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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  My 3rd Miata - 2000 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Rick - June 2 - 1:50 pm

  I live in south Florida and this is my 3rd Miata. I very rarely drive with the top up. I have been known to drop the top to drive to Publix a half mile away. I had a 93 and then a 95 which I sold with 190,000 miles on it. Bought my 2000 with 36,000 (almost brand new!). This car is much better than the type 1 cars. The trunk has finally been designed to hold something and I do not miss the barn door headlights. In my old cars the trunk would hold my Les Paul case but not an SG case. The new trunk is redesigned to easily hold a larger guitar case. Some people laugh at a musician owning a Miata but I can pack 2 electric guitars, 1 acoustic guitar, my amp, keyboard, tenor sax and misc. stuff.

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  Good - 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Sonia Leal - June 2 - 2:00 am

  I think the car is a reliable vehical and I am very comfortable driving it.

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  Watch Your Top - 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By leogrrl2 - May 28 - 10:00 am

  We love our new car. It has been a lot of fun. There are two things that I dont like though. 1. It is very hard to see with the top up. Everywhere is a blind spot. 2. After having the car for only two weeks, I noticed where the glass is in the top the glue used to seal the fabric was cracking. Everytime the top was put down it would pull apart more. I took it to the local Dealership and they took the window out and resealed it. Hopefully this works.

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  What an excellent car! - 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By O.J. - May 28 - 10:00 am

  This is my second Miata, my first being a 93. I have found this car to be a dream to drive. It is fun, reliable, and simple. Aftermarket accessories abound, and its easy to work on yourself. They are not expensive, and no other car has such an enthusiastic following. It is simply the most fun you can drive!

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  Unbelievable! - 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By MWi1068196 - May 28 - 10:00 am

  Took delivery of my new 2003 Miata SE in Strato Blue Mica on 5/28/04. Had a 2003 Tribute ES V6 and loved it, but the looks of the Miata, plus what I knew about the features, reliability, and quality of the car made my decision to trade an easy one. Ive never owned a convertible before, but its been an easy adjustment, even though I dont have room to haul much of anything. For me, thats a minor trade-off. This being my third Mazda, I can honestly say that Mazda now has a customer for life. Ive had the top down most of the time and get plenty of comments on my great looking SE. Looking forward to enjoying it for many years to come!

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  Rained out in my 2006 MX5 - 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By ldybyrd - May 17 - 10:03 pm

  I love my 2006 MX5. I use it for commute. I have problems when it rain. Every rain season the car floods from the drains inside the car. The dealership fixes it everytime for no charge. Concern problems continues. I am scared to drive or park the car outside in the rain. What should I do?

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  Miata Shinsen is great! - 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Swami - May 9 - 10:00 am

  Fun to drive, turns on a dime, solid construction, quiet engine, and any bad day turns good with the top down.

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  Fun - 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Tom - May 9 - 2:16 am

  Just got Grand Touring PRHT. Drove 700 miles in two days. Its a hoot! Performance as advertised, good (not great) acceleration, very quick and agile. Brakes excellent. PRHT definitely worth the extra cost, as its much more secure than soft top. Bose sound has nice clarity, but absence of MP3 jack really unacceptable on a supposedly deluxe stereo unit. Fit and finish really good, lots of compliments so far. Fun to drive!

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  Best car ever. - 2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Sergey - May 4 - 3:50 pm

  Best car ever for the money you can afford.

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  Get one! - 2000 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By WB in Va - April 24 - 5:46 pm

  Great car! Surprisingly powerful engine really takes off. I had an 77 MGB & its fun to recall that ride, but nicer to have A/C, rear glass window & mechancial reliability. I drove it compared to Honda S2000 & BMW Z3, thinking Miata wouldnt compare & would toss it out. It won hands down. Maintenance = none. Had to buy new tires since I burned the stock ones off!