Mazda MX-5 Miata Review

When the Mazda MX-5 Miata roadster debuted for 1990, this snazzy little convertible was an instant hit. Marking a revival of the affordable roadster format that was once dominated by British automakers, the Mazda Miata introduced a modern approach to reliability and engineering. 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 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 clearly to the driver and accelerates with an inspiring inline-4 growl. If you're in the market for an affordable 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 -- though with the automatic, hp drops to 158.

The Miata is available in three trims: Sport, Touring and Grand Touring. The lightly equipped Sport is aimed at enthusiasts on a budget, while the Touring trim's added equipment makes the Miata more livable on a daily basis, and the Grand Touring is downright luxurious.

Customers who like the idea of combining open-air exhilaration with fixed-roof refinement had their wishes granted a few years ago when the Miata became available with a power-retractable hardtop. It's available on all Miatas but the Sport. The "PRHT" might seem to run counter to the Miata's "less is more" approach, but its simple design adds just 70 additional pounds to the car's curb weight while transforming top-up motoring into a much more pleasant and secure experience.

For two decades, the Mazda 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 today's bigger cabin make the Miata a more plausible choice for daily driving duties.

Used Mazda MX-5 Miata Models

The current Mazda MX-5 Miata dates back to 2006 when it was completely redesigned. Some sources may label this first-year car as having more horsepower than in later years; however, this discrepancy is due to a change in SAE horsepower testing procedures implemented for 2007. Initially, the lineup consisted of six trim levels: Club Spec, Base, Touring, Sport, Grand Touring and Third Generation Limited Edition. For '07, equipment was reshuffled into four trims -- SV, Sport, Touring and Grand Touring -- and the limited edition was discontinued. The power-retractable hardtop also arrived that year.

In a nod to past Miatas, 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. Significant changes occurred for 2009, when the Miata was given a mild refresh, which included new exterior styling, engine revisions for a bit more power and fuel economy, a stiffened suspension and a number of new convenience features. For 2010, the PRHT was discontinued in Sport trim, and the value-oriented SV trim (available from 2007-'09) was dropped.

The previous-generation Miata was redesigned for 1999 to meet the ever-increasing demand for comfort and safety equipment. This Miata was more similar in size to its predecessor than today's Miata, which means it was more cramped, but also that it had a more toyish, go-kart feel to it when bombing around corners. It was a much sharper car to drive than the original, with even better handling highlighted by sublime steering (that some would deem better than the current car's). The addition of a glass window made visibility better and maintenance substantially easier (the old plastic window clouded and was hard to replace), while the lighter roof was now easier to raise. The pop-up headlights were sadly gone, but this change represented one fewer thing to go wrong on an otherwise reliable little car.

The second-generation Mazda Miata was originally powered by a 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine that produced 140 hp and 119 pound-feet of torque. A five-speed manual 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. 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 six-speed manual debuted. For 2001, horsepower was bumped up to 155 and the Special Edition's six-speed manual became optional on the Miata LS. For '04 the addition of variable valve timing bumped engine output up to 142 hp and 125 lb-ft of torque, while a turbocharged Mazdaspeed model also arrived, featuring a 178-hp turbocharged engine, high-performance suspension and exterior styling enhancements.

The original Mazda Miata roadster of 1990 offered one 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine (116 hp, 100 lb-ft of torque), one five-speed manual transmission and three colors: red, white and blue. Detail improvements saw the Miata through its first several years, with revised option packages, more power (the engine grew to 1.8 liters and 128 hp for '94) and stunning M-editions (special paint colors, a tan top, tan leather interior and 15-inch BBS wheels). Competition-minded individuals might want to focus on R-Package-equipped Miatas introduced for 1994, which turned the Miata into a race-ready street machine with drivetrain and suspension modifications. The final year for this model was 1997, and there was no 1998 model.

For more on Past Mazda MX-5 Miata models, view our Mazda MX-5 Miata History page