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Road Test

The Miata is a fun-to-drive, low-slung little roadster, with pinpoint handling, instant power delivery, and a crisp manual gearbox. Excellent fuel economy is an extra bonus. While it remains very tight, the cabin has grown a little more livable over the years. The ride is surprisingly tolerable, but cabin noise can grow wearying on long cruises. The retractable powered hardtop operates easily but adds additioanl expense and does little to reduce noise.

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2013 Sports cars & Convertibles Reliability

No Data Available

Crash and Rollover Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap
NA
IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver
NA
IIHS Side Crash
NA
NHTSA Overall Crash
NA
NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash
NA
NHTSA Overall Side-Crash
NA

Crash and Rollover Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap
NA
IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver
NA
IIHS Side Crash
NA
NHTSA Overall Crash
NA
NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash
NA
NHTSA Overall Side-Crash
NA

Mazda vs. Other New Car Brands

Mazda vs. Other New Car Brands

Crash and Rollover Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap
NA
IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver
NA
IIHS Side Crash
NA
NHTSA Overall Crash
NA
NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash
NA
NHTSA Overall Side-Crash
NA

2013 Sports cars 2-seat Ratings

$9,300 - $13,000
economy-icon
EPA MPG 24 mpg
Road test
Reliability
Owner Satisfaction
$13,025 - $16,100
economy-icon
EPA MPG 26 mpg
Road test
Reliability
Owner Satisfaction
$20,850 - $57,700
economy-icon
EPA MPG 19 mpg
Road test
Reliability
Owner Satisfaction
$21,800 - $33,100
economy-icon
EPA MPG NA
Road test
Reliability
Owner Satisfaction
$12,125 - $17,825
economy-icon
EPA MPG 26 mpg
Road test
Reliability
Owner Satisfaction
Features & Specs
Body Style
    convertible
Seating
2 front
Drive Wheels
Rear
Engines Available
  • 2-liter 4 (158 hp)
  • 2-liter 4 (167 hp)
Transmissions Available
  • 6-speed automatic
  • 5-speed manual
  • 6-speed manual
Warranty
Coverage varies among versions of this vehicle

In most cases, automotive warranties are based on the vehicle identification number (VIN), and the warranty will be valid regardless of ownership. The dealership can tell you exactly how much warranty is left.

Read more about extended warranties
Model History
2016-
Current Generation

The fourth-generation Miata remains true to Mazda's original formula of a lightweight, rear-wheel-drive roadster. Although 155 hp from the 2.0-liter four doesn't sound impressive, the Miata quickly scoots along while returning a miserly 34 mpg overall. Shifting the delightfully accurate six-speed manual shifter is a joy; we'd skip the optional automatic, though it works fine. Quick and precise steering delivers sublime back-road handling, even though some body roll is noticeable. High levels of noise, thin and unsupportive seats, and a stiff ride all grow fatiguing during highway travel. Cabin space is snug, and the optional dial-controlled infotainment system takes time to master. Flipping the convertible top open or closed is a breeze. A retractable-roof RF coupe takes the place of the previous retractable hardtop roadster design; there is some annoying wind noise behind your head when the top is retracted. For 2019, horsepower jumps from 155 to 181. Changes for 2020 include suspension updates, and standard forward collision warning, low-speed automatic emergency braking, blind spot warning, rear cross traffic warning, and lane departure warning on all trim lines. Also, all 2020 models get standard Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility.

2006-2015
2006 Redesign Year

Zesty performance, super-nimble handling, and precise steering makes the Miata as enjoyable as it gets. The 2006 third-generation redesign gave the Miata a smidgen more interior space and trunk room, but you could still easily raise and lower the top manually from the driver's seat. A power retractable hard top became available in 2007. The ride is tolerable, but just, and the constant loud road and engine noise can get tiring. Super-agile handling remains its long suit. Be prepared to travel light given the tight quarters and getting in and out of the low cabin takes some dexterity. Miata fanatics slightly prefer the minor changes that came with 2009 and later versions, but all versions are good choices and are more alike than different. Stability control was only available on the top Grand Touring trim until it became standard across the board in 2012.

1999-2005
1999 Redesign Year

The Miata was redesigned for 1999, providing a glass rear window, non-retractable headlights, and a slight power increase. The five-speed manual shifts smoothly. Zesty performance, nimble handling, and precise steering continue to make this car as fun to drive as any sporty car available. A six-speed manual and a light exterior restyling arrived in 2001. A Mazdaspeed turbo version was new for 2004.