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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  Love My Miata - 1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By RPE - September 3 - 12:26 pm

  I have only owned my little red Miata for 3 weeks...but I love to drive the car with the top down. It is a blast. I also have a 79 MGB..but this car hugs the road, the curves unlike the MGB. It has 128,000 miles on it..but motor sounds great. The get-up-and go is much faster that my 10 Corolla automatic. We have had several hot days in April and have been able to drive it, top down. Cant wait until Summertime. Will have to sell the MGB..that was the deal with my wife..but, oh well...I have owned it for 20 years..and I guess it is time to pass it on! A buddy of mine at work just bought an 03.....drive one...youll buy one!!!

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  more fun - 2000 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By peritel - August 18 - 10:00 am

  bought as a weekend toy every mile driven has been a blast. For the price nothing beats it. It has had nothing done but oil changes and will likely need nothing done for years. I am almost glad the warranty has expired so I can tinker with it.

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  Great fun car - 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By GLF - August 15 - 9:56 am

  This is the 3rd MX(Miata) I have owned. Each one was better than the previous. This car is a great road car and once you get to the turns and hills it is even more fun. I dont think you can over drive this car. Very easy to maintain and keep clean. Well built, planned and supported.

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  Fun Car to Drive - 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Mel Martin - August 14 - 2:50 pm

  Overall very happy with the car. A little bit tight for long trips but all in all lots of fun with little to no service. Change my oil every 3,000 and drive.

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  A joy to drive! - 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Rick - August 4 - 6:50 pm

  Now two years old, this is the most fun car Ive had in my life (Im 65)! I cant take the smile off my face each time Im in it. Plenty of power, terrific handling, and great, great after-market products. Miata clubs all over the country and the world which make it a joy everywhere you go. I dont know anyone whose had one and regretted it I know at least five people who have 2 or more of these cars. Its like a small vacation each time you get in it. It appeals to ALL ages and gathers a crowd everywhere you go--even more when you travel with a club.

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  My first vehicle purchased - 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By ihanson - July 31 - 8:14 pm

  I flew across country (MN to AZ) to pick up my silver 2001 LS with 17" rims, chrome style bar and leather interior, and most importantly a rust free body. I drove it the 2,000 miles home in February with no issues and it has been a champ back here since then. I had been looking at something fun to drive that didnt need to be that practical since I have a 97 Buick with 200k+ miles thats still running strong to fill in as my winter car. This Miata will take the pressure off the Regal and is WAY more fun to drive. I regularly go on rides purely for pleasure, and blasting the tunes from an iPod through a tape adapter works just fine for those jaunts.

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  Awesome - 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Parjuk - July 31 - 2:00 am

  I got in a serious wreck that would have totaled any other car, and just barely hurt mine. The police couldnt believe it, and niether could the body shop. It has 4 wheel disk brakes andis reinforced in the back front and underneath.

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  Atlantic to Pacific - 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Zoomer - July 31 - 2:00 am

  I am 65 wife is 64.We planned a trip to Las Vegas to watch our Son Thunderbird #1 fly his last show. Taking delivery on the Miata we drove to Daytona Beach, Fl. Put the rear wheels in the Atlantic and headed to Ca. where we put the front wheels in the Pacific.The Miata performed excellent at high altitude with steep climbs. On Interstate 40 we set the cruise on 80. We drove in hard rain and rough Interstate. No Leaks, No rattles. We logged 7000 miles in less than 4 weeks. Fuel Consumption 30+mpg. "We love this Car"

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  Too much fun for very little money...... - 2000 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By PinecrestJim - July 31 - 2:00 am

  The Miata is truly a ton (almost literally) of fun at a very affordable price. Driving the car gives me the feeling of being one with the road. The car is the most responsive vehicle Ive ever driven. Although you wont be the winner in any straight-out drag contest, youll lose any competitor in the twisties. Mazda picked the perfect winner with the Mahogany Mica body and Parchment top/interior. This car is truly a charm to own.

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  Bliss... - 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By kamea - July 31 - 2:00 am

  I am LOVING my new Miata. I was hesitant at first due to the small size of the cabin, and the 5.1 cubic feet of trunk space, but I didnt use my backseat anyway, so I DONT miss it. The legroom is only slightly less than my last vehicle (Celica), and it handles like a dream....tight steering. Lots of "zoom-zoom". Great car.