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2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata review

Research, photos, specs, and expertise

Mazda MX-5 Miata highlights

Customer rating

Pros

  • Exciting handling
  • Very thrifty engine
  • Easy to operate convertible roof

Cons

  • Cramped cabin
  • Low cargo capacity
  • Cabin noise can be quite loud with roof up

Mileage (EPA estimate)

27 city, 34 highway, 30 combined

Pricing for current inventory

(no current inventory)

Price
Year

The ultimate stylish and exciting roadster

Have you ever dreamed of owning a sleek sports car? Experiencing the wind in your hair with the roof down, and enjoying a stimulating driving experience whenever the mood takes you? If the answer is yes, but you’ve also wanted a sports car you can live with every day, take a look at the 2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata. It’s everything you could want from a stylish convertible, while also being versatile and compact enough for daily use.

All Mazda MX-5 Miata years

What is new for the 2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata?

  • The MX-5 Miata is available in a new trim called the Launch Edition.
  • The Anniversary Edition trim has been discontinued for 2016.
  • MX-5 Miata trims have been upgraded with Blind Spot Monitor, Lane Departure Warning, Rear Spoiler, 6002, Navigation System, and Satellite Radio Ready as standard equipment this year.
  • The Club trim now comes with Smart Key and BOSE Sound System as standard equipment.
  • The Sport trim now comes with Smart Key as standard equipment.
  • The Grand Touring trim now comes with Smart Key as standard equipment.

5 reasons to buy the 2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata

1. Sharp and agile handling 

Since it was first introduced back in 1989, the formula for the MX-5 Miata has remained consistent: a lightweight, two-seater, rear-wheel-drive convertible. The 2016 MX-5 Miata brings the traditional formula up to date. Combine that with the trademark dynamic and nimble handling, and the 2016 MX-5 Miata is guaranteed to put a smile on your face every time you get behind the wheel. 

2. Frugal and spritely engine  

Thanks to that compact body and a relatively small yet punchy engine, the 2016 MX-5 Miata is ideally balanced for fuel-sipping performance. Under the hood of every 2016 MX-5 Miata is a 2.0L four-cylinder engine, producing a strong 155 horsepower. Paired with the standard manual transmission, it can go from zero to 60 mph in just 6.3 seconds while also achieving an EPA-estimated 30 mpg combined, making it the kind of sports car you can drive every day.

 

3. Standard manual transmission 

The standard transmission on all 2016 MX-5 Miata models is a six-speed manual. This is ideal for sporty driving, allowing you to feel the power and performance in the palm of your hand at all times. A six-speed automatic is also available should you prefer, and can be found on all trims along with steering wheel-mounted shifter paddles.  

4. Easy-to-use soft-top 

There’s nothing quite like being able to bring the roof down and enjoy the wind in your hair as you drive. The 2016 MX-5 Miata has a manually retractable black cloth soft-top with a glass rear window that's exceptionally easy to operate even from inside the car. It can even be lowered with one over-the-shoulder motion from the driver’s seat, meaning you can take advantage of the sunshine as soon as it comes out.  

5. Impressive equipment selection 

A useful array of comfort and convenience features makes the 2016 MX-5 Miata even more adept at everyday driving. Club trims include creature comforts like a nine-speaker Bose® sound system with headrest speakers and a seven-inch touchscreen display, while top-line Grand Touring models come equipped with full leather upholstery, automatic climate control, and heated seats. You also get a suite of driver convenience features on Grand Touring trims, including blind-spot monitoring and lane departure warning.

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Ratings & reliability

Customer ratings

The 2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata is a fun car to drive. It is a convertible that is easy to take the top down. Customers like the car for quick daily drives or summer trips.
4
Excellent

RepairPal gave the Mazda MX-5 Miata an overall reliability rating of 4 out of 5 stars, which RepairPal describes as Excellent. This rating ranks Mazda MX-5 Miata 9th out of 27 among Subcompact Cars.

View RepairPal's full rating of the Mazda MX-5 Miata

Mazda MX-5 Miata features and specs

Club 2WD 2D Convertible

Standard Features

  • ABS Brakes
  • Air Conditioning
  • Alloy Wheels
  • AM/FM Stereo
  • Automatic Transmission
  • Auxiliary Audio Input
  • BOSE Sound System
  • CD Audio
  • Cloth Seats
  • Cruise Control
  • Power Locks
  • Power Mirrors
  • Power Windows
  • Rear Defroster
  • Rear Spoiler
  • Side Airbags
  • Smart Key
  • Traction Control
  • Bluetooth Technology
  • Navigation System
  • Satellite Radio Ready
  • Soft Top

Drive Wheels

Rear Wheel Drive (2WD)

Engine size

2.0L

Horsepower

155

Torque (ft-lbs)

148

Engine type

Gas

Fuel capacity

11.9

Wheelbase

90.9"

Overall length

154.1"

Width

68.3"

Height

48.8"

Leg room

F 43.1"

Head room

F 37.4"

Front tires

P205/45WR17

Rear tires

P205/45WR17

Seating capacity

2

Transmission

Automatic

2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata FAQ

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