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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  Intial impressions of our new MX-5 - 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Mark Goldberg - May 26 - 9:20 am

  Weve had the new 09 Miata for about two weeks now. Im an experienced technical review of video gear, so Im trying to apply those skills here. The MX-5 is exactly what a fun roadster should be, but was lacking till the introduction of the Miata in 1989. It holds the road beautifully and has just the right amount of power for what this car is supposed to be - a fun way to travel on a nice day. The engineering design seems very well thought out and offers opportunity to the experienced driver and user- friendliness and intuitiveness to the new roadster enthusiast. It is an amazing car and I love driving it.

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  LUVMYLIMITED - 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By keith edwards - May 25 - 3:23 pm

  This is a wonderful car. Traded my 2000 Special Edition in for it. I think they took my car and ten Japaneses engineers, locked them in a room and told them not to come out until they improved the car in every way. They did it. This one should last me ten years or more.

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  10 Years and Strong - 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Atlanta - May 22 - 12:40 pm

  Purchased this car with 58K in March as a daily driver. Already put 10K add is drives great. Gas mileage is awesome. Had to replace the master & slave on the clutch -- plastic cracks after 10 years. Also, just put in new plugs, wires and timing belt. Runs like new! I drive 40 miles each way to work and love to drop the top on nice days. It makes the commute in ATL way more tolerable. Drove from Atlanta to Jacksonville, FL - 6 hours one way. The car was more comfortable than you would expect on a long drive. Dont get me wrong. This is not the optimal distance car but you wont be miserable on long drives.

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  Old dog still hunts! - 1995 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By M2 - May 19 - 10:00 am

  The Miata and I became acquainted in the early spring last year. I immediately fell in love. There have not been any mechanical breakdowns on this high mileage machine (198,000 so far). I have added a few inexpensive handling improvements (lowered shocks/springs, strut bar, sway bars front and rear, and new performance tires). These have brought the car alive! There have been a few more reconditioning items that I have added to make the ride more enjoyable but this car although not fast handles the mountains around here like nothing else! Lots of fun to be had while still doing less than jail worthy speeds. I love the old Miata.

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  The Best! - 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By MX-5 GT - May 9 - 10:50 am

  Well, basically I test drove most of sports (convertible) cars including MX-5 Miata, BMW Z4, Nissan 350Z, Lexus IS, Infiniti G35, and more ... but my MX-5 Grand Touring was the winner. It looks great, easy top down, and it feels like you are somehow connected to the wheel when you are driving. You wont believe how fun it is to drive MX-5 (close to PERFECT!). If you are having hard time choosing your convertible, just go for MX-5 (GT is even better). I guarantee that you will fall in love.

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  The most fun youll have with your pants on! - 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By beatnikbettie - April 14 - 6:57 am

  I bought my 96 Miata two years ago. In good running condition with I’m assuming 120K. Since then she has been across state lines, driven 103 MPH down deserted highways, been my daily driver and is the closest to heaven I’ve ever been I am not good at maintaining my cars, I forget until something goes wrong. She’s had an oil link since I bought her and once in a while she ends up bone dry and ticky but as soon as I add oil she’s right as rain. The speedo cable squeals..not a big deal. all in all she still runs like a powerhorse roadster should, has saved my life with epic handling. Ill never own anything but a Miata. ever.

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  Miata Smiles - 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By elvenprince - March 31 - 9:43 pm

  I still am smiling! :-)

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  Wheeeeeee - 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Dennis Didier - March 31 - 2:00 am

  No excuses, just poain fun. would like 15-20 more horsepower, but at what expense?

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  Zoooom Zooooom - 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By 2008RedMiata - March 30 - 11:00 am

  Owned a 1990 Miata that I drove for yrs without any troubles. Decided to upgrade. Glad I did. Much more room than the original design. I just drove it 2000 miles in 5 days getting an avg of 33 mpg (28 mpg in the city). Comfort was better than anticipated for two people plus gear. This is not a "grocery getter". It is a fun car to drive to the drive in or in the mountains for a weekend get away. Zoooom Zooooom!!

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  Most fun for your money by far. - 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Lee - March 29 - 9:03 pm

  The MX5 is all about the driving experience. Hugging the curves, wind in your hair (if you have any), hearing the exhaust - its all part of the enjoyment the Miata gives. Sure, its a little small, but thats the main reason its so fun. Under 2500lbs of auto makes going, stopping and turning quickly much easier. The engineers of this car nailed the 06+ design, as they have for the previous 2 generations. I use mine as a daily driver, and in the winter I just throw on some snow tires and go. Its 50/50 weight balance handles it great. If youre thinking of getting a Miata, go try one out. Youll be hooked.