Item: 2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata
Author: Justin Cupler

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.

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 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 »

Patrick Frawley

Automotive Editor - August 05, 2015

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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.

Justin Cupler

Automotive Editor - September 23, 2015

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

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

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

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.

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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

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