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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  Retirement Car - 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Great Gramma - March 10 - 10:30 am

  I purchased my 97 Miata when I was 60 years old and newly retired - 8 yrs ago! I enjoy it as much today as when it was brand new. I had wanted one for years. We drove Lincolns and other large cars but this was to be my car. Granted, it has low mileage (65,000) but its never had a problem other than something very minor. I love it! Just cant say that enough. Terrific MPG, great get-up-and-go, loves the mountain curves I drive and sounds wonderful - that Miata muffler just cant be beat and, it looks absolutely fantastic. It always gets comments as we drive it to church and around town all the time. Get one - youll never regret it.

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  Just like the TV ads... - 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Mark - March 5 - 4:56 pm

  ...it will take years off your life. I traded a 2004 Accord for this vehicle and while I miss that incredible, effortless ride I also feel so much more free and connected with my daily commute. I had the last year of the ill-fated Triumph GT6 (1971) and while that car handled like no other it also was plagued with all the foibles that eventually killed all the British sports car companies. This is a very comfortable go-kart. I plan on taking it to the mountains this weekend and really letting er rip on those switchbacks. Nothing handles like a small car this close to the ground. I would suggest you opt for the upgraded suspensions package. Sweet!

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  more fun for the money - 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By paprika - March 3 - 4:23 am

  I have had my MX5 for 6 months now, and I am in love with it! The new body style is definitely eye catching.It performs great and corners fantastic. I must admit though I did expect better gas mileage with the a/c on, but it more than makes up for that in the fun category.

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  Miata fan - 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Matt - February 27 - 5:30 am

  Its been a fun car to own. However there was a pesky little $400 problem with the starter coil. Other than that it has been great. Power is mostly in the high RPMs. This lets the car drive more like a regular car during regular driving. The down side of that is when you have to take off from a dead stop.

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  My first one - 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By 1st time buyer - February 23 - 4:50 am

  I purchased this MX-5 barely used with 11900 miles. I have had a blast with this car driving through the mountains and back roads. Handling is impeccable and crisp. Power is more that adequate and braking is fantastic. It is snug bit comfortable once in the cock pit. Shifting is sweet with its close ratio gears. Very smooth operation on both highway and back road driving. This is the first manual transmission Ive driven in aprox 20 years and it was like riding a bicycle. Mpg has been 34 highway and 27 city. It is noisy with the top up but drop the top and you forget about any noise except the exhaust growl. Great car.

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  Mazda M5 - 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Laura Bromme - February 22 - 6:56 pm

  Have owned the Audi TT convertible and this is equally comparable at half the price. Fun design which separates you from all the other Miatas.

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  Rollin the Rockies - 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By DOC - February 19 - 10:13 pm

  Although Ive only had my MX-5 for a few weeks, driving it is already one of my favorite pastimes. Its a hunny... without a doubt. The power hard lid is just plain sweet. Looks, handling, power, and curb appeal are outstanding. Cant wait for warmer weather and mountain roads.

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  Mazda Miata - 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By steve7749 - February 17 - 2:00 am

  This car has replaced my Harley Electra Glide because it is safer, more comfortable in adverse weather, yet it rides low to the ground and you can still "feel the road" and let the wind blow in your hair!

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  Great Fun Car for Guys looking for Toys - 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Dave - February 16 - 5:56 am

  I amways wanted a little convertable but could never afford one. This Miata is to me what the Model T Ford was to America. Affordable, Practical, Fun to Drive. My wife and I are over 50 and have a great time every week end in this Little Car...in short its great.

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  Best Sports Car for the buck on planet - 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Jeff B - February 15 - 4:03 pm

  My Miata is incredibly fun to drive, quick, and gets about 29 mpg average. What more can you ask. There may be cars out there that handle better at 100 mph, but at normal driving speeds, Ive never driven anything that handles better & rides better than a Miata. With excellent mileage, great reliability, and great performance, its the guilt-free sports car. I had a Porsche years ago, and this is way better, overall. Its my second Miata, and Ill probably get another one after this. Just dont try it in the snow.