The car has a much more comfy ride, with little in absolute performance loss. Light snow traction is great now, important here in CT. I did about 19k last year (33k total) and no mechanical problems. So thumbs up there. Everyone loves the car still, especially my wife.

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  Couldnt Ask For More - 2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Steve - April 25 - 6:50 pm

  Had it a little over 2 weeks now. It is my daily driver and I couldnt ask for more. Im a pilot so the interior is well suited for me. Just a short reach for everything I need and the seats are very comfortable. BTW, Im 6"1. Yes, driving it is a pure joy. For a short time I drove it on an interstate and keeping up with everyone at 80 then 100 it was rock solid. I thought it was be shaking and moving all over the place. Mine is a 6 speed and I dont rev the engine much past 4,000 between shifts yet get 25 MPG. Kinda surprised at it being that low but its a small price to pay for this much fun. It still looks brand new and I catch people looking at it all time. Very cool.

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  HS Grad. Present - 2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By kcs03 - April 5 - 2:43 pm

  I got this car for graduation, and I loved it. I have come to find that people either love it or hate it/think its adorable or think its a joke. Driving it with the top down makes all of the comments disappear. Also, not having to drive passengers a lot (because you cant fit ALL of your friends in) saves you gas...when you are already not putting in as much as they are in the first place!

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  Fun but only in the sun - 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Shinsen - April 2 - 10:00 am

  Love the looks. Many think it is a exotic at first look. Great car for nice sunday drives. Very fun to drive and gets the looks!!

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  Why didnt I buy one sooner - 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Frank Guido - March 25 - 2:00 am

  I just love driving it all over... Have done several 300 and 500 mile trips and its a hoot!. I used to own a V8 Mustang but the Mustang is a great straight line, stop light to stop light runner and the rumble is a V8 but I am more road racer (which in my opinion is the true racing spirit) then a drag racer so its a ton more fun even though it doesnt have the power. Handling in corners is just fantastic and its agility... :-). One of the most fun and best cars I ever drove.

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  SO MUCH FUN !!!!!!!! - 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Lisa - January 11 - 7:23 am

  I previously owned a larger car. Took me about a month to become comfortable in my smaller space. But, let me tell you .....It is so much fun when the top goes down!!!! I absolutely love this car!

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  2009 Miata (Grand Touring w/Power Top) - 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By John from Dallas - December 29 - 9:10 am

  This is the first non-Toyota vehicle I have owned since 1985. I have owned it for about 6 months and it continues to be a pleasure to drive. I considered a few other cars (Mini Cooper S, Nissan 370Z and the Audi TT). The Audi and Nissan were about 10 grand more and the Mini dealer was extremely arrogant). Overall, I chose the Mazda because of the styling, performance and power hard top. The reliability was also a big sell for me.

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  This car is ok - 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By rulerofthenite - December 13 - 10:00 am

  I bought this car as a novelty, you know 30 going on 31 dad trying to be cool. The vehicle is not very comfortable for tall people like me. it is fun to drive with the top down only as with the top up it can be quite painful for me. If someone were to ask if i would buy 1 again i would have to regretfully decline.

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  99 MX-5, CONV,LTHR - 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Mole - November 23 - 2:00 am

  Its obvious-fun car to drive. Needs more ummph off the line. High RPMs while fwy driving (4k@73mph) 6th gear should be OD. Economical (30mpg). Great build quality. Image?-everyone has an opinion when you buy this car ("mid-life crisis?" or gender specific pre-concieved notions as to ownership...could be regional?). Tight handling. Minimal trunk space. Useless cupholders. Roll bar should be option. Short throw shifter is A+. Overall great car. No regrets - Buy this car.