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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  Most fun EVER! - 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Joe - May 14 - 9:56 am

  Ive wanted one since 1990, but lived in Brooklyn. Got a copper red 5 speed Touring with 6-cd changer after I moved to SC. This is the most fun Ive ever had in a car. Corners great, accelerates well, I never get tired of driving it. With the top down, it is so good Id rate it an 11 if that was an option. With the top up, your view out the back is limited, and difficult to see behind and blind spot. That is not a problem with the top down. After 3 months I still love it as much as the first time. Looks great, feels great, drives great, sounds great. BUY THIS CAR!

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  Zoom Zoom - 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By celica_122 - May 9 - 8:36 pm

  Cup holders are a hassle. Small interior. But I wanted a roadster and got one. The most fun to drive of any car I have driven. Someone traded a BMW Z3 for a Miata the day I was at the dealership, so what does that tell you? This is (in my opinion) the best roadster you can buy. If I get depressed I just go for a ride in my Shinsen!

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  2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata (2-seat Roadster) - 2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Wayne P. - May 6 - 9:20 pm

  You dont drive this car - you pilot it. Handling is so intuitive, you rarely think about it; almost drives itself. It is so nimble, you can drive circles around anyone, anytime. You dont climb in, you strap it on & it becomes part of you. One caveat: its not for someone over 6 feet tall. Can reach anyplace inside from the drivers seat (+ right outside mirror). Great acceleration & braking. It was made for curves & hills. OUTSTANDING! These guys thought of everything, and more. Dont expect silly/distracting gadgets - this is for those serious about driving. After 30,000 miles, not one problem. Mileage overall: 26mpg. Fuel: recommend 93 octane - 89 ok.

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  I love this car!! - 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By BOBBYBOB - April 28 - 2:20 pm

  it is fun, fun fun! Also 28MPG

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  Couldnt Ask For More - 2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Steve - April 25 - 6:50 pm

  Had it a little over 2 weeks now. It is my daily driver and I couldnt ask for more. Im a pilot so the interior is well suited for me. Just a short reach for everything I need and the seats are very comfortable. BTW, Im 6"1. Yes, driving it is a pure joy. For a short time I drove it on an interstate and keeping up with everyone at 80 then 100 it was rock solid. I thought it was be shaking and moving all over the place. Mine is a 6 speed and I dont rev the engine much past 4,000 between shifts yet get 25 MPG. Kinda surprised at it being that low but its a small price to pay for this much fun. It still looks brand new and I catch people looking at it all time. Very cool.

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  WooHoo! - 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By LaiLani88 - April 25 - 10:00 am

  They call it the Miata Grin. You cant help but smile while behind the wheel of this car! The control the Miata gives you is amazing. The drop top is simple to put up and down. Stock audio system blares loud enough to be heard on the fast LA freeways and the cd player hardly ever skips. This is NOT a car for the big & tall. Ive had passengers who are over 6ft tall & they were not comfy. It fits me just fine at 56". The Miata looks fast, but isnt capable of winning races against most Mustangs or Firebirds. Ok, so I tried it. Parking is a breeze- it can fit in spaces other cars can only dream about! And the cup-holder? Id like to say, what cup-holder?

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  I love my Miata - 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Scott - April 23 - 7:40 am

  I love my Miata. Pros: 1.) It handles like a dream and is a lot of fun to drive. 2.) You can beat most cars off the line. 3.) It looks great. 4.) Reliable 5.) Good gas mileage (if you choose not to have fun.) Cons: 1.) No storage space. 2.) Loud road noise. I love my Miata.

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  Finally bought my Shinsen! - 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By SluggoJD - April 19 - 2:00 am

  I agonized for an entire year, and finally did it last night. The car is exactly what I expected - mainly, beautiful yet muscular styling, perfect handling, great sound system, etc. I could go on and on - but other owners already know all the adjectives.

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  Memorable First Car - 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Brian Wright - April 13 - 2:00 am

  At 17, 2003 Special Edition #768 was mine until a couple of days ago, when I was run off of the highway. I am extremely grateful that this car was as safe as it was. At about 50 mph impact, I was able to get up and walk out of the car with several scratches and bruises. Worked hard to make payments, but I never got sick of working because I always got to drive that car home. This car was an absolute blast to own, and I wish I could have been with it for a good 200,000 miles. Got it up to 130 mph w/ 6-speed and room to climb higher!

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  why did I wait so long? - 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By rick s - April 9 - 12:06 am

  Ive owned pick-up trucks for the past 20+ years, but have had my eye on one since the redesign. I bought it three weeks ago, and have spent the better part of the past three weekends driving around Arizona. Drove it up Oak Creek Canyon in Sedona the first weekend, and had so much fun, drove back down and up again. Absolutely, the most fun I have ever had driving. Added satellite radio, and now I dont want to get out of it. Averaged 38.9 mpg last weekend around Flagstaff (the altitude?) Do yourself a favor, and buy one before the world runs out of oil. Thanks, Edmunds.