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2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata

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OEM Interior
OEM Exterior
OEM Exterior
Interior Profile
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Expert Rating
Unavailable

Our expert ratings are based on seven comprehensive criteria: quality, safety, comfort, performance, fuel economy, reliability history and value.

You can interpret our ratings in the following way:

: Outstanding vehicle. Only the most exceptional vehicles achieve this rating.

: Very Good vehicle. Very good and close to being the best vehicle in its class.

: Good vehicle. Decent, but not quite the best. Often affordable, but lacking key features found in vehicles of the same class.

: Below average vehicle. Not recommended, and lacking attributes a car buyer would come to expect for the price.

: Poor vehicle. Simply does not deserve to be on the road.

Select a Trim
Select a Trim
2016 Sport 2dr Convertible
most popular
Price:   -  From $24,915
2016 Club 2dr Convertible Price:   -  From $28,600
2016 Grand Touring 2dr Convertible Price:   -  From $30,065

Overview

Mazda's beloved roadster has remained faithful to the classic affordable two-seat convertible concept since its introduction in mid-1989. The completely redesigned 2016 model takes the whole concept back to its small, light, utterly irresistible roots.

What's New for 2016

The MX-5 has been completely redesigned from bumper to bumper. Everything except the name and general description is new.

Mazda MX-5 Miata

Choosing Your Mazda MX-5 Miata

All Miatas are, as always, front-engine rear-drive two-seat convertibles. The well-received folding hard top that was available on the previous generation is no longer available; it will be interesting to see if Mazda decides to bring it back later.

Mazda's clear intent throughout the design and engineering process was to make the new Miata as light and nimble as possible, essentially remaking the iconic original car while accommodating the regulatory and marketplace changes of the past 25 years. The fourth-generation Miata is three inches shorter and nearly 150 pounds lighter than its predecessor (which itself was rarely accused of being big and bloated).

Power comes from a 2-liter inline-four cranking out 155 horsepower and 148 pound-feet of torque, which is enough to make this the quickest factory Miata yet. EPA estimates are 27 city/34 highway for cars with the six-speed manual gearbox and 27/36 for Miatas that have somehow ended up with the six-speed automatic.

The independent suspension is set up to be a bit soft; Mazda's engineers specifically allow a bit of body roll to help the driver sense the car's attitude and transitions. Handling in the real sense of the word -- responsiveness, controllability, and feel -- is still exceptional.

The MX-5 Miata is available in three trim levels:

Mazda MX-5 Miata

Sport

The Sport (MSRP: $24,915 manual/$26,395 automatic plus delivery) rides on sixteen-inch alloy wheels. Air conditioning, power windows and locks, a six-speaker stereo with auxiliary and USB jacks, and Bluetooth are standard. The multifunction steering wheel, shift knob, and handbrake grip are all wrapped in leather.

Mazda MX-5 Miata

Club

The Club ($28,600/$29,330) is tuned for weekend racers and features such high-performance touches as 17-inch wheels and -- provided the manual transmission is chosen -- a stiffer suspension, a limited-slip differential and an underhood shock-tower brace. The interior is also treated to a series of upgrades: the Connect infotainment system includes HD and satellite radio running through a nine-speaker Bose sound system and can be operated via touchscreen or the console-mounted Commander Control knob.

Mazda MX-5 Miata

Grand Touring

The Grand Touring ($30,065/$31,270) brings a number of additional electronic sensors and comfort features along with a few more paint choices. The 17-inch wheels are finished in an elegant dark silver. Seats are upholstered in leather and heated. Blind-spot sensors, backup traffic sensors, and a lane-departure warning system are standard. Connect now includes navigation. The convertible top is lined on the inside and the air conditioning is upgraded to fully automated climate control. The rearview mirror, headlights, and wipers adjust automatically to conditions.

Mazda has a longtime tendency to keep option lists on the short side, and the new Miata remains faithful to this tradition as well. A $3400 package of serious speed parts including BBS wheels and Brembo brakes is available for Club buyers. A set of body-dress pieces is available for Sport and Grand Touring models, and there are several options to brighten up the minimalist interior. Keyless entry is standard on cars with automatics and available for manuals. A collection of cargo-management options and other minor individualist touches can also be installed.

CarsDirect Tip

Autocrossers and those with performance tuning on the mind will naturally gravitate towards the Club model. The Grand Touring wears its luxury and convenience features well, although extra electronics and computer intervention has never been the point of the Miata. The Sport is the purest choice -- and by definition that makes it the best Miata. Buy one and enjoy life.

