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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  Great Car Gets Even Better - 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Mike - October 30 - 4:00 am

  This is my third Miata, and Ive had one from each generation. Mazda has taken a great car and made it even better. The car remains lightweight and agile but adds horsepower and more refined ergonomics. I have a wide frame and fit much better in this car than in previous generations. The engine is super smooth, the manual transmission has a short throw and shifts easily, and new alternatives like xenon headlights improve refinement. I had a Porsche Boxster S between my last Miata and this one. After I sold the Porsche I wanted another two seat convertible without spending $50k+. Even though the Porsche is faster and gets better skidpad ratings, the Miata is a better value. Great car

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  Better Than I Expected - 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By dan_k - October 17 - 5:33 pm

  After 3 years of driving the MX5 Im impressed with nearly everything about the car. Although I only give it a 7 for comfort, it is very good for this size sports car. I thought a 2 hour drive would be all I could take when we first purchased the car. This fall my wife and I completed a 4 day trip on the Blue Ridge Parkway and my back and seat were no worse for the wear. However, I had just put on new Bridgestones, which out performed the stock Michelins in every way. This car is all about fun. It is a car for those who love to drive. Driving the MX5 is like operating a point and shoot camera. The car just goes wherever you point without any fuss and looks great while doing it.

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  The Most Fun You Can Have With Your Top Down - 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Steven Huneycutt, MD - October 16 - 3:18 am

  It never has needed any repairs, ever. Most dependable vehicle I have ever owned. Just dont have enough room in my garage to keep it.

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  LOVE IT! - 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Tom - October 12 - 12:33 am

  What a great car. I love the velocity red! The rims are a nice bonus. I would really push you to get a Limited if you can get your hands on one. This car handles like a dream.

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  Most fun car Ive ever owned - 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By TheMadTurtle - October 2 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car in Southern Florida and it made the perfect Florida car! Now I live in the midwest and have to store her in the Winter. There is precious little I look more forward to than pulling this car out of storage each Spring. Okay, maybe pulling my 58 Thunderbird out.... This car reminds me of all the MGBs my dad used to drive when I was a kid. I only have 55K miles on it and the only problem Ive ever had is that I had to replace the clutch slave cylinder. Big deal - it was a 20 minute job. Cant recommend these cars enough!

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  Excellent! 2nd One purchased!!! - 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Michele244 - October 2 - 2:00 am

  Absolutley a fabulous little car. This is my second one purchased, and I will always love it. Handles great, looks great, and in 3 years of previously owning one I NEVER had one single issue or problem with anything. Very stable, well made, and a great value.

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  2001 mx-5 - 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By robsmx-5 - September 20 - 10:00 am

  i really love this car. the new body looks great and it runs great in the city or on hwy trips. yes, its my car of chose for long road trips. the only trouble iv had is a recall on the clutch that was replaced under warrantt because it was chaffing. i only wish that the re-sale value was better. i wanted to buy a new 2002 special edition mx-5 and the dealer would only give me 15K for my car that was 22K less than a year ago!!!!!!!!!!!!

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  2000 LS - Reliable and Fun - 2000 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Brandon - September 17 - 10:53 pm

  This car has been a blast. Super reliable and fun to drive. This is my daily driver as well and the car saw an icy New Jersey winter last year. Was fine with a set of 4 snow tires. I only broke the end loose once. These cars are a great buy and will last well beyond 200k miles with some TLC. I think the 160-180hp range would have been better suited for the car as it feels kind of slow down low with lack of torque. If youre looking for a low maintenance, reliable 2 seater convertible, this car is probably for you.

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  Best cheap "fun car" to drive - 2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Travis Anthony - September 17 - 1:34 pm

  Looking for something that will put a smile on your face? Want something to tear up the back roads on a nice sunny day? Look no further. This car will bring lots of joy, but keep you out of trouble. The GT package delivers great tech for the price if you want to make this your daily driver. The blind spot is very useful with the top up. The moving LED headlights are amazing for night driving. Lets not forget something I dont think I could live without, heated seats. These things are amazing on a slightly chilly day with the top down. Yes its not a pratical car, but thats not the reason why you buy this. You buy this to enjoy the driving experience. The smile has not faded, nor will it.

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  I wish I had a longer commute! - 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By ScotProf - September 6 - 4:16 pm

  Kids finished college, decided to celebrate by buying a convertible to drive in sunny California. This is a great car. As several reviews state, it drives like a fast go-kart. It is so easy to overtake slower drivers by zipping out & back in that I am having to rein in my urges, otherwise Ill get my first ticket in >24 years of driving. The PRHT is great. My "suggested improvements" below are minor, and focus on the interior design; the only DRIVING "defect" is that the rear visibility is not great with the top up. So, when reversing with the top up, I am coming to rely on the side mirrors, which I dont enjoy; Id prefer to be able to scan the whole area by quick glances over my shoulder.