Mazda Miata Specs: Larger Than Itself

Lauren H
Mar 6, 2021

Close up of Mazda Miata front fascia - Vehicle History

Are you looking for something sporty and fun to drive?

If so, a Mazda is something you might want to consider. The Miata is sporty and fast with a top speed of up to 135 mph. Sounds great, doesn’t it? But before you move forward, consider checking the Mazda Miata specs first.

What are the Mazda Miata specs?

Here are some of the most popular specs that get most peoples’ attention.

  • Engine: 2.0L SKYACTIV
  • Cylinders: 4
  • MPG: 26/35 city/hwy
  • Transmission: 6-speed with automatic overdrive
  • Seating capacity: 2

These are just a few of the available specs, but there are plenty more. So, let’s get into a bit of history. Then we will detail more of the specs. We will also cover some of the pros and cons as well.

Having all this information will help you make an educated decision about whether or not this little sports car is right for you.

A Look Back at the Miata

The Mazda MX-5 Miata is a two-passenger sports car that came onto the market in 1989 and has been beloved by generations of roadster enthusiasts. It is also the best-selling two-seat convertible in history.

In 2006 Mazda officially dropped the Miata name when they rolled out their third-generation models. The new name was to simply call it the MX-5; however, this vehicle has been around for so long that the new version of the name never took hold. Most people still refer to the MX-5 as the Miata MX-5. Another notable time in the Miata history was in 2006 when a power-retractable hardtop was added to the MX-5.

Now let’s move on to more Mazda Miata specs.

The Specs That Make This Vehicle So Popular

Let’s start with the exceptional 26-city and 35-highway gas mileage this vehicle gets which beats out most other cars. This is due to the Miata’s high-performing 2.0L 4-cylinder Skyactiv engine. The engine also boasts a DOHC 16-valve I4 with variable valve timing (VVT), which is another reason it gets such great gas mileage.

The popular car also has a 6-speed transmission with automatic overdrive so it moves flawlessly through the gears. And, it has 181-hp with 151-lbs of torque so for its size and weight, it’s quite peppy. Most people find the Miata very sporty and fun to drive while anxiously awaiting every turn.

Unfortunately, we can’t give you any NHTSA safety ratings for this vehicle because they haven’t been crash-tested by the NHTSA since 2011. According to forum.miata.net users, the last time the Miatas were tested by the NHTSA was between 2002 and 2005.

However, it does have some great safety features. The safety features include electronic stability control, dual-stage driver and passenger airbags (seat-mounted), driver and passenger side head extension airbags, front and rear anti-roll bars, a back-up camera, electric power-assist speed-sensing steering, and a low tire pressure warning.

Other Notable Mazda Miata Specs and Features

This is a great little sports car with plenty of features. It comes with a sport leather steering wheel and leather gear shifter for that luxury feel. It also comes with cruise control, a chrome metal-look interior, power windows, and power doors with remote keyless entry.

If it’s a top of the line entertainment system you want, look no further. This car comes with the Mazda Connect Infotainment System that has a 7″ full-color touch screen and plenty of accompanying functions. It even has E911 automatic emergency notification so you know you will get help immediately should you ever need it.

The Miata has some great exterior features as well. You will love the carefree 16″ metallic black aluminum alloy wheels, tinted glass, and a rear window that now comes with a defroster.

If all that is not enough and you want more—no problem because this vehicle has all the extras you need. So let’s take a look at some of those available extras.

Optional Convenience and Safety Features

Mazda has made available some great extras. You can get an optional rear cross-traffic alert, blind-spot monitoring, brake assist, a lane departure warning feature. There is also a black rear lip spoiler and a rear bumper skirt available if you don’t mind paying a little extra.

What Trim Options Does the Mazda Miata Have?

There are several trim options available for this vehicle which are the Sport, Club, Grand Touring, and the 30th Anniversary option.

How Much Does the Miata Cost?

This vehicle’s price ranges will differ depending on the trim option you choose.

  • The Sport is $28,340-$32,595
  • The Club is $30,666 – $35,001
  • The Grand Touring is $28,020 – $32,310
  • The 30th Anniversary is $37,595 – $37,995

So as you can see, the Miata comes in a wide variety of trim options with one to fit every style and budget.

The best way to decide on which vehicle is right for you is to go over the pros and cons. So let’ take a look at the pros and cons.

The Mazda Miata Pros and Cons

Here are some of the pros and cons according to real-world owners of this vehicle.

