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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  fun little green machine - 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By GLS - April 25 - 11:00 am

  We have owned sports cars over our 22 yrs of marriage and I can say this is the most FUN one. My wife wanted a fun car and I think we found the perfect car for her. Yes , the engine noise is kinda loud but its a good loud. Very small inside as in you "wear" the car. The trunk does its job other than the lack of a spare tire. The engine allows you to feel as if your driving a go cart all the time. balance and handling are great with only the mr2s we have owned being close. My wife comes home everyday with a big smile on her face even if she s had a bad day at work and I credit this little car I could have done this review in really just one word,FUN!

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  My second and favorite - 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Johnj - April 21 - 8:06 pm

  This is my second Miata. The first was a 95. I absolutely love this one too. It is more responsive and Mazda has achieved the desired union of car and driver. I dont feel as much like Im driving a car as I have extended my body. Everything is in exactly the right place. The shifting cannot be better. The power is more than adequate. And, my mileage is actually running at about 30 mpg with a combination of city and highway - 70% city. I couldnt be happier with the car... So much so, that we bought another one a few months later for my wife, trading in a Mercedes SLK.

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  Duel N Fun - 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By KPD - April 13 - 4:40 pm

  We have our MX5 8 months and it has been a blast. The little lady fell in love with it. While its NO Corvette(we have a ZO6, also) in the power dept., its just fun to zip around in. Just extremely well engineered and designed. However, I dont know why the 6th gear runs at such a high RPM, kills the mpg. And yes another inch or two of leg room would be great (Im 62") but this is livable. We just love the pwht. When up, it fits the design and when down theres still a trunk. And the shift pattern (6M) is a delight and more fun than our Vette. Well maybe theyre equal. We would strongly recommend the MX5 with the power hard top. Its dueling in the fun, top up or down.

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  Fun - 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By David Dunn - April 6 - 10:33 pm

  What more do you want in a car, fair price, fun to drive, quality is outstanding and its a convertible.

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  95 Miata - 1995 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By K Bear - April 4 - 10:00 am

  I was so lucky to get a Miata for my first car. A 95 Miata with 70k on it, excellent condition for $5500. This car is more fun to drive than anything else Ive driven, esp. with top down. Just watch out for sunburns. Handles like a dream and looks great. Everything about it is so perfectly designed. I dont have to take my eyes off the road to operate the radio for example. The shifter is near perfect. This car is definitely a future classic.

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  My 2004 Miata - 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By TopJimmy - April 1 - 10:00 am

  I have never purchaced, nor owned a more fun-to-drive car than the Mazda Miata. It handles curves effortlessly, has excellent road manners and the styling is superb. Its nimbleness allows easy maneuvering through tight city traffic.

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  See you in my rear view Z3! - 2000 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By BB ZOOM - March 30 - 10:00 am

  I came very close to buying a Z3, Im so glad I stumbled upon this MX-5. She has to be the best auto purchase Ive ever made. Smiled when I picked her up and Im still smilin :) I get alot of people checkin her out, even so much as to ask me "what is it"? My neighbor mistook my new addition as the Z3... ok, I know... shes a Ford fan what can I say. All I know is that I take the long way to work and travel on all the windy back roads I can find!

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  mazda miata - 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Lutz pescht - March 26 - 10:00 am

  I love the mazda miata it is so fun to drive talk about a great sports car.

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  Petite Car for a Petite Girl - 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Girl - March 21 - 2:50 am

  I rarely write reviews but I felt compelled to as I am truly in love with my car. I generally have short term relationships with cars but this one is a true keeper. People often compliment how well this car fits me. It can really handle corners at high speeds, I no longer have to step on my brakes like my fellow drivers. The top is easy to unlock and lock. This car is practical and fun!

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  Zoom-Zoom! - 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By sholzer - March 12 - 10:00 am

  Ive noticed most non-miata drivers wear expressionless faces. I wonder if they notice the smile on my face as Im driving - its hard to not smile as Im wrapped in total satisfaction driving me-miata!