The Mazda MX-5 Miata isn’t the most expensive sports car out there. And it’s far from the most powerful. But it’s widely recognized as one of the best pure driver’s cars you can buy with the classic combination of rear-wheel-drive, a manual transmission and a naturally-aspirated engine and a curb weight under 2,500 pounds, at a time when even cars like the BMW M2 are checking in at a beefy 3,800 pounds. The MX-5 Miata has been a standard-bearer for the Mazda brand, if not always a profit maker.
Unlike most modern sports cars, the MX-5 Miata has limits you can approach on real roads without getting arrested. And the starting MSRP of $28,050 makes it perhaps the most affordable sports car around. Well, sort of. An MX-5 Miata is so impractical it basically has to be your second car.
Used MX-5 Miatas are quite popular, whether it’s due to their iconic place in motoring history, robust build quality, driving simplicity or being the best path to a cheap track day car.
Here’s a quick and comprehensive breakdown of every MX-5 Miata generation.
1st Generation Mazda MX-5 (NA) 1990-97
- Body Style: Convertible
- Engine: 1.8-liter inline-four (1.6-liter 1990-93)
- Transmission: 5-speed manual (4-speed automatic)
- Top Horsepower: 133
- BAT Prices: $5,000 to $20,000