Get your price on a Mazda MX-5 Miata »

Read our review on the Mazda MX-5 Miata »

Mazda MX-5 Miata
author image
Automotive Editor
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Expert Review

Expert Rating
Unavailable

Our expert ratings are based on seven comprehensive criteria: quality, safety, comfort, performance, fuel economy, reliability history and value.

You can interpret our ratings in the following way:

: Outstanding vehicle. Only the most exceptional vehicles achieve this rating.

: Very Good vehicle. Very good and close to being the best vehicle in its class.

: Good vehicle. Decent, but not quite the best. Often affordable, but lacking key features found in vehicles of the same class.

: Below average vehicle. Not recommended, and lacking attributes a car buyer would come to expect for the price.

: Poor vehicle. Simply does not deserve to be on the road.

author image
Automotive Editor

The Mazda MX-5 has lived for more than two decades without much competition, opening the door to complacency for the Japanese automaker, but it’s never gotten lazy.

For the 2016 model year, the MX-5 is completely redesigned, has a lower curb weight, and borrows its engine from the base Mazda3.

Pricing and Equipment

The 2016 Mazda MX-5 continues to be inexpensive for an accomplished sports car -- the base Sport starts out at an affordable $24,915. Opting for an auto transmission pushes the price of entry to $26,395. The more performance-oriented Club starts from $28,600, while a feature-rich Grand Touring weighs in at $30,065.

Standard features on the MX-5 include;

  • 16-inch aluminum-alloy wheels
  • LED headlights
  • Air conditioning
  • Leather-wrapped steering wheel and shifter knob
  • Six-speaker sound system

Color options are limited to just four choices: Jet Black Mica, Ceramic Metallic, Soul Red Metallic, and Artic White.

Performance Pros

Mazda MX-5 Miata

Where do we start here? The Miata's low curb weight allows its 155-horsepower engine to deliver an exhilarating experience.

  • The Club -- with its tighter suspension -- is definitely the way to go if you want additional performance credentials.
  • The MX-5 is as light as it's ever been, and doesn't overwhelm the small engine.
  • We especially enjoy the slick action of the manual transmission.

Performance Cons

While we find an MX-5's performance quite spirited, its low horsepower number may still put off some buyers. If you like to leave other cars in the dust, this isn't for you.

  • Shared mechanical bits with the more ordinary Mazda3
  • Fuel economy is good, but the MX-5 requires premium gas

Interior Pros

Mazda MX-5 Miata

The MX-5’s interior has never been a strong point, but the 2016 model is as nice as it’s ever been. Mazda did a great job blending the styling of the original Miata’s cabin with touches of modern design. And the cabin is well-equipped for a lightweight roadster.

Interior Cons

  • We think the navigation system looks out of place -- Mazda could have worked a little harder to re-position it for a cleaner look.
  • Space is also at a premium and there isn't much room to move around.

The Most Pleasant Surprise

While some reviewers have criticized Mazda for dropping a re-tuned Mazda3 engine into the MX-5, its performance is still outstanding. This is mostly due to the fact that the roadster drops significant weight for the 2016 model year.

The Least Pleasant Surprise

EPA estimates for fuel economy aren’t bad by any stretch, but we wish Mazda didn't require premium gas -- especially since you have to work the engine hard to feel all of its power, and that has a tendency to reduce efficiency.

The Bottom Line

Mazda MX-5 Miata

Despite its redesign, the MX-5 is still an MX-5. It relies more on lightweight construction and precision handling than raw power to deliver its best. This means you can drive it at nine-tenths and still be well within the constraints of the law.

