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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  Awesome MX-5 - 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By J. Bednarz - February 19 - 1:43 pm

  I have only had my MX-5 for about a week, but can honestly say I have never had a car that I enjoyed driving more. I have had a lot of compliments on my Copper Red car and, in my opinion, is the best-looking affordable sports car on the road. Its got a lot of pep and corners nicely. I certainly got my moneys worth and more! Love my car!

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  2001 Mazda MX5 LS - 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By JD Gann - February 10 - 5:36 am

  One of the best, if not the best, cars I have ever owned. Bought in California and driven home to Texas and averaged over 30 MPG at an average speed of about 95 MPH. Most fun of any vehicle I ever drove and is more reliable than any I have owned which have included several sports cars. The only drawback to certain 2001 MX5s is a very slight clutch shudder when first driven on certain mornings. This is no real problem because it disappears after a couple of starts. I have tangled with BMW Z3s, among others, and blew them off in both high speed acceleration and cornering. If I didnt like this one so much I would buy another at the drop of a hat.

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  "Driving [still] matters" - 2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Sofyan Bey - February 8 - 4:50 am

  The Miata represents one of the purest new sports cars money can buy and the new one continues that tradition, but adds news levels of style and technology to the mix. This the very first convertible sports cars I have ever owned, between the constant availability of company vehicles and the fact that I metro to work, I decided I wanted a toy car as my personal ride. And boy, this new Miata fits the bill quite nicely. Everything about this car still feels like a toy and I love how it attracts stares from envious BMW and Porsche owners like nobodys business. The whole design has a new level of sleekness and masculinity that a Miata has just NEVER had. Its a huge hit for loyal Miata owners and to someone who has never owned one in his life [me]. The 200 pound weight loss is immediately apparent the moment you drive off, while the slickness and precision of the slick 6-speed manual challenges the best transmissions from Honda and Porsche. The new SkyActiv-G 2.0L 4-cyl has been tuned for greater throttle response and a meatier mid-range pull. It even sounds great and youd never guess that the engine is shared with the lonely Mazda3 economy car. The interior has new levels of refinement and [dare I say] luxury. With an Audi like 7-inch Mazda Connect infotainment screen and a BMW like controller right below the shifter [which does get in the way at times]. I found the leather bucket seats in my GT tester to be quite supportive and comfortable. My 57" 160 pound frame fit perfectly in the car, but anyone over 6 may find the drivers seat doesnt move back far enough and the steering wheel still doesnt telescope. There isnt much in the way of storage space and the trunk is puny, but hey its a sports car. The ride quality is comfortable enough to be daily driven on the crappy roads in DC and with the top up, the interior is fairly hushed by roadster standards. Overall, Ive had the car barely a week and I could NOT BE HAPPIER. I look forward to my drive to work and I even find myself looking for reasons to go for a drive, and that is the whole point of owning a toy like this. Bravo Mazda, bravo.

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  Great fun car! - 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Red Fanatic - February 6 - 5:36 am

  I owned a 93 Miata for 6 years before getting the 06. Bought from a dealer on eBay. This is a terrific car, fun to drive, and is my daily driver. Top seals well and keeps me dry in inclement weather. Its got great power/weight ratio and the 6-speed box is great.

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  class by itself - 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By steven7753 - January 27 - 10:00 am

  I leased this car in 98 and bought it when the lease is done...I hve 44000 miles on it..it is fun as heck to drive...cramped in cockpit...good on gas...not enough power though...needs about 40 more horsepower ...however you can really throw it into curves and it is very balanced....I was thinking about trading it in...but I think Id miss it too much...it would cost me more than twice as much to buy anything as much fun...oh, and very reliable although I did have a leaking rear seal fixed in wrranty

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  Excellent car! - 1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By amrsn - January 22 - 2:00 am

  I got this car last year, IÂ’ve always wanted it, and itÂ’s even more than what I expected. ItÂ’s the most fun IÂ’ve ever had while driving and its a decent performer too. 8.x sec 0-60 not bad. One of the best things is that there are tons of aftermarket parts.

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  The little red engine that could - 1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By imanah - January 22 - 2:00 am

  it is my primary car and has been very good to me. Things I have learned; 1. Having it as a primary car in the Northeast is not so safe or practical. I reccomend having an alternative in the winter due to its low weight. 2. A Nice audio system and a plastic window is an invitation to have your car broken into with anything from a razor to a houshold knife. 3. People think you are rich if you have a miata, as if it was a porch :)

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  Satisfied Long-term Owner - 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By 99 Miata owner - January 22 - 2:00 am

  Purchased new in 1999, I have had this Miata for 5 years. It is the most reliable car I have ever owned. Great fun to drive with the top down. I have replaced the battery twice, and there was a minor problem with the Bose speakers in the first year (replaced under warranty), but absolutely no other problems. If you fit into this small car, you will LOVE it, even long term.

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  More fun for the money than... - 1995 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By pfverberne - January 21 - 10:00 am

  any other car Ive driven. Never thought a car this much fun to drive is so reliable and economical to own. A little less power than one might want in a sports car, but thats one of the reasons they hold up so well. With proper care and feeding they will last a very long time. Ive owned mine for 4 years and there has been no noticable change in performance with only regular maintenance.

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  Just Plain FUN - 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Brad - January 16 - 12:46 pm

  This is our 2nd Miata, had a 97 model for the last 2 years and loved it. The upgrades are just right, the handling has not been sacrificed, the shift is smooth as silk. The extra torque comes in handy when you dont want to play with the shifter a lot. I think Ill always own one of these!