Pros:

  • High-end finishes
  • A reliable, exciting ride
  • Plenty of storage
  • Comfortable interior
  • Great performance

Cons:

  • Wish it was bigger
  • Modest features
  • Not tall enough
  • Hard to drive in winter weather

Final Thoughts about This Exceptional Sports Car

If you are looking for a fun, sporty ride, the Miata has been a favorite for more than 30 years. The only reason some people might not want one of these fantastic vehicles is because of its small size and because it doesn’t come with or offer Apple CarPlay or Android Auto.

Owner Reviews

accountCircle Chantal C on May 25, 2021
2007 Miata is fun, sporty, and exceeded my expectation.
I originally leased my car and after five years I loved it so much I decided to purchase it. I didn't want to give the car back because it was so much fun to drive it was reliable comfortable and even though it has a small trunk space it always fits all of my groceries into it without any problem. One of the best perks about having this car is it you can find parking spaces almost anywhere without any problem. I have the soft top convertible and it still looks new and it is easy to manually put down when I want to have the top down. Besides regular maintenance and having to get new tires as expected after so many years I haven't had any problems with this car and I have had it over 10 years.
accountCircle Meg G on June 14, 2021
2008 Miata - Power-retractable hardtop - zoom zoom! Can't possibly go wrong!
I haven't run into problems beyond a gasket that needed to be replaced - it is hands-down super-reliable (purchased it with over 100,000 miles on it and absolutely zero issues). The passenger seat holds two medium-sized dogs comfortably, which is awesome for a convertible. The grand touring model (which I own) has heated leather seats, an adjustable steering wheel, and the ability to adjust the seat up/down - comfortable driving 2500 miles in 4 days! . Features: tpms, anti lock brakes, security system, remote/keyless ignition, dsc. Really feels like a luxury car!
accountCircle Jacob S on March 18, 2021
The 2002 Mazda Miata mx-5 is a great affordable sports car.
Great car! Very fun to drive and efficient in terms of gas mileage. The Mazda Miata also makes a great first project car. There are not too many problems other than servicing breaks, tires, etc. However, the water pump/ radiator is going bad due to the fact that the car wants to overheat with the a/c on during the hot summer days of Texas. Shouldn't be much of an issue if you live in cool areas. Parts are readily available as well so fixing isn't an issue. Handling on this car is also great. Fun little sports car for anyone wanting an affordable sports car.
accountCircle Ralph R on August 22, 2021
2003 Mazda Miata
It's not the fastest or most powerful, but it's fun! This car is made to carve corners! The aftermarket for these cars has everything you could ever want. This is definitely not a car for taller or bigger people. Reliability is great! Maintenance only requires oil changes every few thousand miles. Parts are cheap, and there are no major failures to worry about. Timing belts should be done every 100k miles. Features are minimal, and you should always opt for the manual transmission to really get the best experience from this car!
accountCircle Mandy M on April 5, 2021
2002 Mazda miata is a great car.
The car is great value for a sports car. Although old, the mileage is really great. All Mazda Miatas do well on mileage. It is reliable. It can be a little daunting driving on the highway because the car is so tiny. You can hear the wind hitting the roof of the car. There is not a auxiliary but it is easy to install one. The roof is cloth because it is a convertible. It is a great car all around, if you love driving.
accountCircle Sandra P on March 7, 2021
Mazda Miata 2005 distinctive pop-up headlights.
My Mazda miata is the most zippy little fun car I have ever driven. There's nothing quite like having a black convertible sports car. This car drives well, handling turns like a charm. Lots of get up & go. That being said, getting in this car takes some thought, when you have arthritis in your knees and the car is so tiny & low to the ground. Still wouldn't trade it for anything. Does fine on gas mileage.
accountCircle Lauren W on June 9, 2021
2005 Miata is a blast to drive.
Love that it is a blast to drive. It is cute. I get compliments all the time and make "miata friends" in parking lots/ on the road. Convertible. Compact. Low gas usage.... Dislike that it is a little limited in heavy rain (leaky roof), does not hold much in the trunk, and I can only take one passenger. Would be awesome if the roof was replaced to not leak/be easier to lower/raise..
accountCircle Glen N on July 21, 2021
Overall repairs for the 2012 Miata are not too bad depending on your driving.
I have owned two MX-5/Miatas - one of the few issues is size. The trunk is small so a trip with two people is difficult. The 2000 lacked in performance which was corrected with my 2012. It has a lot of power, rides good. The 2000 handled better than the 2012. They added power steering which takes away from the fun of curves. I love the ability to drop the top.
accountCircle Emma S on September 8, 2021
