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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  johns review - 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By wildjw - October 18 - 2:00 am

  This is a great ride. The dash-board layout is very nice....everything is at your finger tips. great around the corners, especially at 60 mph. A little noisy, however with the top down and the radio up, you wont notice.

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  Mazda Miata - 2000 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By redzoom - October 18 - 2:00 am

  This has been a great buy.Cheap on gas.Handles well.No problems at all in the time ,I have owned it.

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  Love My Miata - 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By smittyad - October 10 - 12:03 pm

  I wanted a 2 seater but not the Miata. I went to go get the Sky, loved the exterior but hated the interior, same with the solstice. I test drove every other 2 seater less than 35,000 then I said to be fair I would test drive the Miata. I fell in love. My only regret is that I should have gotten the touring special edition. But when I purchase a new one I will get it.

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  Fun Little Car - 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Eric H - October 7 - 10:00 am

  I sold my Cobra replica last year and was looking to get a little two seat roadster for commuting instead of just cruzing. I needed a cheap two seat roadster that got good mileage and was reliable. My search brought me to the miata which was not an enthusiastic choice at first. Upon purchasing this car I have found it to be the best of all worlds in that it is very affordable, peppy and killer in the curves, very reliable, and maintains about 30mpg. It is a fun car that I can drive all the time! instead of parking next to it during the week and hopeing that I can drive it this weekend if the weather is good.

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  Miata #2!!! - 2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Michael Silver - October 4 - 1:07 am

  I previously owned a 2002 Miata SE, 5 SPEED, manual transmission. It was my favorite of the 17 cars I had owned. Unfortunately, an unexpected snow storm and summer performance tires conspired to bring my baby to an early, and much lamented demise. . . Fast forward a few years, and the impending release of the 2016 Miata was creating a lot of media buzz in the automobile world. . . I never really expected to own another Miata, much less a new 2016 (We have two teenage sons, and besides, it was my wifes turn to get a new car), but circumstances arose that made it a possibility, then a reality! I am now the owner of 2016 Meteor Gray Club edition Miata MX-5, 6 speed manual transmission! I am ecstatic! The color is fantastic, the seats easily accommodate my 62" 230 pound frame! I have plenty of leg room. The top is a breeze, taking 3-5 seconds, up or down. It stows easily and neatly, with no need for a cover! The stereo (Bose) is quite good, and syncs up with my ipod via Bluetooth flawlessly. Even at 85 mph on the highway, is crisp and clear. the steering, as expected, is fantastic, carving the corners like a slot car! Shifting the manual transmission is a joy, and the clutch is amazingly light and easy, so driving in city traffic isnt much of a chore. . . the LED headlights and taillights are both bright, and beautiful! Such a cool looking car! . . . And like an earlier reviewer, I too live in Jacksonville, NC. However, I bought my Miata in Wilmington, NC. The dealer there was much easier to work with. . . Anyway, bottom line is, this is an amazing car, and of you enjoy driving a DRIVERS CAR, look no further. =)

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  MX-5 Happy - 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Canadian Car - September 27 - 1:00 pm

  This is my second MX-5. I had a 2002 and traded it in in 2006 for a BMW 3 series sedan. I missed it so much, I bought a black Sport with PRHT. I love this car and cant get into it without smiling. It is fun to drive and to cruise the back roads as well as a daily commuter. The greatest improvements since 2002 is that this feels faster, less noisy with the top down and I do not miss having to put on that vinyl roof cover. It still drives like a go kart and handles like a dream. I took it to Stowe Vermont and it was great going through the Mountains with my 6 speed. To misquote Jeremy Clarkson, "The reason I gave this car 10 stars is because i could not give it fourteen."

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  zoom zoom - 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Guzmania - September 17 - 10:00 am

  What a great car to own and drive. I have never owned a car that has received more comments than the 10th anniversary Miata. It is so much fun to drive even on long trips. Might be cramped for anyone taller than 511", though. Great road trip car. Handles nicely and is rally fun to drive. Have not had one ounce of trouble with the car! Very reliable.

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  A Great Fun Ride & Great MPGs - 2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Richard - September 17 - 8:33 am

  I purchased the manual Sport and its Great in almost every way. A bit more interior storage would be nice but other than that, its a car you will WANT to drive. Its fun, handles very well, and gets looks everywhere I go. The 6 speed manual is wonderful. One of the very best Ive ever driven. I dont really push it and am a conservative driver and the MPGs are fantastic. Average 28.5 in town and over 40 MPG on Highway if you keep it under 65 MPH. Recent interstate highway trip of over 100 miles on rolling terrain got 42.5 MPG !! Great with the top down but loud cabin at interstate speeds with top up. Would recommend this car to anyone who wants a fun to drive, sporty convertible that gets great MPGs and makes you feel happy every time you get behind the wheel. ----- Its been a year since I purchased this car and although I only drive it 200 - 300 miles a month it still is a great car. Still wish it had more easy to get to storage but that being said I would buy it again. Only small problem is that the convertible top does not pop up as much as when it was new which makes it a little harder to get a grip to raise from the inside while seated. ZOOM ZOOM.

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  Zoom-Zoom Is So True - 2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Gabbie - September 14 - 8:41 am

  Bought a Miata MX-5 on December 26, 2016. It was a great, no hassle, no high-pressure sales experience with sales rep, Ken Baxley; he was a pleasure to work with. And I LOVE THIS CAR!! It is so doggone much fun to drive. This is the second one Ive owned, and its more comfortable and handles even better than the 2007 model I had.

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  Apparently the only Mazda Miata Lemon - 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By KSM - September 12 - 6:03 pm

  I have a Mazda Miata MX-5 C in Splash Green Mica. Within a few weeks of purchasing this vehicle, Ive had hard starts (i.e. sometimes it takes over one minute to start the car and then it starts sluggishly.) I also have gas smells and a major braking issue where rarely the vehicles engine starts to race the more you brake. The only way to stop the vehicle fully is to turn it off or put it in neutral while braking. Dealership cannot reproduce or fix so now Im in lemon law court. Im so disappointed because I did a tremendous amount of research which strongly suggested this car was reliable. Its an absolutely beautiful vehicle but I seem to be the only one stuck with a lemon.