The Best Mazda MX-5 Miata Models You Need To Consider

The Mazda MX-5 is one of the most celebrated sports cars of all time, and for good reason. The quintessential sports car, this Japanese roadster came out in 1989, and has always received plenty of love from enthusiasts and the average customer alike. Over the course of its 34-year-long production cycle, Mazda has given the MX-5 Miata a vast range of limited and special-edition models.

Over four generations, there have been plenty of great models of the MX-5 Miata that have stood out above the rest. Be it special editions with mechanical upgrades and extra power, or those with upgraded interior features, these models are the ones gearheads should have in mind when looking to buy the Mazda MX-5 Miata. After all, the Miata is one of the go-to cars for anyone looking for a starter sports car. As such, whether you’re going to buy the latest model straight from the dealership, or you’re scouring the used car market to look for the best possible deal, here are the 10 Mazda MX-5 Miata models you should keep in mind.

UPDATE: 2023/11/21 18:41 EST BY RON FP

How we chose and scored our model selections: HotCars analyzed used Miata models available on the market today. We scored each of the models in three key categories: used pricing (based on data from Kelley Blue Book and Classic.com), expected annual maintenance costs (RepairPal), and Consumer Satisfaction by looking at how favorably reviewers graded models (sourcing feedback from sites such as Edmunds, Kelley Blue Book, and Consumer Reports). Additional information, such as recalls (NHTSA) and reliability scores (J.D. Power) were added but not factored into the scoring (serving as reference only). Scores were decided by HotCars’ Rating Team; visit our methodology page for more information.

Scoring Methodology

9 2022 Mazda MX-5 Miata: HC Rating = 4.3

2022 MX-5 Miata Ratings

Here’s how our team rated the 2022 MX-5 Miata in three key categories:

As is almost customary for the Mazda MX-5 Miata, the 2022 model, too, boasts a full 5-out-of-5 owner satisfaction rate on Consumer Reports. Making 181 horsepower with 151 lb-ft of torque, the 2022 Mazda MX-5 Miata is one of the best MX-5 models to date.

This isn’t surprising, as the Miata continues to dominate its class over the years.

Pricing

Reliability And Maintenance

• Annual Maintenance Cost:
  $462 (RepairPal)
• Recalls:
  0
• J.D. Power Quality And Reliability Rating:
  79/100
• KBB Consumer Rating:
  4.7/5
• Edmunds Rating:
  4.7/5

8 2015 Mazda MX-5 Miata 25th Anniversary Edition: HC Rating = 4.6

2015 MX-5 Miata 25th Anniversary Edition Ratings

Here’s how our team rated the 2015 MX-5 Miata 25th Anniversary Edition in three key categories:

If you thought the MX-5 only received anniversary editions every decade, think again. For their favorite roadster’s 25th birthday, Mazda used the range-topping 2.0-liter Sport trim as the base for a 25th Anniversary edition of the MX-5 Miata.

This edition was limited to just 1,000 units, and it came with a unique red metallic paint scheme. The 25th Anniversary Edition of the Mazda MX-5 Miata had a 6.1-inch Alpine touchscreen system with Bluetooth and USB, along with a DVD player as its USP. These features still serve to keep the interior modern today.

Pricing

Reliability And Maintenance

• Annual Maintenance Cost:
  $420 – $514 (RepairPal)
• Recalls:
  0
• RepairPal Reliability Rating:
  4.5/5
• KBB Consumer Rating:
  4.8/5
• Edmunds Rating:
  4.5/5

7 2019 Mazda MX-5 Miata 30th Anniversary Edition: HC Rating = 5.0

2019 MX-5 Miata 30th Anniversary Edition Ratings

Here’s how our team rated the 2013 MX-5 Miata 30th Anniversary Edition in three key categories:

The only anniversary edition in the current generation of the Mazda MX-5 Miata, the 20th Anniversary model from 2019 had a remarkably striking orange paint scheme, which was the only color for the commemorative model.

17-inch forged aluminum alloy wheels, Alcantara Recaro sports seats, and a Bose sound system came with the 3,000 units of the 30th Anniversary MX-5 Miata. Under the hood sat the 2.0-liter engine that makes 181 horsepower.

Pricing

Reliability And Maintenance

• Annual Maintenance Cost:
  $462 (RepairPal)
• Recalls:
  2
• J.D. Power Quality And Reliability Rating:
  86/100
• KBB Consumer Rating:
  4.7/5
• Edmunds Rating:
  4.6/5
• Consumer Reports Reliability Verdict:
  5/5

6 2017 Mazda MX-5 Miata: HC Rating = 6.0

2017 MX-5 Miata Ratings

Here’s how our team rated the 2017 MX-5 Miata in three key categories:

A year after the MX-5 entered its fourth and current generation, the 2017 model was launched, which remains a great model year for the MX-5. In the first year of the nameplate’s 4th generation, the 2016 Miata came only as a soft-top version and was one of the worst-rated model years, as is usually the case for a new car.

The 2017 model, however, boasts a full 5/5 owner satisfaction rate on Consumer Reports. While you’d have to shell out about $31,000 for a 2023 Club model of the MX-5, a 2017 variant could save you about $10,000.

