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 - 2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Angie Horvath - September 2 - 7:48 am

  A little more than I wanted to pay but worth it.

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  2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata - 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Wish I bought one b4 - August 30 - 7:16 pm

  In 01 I bought a new VW cabrio. It was so bad it brought tears to my eyes. Got rid of it 3 yrs later. The Miata is SO good it was almost worth going thru the pain. The sheer joy of driving this car simply cannot be described... it must be experienced. Talking about brakes, engine, etc., doesnt do justice to this car. The first time you drive it alone, with the radio off and just cruising for the stake of enjoyment is when it hits you. Its not a car, it becomes a part of you. Im 55 and love Subarus, but getting this as a toy car changed my feelings towards Mazda. The Mx-5 is the best balance of a sports car youll ever find. (Plus Im getting 32 mpg while having fun too!)

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  I am impressed!!! - 2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Marko69 - August 28 - 10:00 am

  This has got to be the most fun on the road for the price. I can honestly say that I am not car rich and cash poor!! What a blast to drive and everyone seems to be envious when you tell them that you drive a Miata... unfortunatly up here in Canada it is only good for six months of the year. My other car is a Protegé5 and it is just as much fun to drive!!!

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  Why arent more cars built like this? - 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By OwnDaRoad - August 20 - 1:16 am

  I have had my Miata for 21,000 miles without a major problem, other than routine maintenance. I have been asking other car companies to put this formula together, but only Mazda wants to do it. Even if you already have a truck/van/SUV that you are happy with, I would strongly recommend this car. The fuel and maintenance savings alone of using this for regular trips would almost pay for one of the most dependable machines Ive ever owned.

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  Fun Car, but too many problems - 2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By B Love - August 11 - 6:55 pm

  Soft top replaced twice. Transmission replaced twice due to gears breaking (yes - they break). Both are known problems with TSBs, and the transmission failure will leave you stranded. But, the biggest is that the master brake cylinder failed in traffic. I could have been killed as the car wouldnt stop at a traffic light. The car is fun when it works, but significant problems will strand you (transmission failure) or kill you (master brake cylinder failure). All of the above occurred before 5000 miles and the car was not driven hard. Sold the car at a huge lost, but am glad to be alive.

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  Im Hooked! - 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Wayne - August 11 - 5:26 pm

  Only had it about 10 days, but I cant get out of it. Hardly had the top up. Great little machine! Superb handling and driveabaility. Body style is eye-catching and gets lots of stares and compliments. Engine performance is excellent for a 2 liter 4 and is more entertaining than any car I have ever owned. Very responsive.

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  My 3d Miata - 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By tristin - August 6 - 4:26 pm

  I just love Miata. But I had to do a lot of modifications to the 2012 to make it right. The Stereo is horrible. Is it even stereo? The sun visors dont rotate, and are made of cheap plastic. I guess nobody in Japan drives south in the morning or north in the evening, because if they did, they would soon tire of driving with your hand up by your ear to block the sun! And there is a huge area in the corner of the window that isnt blocked by the visor. There are not USB ports! Lastly, the horn! How could they mis-design the horn switch?? Its this tiny little area in the middle of the steering wheel. That said, I couldnt help but get another Miata.

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  SLOJAZZ - 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By alptah - August 4 - 10:00 am

  "SLOJAZZ" is the custom license on my 2004 Miata, and like a a jazz composition it hums and purrs. This is my 3rd Miata and is the best of the three. While it is hardly comfortable on long trips, the performance and sheer fun of driving it make up for the highway noise and crampted cockpit. If you want a fun drive at a reasonable price you cant go long. The reliability of my previous two Miatas was excellent and I expect the same with this one.

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  Best Car Ever - 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Bruce - July 28 - 5:00 am

  I cant help but smile whenever Im walking toward it or sitting behind the wheel. This car makes me happy! Shifting is a joy. Handling is light and nimble -- makes every other car (including my Mitsubishi Eclipse) feel like a tank. This car responds so quickly and directly that youd swear it can read your mind. Ive heard people say that you dont drive a Miata, you wear it. They are absolutely right. Youve got to strap one on to believe it. And while youre there, take a glance at yourself in the rear view mirror. I bet youll be smiling!

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  Couldnt be happier. - 1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By vectorwolf - July 27 - 2:00 am

  I purchased this vehicle in July 2002 with 45,000 miles on the odomoeter. It now has nearly 70,000, and Ive yet to have any mechanical, or other, problems. Its as quick off the line as any V-6, turns heads wherever you go, and is far more roomy and comfortable than its exterior go-kart appearance lets on. Its terrific in bad weather as well. No leaks unless youre driving in horizontal rain. And, amazingly enough, with only a pair of snow tires on the rear wheels (any generic brand will do), youll be passing by other poor souls in SUVs in the dead of winter. Well worth the trouble of actually locating one for sale. Zoom, zoom. :-)