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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Update from Doug - 1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata
By Update - July 16 - 1:16 pmI have now owned the car for four-plus years and have 140k on it. I had to replace the clutch this summer. I switched to premium fuel (instead of alcohol blend) and mileage went from 25 mpg in town to 28 and runs better. Still great fun and highly recommended.
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Love it! - 2000 Mazda MX-5 Miata
By Wimbimlim - July 16 - 10:00 amIve only owned my Miata for 1 year, but I already found myself staring at it this spring on a warm day in March while it sat stored in my garage. This is the most practical fun Ive ever had! I have to drive places anyway; why not enjoy the trip?
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A Nice Fit - 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata
By Cleve Hardman - July 7 - 3:16 pmThe new MX-5 version for 2006 is a significant upgrade. It retains the sports car feel linked back to European sports cars of the 50s through 70s with style and comfort upgrades consistent with higher-end models. There is plenty of comfort for the driver and passenger.
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A true sports car at economic price. - 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata
By prosthodontist - July 2 - 11:53 amAn exciting car to drive, despite the lack of horsepower. Has the advantage but also disadvantages of a convertible. Advantage: top down+summer afternoons = heaven on earth. Disadvantage: More moving parts/joints = more creaks, leaks, and breaks, sub-par sound insulation, increased cost and weight with decreased rigidity. Supposedly has a manual shifter from heaven, but I live in a city with traffic from hell (LA) so opted for the auto, which Ive learned to love, especially with the paddle shifter and engine braking capability. Compactness of the car has taught me to make do with less.
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Great fun car - 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata
By Tiom Fisher - June 27 - 6:00 amI have owned this Miata since it had 3000 miles. I drive about 6k per year on and around the Blue Ridge Parkway. This is a second car which is driven only in spring-fall. Putting the top down takes about 20 seconds and the car is simple to operate and fun to drive.
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Fun, Freakin Awesome Sports Car! - 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata
By 3rd Wright Brother - June 19 - 11:53 amWhen I searched for a new car I wanted a convertible. I researched all the different models and within a week I ordered a Mazda Miata. It was the best convertible available and exactly what I was looking for. It had power, great handling, style, and I loved how easy it was to put the top down. It takes me less than three seconds to put the top down or put it back up. A lot of other convertibles on the market required two people to lower or raise the top. I have driven my Miata to so many places, but driving through the Rockies was my favorite. The small back road to Aspen was the most breathtaking journey ever and the Miata was a joy to drive.
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TeachersCreamPuff --96 BlueMiata - 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata
By c bone - June 14 - 2:00 amOther teachers jealous when I put the top down in the parking lot after school and drive 3 miles home. Students cant believe their old teacher drives this sweet car. Amazingly, a whole weeks groceries or golf clubs(if I played golf) fit in the trunk. Super fun to drive! Even featured in a homecoming parade! Leather interior adds to appeal. Need larger car to accomodate ill husband.Regular maintenance- 5 speed shifts smoothly.
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My First Miata - 2010 Mazda MX-5 Miata
By rdb - June 13 - 11:03 amWe have wanted a Miata ever since first pulling up behind one in Louisville 20 years ago. Really glad we waited until the 2010 since the power hardtop is great to have and much less outside noise. The Miata is beautiful in every regard and corners and drives like a dream. Naturally, being a small sports car and low to the ground, it doesnt have the ride of our LS-430 or Avalon Ltd. but it is also good to have the feel of the road. Actually, I think it rides better than a Corvette. My nephew liked it so much I arranged for them to buy the Liquid Silver from my dealer even though they live in another state. Great car and the only one that has survived in this Class.
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Mazda!!! - 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata
By Yall - June 4 - 10:00 amits a good car!!!!! I really like it alot. cheap, but good car! Its awsome. Go buy it!!!!!
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2004 Classic Red Miata - 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata
By Jaxrolo - June 1 - 7:46 pmPreviously I had a 2000 Miata which was very nice. Got in a wreck so Had to buy this 2004. WOW this car is great!!! Very nice ride. great handling.