Read Less

Specs & Features

Highlights
Overall Crash Safety Rating
Not Available
Engine - Cylinders/Horsepower/Torque
2.0L I-4 / 155 HP / 148 ft.lbs.
Transmission
Standard: 6-spd man
Available: 6-spd sequential shift control auto w/OD
Drive Type
Rear-wheel
Fuel Economy - City/Highway/Combined
27 / 34 / 30 Mpg
Passenger Capacity
2
Bumper to Bumper Warranty
36 Months / 36,000 Miles
Mechanical Specs
Engine - Cylinders/Horsepower/Torque
2.0L I-4 / 155 HP / 148 ft.lbs.
Drive Type
Rear-wheel
Fuel Economy - City/Hwy/Combined
27 / 34 / 30 Mpg
Brakes
4-wheel Disc
Front Suspension
Double Wishbone
Rear Suspension
Independent Multi-link
Spare Tire And Wheel
Fuel Tank
11.9 Gal.
Recommended Fuel Type
Premium Unleaded
Average Cost To Fill Tank
$45
Dimensions & Capabilities
Maximum Cargo Volume
4.6 Cu.ft.
Passenger Volume
Exterior Length
154.1 "
Exterior Width
68.3 "
Exterior Height
48.6 "
Front Headroom
37.4 "
Rear Headroom
Front Legroom
43.1 "
Rear Legroom
Front Shoulder Room
52.2 "
Rear Shoulder Room
Front Hip Room
Rear Hip Room
Curb Weight
2,332 Lbs. / 2,381 Lbs.
Wheel Base
91 "
Turning Radius
15.4 '
Exterior Features
Door Count
2 Doors
Wheels
16.0 " Silver Aluminum
Paint
Clearcoat Monotone / Metallic Monotone
Exterior Mirrors
Dual Power Remote
Bumpers
Body-colored
Grille Moldings
Black
Rear Spoiler
Lip
Exhaust
Stainless Steel With Chrome Tailpipe Finish
Interior Features
Seating
Passenger Capacity
2
Seat Trim
Cloth
Front Seat Type
Bucket
Heated Front Seats
Front Driver Seat Direction Controls
6-way
Front Passenger Seat Direction Controls
4-way
Front Armrests
6-way
Rear Armrests
Rear Seats
Radio & Infotainment
Radio
Am/fm, Clock, Seek-scan
Speakers
6
Radio Steering Wheel Controls
Apple Car Play
Android Auto
Bluetooth w/ Hands-Free Connectivity
Convenience Features
Steering Wheel Type
Tilt Style
Climate Control
Cruise Control
With Steering Wheel Controls
Sun Roof
Rearview Mirror
Day-night
One Touch Open Window
Driver And Passenger
Tinted Windows
Light
Vanity Mirrors
Remote Keyless Entry
Keyfob (all Doors)
Power Outlets
1
Safety Features
Overall Crash Safety Rating
Not Yet Available
Overall Front Crash Safety Rating
Not Yet Available
Overall Side Crash Safety Rating
Not Yet Available
Rollover Crash Safety Rating
Not Yet Available
Front Impact Airbags
Driver And Passenger
Driver Side Impact Airbags
Seat Mounted
Knee Airbag
Passenger Side Impact Airbag
Seat Mounted
Rear Side Airbag
Seatbelt Pretensioners
Front
Anti-Lock Brakes
4-wheel Anti-lock Brakes (abs)
Forward Collision Warning
Blind Spot Sensor
Lane Departure Warning
Autonomous Cruise Control
Pedestrian Detection
Driver Attention Alert
Daytime Running Lights
Auto High Beams
Adaptive Headlights
Parking Sensors
Security Systems
Panic Alarm
Ignition Disable
Immobilizer
Warranty
Bumper To Bumper Months Miles
36 Months / 36,000 Miles
Major Components Months
60 Months / 60,000 Miles
Included Maintenance Months
Roadside Assistance Months
36 Months / 36,000 Miles
Corrosion Perforation
60 Months / Unlimited Miles
Accessories Months
36 Months / 36,000 Miles

Used 2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata for Sale

1 vehicles found within 100 miles of your area
Mazda
Grand Touring
Color: Red
Price

$20,411

Mileage

33,017 mi

Map location icon

Rusnak BMW (29 mi)

Phone: (844) 511-0682

Other Mazda MX-5 Miata Listings

We have expanded the search to include other Mazda MX-5 Miata years that you might be interested in.

Mazda
Grand Touring Convertible 2D
Color: Jet Black
Price

$17,895

Mileage

73,003 mi

Map location icon

Royal Cars Inc (16 mi)

Phone: (818) 293-9966
Mazda
Club Convertible 2D
Color: White
Price

$22,995

Mileage

58,566 mi

Map location icon

Quantum Auto Sales Inc (29 mi)

Phone: (714) 265-0240
Mazda
Grand Touring 2dr Convertible
Price

$26,000

Mileage

21,406 mi

Map location icon

Santa Margarita Ford (50 mi)

See All Used Car Listings

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