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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  The new MX5 carries on Miata the legacy - 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By michael - July 7 - 9:50 pm

  My 6th and one of my favorite Miatas. This car has far exceeded the previous Miatas in power, comfort, and styling. The car looks and feels like A BMW Z4 but without the hefty price tag and even more of a blast to drive. With its easy to use top and laser like handling, this car blows away anything in its class; the Solstice could dream of being this much fun.

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  Shop around. - 2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Bob F. - July 7 - 1:55 pm

  Shop around. I got $1550 off of the best deal I could get from Dealer #1. And, Dealer #2, who was located 60 miles from my home, delivered the car to my driveway. I traded in a 1995 Honda CRV (112,000 miles) with a broken window mechanism and a missing mirror, and got the Mazda Sport on the road (tax, title, tags, etc.) for $20,800. Its a blast to drive. Enough power for my needs and takes the corners very well, indeed.

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  06 MX-5 Grand Touring - 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By TFK - July 1 - 10:50 am

  Had my 06 MX-5 for about 2 weeks now. I have enjoyed the car thus far. Seems solid and is fun to drive.

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  1995 Mazda Miata - 1995 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Jeff Andrade - June 29 - 12:30 am

  I bought this car used (former lease) in 1997, and have few complaints. It is has excellent performance and handling, is economical and very fun to drive. The interior is sporty yet spartan, and fairly well-laid out. The exterior is a true classic. I keep up with the nominal maintenance schedule and made a few upgrades in brake system and suspension. There is a huge aftermarket of products for the enthusiast. This is an inexpensive, dependable and fun ride.

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  Alberta Canada - 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Dave - June 20 - 6:43 pm

  Fun car to drive. Lots of power from the 2 L engine. 6 spd manual box is smooth with accurate shifter. More fun to drive with the traction control switched OFF, when I remember as it defaults to ON at start-up, better for safety I guess. Limited slip dif is the only way to go. I like the styling and performance better than my previous MX5 which was a 91 with 1.6 L and 5 spd manual, no comparison really. Room in the 07 for a 62" driver, the 91 was cramped.

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  Only possible car for short people - 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Kara - June 15 - 12:33 pm

  Im five foot and have the greatest visibility Ive ever had with any car in the Miata. Has strong headlights, amazing steering, quick and easy to put the top down (at a traffic light. The Miata is small, elegant and always smiling. Greatest car ever and would recommend it to anyone who is under 62".

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  Bulletproof Fun! - 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By MichaelJ3D - June 11 - 1:30 pm

  I purchased this car for the fun factor and it has delivered! I have owned several sports cars in the past and this one is by far the most fun (and reliable). I bought the car with high miles after talking to my local Mazda dealership and they told me mileage is not a issue and they were right. Ive had it for a year now with no problems. I drive it daily and grow to love it more each day. This car doesnt disappoint!

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  Adult sports car - 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Mr Lessie Williams - June 8 - 4:26 am

  I recently purchased a 2009 MX5 Grand Touring PRHT with the optional suspension & premium package, and I love it.The top goes down in 12 seconds and the 6M with limited slip differential makes it a true driver sports car.When it comes to interior it stands alone in its class,the exterior has 20 years of evolution making it one of the best looking roadsters on the road.

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  mazdaspeed miata - 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By mph110 - June 7 - 10:00 am

  I recently bought a new Mazdaspeed Miata. It it great fun to drive, perhaps the best handling car I have ever driven, no doubt due to the low body wieght. It is a great looking car, with red stitched leather seats, 17" racing Hart 5 spoke alloy wheels, aluminum pedals, etc. It replaced a 4 year old boxster, and I could not be happier or more satified with the purchase. It is not an all weather car, and cannot be driven in the snow or even wet weather with the 205/40 low profile Toyo Proxes tires. However, it is a great fair weather vehicle, perfect for top down fun.

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  Im addicted to this car. - 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By MarkInKC - June 2 - 12:50 am

  Bought new, last years model. Its the car Ive always wanted. I drive it hard; I cant help it. I like the acceleration and the cornering (I read it corners at 9.1Gs). On a day when the temperature is in the 70s, with the top down, it feels *unbelievably* good.