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2017 Mazda MX-5 Miata

Mazda MX-5 Miata OEM Exterior Primary Photo
OEM Interior Primary
OEM Exterior
OEM Exterior
OEM Interior
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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
2017 Sport 2dr Convertible
most popular
Price:   -  From $24,915
2017 Club 2dr Convertible Price:   -  From $28,800
2017 Grand Touring 2dr Convertible Price:   -  From $30,065
2017 RF Club 2dr Coupe Price:   -  From $31,555
2017 RF Grand Touring 2dr Coupe Price:   -  From $32,620
2017 RF Launch Edition 2dr Coupe Price:   -  From $33,720

Overview

Mazda’s cherished and affordable roadster, the MX-5 Miata, has been captivating enthusiasts for more than a quarter of a century. Fully redesigned in 2016, a hardtop version expands the model line for 2017.

What's New for 2017

One year removed from the introduction of the fourth-generation model, the MX-5 Miata adds a hard-top variant, the RF or retractable fastback. The new model features a retractable targa-style top and a fastback roofline. The new model is available in Club and Grand Touring editions.

Mazda MX-5 Miata

Choosing Your Mazda MX-5 Miata

There are a few big decisions when picking out an MX-5. Do you want the traditional canvas roof, or the newfangled retractable hardtop? Six-speed manual or six-speed automatic? While potential owners grapple with those two questions, they can rest easy knowing there's only one available engine – a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 155 horsepower and 148 pound-feet of torque. Fuel economy is 26/33 mpg with the six-speed manual gearbox and 26/35 mpg with the automatic transmission.

The Miata maintains its classic sports car looks, regardless of body style. The current version advances Mazda’s popular Kodo design language, featured to great acclaim in the Mazda6, Mazda3, the Mazda CX-3, and other models. From the driver's seat, the long, curving hood stretches out ahead of the driver, while the beltline is just tall enough that drivers can rest their arm on it.

The MX-5 Miata soft-top convertible is available in three trim levels. Prices include an $875 destination fee.

Mazda MX-5 Miata

Sport

The Sport starts at $25,750 with the manual transmission, and $27,230 with the automatic and sits on 16-inch aluminum alloy wheels. LED headlights, air conditioning, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and steering-mounted audio controls are all standard. You’ll also find air conditioning, cloth-trimmed sport seats, a tilt steering column, power windows and door locks, Bluetooth, and a USB port. A six-speaker audio system with headrest speakers is included.

Mazda MX-5 Miata

Club

The Club ($29,435/$30,165) adds a bigger dose of performance. This trim rides on 17-inch aluminum-alloy wheels and features a sport-tuned suspension with Bilstein shocks. Drivers also have the benefit of a limited-slip differential. The Club also comes with a black front air dam and a rear lip spoiler. The Club is a popular choice for enthusiasts, as it's the most only path to the $3,400 Brembo/BBS Package, which replaces the stock 17s with lighter BBS-branded alloys and the front brakes with Brembo units that provide extra stopping power.

Mazda MX-5 Miata

Grand Touring

The Grand Touring ($30,900/$32,105) brings in several premium features, including LED daytime running lights, automatic headlights, and heated side mirrors. Piano black trim, navigation, blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a lane departure warning system are included.

Mazda MX-5 Miata

Club RF

The Club RF ($32,430/$33,160) edition matches the standard Club trim and adds a nine-speaker Bose audio system, Mazda Connect infotainment system, and a 4.6-inch full-color LCD display for trip computer and roof status information. This model has a power retractable fastback roof matching the body color with black accents. Once again, the Brembo/BBS Package adds some extra performance zest.

Mazda MX-5 Miata

Grand Touring RF

The Grand Touring RF ($33,495/$34,700) matches the Grand Touring trim in the convertible and adds an adaptive front lighting system as well as the fastback roof.

Regardless of trim or body style, Mazda offers an advanced keyless entry package ($130) along with the usual range of dealer-installed accessories.

CarsDirect Tip

A MX-5 is all about fun, and the most fun you can have in this range is with a manual-transmission Club model with the Brembo/BBS package, regardless of body style.

Get your price on a Mazda MX-5 Miata »

author image
Contributing 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

One million Miata buyers can't be wrong. As Mazda's traditionalist roadster hits a production milestone and approaches its 30th birthday it still remains true to its original principles of affordable simplicity, nimble handling, and open-air fun while adapting to contemporary demands – and getting even quicker and better in the process.

Pricing and Equipment

The Mazda MX-5 Miata – technically its full name, although no one except Mazda ever includes the "MX-5" part – is a two-seat convertible or, starting this year, a coupe topped with a targa-style folding roof. A 2.0-liter inline-four sends a maximum of 155 horsepower to the rear wheels through a six-speed manual or (if absolutely necessary...) a six-speed automatic. EPA mileage estimates for manual-transmission Miatas are 26 mpg city, 33 mpg highway, and 29 mpg combined. The highway number improves by two mpg with the automatic, but the city and combined ratings are unchanged.

