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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  Driving is now FUN! - 2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By MyIndy - March 16 - 1:00 am

  I just got my MX-5 on Monday (9.28.15) and I am just ecstatic about it. For the money, it just cant be beat. I got the Club edition mainly because it was available (very hard to find one at all in my area) but the Ceramic color, black side mirrors, and spoilers and gray wheels was the kicker for me. Sure the ride is a little bumpier but it will be "bomb" on track days. There are a few things I would change on the next model, like a flat bottom steering wheel (which you can buy an aftermarket one) and padding for your right knee against the the console, the CX-5 has it. The car can go, as in fast. I cant believe what they did under the hood. It is really a blast! But what this car does best...is going around corners...it can handle anything. I am 63" and 215 and I still fit like a glove. I dont think anyone bigger can get in or out. I seats (with red stitching) are very comfortable also. I got them adjusted all the way back and feels great. I am getting 27.5 mpg right now around the city and of course showing it off, Im hitting the pedal...a lot. As of March 2016, I am getting over 35mpg on the hwy., using premium gas and I have gotten as much as 38mpg. 5000 mile update: I had my first oil change, I went with synthetic oil since that is what came with the vehicle, I think this is the way to go in the long run. I am getting so many looks and people coming up to the car and saying how much they like it. I never had that happen to me before. I think I have something special. I just love it. Zoom Zoom!

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  Awesome roadster - 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By philmx5 - March 14 - 12:23 am

  This car is just a blast to drive. After looking at the competition this became an easy choice. It just felt right from the moment I got in the car, put the top down, and took off. It think it looks great without being overbearing like the expensive roadsters. The car is just simplistic and fun!

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  True Love - 2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Sunryz - March 9 - 10:36 pm

  I am not a car person and have never cared much about what car I drove. It was strictly functional. This yellow Miata changed that. After 4 years it is still an absolute blast to drive and people still comment about what a cool car it is. I drive it all year round with a hard top for the winter months. It looks cool like that too. My husband loves to drive it too. It is most fun on windy mountain roads. We go out driving on weekends just for the pleasure of driving it.

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  A mind-blowing sports car to drive! - 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By nawaaz - March 4 - 5:54 am

  Through my brief history of owning an array of sports cars, this Miata is the least expensive car Ive bought, yet it is simply the best out of them all... It may seem hard to believe, but I WILL NOT lie to you. Ive owned a 06 Evo IX MR, 09 e90 M3 Sedan, 10 RX-8 R3... and this MX-5 Miata beats them all. Ive matured into a smarter and more expererienced driver, expecially after attending several HPDE events... And this particular car is the pinnacle of pure sports cars. It has all the driving enjoyment you could ever want or need. Having the option of going top-down is an exciting bonus. This car really connects with the driver and becomes in harmony with one another.

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  1999 MX-5 - 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Reggo3636 - February 25 - 2:00 am

  Great Car! I would buy another anyday! The car handles great and for a 4 cylinder puts out alot of power!

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  Love it - 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Zipper - February 22 - 9:23 am

  Traded 2002 for this true red Club Spec and with a little over a 1,000 miles Im glad I did. No a/c, no cruise, no fog lights, all the things that went to waste in my 02 became a real selling point. The 5 speed shifts like a knife in butter and with the lights in low beam I can actually see! The 02 was quick but the Club Spec is quick and you dont even realize it. The cup holder doesnt bother me, after a week I dont even notice it.

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  A fun car for people who like to drive - 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Drino - February 19 - 9:10 pm

  This car was designed for people who love to drive. It has a firm suspension and perfect balance. No body roll, and very direct steering. This thing corners like its on rails and stops fast. More trunk space than other convertibles. Trunk space isnt taken up when the top is down - it goes into a separate pocket. Can put the soft top up or down with one hand from the drivers seat. No luxuries in the cabin - its a sports car. If it hasnt got it, you dont need it. Excellent build quality.

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  A settled, less exciting car - 2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Robert Weiss - February 19 - 7:55 pm

  Im comparing my gorgeous new 2016 MX-5 to my 2010 MX-5. It rides more comfortably at all speeds. It is way more forgiving of early up shifts or missing downshifts, its quieter and has much better electronics. On balance, its an easier car to drive, but sadly, less fun. The shifter throw seems to be longer and less snicky, the feeling of being on rails on the turns is decidedly less pronounced. There is nearly no interior storage, no glove box, nothing on the doors. And the useless oil pressure gauge has been replaced with an electronic shift indicator that also recommends which gear you should be in if you wanted to never exceed 2000 rpm.

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  Most fun you can have on 4 wheels - 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By howieb - February 17 - 6:53 pm

  Fun, fun, fun. The most fun car I have driven. Tested the 350Z, BMW, Altima, Accord, this is the best. And affordable! It is a 3rd car in the family with a truck and a sedan, so we could get away with a 2 seater. If you buy it it will make you smile, I keep looking for reasons to drive

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  Fun on a shoestring budget - 2000 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By rangermutt - February 14 - 1:46 pm

  My wife has wanted a convertible for years so I wait until we moved from California to Iowa to get her one. Go figure. Actually, I drive it as a daily driver and except for a couple of big snowstorms it has served me well. My wife does get to drive it occasionally and we cannot wait for warm weather. My 16 year old daughter wants to learn how to drive a manual tranny so there will be some bonding (and praying) going on. Most fun car I have ever owned bar none! I have already gotten sideways on some corners.