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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  Go for it - 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Woodio - January 20 - 6:11 am

  Look around first to get a feel for whats out there. You will know a nice one when you see it. Look for maintenance records.

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  New and fresh indeed - 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Burt Lauderbaugh - January 14 - 11:40 am

  Anyone looking for a special used MX-5 should take the time and effort to find the Shinsen Edition, made only in 2003. It draws many looks and inquiries. Great gas mileage also. Close to 30 mpg with no babying at all. Just pure fun.

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  Some nagging Problems - 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Hizz - January 13 - 10:00 am

  Love this car, but it does have some nagging problems. I had a 96 Secial Edition and was totally problem free. This one has had two recalls in the first 3 months of ownership and a clutch chatter problem that the dealer tells me is "normal". Cant believe that, but they swear its true.

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  For Your Driving Pleasure - 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By czyber - January 13 - 10:00 am

  This is simply a great car that is loads of fun to drive. A real classic with supurb styling, high reliability, and excellent economy. Even though it is not high performance vehicle in terms of power, it certainiy makes up for it in many other ways. This car delivers plenty of driving pleasure!

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  Fun and Reliable - 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Meyer - January 11 - 10:40 pm

  Just purchased and love the handling. Only had 50K miles. I bought this over the Z3 for the following reasons: -Reliability, Glass Back Window, Manual Top

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  Awesome Roadster - 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By jsabowabo - January 6 - 8:10 pm

  This is my first roadster and let me say it is awesome. This car is just a blast to drive. I never considered the Solstice because its a GM product and I couldnt get over its "look at me" flashy design. The engine in the MX-5 is a gem, as is the transmission. I couldnt imagine buying this car with an auto. The handling is amazing, as is the top operation. This certainly isnt the fastest car Ive owned, but with this car you dont need to be breaking the speed limit to have fun. It really is like driving an oversize go-cart, which is why I bought it. On top of that its pretty practical for a Roadster, with a usable trunk and plenty of interior storage.

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  Wish I had done this years ago! - 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Billiebad - December 29 - 8:16 am

  It should be illegal to have this much fun! I love this car. Qualifiers - this is a third vehicle and will not be driven in the winter, mid-Nov to early March. But the fun/quality/value rating is very high. Not a ton of storage but there is a functional trunk which will hold one bag of golf clubs with some effort - woods come out and are packed separately in the trunk. Performance with automatic and a/c is well within expectations. This is not a race car - it is an extremely fun car to drive. If over 40, test drive the stick and the A/T in normal driving conditions. The A/T enhances the fun - it is easier to enjoy the convertible without the stick. Personal preference though. Zoom zoom!

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  EVERYONE smiles at this car - 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By lifesabrook - December 26 - 10:00 am

  Bought this as a second car -- midlife fantasy, tantalized me from its spot on the car lot. Got great price on 1-year old model with only 8,200 miles on it. I smile when I drive it, and everyone else smiles back. Corners like crazy and maneuvers with confidence. White paint chips easily, and while my car has sport suspension, alarm, gorgeous wheels and stainless racing exhaust, it really needs cruise control; leg position on accelerator gets VERY uncomfortable on the highway. Passenger seat also rattles on bumps when empty and black cloth seats always look "linty."

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  Sad to see her go - 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Ryan - December 25 - 10:13 pm

  Never before had I had an emotional attachment to a vehicle. The Miata is not particularly fast, but fast enough with power to spare in 6th gear at 80mph, tops out (rev limited) somewhere beyond that. Power curve on the engine starts pulling at about 3000 rpm and doesnt stop til well over 6000 - engineers call it "jerk" (dA/dT for the nerds), such that you feel it pushing you into the seat in every gear. Mazda put VVT for wider torque the 2000+ cars, and IMHO, messed up the jerk curve. In 5 years of pushing the traction limits, I had only one mechanical problem; an electronic switch in the transmission was fixed under warranty. Traded the car in for a 4WD, I miss driving the Miata.

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  My 5th Miata - 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By brianmc2014 - December 24 - 2:36 pm

  I currently own a 2006 Miata Sport and it is my 5th one. I bought first year model they came out and they are unbeatable for the money.All the ones Ive had average close to 30mpg and I have spent $0 dollars on any of them. Theyre the most reliable and dependable cars Ive ever owned. Ive had the Honda S2000 and its expensive to upkeep..preminum gas,tires are staggered so you cant rotate and insurance is outrageous.. the shear fun factor alone this these Miatas is priceless.ive owned every convertible on the market ( or pretty close) and I always come back to the Miata.Only issue Ive ever had with these cars is the rain drains clogging up and water standing in the passenger floorboard