The Miata roadster is available in three trim levels. The base model is the Sport, with a starting MSRP of $25,790 (all prices listed here include an $875 destination charge). Choosing the automatic transmission adds $1,480. Standard equipment includes modern essentials like air conditioning, Bluetooth connectivity, remote locking, and a multifunction steering wheel. The Club stickers at $29,675 for the manual and $30,405 for the automatic and is intended for more serious drivers demanding more agility. Manual-gearbox Clubs get a healthy set of upgrades over the Sport, including:

  • Stiffer springs and Bilstein shocks
  • A limited-slip differential
  • A front shock tower brace
  • 17-inch wheels with P205/45 R17 tires
  • Mazda's Connect infotainment system with Bose speakers and voice control

Automatics do without the revised suspension pieces, brace, and differential. The Grand Touring tops the range, with standard lane departure warning, automatic climate control, and heated leather seats for an asking price of $30,940 manual or $32,145 automatic.

The big news for the Miata in 2017 is the introduction of the RF, which replaces the fabric top with a power-operated folding roof panel, a retractable rear window, flying buttresses, and a fastback-like silhouette. Weight goes up by 113 pounds, which sounds more drastic than it feels.

The RF is available in Club or Grand Touring trim levels identical to the roadster versions. The RF Club's MSRP is $32,430 manual and $33,160 automatic, while sticker for the RF Grand Touring is $33,495 or $34,700 depending on transmission.

The options list follows traditional Mazda practice – there aren't many. Buyers of manual-transmission Clubs can add a somewhat overpriced $3,400 BBS wheel/Brembo brake package. A $130 Advanced Keyless Entry system is optional on manual-transmission cars (it's standard on automatics). A few port-installed trim and security items are also available.

Performance Pros

Mazda MX-5 Miata
  • Handling in the subjective sense – response, directness, controllability – is brilliant, and the Miata's accessible limits make spirited driving more genuinely fun than most high-dollar, high-power performance cars.
  • The Miata may put down modest power numbers on paper but it makes the most of what it has due to its light weight and aggressive gearing.
  • The manual transmission remains the industry reference for shift action.
  • The RF's added weight does little to damage the Miata's feel.

Performance Cons

  • The suspension is intentionally tuned to allow noticeable body roll. Mazda insists that this helps the driver sense what the car is doing in corners, but it adds a slight lag to rapid left-right transitions.
  • The electrically-assisted power steering is a bit light and short on feel.

Interior Pros

  • Primary control layout – the positioning of and relationship between driver's seat and steering wheel and shifter and pedals – is close to ideal.
  • The seats feature an interesting hammock-like structure that combines lightweight construction with good comfort and support.
  • The RF's hard top lives up to functional expectations, providing an extra measure of soundproofing and temperature control when up.

Interior Cons

Mazda MX-5 Miata
  • To state the obvious: this is a small two-seat roadster. Interior space is unavoidably on the tight side, although there is ample head and leg room.
  • Those close dimensions trickle down to awkward placement for the cupholders and the command knob for the infotainment system on the Club and Grand Touring.
  • The trunk-space situation is not completely hopeless, but packing for trips will require some careful consideration.
  • The RF's '70s-chic flying buttresses result in not-so-chic blind spots to the rear.

The Most Pleasant Surprise

Provided your needs can fit in the snug cabin and trunk there is exactly zero reason not to use the Miata as an all-around daily driver. It rides well on lumpy streets (even with the Club suspension); the seats are comfortable and capable of managing all but the tallest drivers; it gets good fuel mileage. Fit snow tires and it will even face off against winter weather with surprising competence. This is not a car to keep as a weekend toy – this is something to drive and enjoy as much as possible.

The Least Pleasant Surprise

In spite of Mazda's efforts to make the Miata communicative and direct, the electrically-assisted steering rack suffers from the muted sense of road feel common to that efficiency-minded system. People who learned to drive on video games won't notice, but old-timers will find that a valuable source of handling information is being filtered.

The Bottom Line

It's not that the Miata is irrational; it's as thoroughly considered and developed as any vehicle on the road. It just uses that consideration and development as a means to its own quick, economical, very enjoyable ends. If you can take it for what it is, the Miata proves that driving can mean much more than just going from place to place.

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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
26 / 33 / 29 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
26 / 33 / 29 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 / 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 2017 Mazda MX-5 Miata for Sale

3 vehicles found within 100 miles of your area
Mazda
Grand Touring
Color: Ceramic Metallic
Price

$20,795

Mileage

44,281 mi

Map location icon

Weir Canyon Honda (36 mi)

Phone: (714) 777-4100
Mazda
Club
Color: Ceramic Metallic
Price

$20,891

Mileage

51,330 mi

Map location icon

J Star Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram of Anaheim Hills (36 mi)

Phone: (626) 684-5426
Mazda
Sport
Color: Soul Red Metallic
Price

$20,990

Mileage

41,557 mi

Map location icon

Mazda of Orange (34 mi)

Phone: (714) 633-6731

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
Color: Platinum Quartz Metallic
Price

$28,491

Mileage

8,957 mi

Map location icon

Glenn E. Thomas Dodge Chrysler Jeep (16 mi)

Phone: (562) 426-5111
See All Used Car Listings

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