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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  Pure Fun - 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Bob - May 29 - 5:20 pm

  This car is pure fun. Most bang for the buck. With the suspension package, traction control, and stability control cornering is superb and virtually no nose dive when braking. Ride is suprisingly smooth for such a short wheelbase and suspension package. The MX5 fits like a glove and everything is in its proper place except for the cup holders in the console which I have found to be a good place to stash gasoline receipts. The Copper Red Mica with tan leather has drawn nothing but compliments. Gas mileage is impressive returning 30 mpg in the first 600 miles of which only 200 has been highway driving. The convertible top is a marvel, just unlatch it and heave it over your shoulder.

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  Our fun car - 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By djml01miata - May 21 - 1:43 pm

  Always read about how fun Miatas were to drive, so just bought a 7 year old 01. People think it is brand new until they see 106K on the odometer. We drive Lexus for comfort but the Miata is just plain fun. Until we add on to the garage the "comfort car" will sit outside. My wife is into this as much as I am, even planning a long road trip just to spend more time in it.

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  ZOOM MX5 - 2006 - 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Ron Faulds - May 21 - 4:06 am

  Absolutely the most fun car that I have ever driven! Loaded with Bose sound system and Sirius satellite radio, really blasts out the tunes. Seems like every stop light I get praises about the car - Copper Red really flashes. Big guy - 61" and 240 but more than adequate room in the interior. Much easier entry/exit for my wife but I do not have any problems with the space. ZOOM, ZOOM - BTW, personal license now reads "Smilin"... and I am!

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  Handling is the key - 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Flip - May 14 - 10:00 am

  Direct steering...being one with the road, responsive, wind in your hair driving experience..thats my Miata. Many opportunities to customize available in the aftermarket to make it truly your Miata..whether more performance, enhanced appearance/comfort items you name it, its available for this car. Car is an excellent autocrosser and loves the track as well! If you use soft luggage, storage is adequate for weekend trips... If you use dedicated snow tires, its a 4-season vehicle (even here in Iowa) except on those days NOBODY should be on the roads...buy it, youll love it.

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  my my my my my!!! - 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By MrMashie - April 29 - 3:36 am

  This is probably the most fun ride I have ever owned. The kids are married, no car seats, strollers, toys, etc., to worry about anymore, so daddy has a fun new toy. This sure beats the heck out of all those station wagons, minivans and clumsy fuel eating SUVs I had to endure. Im thrilled with this car, its just so much fun to drive. I finally enjoy getting on the road again and zoom-zooming around. Did I mention my golf clubs fit in the trunk? ok I have to take the woods out and fit them inside the trunk next to the bag, big whoop! This car is far superior to the Solstice and Sky. They cant compare at all. What a blast this MX5 is !!

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  My Life Long Dream - 1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Love My "M" - April 24 - 11:00 am

  Had a 1967 MGB and never thought I could match the experience. My 1997 "M" Edition blows away the "B". I am the original owner and only driver of my "M". Still today stopped at a traffic light people roll down their window and say what a beautiful car. The driving experience at sundown or at night with the top down and the pipes purring is indescribable if you havent experienced it. This is absolutely the most fun car to drive in the whole world. All the other two-seaters are "phonies" with their too-much power and comfort features. Yes the "B" was a classic never to be replaced, until the Miata, especially the last of the original breed, the 1997 "M" Edition.

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  Add more power, please. - 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Mark - April 19 - 6:50 pm

  I have 10th Anniversary. It has been a reliable vehicle and I am still amazed that people comment on how good the car looks. I am happy with everything, but the power. It lacks power. It does. There is a circulating slogan that it is fun-to-drive. But it would have been infinitely much more fun if it had more power. I have no clue why Mazda is so reluctant to add reasonably powered engine to this wonderful roadster.

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  Favorite Car yet - 1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Kimmyroo - April 3 - 2:00 am

  I bought my Miata in 97. My first Mazda. I researched them completely and my Miata has lived up to the reputation of being fun, quick and most of all reliable. I have never had any problems with it, only performed the normal scheduled work. 96K miles and it still has a lot of life in it! I would recommend these cars to anyone. More than that, I would buy another one in a heartbeat! Super cars!

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  Immensely fun - 2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Jack Pyle - March 27 - 2:51 pm

  Acceleration and cornering make this an amazingly fun car to drive. It is totally impractical as far as storage is concerned: no glove box or door slots for maps, trunk will hold one carry on and a small tote bag. But who cares? Zoom, zoom. I love the blind spot monitoring and rear warnings of cars behind when backing up. Its comfort is tops. I love it more and more as I drive it.

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  The "Nat One" - 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Natalie - March 20 - 2:00 am

  Everyone calls my miata the "Nat One" because my name is Nat and my miata is my "baby". It is silver with a black top and interior. I added black leather seats with silver inserts, a chrome fuel door and a chrome style bar so far. There are many more mods I have planned for her. If youre thinking about buying a miata, stop thinking and do it!! The handling is on par with $40- $60k sports cars and the overall performance is great. Everyone loves the design, it is beautiful. For you guys, its a chick magnet to boot. All the guys I know ask to borrow it because CHICKS LOVE THIS CAR! In short, I love my miata and im keeping it forever!