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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  My Miata - 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Macys - June 5 - 10:00 am

  I love to drive it. My Miata has made the 60 mile drive to and from work on curvy, hilly, country roads the most enjoyable and relaxing part of my day for the past five years. I plan to purchase a new Miata later this year.

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  The research was worth it - 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By rldpjd - June 2 - 7:06 am

  I spent a lot of time reading about sports cars in this category. Virtually all of the magazine reviews put the Miata over the Solstice. I knew why as soon as I drove the GT model Miata. Since Pontiac apparently was timid about producing the Solstice, and since I refuse to stand in long lines just to pay sticker (or above) my decision to buy the Miata GT was even easier. OK, Id really like a little more power...maybe a turbocharger? Thats the only suggestion Id make to Mazda.

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  Mazda Miata - 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By razzlesue - May 25 - 2:00 am

  Needs highest octane gas or the valves vibrate.

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  Miata is one smooth cruise - 2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By robert rousoos - May 22 - 2:00 am

  I previously drove a 99 Miata and really enjoyed the new model over the old 97 model.. The 2002 is an improvement also because it comes with fog lamps, a better designed interior(ie. two cup holders, storage nets),a wind blocker, an electric antenna, brighter head lights, electric windows and mirrors and much more comfortable bucket seats, all standard. The downside is that the leather interior is only available in tan. The gas mileage is down about two miles per gallon, and the performance is about the same despite claims of increased horsepower. The top can be put up or down is about fifteen seconds even though its manual.

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  Unbelievable - 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By LIBERTINE - May 21 - 1:53 am

  This is the kind of car that makes one glad to be alive! True to roadster heritage. I recommend getting a pair of good driving gloves to go along with this car.

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  MX-5 is a blast to drive! - 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Jack - May 18 - 3:23 am

  The only thing I dont like about the car is the seats are not the most comfortable but the car is a blast to drive. I really wanted a car with a V-6 but the style and looks of the MX-5 won me over. I was very pleased with the cars performance and it has some get up and go for a 4 cylinder. I looked at other cars in its class but they did not have as much room and little to no trunk space. The MX-5 has a nice trunk and a storage area behind the seats that you can place items in. The cup holders on the doors makes it nice and allows you to shift the vehicle without worrying about hitting your drink. Im very pleased with my MX-5 and its affordable and offers more than others in its class.

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  for the money - 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By clemsonfan - May 18 - 2:00 am

  THIS CAR DEFINITELY HAS A SMOOTH SPORTS CAR FEEL AT A REASONABLE PRICE. GOOD LOOKING AND GREAT DRIVING AND RIDING.

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  2007 MX-5 with power hard top - 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By chris - May 14 - 12:50 pm

  The MX-5 with power hard top draws a lot of interest. The top works easily and I dont notice the extra weight. The trunk space isnt compromised either. With the top up, however, there is a huge blind spot on your left side so adjust the mirrors carefully. Im six foot three and I fit comfortably. The copper red mica is attractive without screaming "look at me". The engine is willing and scoots quickly. The transmission shifts lightly, but even with the 6 speed, it seems like it needs another gear when cruising on the freeway.

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  new car - 2013 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By molly07 - May 5 - 8:19 pm

  i love the car still new to me ,fun to drive.

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  Best choice by far - 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Chris - April 27 - 11:06 pm

  Shopped the Solstice/Skye, Honda 2000 and Z3 and glad I chose the MX-5. The drive is great and Im getting about 35 mpg on windy mountain roads in Colorado I drive every day. The PRHT was a tough choice to make at first but after having it and enjoying the quiet and added warmth as well as flawless operation I wouldnt make a change. It may give up a bit of top end compared to the others but the drive is WAY better, absolutely NO COMPARISON. This is my daily commuter (80 miles R/T) except when it snows and the comfort is fine.