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:

• 

  Long Distance Driving in a Miata MX-5 - 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By spencer08 - January 10 - 2:16 pm

  Before buying my 2008 Sport Hardtop 5-speed, my main concerns were riding comfort and gas mileage. After experiencing my first long trip (5905 mi), both concerns are gone! Ride is firm, but comfortable, with exception of older concrete surfaces that can produce fairly harsh jitters. Driver seat is very supportive, especially the back. Overall ride is very good, not great, and very quiet for a convertible. If youre not a lead foot, you can get very good gas mileage. Ive gotten 32.5 mpg in/around town, and 35.6 mpg total over the long trip above (as high as almost 42 mpg in slower mountain driving, and low of 33 mpg at sustained highway speeds of 70/75 mph. (All mileages calculated.)

• 

  Better then expected - 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Tony - January 7 - 3:56 pm

  I came from an Acura TL. Great car but since I have the Miata I dont miss it. Wanted one of these for a long time. Glad I purchased this fine auto. Last convertible I had was when I was 21. Im 62 now and love it. The Miata is surprisingly quick also was surprised and pleased with the handling, and the ride is very comfortable (this is my main auto so was important), noise with top up or down isnt bad either. Bose radio has great sound quality, can hear clearly with top up or down. Engine and tranny work well together. lLots of inside storage cubby holes. Trunk is small but can fit golf clubs in it with some effort. So far having lots of fun... zoom zoom!

• 

  I have fun - 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By cheung - January 3 - 2:00 am

  I have fun with this car wheather I am driving it or washing it.

• 

  The GT PRHT is the perfect sports car - 2010 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By marylander3 - December 27 - 6:46 pm

  I just love this car!! We got a 10 (identical to the 11) with Premium Pkg, Suspension Pkg, and Appearance Pkg at a tremendous discount. It is gorgeous (in Brilliant Black). The premium package eliminates any prior concern about the tawdriness of the interior -- it is almost plush, and the sound system is superb. Seats and steering wheel position is excellent. Clutch and shifter are the best of all the dozens of cars Ive owned, including Porsches. Handling is unbelievable, and the optional Bilsteins do NOT make the car too harsh in normal driving. Finally, the power hard top is magical -- doesnt even intrude on trunk space. I just love this car!!

• 

  who can complain when theyre smililng?? - 2000 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By annabelle - December 17 - 2:00 am

  what a joy to own, it never wants to go see the Service Dept, it only wants to whine around some turns...Not a particularly "fast" car, but it hugs a turn and grabs the road like a barrel horse....it is tough to make it fishtail,(but can be done, so be careful)...and even though it is relatively affordable, it turns heads. Lots of Bang for the Buck.

• 

  Catch me in the corners - 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By passepartout - December 13 - 8:33 pm

  A great car. No other car communicates to the driver like my mx-5, I have a 240sx, had a CRX and a MZ3s; whether its through the steering wheel, the seat, or the burble of the exhaust, this car rocks! The top is easy to operate, the exterior is beautiful and classic, and the interior is attractive. Great fun, wont kill your pocketbook and over 30mpg on the freeway, what more could you ask for? Initially looked at an RX-8.

• 

  Looks good. Drives well. Very bad Nav system. - 2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By D.L. Morrese - December 13 - 3:46 am

  For fun per dollar, you cant beat the MX-5. My 2016 GT is my third Miata, so obviously I like them. This one is definitely the best of the bunch, but I have one gripe. Its the built-in navigation system. Actually, Im not thrilled with the infotainment system in general, but the navigation system is dreadful. It came standard with the GT trim, so I gave my Garmin to my daughter. Big mistake. Unlike my old Garmin, the Mazda nav system doesnt provide live traffic alerts, the directions dont seem as accurate, the interface and display are not as intuitive, and after three years, you have to pay for map updates (with Garmin, theyre free). Right now, Im debating turning the thing off and using the big ugly screen in the center of the dash as a mounting plate for a new Garmin. If I still have the car three years from now, thats probably what Ill do rather than buy a map update. With all the attention the engineers obviously gave to making this a really impressive car, youd think theyd have opted for a state-of-the-art nav system.

• 

  I just love this thing - 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Fred - December 9 - 4:46 am

  I bought this used car with 55k miles for the fun, and it has delivered in spades. Its also surprisingly practical. Decent mileage (27 MPG in normal driving and 30 MPG hwy at 70 MPH), absolutely reliable, comfortable for this 511" 62 year-old. I find that I can transport most anything I want to with a little imagination. Ive added a roll bar and so can even carry lumber in good weather. Overall, its the easiest automotive smile Ive encountered, is relatively inexpensive to purchase and earns its keep as well.

• 

  A CAR NOT WORTH HAVING - 2013 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By larrydh01 - November 28 - 3:49 pm

  I own this car, a 2013 Club edition, and wish I didnt. This car is terrible, has no power what so ever. Going up a hill, this car screams and whines with the gas pedal depressed to the floor, like it is just struggling with all its might to climb a little hill. Driving at 65 miles an hour on the interstate is about the best it gets. Passing another car is a chore. The seats are very uncomfortable, and there is no room for anything in this car. I knew it was going to be short on space, but I did not realize how the cramped space was going to impact my life in such a negative way. Forget a trip, no room for baggage! And LOUD! I cant hardly think while driving this noisy vehicle!

• 

  Fun, Fun, Fun-better than my Z3 - 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By texasgirl - November 14 - 1:23 pm

  The only thing I liked better on my BMW Z3 was the body style/shape. This Mazda handles curves like a dream, smooth ride, well thought out interior. Absolutely love the top! Can be put up or down from the driver seat in about 5 seconds. No boot to mess with. Great city gas mileage. Love the combined key/keyless entry remote.