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:

• 

  2002 Miata LS - 2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By beaner - December 6 - 10:00 am

  2nd Miata Ive bought new. M1 (90-97) is a classic headturner, but M2 (99+) is more comfortable. Either way, its maximum bang for your buck. Skip the low profile rims/tires, though. They look cool, but handling is negatively affected even if tire pressure is only off by only a pound or two. (N.B.: Recommended only as a 2nd vehicle due to small cargo capacity and 2-passenger seating.)

• 

  My Hobby - 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By RLM - December 3 - 3:16 am

  I am a suspension and handling addict and this car answers the call and more. I have the six speed with Bilstein shocks and limited slip differential in triple black. For me the car has just the right horse power as I enjoy using the six speed to make the car go rather than just hitting the gas. I enjoy the interaction with the car and the road especially with the top down.

• 

  zoom zoom = FUN - 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By JIMMIE - December 2 - 11:16 am

  We purchased the 2005 MX5 Mazda Speed; its Red with 6 speeds, leather and turbo engine. The car runs like the wind, it is fun to drive and performs well on the highway. The first 3 tanks of fuel, we got an average of 30 MPG. It does require premium but its worth the additional cost when related to the FUN of driving it. I am an average size guy 510" 175 and it is very comfortable. Even 4-6 hour rides are comfortable. We waited for the 06s to come out but liked the 05s better, the 05 is more comfortable. The trunk fits two bags of golf clubs. With the top up its as quiet as can be expected. This vehicle really turns heads and we get a lot of thumbs up. Bottom line, its fun to drive.

• 

  Car Full of Joy - 2015 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Doug Shaffer - November 28 - 1:20 am

  We were looking for a hardtop Club with an automatic transmission and found one at the first dealer we visited. The car is exactly what was expected and is a joy to drive with the power hardtop down in sunny weather - we live on an island in Puget Sound with winding roads and gorgeous views. The model we found has an automatic shift, but can be moved freely to something that simulates a standard manual shift, even when underway. There are four steering wheel finger-operated shift levers that you can touch up or down operating the automatic transmission manually. The simulation is quite realistic. Had a Chrysler rag top in Florida and will not go that route again, but this powered hardtop is wonderful. Aside from the quick powered raise/lower and the ease of keeping it clean, the hardtop is not as noisy inside as the rag top. And Im quite sure that its warmer in the winter. We really like this little roadster - it brings us a lot of joy!

• 

  2001 Miata SE - 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By icecreaman - November 23 - 2:00 am

  A wonderful car that continues to bring a smile to my face, and encourages the development of good driving skills. Plenty of power for normal driving, a responsive and fun ride at highway speeds. (Under 40 mph, in town, nothing to brag about.) Stylish exterior, well designed and thought out interior, and high quality, both cosmetically and mechanically make this car a winner. The trunk holds more than its appearance conveys, and so if you can accept this car for what it is (2 seater, firm ride, limited cargo room, I believe that you will be quite pleased, and experience the same pride of ownership that I have.

• 

  Miata STO - 1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By rhino1776 - November 22 - 10:00 am

  Im 57 years old with back sugury and was concerned with being able to drive a performance car. However, when I came across this STO Miata I thought I would give it a try. The deciding factor was the automatic transimission. The car cries out to be a stick, but I have to stay with reality concerning my back. With this in mind, the car has performed past expectations. I am just under 6 and fit just fine. The automatic it is like driving a go cart.

• 

  Awsome little car - 2000 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By itsjustme - November 22 - 10:00 am

  I absolutly LOVE my MX5. It is fast, it just plain STICKS to the road, its great looking, and convertable! Only thing I run into problems with it is it is very small and the two seats sometimes are a pain. A small nit-pick is a better cup holder would have been cool.

• 

  The Best Roadster for your money - 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By supermiataman - November 16 - 10:00 am

  The Miata is the best car Ive owned, it is extremely reliable, fun to drive, and everything works, this is more than could be said for my other cars. The only complaint I have is with the seats, they arent very comfortable on long trips. but in 2001 this is fixed, and wow, what a difference. but great little car. You need one. remember the red ones are faster (automatic 20hp)

• 

  Fun but noisy - 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By David - November 8 - 1:56 am

  This is definitely one of the funnest cars I have ever had. With that said it is also the noisiest car I have ever owned. Lots of wind noise when the top is up and the more you drive it the more it seems to develop new rattles. (mainly in the dash) Anyone approaching six feet tall will not be comfortable in this car! Fun yes....would I buy this car again. No!

• 

  Slot Car - 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Candice Paul - November 2 - 3:34 am

  That is what my husband calls this car due to its handling. It is hugely fun to drive. It hugs the road like nothing else I have driven. Fun and zippy; zoom zoom describes it perfectly. I am 52" so the form factor is perfect for me. It feels like it is hugging me as I drive.