2013 Mazda Miata for the win. Convertible for the win.
I love my miata so much! It is the perfect car for me, and I have had no problems at all. Some people say that having a convertible is impractical but it has been amazing for me. I have been able to do anything a normal car would be able to do. The only thing that is difficult is moving a ton of stuff at one time. Other than that, everything else is perfect.
accountCircle Betty C on March 22, 2021
2004 miata roof let's back. Great to have wind blowing and sun shining on you.
Every so often you have to put In a new timing chain. It is a costly thing to have done, but worth it for the performance and life if the car. It is small, but has great mileage. Mine has a awesome air conditioner. It also has a great heater. The CD player and radio are good. The seats could be a little more cushioned. All in all in is a great vehicle.
accountCircle Blake L on July 11, 2021
Perfect handling car - the 2017 miata.
Best circuit track car. Perfect distribution, lsd, brembo and bbs. Plus appearance package. It's perfect. If you like cornering at very high speeds, this car is for you. It is not going to win any drag races, but it will lap cars on a circuit track. This card is made to heel toe around corners. It just grips everywhere. Perfect engineering!
accountCircle David W on May 10, 2021
2005 Miata is the most fun car I have ever driven.
This is the second Miata I have owned. My first had paint problems. My current has had no issues. It has good horsepower and is extremely fun to drive. I had a stick which makes it even more fun. The one click to put the top is great. Though comfortable for driving country roads I think that long trips might get a bit uncomfortable.
accountCircle Sam J on September 9, 2021
2007 Miata is a small and fun car that is worth the minor inconvenience
A/C does not work well, so I drive with the windows or top down. While it is small, I can get comfortable in it (I am 6ft). Has low HP but is quick because of how lightweight it is. Good sound system and a blast to drive and handle. Engine has 120k miles on it but still works well.
accountCircle Dan G on April 16, 2021
2006 Miata is a joy to own. The car is mechanically worry free and gets great mileage.
The color combination, a ruby red exterior with a camel colored interior, is always pleasing to see. The handling, speed and overall performance of my Mazda Miata touring car is exceptional. However, the seats become uncomfortable after an hour or two.
accountCircle Ethan C on May 21, 2021
2005 MX-5 Miata short review...
The MX-5 is a well-performing, sporty vehicle with a convertible drop top. The vehicle is comfortable, though only a 2-seater, and especially fun to drive in warm, sunny weather. Potential issues include bad traction on snow due to front-wheel drive.
accountCircle Hannah W on June 9, 2021
05 miata is very reliable and easy to drive, has a ton of trunk space as well.
It performs well and is definitely very reliable. Mine has low miles even though it is 13 years old and it still runs like a dream. It is easy to have it serviced and I would recommend it to anyone looking for a cheap, reliable car.
accountCircle David G on May 23, 2021
My lifestyle 2019 Mazda MX 5 Miata.
It is the perfect vehicle for myself, fitting my needs and my lifestyle, with great performance, comfortable interior, style, and the modest features that I need and want, at an affordable price.
accountCircle Lee r on April 2, 2021
2007 Miata gets great gas mileage especially considering how quick and fun it is.
It's horsepower to weight ratio makes it a really fun car to drive. It is my daily driver. I love the style and dependability of the car.
accountCircle Dallas G on June 28, 2021
Fun to drive 2006 Miata with the top down
Ac went out at 100,000 miles. No problems with it. Runs good, fun to drive. Terrible to drive on snow or wet roads due to wide tires.
accountCircle Lynn N on August 6, 2021
Leaks when it rains. It is an ‘06 thing.
I love the feel of the drive and convertible! I do not like the ‘06 quirk of leaking water into the floorboards when it rains.
accountCircle mike w on August 14, 2021
05 Miata - Expensive to maintain and no spare tire
Expense to maintain - love to drive it fast - feels like sitting in my recliner while driving - love driving with the top down
accountCircle Kris G on May 17, 2021
Love the 2007 Miata
Love everything; it rides great. Great on gas. It is fun to drive, great little car, cheap to buy and maintain.
accountCircle Joe T on April 24, 2021
2006 miata is very good at cornering.
It's small and quick. Gets good enough gas mileage. No real issue with it, it's a fun to drive car.
accountCircle Stonewall H on March 13, 2021
The 2005 Miata was great when i first got it, but has car problems. More than usual. Great cheap car, but terrible reliability.
That it breaks down quite often. I have gotten the engine replaced.
accountCircle Ron L on August 21, 2021
2004 miata is fun to drive
Small. Great handling. Convertible. Good looking. Great mileage.
avatar Lauren H
Lauren H. has sold new and used cars, negotiated numerous car deals, has a thorough knowledge of the best and worst vehicles produced, and has spent the last 10-years as an automotive writer.
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