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:

• 

  99 MX-5, CONV,LTHR - 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Mole - November 23 - 2:00 am

  Its obvious-fun car to drive. Needs more ummph off the line. High RPMs while fwy driving (4k@73mph) 6th gear should be OD. Economical (30mpg). Great build quality. Image?-everyone has an opinion when you buy this car ("mid-life crisis?" or gender specific pre-concieved notions as to ownership...could be regional?). Tight handling. Minimal trunk space. Useless cupholders. Roll bar should be option. Short throw shifter is A+. Overall great car. No regrets - Buy this car.

• 

  Miata - 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By miata08 - November 13 - 11:20 am

  AS a new owner of a Miata there not to much I can say for now. I have never own one but I am having a good time with the the car now.

• 

  From Costco to Autocross - 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By MX5inSac - October 26 - 4:53 pm

  I was only looking for a small manual transmission car to get out of the boredom of minivan, and bought a 1996 Miata. This little car surprised me in many ways. I didnt know that I had petrol in my blood before! The Miata is slow by the number, but fast once the road starts to curve. The handling capability surpasses my comfort zone, which is why I start to autocross to appreciate this fine roadster more. Needless to mention, one can turbocharge a Miata to get 200+ HP without harming the engine (which was designed to be turbocharged). It is also a practical car. I go to Costco in the Miata, and seldom need to put anything in the front seat. Try that with a Boxster or MR2!

• 

  Fun drive-add inches - 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By gary moon - October 15 - 12:53 am

  Love the exterior style, price was a major factor in purchase. Turns out the machine is a hoot to drive, I fell in love during the test drive with the zippy feel and handling. My salesman just about had a coranary while I was puttng this car through its paces. Shifting the Miata is great fun, I love torturing the transmission from red light to red light.

• 

  One of the best cars in the world - 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Mark Hernandez - October 14 - 10:00 am

  Looks, fun, luxary, quality and performance all in one. There is no better bang for your buck in the world. I got this car used, but its like brand new. From the time you rest your rump on the leather seats, to the time you hear the solid thus of closing the door, and the ever so sweet pur of the stock high performance exhaust, you are taken by the fact that you only spent 15k on a car that looks and feels nicer then most BMWs.

• 

  The biggest go-kart in the world - 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By DDR2 - October 6 - 3:10 pm

  The title sums it up. Extremely agile car and light on its feet, like a go- cart. Its about as roomy as one too. But those who appreciate this car for what it can do wont be concerned about that. Acceleration isnt very strong either but again, if you want straightline acceleration, go buy a musclecar. This car belongs on roads with tight curves. Its easy to drive and own so far. The only improvements would be bigger trunk and more grunt. Otherwise, this is a fine piece of machinery.

• 

  Second Childhood!! - 1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By grannycraft - October 3 - 12:29 pm

  Bought my "97 in 2006. Have had more fun than I thought possible driving this car. Call it my "GrannyMobile." I use non-ethanol gas and get 32-38 mpg. It is my everyday car. Over 200,000 m and still going strong. I will probably keep her until she goes to Mazda heaven. Had professional rollbars installed, gives her more solidity. Uses about 1/2 quart oil monthly, my mechanic cant find out where it is going. Chk. it weekly. Add an airscoop and a windblocker to the windshield, (when the top is down), and it keeps the low floor transm. heat out and my hat on. My granddaughters just love to ride with Granny with the top down. Luv it! Luv it! Luv it!!!! ZOOM>ZOOm>ZOOM

• 

  Perfect Roadster - 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By mike - September 24 - 10:56 pm

  I love driving this car! This is my first week with it and Im having so much fun. I once owned one of the earlier models (a 93 model) and this car is obviously much better. Its quick and fun to shift. Best handling car Ive ever owned. I now look forward to clover leaf exit ramps. I think the new styling is beautiful outside and I like the interior as well. It is tight in there though. Even though I like it I think that the interior is probably where I would wish Mazda had spent a few more $$. For example, the shift boot and hand brake boot are cheap, no way to put it nicely. On the other hand, I think the leather seats look and feel expensive.

• 

  Can fun cost this little? - 2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Miata Driver - September 16 - 10:16 pm

  This car is as fun as driving gets for those who want handling over power. The top is incredibly easy to opperate, steering is great, shifting is beautiful, and handling is superb. The car has bulletproof reliability and drives as solid as you can get. Its lower performance limits make this an incomparibly fun city vehicle, and it loves to be driven like its hated!

• 

  Street Legal Go-Kart - 2000 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By tijerin - September 11 - 10:00 am

  This car is the most fun car to drive Ive ever owned! I dont know why I waited so long to buy one.