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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Loving My Miata - 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata
By sodiscool - February 16 - 12:16 amI absolutely love my triple black Miata. After 2.5 months I still look for reasons to drive it. I was nervous about the suspension package but it handles amazingly and is still very smooth and controlled over bumps. Top operation is really fast. Cruises at 90 on the highway all day long. I am 511 and I fit just fine. This is a car for people that really love to drive. Take one for a test drive, youll take it home.
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Total Awesomeness - 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata
By kroberts2000 - February 11 - 12:33 amThis car is awesome. I dont like driving, but this car is so fun, I cant help but smile when Im behind the wheel. I live in Phoenix, and the top is always down. Ive driven the car exactly once with the top up and thats because it was raining. No rain? No top! I look forward to my commute every day. This car makes going to work fun. Fun, fast, handles great. Its so hot in Phoenix, Im getting a great tan just driving to and from work. Best buy for the money. Ive never been happier with a car purchase. 110 degrees outside, I drive with the top down, and the A/C off because its the best feeling in the world. Safer than a motorcycle, but just as fun to drive.
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the mean machine - 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata
By kevin W - February 8 - 10:00 amextreme turning, add a turbo-charger to it and it will keep up with the new corvette. as it is, it can take over a lot of cars on the road due to it light weight design and rear-wheel drive. its a very fun car to drive. if your really interested, you can now get a MAZDA SPEED version which comes with a turbo already. a test drive will sell the car. have fun!
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Expensive Experiment - 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata
By basic black - February 5 - 10:00 amFun while it lasted. Good "summer car" value for its price range, if you plan on keeping it for four or more years. SEVERE depreciation in first two years. In fact, the local dealer refused to take mine in on trade for an SUV because they have so much trouble getting rid of used Miatas. Mines for sale. Car also has annoying, minor mechanical problems: Clutch shudder; valve ping; crunchy shifting; hard to keep aligned; the worst paint job Ive seen on any car; ridiculous cupholders.
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Cant be beat - 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata
By spete - February 5 - 10:00 amThis is for a 2002. The caris greatfun. The car handles beautifully on both the straightaway and on curves. I bought a six speed but the difference between the fifth gear and the sixth gear is very little. If I did it over I would purchase the five gear. This car is what its all about when it comes to light weight top down sports cars. A touch more power wouldnt hurt but the car as it is has good power if you use the gears properly, that is take each gear to or near the red line. I had a probelm with the fuel tank, which was fixed by the dealer quickly with no questions asked.
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Summer Car - 2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata
By ric387 - February 2 - 2:50 pmSold a 62 T-Bird and wanted an affordable used convertible as replacement. Tan interior and manual transmission were only requirements and purpose was for a summer car and not as a daily driver. Was not a Miata fan to start with and bought one from a friend mainly because I knew it was reliable and well taken care of. Also liked the fact that it was British Racing Green and a Special Edition fully loaded. Paid half the price I expected to pay for my original choices of z4 or boxster with same age/mileage. So far, so good. Comfort above what I expected. Acceptable motor/wind noise. Fun to drive. No rattles. Look and feel very solid.
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A scalpel in a world of hammers - 2000 Mazda MX-5 Miata
By MRGTX - January 31 - 5:30 pmThis is my second Miata and the rush of endorphins that these car are capable of inducing has not waned at all in my almost ten years of Miata ownership. Theres nothing on the road as inexpensive to own and reliable while being as much fun. You cant help but fall in love with these cars! Sublime handling, intuitive steering, shifting is a pleasure. Second generation (like the 2000) offers some nice improvements glass window, stiffer body, etc. while not being much (if any) heavier. I miss the pop-up lights though.
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masda miata special edition - 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata
By gordon scott - January 27 - 10:00 amit is a fun car to drive.we do a lot of road rallys. i have a yellow miata it always get good reviews from people. we never feel inferior at car shows either.reliability has been great i have 17000 miles on the car and so far only lube and oil change has been done. fuel economy on the ralleys has been great for the price of the car, finish reliability,proformance it is a winner in my book
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Zoom Zoom - 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata
By bking1822 - January 27 - 10:00 amThis is the most fun and reliable car Ive ever had! It handles so well. Its great on gas. Let me tell you, the trunk is plenty big enough. When I go grocery shopping, I can pack two weeks of groceries in there! For the cost compared to other convertibles, this is a great little car. Im spoiled, Ill always have to have a Miata for the rest of my life!! Zoom Zoom!!!
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Miata Mamas Fun Toy! - 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata
By Madam X - January 27 - 10:00 amI love my little Miata! Its cute, cool and fun to drive! I especially like how it takes turns/curves and at an accelerated speed, too. BUT, I find myself doing ticketable (is that a word??) things just because I can! Call it my mid-life fling, but this is a car Im happy to have met!