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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Wife wanted one for years - 2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata
By Mike Ley - December 31 - 11:27 amWas looking at these for years and now the new 2016 design pushed us over the edge. More aggressive look that I think looks great. Only had it for a few weeks but loving it so far. Been years since I wanted to just go for a drive. Now I do.
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Fun and economical car - 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata
By Larry - December 27 - 8:03 pmOn "The Dragon" in the Tennessee mountains, all but the fastest motorcycles hold me back. This car really handles well. Im getting about 24-26 MPG. The manual top is very easy to open and close. In hot weather the top often clicks into its boot with just a simple backwards push. In cooler weather I have to twist back in the seat to click it into the boot. Either process takes 3 to 10 seconds. My wife is just 5"3" and needs to get out of the car seat to open and close. The red mica is beautiful on this car.
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Miata Still Has It... - 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata
By vtmiller - December 24 - 8:26 pmOwned for 2 years and besides my Nissan SE-R 1992 (before they changed body style), this is the most fun car Ive owned and perhaps even ridden in. Even my buddys Porsche 911 (although powerful) doesnt generate the same feel as the Miata roadster. The Shinsen edition color got great reactions (some even asked what kind of car it was - Jaguar?) and there are tons of modifications one can do (under the hood) and styling. Ive kept mine pretty stock, but plan on adding turbo next year for some racing pep. Nothing is needed for daily driving, but if you want to zip through the city, park anywhere, and lose stress with windy road driving anytime -- this is the car for you! Love it.
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Great, if impractical car. - 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata
By meeata - December 23 - 2:00 amIm from Michigan and the Miata was an impulse buy for me. But I can live with all the impracticalities because it is so fun and involving to drive. With winter tires it fares decently in snowy conditions too. There are many faster cars out there, but the point of the Miata is the handling and feel. Friends always compliment on how classy and sleek the car looks.
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GREAT LITTLE CAR FOR ONE!! - 2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata
By Larry Hubble - December 19 - 9:53 amThe Pros of the 2016 MX5: 1. Modern body styling; 2. Fuel economy increased; 3. Better interior plastics; 4. Pedals in more comfortable position; 5. Dont have to open fuel door from inside vehicle; 6. Electric steering enhances handling. The Cons of the 2016 MX5: 1. Smaller Trunk space; 2. No glovebox; 3. CD player very inconvienent to access; 4. Cup holders in a very awkward place; 5. Infotainment screen hard to adjust, set up; 6. No way to turn electronics off; 7. Still NO spare tire;
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What Fun - 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata
By HighRPM - December 19 - 7:16 amCame from a Toyota Prius getting 45 mpg. I miss that, the climate control, the outside temp. display, and the bluetooth. But I wouldnt trade back! Nothing beats a great handling, manual transmission little car like this for a smiling commute. And, I havent yet dropped the top!
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brand new - 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata
By Imantz - December 17 - 10:00 amHave a 1990 base version and was shopping,ie: BMW z-4, Corvette, Nissan 350Z and after comparing value for the dollar the Miata is #1. I wasnt going to buy another since I wanted and can afford most vehicles but the price was too good to pass. Impressions of going from a 1990 base to this is no brainer. More performance and comfort features and build quality looks as good. The plastic molding has definitely improved along with seats. Driving finds a good turn in for cornering and adequate acceleration and braking. Anyone wanting to experience the virtues of open air driving should not pass on these vehicles as they deliver and are dependable!!
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My SE - 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata
By Amberoofie - December 12 - 10:00 amAfter many years of admiring Miatas, I finally broke down and bought a new 2003 Special Edition. It has been great. I now look forward to the drive to work and am always plotting reasons to take it out. Granted, it is not meant for freeway cruising. But it will keep up with everybody. It is a little noisy. I also purchased a hardtop for the winter. A wise choice I think. All in all...it puts the fun back in driving. I wish I would have done this years ago.
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Franks Silver Miata - 2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata
By fgalea - December 11 - 8:46 pmNot my daily driver, a joy to drive. Cant help smiling when Im in her and prideful when I look back at her when I walk away after a satisfying run in the sun. Even with the top up, its fun to drive. I feel a real connection with the road and have a hard time parking her when its time to face the real world. Never a problem. Not a powerful car but a powerful fun car.
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Used Car Bargain - 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata
By DAC989 - December 7 - 10:20 amThese are the cars that make driving fun. Bought this one used with under 4K miles for my 2 or 3 commute days but has also become the date car for my wife and me. The interior was very efficiently designed and the trunk has more room than you would think. Getting a little over 27 mpg. For the price, you cannot beat this car.