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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  A pure sports car for not that much $$ - 2013 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By desmolicious - July 17 - 6:35 am

  Ive had my CS w 6 speed manual for about a year now. It really is a joy to drive - fun, engaging, the steering feel/handling balance is just right. Sports cars originally were simple, light, rear wheel drive, convertibles. This is that with the added bonus of being affordable and reliable. The seats dont seem like they would be comfortable for a long trip, but I was surprised - after a 10 hour drive (with stops) I was just fine. In comparison my BMW 330is seats feel much better initially, but wear on me after a few hours. The trunk is small, but if you buy one of those custom made luggage sets online (mine was about $80), you can fit plenty for a week trip for two.

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  Love the Miata - 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By LiMiata - July 15 - 2:00 am

  I leased my first one, I bought my 2nd one. Fun to drive, makes me smile

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  Most Fun for the Money - 2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By marshal1 - July 13 - 10:00 am

  The MX-5 is fun, fast, relaible and economical. Its also the best handling car Ive ever driven. It reminds me of my 1969 Triumph GT-6, except I dont have to worry about it not starting after a rain storm. The bottom line is that the Miata = Fun!!

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  Imperfect for all the right reasons! - 2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Captain Flounder - July 6 - 4:35 am

  Looking for a great convertible that makes no pretenses about being anything else? Look no further. The 2016 Mazda Miata is a rolling smile factory. Quick enough with limits low enough you can exploit them daily. Try to say that about an exotic sports car. You cant. Is it perfect? Absolutely not. It is loud. It is cramped. There is little space for anything. In the end, it doesnt matter. The car is just fun. Mazda knows convertibles. The heater can probably melt lead. The seat heat works quickly. You can drive this in any weather. It has all the convenience features you need like bluetooth and USBs but nothing is state of the art. Who cares when the top is down and youre driving briskly through curvy roads? Well done Mazda! Updated with just over 5000 miles: Ive used the vehicle as a daily driver now for over six months. My only true aggravation is the lane departure warning system. It is EXTREMELY sensitive even when set to its least sensitive setting. If you turn it off, you have to deal with an annoying light on the instrument panel. If you pack smartly with flexible luggage, you can get a fair amount in the trunk. Bluetooth works well even with the top down and driving at highway speeds. That was a little bit of a surprise. And the car is still loud. When you start it, youll think a window is cracked. But in reality, none of this matters because the car is engaging to drive. Id buy one again in a second! Updated with 10000 miles: Still love the car. It is still loud and impractical. No mechanical issues and gas mileage continues to be ~ 35mpg in mixed driving (and I do not baby the throttle). Aside from wishing it had a wee bit more leg room, not too much else to complain about. Buy one; you wont regret it!

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  After 7 years this is a great car! - 2000 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By joelybeau - June 28 - 5:50 pm

  I bought this car to drive to and from my workplace. The road I take is all curves. This car will still make any of the curves at twice the posted speed limit; however I never would break the law ;~) This car has been the best "fun per dollar" ratio of any car Ive owned. No mechanical problems ever, period! Put gas in it, change the oil, keep the tires pressurized correctly and drive it. If you are looking for a fun low priced car, get one of these!

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  1999 Red Miata - 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Vizsla - June 20 - 10:00 am

  This is the best built, tightest car I have owned. I am very glad I went with the Gen II (99 and later) Miata for the more horsepower and better lines/style. It has been extremely reliable just like the reviews said. It is fun to drive. Used to own a Gen II RX7. This car may not be as fast, but is better built, handles better, and drives like a classic sports car.

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  1999 vs. 2006 - 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Knut - June 18 - 6:00 am

  I test drove the 2006 MX-5 while my 1999 Miata was in for a regular service ... my mistake, I know, but I was so surprised about the improved handling (especially for windy roads!) and the new engine, that I decided to get the 2006 model. Nice handling, the manual transmission is very smooth, driving with top down is pure fun. Its like vacation for your soul!

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  Excellent, but a few gripes - 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By BobB - June 17 - 9:06 am

  No dispute about this being the best handling, most refined & practical under-25k roadster. Mines a GT, supposedly top-of-the line niceties... not. No fuel/trip computer. The ECU knows how much fuel its burning. Let me know! No MP3 support in the CD changers (without a $500 upgrade just for MP3 support) Crazy cheap. No external media input, despite looking like it on the stereo faceplate --> devious. Intermittent wipers not adjustable rate, as if there were only 3 settings of rain. On/off seat heaters are off or hot.

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  Great fun - 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By mikeandjudy - June 7 - 5:02 am

  My wife wanted this car and I did not. I went to the dealership and tried it out. It is hard to get into if you are used to driving a truck but once you get over that, the car is such a blast to drive. It is not oozing performance but the handling and responsiveness is better than many of the more expensive roadsters. The wind noise is not bad at all. I always saw this as a "girls car" but now I drive it more than she does. Will probably get my own one day. If you try it out with an open mind you will be pleasantly surprised and may even have some fun driving it.

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  Why I love my Mazda Miata - 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Rick - June 4 - 8:00 am

  If you have never owned a Mazda Miata you might wonder why Miata owners are so loyal to Mazda, and so passionate about their cars. However, if you are lucky enough to own one, you already know: the Miata is happiness on wheels. In 28 years of driving, Ive never owned a car that makes such an impression on people. Even strangers come up to ask me about the car. Ive lost count of how many times Ive heard, "Nice car!" but I can remember three occasions when people actually wanted to take a picture of the car. I can assure you that none of those things ever happened to me when I drove a Toyota Corolla. There is no better example of trouble free fun than a Mazda Miata.