We have had a good number of them here over the years and they are just a blast to drive. Credit goes to the ultra-responsive steering, the communicative handling, an energetic engine, the short throw manual shift and a rear-wheel drive with perfect weight distribution.
And we're far from alone in our opinion. It get's Cars.com's "Best Bet Award", not to mention Edmunds.com's "Used Car Best Bet Award", along with their "Consumers Most Wanted" and "Editors Most Wanted" Awards. J.D. Power chimes in with a 4.5 (out of 5) for Performance and a perfect 5 for its Automotive Environmental Index.
For those possibly interested in buying a used Miata, here's a general overview of the more-available used models:
All current Miatas (2006+) come with a 170 horsepower 2.0 liter incline four-cylinder engine. This is nearly as much power as the turbo charged MazdaSpeed models produced in 2004 and 2005. You can match this with a 5-speed or 6-speed manual transmission, or a 6-speed automatic, depending on the model.
This Miata is offered in four trim levels: SV, Sport, Touring and Grand Touring. The Miata SV is pretty lightly equipped and is mostly aimed at weekend racing enthusiasts, along with the Sport which adds a few more features.
It's really the well-equipped Touring model which begins to attract the interest of everyday drivers, while the Grand Touring is fairly luxurious. And in a major advancement for everyday drivers, a power-operated hardtop was introduced in 2007 for additional safety and enhanced quietness.
In 2008, a Special Edition model in Icy Blue paint was offered. In 2009, the Miata got a mild refresh which included some engine revisions that slightly boosted both power and fuel economy, a more aggressive grille, headlights and taillights design, a stiffened suspension and several new convenience features (an auxiliary input jack and two additional speakers for the base audio system, an auto-dimming mirror for the Touring model and automatic climate control for the Grand Touring).
The previous-generation Miata was produced for the 1999 to 2005 model years. While this car also has the sharp steering and overall dynamic handling the Miata is famous for, it is also a bit smaller than the current generation and therefore a bit more cramped.
Originally under the hood of this second-generation Miata was a 1.8 liter four-cylinder engine that delivered 140 horsepower and 119 pound-feet of torque. These used Miatas can be found with either the standard 5-speed manual transmission or the optional 4-speed automatic. Like the current generation, the base trims were lightly equipped, but used models can also be found with more upscale features such as leather upholstery and a Bose sound system.
For the 2000 model year, the model lineup was simplified to include the Miata and Miata LS with a choice of three option packages. In addition, 2000 saw the debut of a Miata Special Edition with a 6-speed manual transmission.
For 2001, horsepower was upped to 155 and the Special Edition's 6-speed manual was offered on the Miata LS as an option. 2004 saw the addition of variable valve timing which increased engine output, as well as the introduction of the 178 horsepower turbocharged Mazdaspeed model with its high-performance suspension and unique exterior styling elements.
Overall, the Mazda Miata has been providing an awful lot of automotive fun for the past two decades. Throw in the fact that it can be had at an affordable price and we believe the Miata makes an outstanding choice as a used car purchase for those looking for something fun and sporty.
How To Buy A Used Mazda Miata At The Best Price
