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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  Great roadster - 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By rick - May 1 - 3:16 pm

  Outstanding roadster that beautifully captures the essence of classic British roadsters of the 50s and 60s without the problems, e.g., oil leaks, Lucas electronics, SU carbs, etc. Great gearbox, 50-50 weight distribution, excellent powerband and amazingly engineer PRHT add up to an unsurpassed roadster experience. Great bargain when compared to much pricier competition. Especially noteworthy is the fact that the retractable hardtop takes up no trunk space, so a set of golf clubs fits in the boot nicely. You really cant ask for a more balanced approach to roadster motoring. A great automobile.

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  Problem Free & Blast to Drive - 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Ktoes - May 1 - 2:00 am

  Purchased this car used in 2001 as an anniversary present. My wife & I have never had as much fun driving before this. Engine is tight and cornering is a joy. Short-throw shifter is the best. Most important, I just change oil and go(Synthetic every 7500). Never had a mechanical problem in 2 yrs (70K miles). I am continuely impressed with the body design--a work of art. Be careful not to become a dangerous driver in city traffic due to its acceleration & quick manuevering. Not a bad weather car or for drivers over 6 tall.

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  A joy to drive, but hurts my back - 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By SRS - April 8 - 3:46 pm

  Gets appreciative looks. More elegant and cheerful than recent redesign. Never enjoyed driving more, but chronic back injury (herniated disc) with tiny interior: makes me wonder if I will have to sell. Im 62". Seats are like 90 degrees; no lumbar support. Road can be harsh - avoid potholes, speed bumps. Pebbles make lots of noise. Sound system with road noise -- tinnitus. Right elbow opens cup holder, right knee cant straighten. Fixed wheel position. Visibility only fair with top. Automatic shifter very stiff after starting. Heater, AC, wipers good. Cornering easy, fun. Accelerates well. Top easy to operate. Sound system is good; allows adjustment of midrange. Top latch replaced.

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  A Miata thats car-like - 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Yasu - April 5 - 2:36 pm

  I like that the new gen is just a better car, meaning its possible to go on long road trips in relative comfort. It makes every moment a drivers delight, the destination irrelevant. The cabin is intimate, shaped so that the car, me, and my companion are one. Unless were fighting. The higher rear sill contributes to this, and blocks the feeling that the car behind you is going to drive into your skull. Other cars treat you with relative respect, vs. the older gen. Slides are very controllable, yet cruises in a variety of gears easily. You can race it, you can commute it, you can distance it. You can also supercharge it but thats a different story.

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  Fine Balance - 1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Stuart - March 27 - 5:43 pm

  Owned for a bit over two years and love the car. Outstanding reliability. Finely balanced ride/handling trade off. You feel the road, but its not punishing. A bit on the noisy side even with the hardtop. Without the hardtop, visibility is so-so to the right and left rear. The hardtop also significantly stiffens the structure. As a result, I leave mine on all of the time. The engine is adequate from a power standpoint, and is responsive to throttle inputs, revving quickly. The stock exhaust strikes a perfect balance of tone and sound level- its an audio delight. Shift action is excellent although if not careful, a rushed 2-3 shift may bypass 3rd and snick into 5th. Excellent car.

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  Best Miata Ever! - 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Amil - March 27 - 7:13 am

  I love this car, I have owned 8 Miatas over the years, and this is the best one Yet. I just love it!

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  Pure Joy - 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Dave - March 20 - 6:56 pm

  My first Mazda and first MX-5 and I have never had more fun in a car. Bought in winter to be able to negotiate on price and now are just enjoying the top down driving that is a pure pleasure. I am 65 so fitting was a concern but it is pleasantly snug all around and makes you feel like you are part of the car. Handling and sensitivity is sensory and requires the lightest touch. Couldnt ask for a better more fun car.

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  Attention Enthusiastic Drivers! - 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By conzoomer - March 20 - 5:31 pm

  If you are a person whose passion is improving his driving skill set, this is a perfect tool. The MX5 will reward you with increasing satisfaction and fun as you learn to master driving skills. Routinely switch off traction control after engine start-up to obtain linear throttle response and to learn the cars traction characteristics. This car is quite capable even in stock form; resist the urge to modify its performance until you have fully utilized all it has to offer. When you are not in the mood for spirited driving, you can chill and enjoy the scenery and the MX5 will not annoy you with a bad temper. Some 2008s had a defect in the manual trans. Mazda fixed mine under warrantee. THX!

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  I feel like a kid again! - 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By JimminOH - March 19 - 2:00 am

  I love driving the Miata in the early evening of summer days, with the sun going down and the air starting to cool. Everywhere I park the car, people say "Thats my car" I say "Dream on"

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  Excellent Car - 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Jsannes - March 14 - 10:00 am

  I had a Saturn SL2. The car handles tight corners, avoidance manoeuvers superbly. Interiour is well thought out, nice materials. The transmission shifts very smooth and precise. Trunk is small, but better than MR2 Spyder. Overall quality and finish of materials is very nice. Longitudianl engine, easy service. The Mazda VVT and longer stroke make the 1.8L powerplant feel more powerful.