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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  Awesome get the right options - 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Westgl - December 14 - 6:36 pm

  I test drove all models for a while. The Grand Touring with upgraded suspension & DSC w/traction control feature made the car handle excellent & still provide a very comfortable ride, The Remote keyless entry is a must have. The retractable hard top is another excellent feature. Got the limited slip also, the leather is very nice quality. I have a 1999 20th anniversary miata it is very raw in comparison, the 99 does not have enough leg room. The 08 has way more than enough leg room as well as more roomy cockpit. The manual says you can run premium gas in it for added performance. I had test driven a new corvette, S2000, 350Z, BMW Z4, Solstice, nothing came close to the miata

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  Miada Mama - 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Siata - December 14 - 10:00 am

  I bought it for fun but use it for work. Thrifty on fuel, waranty protection, dealer jumping through hoops for me. What more can one ask for. Mountain roads not a problem with the power and handling.

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  True Roadster - 2000 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By bnation - December 2 - 2:00 am

  Wife and I both love this car. We take it out for rides just to enjoy it. Havent done that since I first started driving. Handles like a dream on the mountain roads and doesnt feel like your killing it on the interstate.

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  Solid and Fun - 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By gfrawley - November 28 - 4:40 pm

  I bought the 2007 MX-5 Grand Touring in 2007 and sold my original year 1990 Miata to a friend. That car had 202,000 miles on it. He still drives it. I have plenty of experience driving this vehicle to know it is reliable. If you want to get from point A to B and have a blast doing it this is your car. This is one of those cars that when the weather is right and top is down on the car you can get in a zone driving and you dont want to stop. The word fun is thrown around a lot with this car and perfectly fits what this car is. For the money its like getting a much more expensive sports car. About the only con is this rear wheel drive vehicle is not meant for snow. If you live in a cold climate have another car to drive during those months.

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  ZOOM ZOOM FOR REAL! - 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Sandy - November 26 - 6:23 am

  This car is a blast to drive! The fit and quality of the exterior and interior are very good to excellent. The road noise at highway speed is acceptable, you can still have a conversation with your passenger. The car has plenty of power, you dont even need to down-shift when passing at highway speed. The short shift close ratio gear box is precise and easy to use. The cup holders in the center console are pretty useless as anything in them will impede shifting. Gas mileage has averaged about 25MPG but that is with a lot of city driving. And .. ITS FUN TO DRIVE!

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  great - 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By angel Kania - November 15 - 10:00 am

  I love My MIata!

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  Zoomie - 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Kathys Zoom Zoom - November 15 - 10:00 am

  Great fun to drive!

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  Just Plain Fun! - 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Jim - October 28 - 6:33 pm

  If you want a car thats just plain fun, you cant beat the MX-5. Wife and I chose the copper red Touring model with black cloth interior. The car is gorgeous, fit is perfect. As for performance, the 5 speed manual is quick and smooth, flawless. While not exactly fast, the car is very quick. The steering is extremely responsive. Brakes stop the vehicle on a dime. The interior, while snug, imparts the sensation of a cockpit. All controls are at your fingertips just inches away. The top is very well designed and easy to use. I would not recommend the vehicle for primary transportation, but if youre looking for a sensational, affordable second, this is it. This car is a blast.

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  Great Overall - 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By jd - October 24 - 1:40 am

  I looked at a number of cars for several years. In the course of searching I narrowed my criteria to maximum value for few dollars. That eliminated Porsches, BMWs, MBs and a number of other cars. I chose the MX-5 because it was not a compromise. It drives exceptionally, the new interior is first rate, the exterior restyle is spot on and I didnt have to sell a kidney to get it. What really sold me though is that this is what a sports car is. It reminds me of what made cars so important in my life and what made me want a car that was "special". The MX-5 is special. I can race this car if I choose, modify it to make it better or leave bone stock and its just great. Its just perfect.

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  Great car!!!! - 1995 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Technowitch - October 13 - 10:00 am

  One of the greatest things about a Miata is, even if you have one thats less than perfect, people will often think you paid 2 to 3 times as much as you actually did. Its a great value car for the price -- handles wonderfully, looks spiffy, and can make driving fun again for even the most jaded driver.