Pricing

Reliability And Maintenance

• Annual Maintenance Cost:
  $391 – $478 (RepairPal)
• Recalls:
  1
• J.D. Power Quality And Reliability Rating:
  85/100
• KBB Consumer Rating:
  4.7/5
• Edmunds Rating:
  4.5/5
• Consumer Reports Reliability Verdict:
  3/5

5 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata 10th Anniversary Edition: HC Rating = 7.0

1999 MX-5 Miata 10th Anniversary Edition Ratings

Here’s how our team rated the 1999 MX-5 Miata 10th Anniversary Edition in three key categories:

Mazda certainly loves its anniversary models when it comes to the MX-5 Miata. In 1999, the Mazda MX-5 Miata started its 2nd generation (NB) after completing a decade in the market, and Mazda also released the Miata’s 10th Anniversary Edition. The 10th Anniversary MX-5 came in a beautiful Sapphire Blue Mica paint scheme, along with 10th Anniversary badges all over the exterior.

Mazda even included a high-quality Bose audio system for good measure. The kicker was a gift set that included a miniature model of the 10th Anniversary MX-5, with his-and-hers Seiko watches as well. In the performance department, it was no different, however.

Pricing

Reliability And Maintenance

• Annual Maintenance Cost:
  $462 (RepairPal)
• Recalls:
  0
• RepairPal Reliability Rating:
  4/5
• KBB Consumer Rating:
  4.8/5
• Edmunds Rating:
  4.9/5

4 2004 Mazdaspeed MX-5 Miata: HC Rating = 7.3

2004 Mazdaspeed MX-5 Miata Ratings

Here’s how our team rated the 2004 Mazdaspeed MX-5 Miata in three key categories:

Every gearhead looks at the 2004 Mazdaspeed MX-5 Miata with heart-shaped eyes, as it’s one of the best models of the car ever. Unlike other Miatas, the 2004 Mazdaspeed MX-5 came with a factory-fitted turbocharger, adding 36-odd horsepower and making the MX-5 reach the 60-mph mark 1.5 seconds faster.

We’re still sad about Mazda’s refusal to make a turbocharged MX-5 model ever since, especially considering how well the Mazdaspeed Miata was received.

Pricing

Reliability And Maintenance

• Annual Maintenance Cost:
  $462 (RepairPal)
• Recalls:
  0
• KBB Consumer Rating:
  4.8/5
• Edmunds Rating:
  4.9/5

3 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata Club Sport: HC Rating = 7.3

2003 MX-5 Miata Club Sport Ratings

Here’s how our team rated the 2003 MX-5 Miata Club Sport in three key categories:

With only 50 units produced, the 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata Club Sport actually happens to be even rarer than a McLaren F1! This was a special edition model of the Miata that had features like air-conditioning, power steering, and the radio, all removed.

This was done in a bid to save weight for racing, and 25 out of the 50 models of the 2003 Mazda Miata MX-5 Club Sport were hardtops, with the other 25 being soft tops.

Pricing

Reliability And Maintenance

• Annual Maintenance Cost:
  $429 (RepairPal)
• Recalls:
  1
• KBB Consumer Rating:
  4.8/5
• Edmunds Rating:
  4.9/5
• CR Owner Satisfaction:
  5/5

2 2013 Mazda MX-5 Miata Club: HC Rating = 8.0

2013 MX-5 Miata Club Ratings

Here’s how our team rated the 2013 MX-5 Miata Club in three key categories:

The 2013 Mazda MX-5 Miata Club is a more modern special edition, and like the Club Sport model from a decade prior, it also featured sporty touches and elements. For starters, the car had a striking red-and-black color scheme all over, with black wheels along with black decals on the doors.

Riding on a 2.0-liter engine, the 2013 Miata Club made 167 horses, having just the right amount of power to go with its low weight. Consumer Reports lists the average price of the 2013 Miata between $13,000 and $16,000, along with an impressive owner satisfaction rate of 5/5.

Pricing

Reliability And Maintenance

• Annual Maintenance Cost:
  $422 – $515 (RepairPal)
• Recalls:
  0
• RepairPal Reliability Rating:
  4.5/5
• KBB Consumer Rating:
  4.8/5
• Edmunds Rating:
  4.5/5
• Consumer Reports Owner Satisfaction:
  5/5

1 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata Coupe: HC Rating = 8.3

2003 MX-5 Miata Ratings

Here’s how our team rated the 2003 MX-5 Miata in three key categories:

There are many convertibles that are great sports cars for summer drives, but if you really want to have a driver-focused ride, you can’t go wrong with the Mazda MX-5 Miata. Although the Miata originally made its mark as a convertible, Mazda did launch a Coupe variant of the car in 2003. Not only did the roof give the MX-5 some structural rigidity, but it also had the added benefit of improved handling.

A new rear trunk and rear window design immediately made the 2003 MX-5 Miata Coupe stand out. Furthermore, the S-model, which was the top trim, came with a 1.8-liter engine that jetted out 158 hp, which was a bump up from the standard MX-5.

Pricing

Reliability And Maintenance

• Annual Maintenance Cost:
  $429 (RepairPal)
• Recalls:
  1
• KBB Consumer Rating:
  4.8/5
• Edmunds Rating:
  4.9/5
• CR Owner Satisfaction:
  5/5

External Sources: Kelley Blue Book, Edmunds, J.D. Power, Consumer Reports, RepairPal, NHTSA