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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  Fun 3rd Car - 1995 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By NJmark - October 13 - 10:00 am

  Great car for a weekend road trip or a commute to work. Visibily is not great with top up when it is raining and you are on a busy interstate. Would not think of using it if the steets were snow covered. Driving is nmever so much fun than in a Miata when the sun is shining.

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  2nd 1 and still love it - 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By mapwholesale - October 9 - 10:00 am

  best bang for the buck

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  What are you waiting for - 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Chick - September 25 - 4:20 am

  This car is freakin awesome. Wanted one since 89, cant believe I waited so long. This car takes turns like she was on rails flat and smooth and no surprises. The brakes are just as impressive. Soft top operation could not be easier. The clutch pedal could be stiffer, its a bit light for me.

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  Darn near perfect. - 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By DamienG - September 20 - 2:03 pm

  Went from a 1991 Miata to this. BIG upgrade. A tiny bit more sterile than the jittery, vibrating 1991, but better in every way. Enough power, extremely well balanced yet controlled. Turns commutes into an enjoyable experience.

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  6 years, 160K, but had issues - 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By eightieslingo - September 20 - 2:30 am

  I bought my Miata for $7000 in 2005 with 70K on it. It had one owner who kept every record of service and who washed it every Saturday. The car was a dream for about 2 years, then my check engine light came on. I ignored it and it would go away and come back. One hot day in August my car overheated and I had to pull over on the highway. My radiator had cracked. We had it replaced but still had problems with the check engine light. Then in 2010 my air conditioning only worked if the car was in motion, otherwise it would shudder. This summer (2011) my car frequently overheated if I wasnt in motion. Even with all of these problems I still was sad to see it go when I finally upgraded.

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  Sweet - 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Mrclean - September 14 - 10:00 am

  Ilove my Miata it has alot of pep to the engine

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  My dream car! - 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Valpo52 - September 14 - 10:00 am

  Just purchased 2003 LS in triple black with 6-speed, antilock brackes and suspension package. 60 month financing at 0 percent made new possible instead of used. Beauty and fun all in one perfect package.

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  Zoom Zoom - 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Betty - September 12 - 5:50 pm

  I love my MX-5. This is my second MX- 5. If you are looking for something fun to drive this is it. Hard top goes down in 12 seconds and I still have the same trunk space, amazing! I get 31 MPG! Even though it is an automatic, I have the option to shift manually or with the paddle shifters on the steering wheel. You got to love it, I do.

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  Excellent car - 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Tom Briggs - September 2 - 11:16 am

  The MX5 is the closest thing to a motorcycle youll get with 4 wheels. Exremely fun to drive. Very responsive. I love driving this car almost as much as riding my motorcycle. Excellent fit and finish. If you want a fun to drive car, this is it.

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  Near Perfection - 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By joeschmoe - August 28 - 2:26 am

  This is my first true sports car and have to say its a blast to drive. Besides a small lack in power its the perfect sports car. The stock handling and braking are superb. Fuel economy is excellent. Short gear ratios make for spirited acceleration when up to speed. Minor modifications are all that are needed to turn this thing into a track car. I took a 3k mile road trip and was still smiling when I got home. Those over 6 will have a hard time getting comfortable in this car.