2018 Mazda MX-5 Miata Review

Name: 2018 Mazda MX-5 Miata Review
Brand: Mazda

Price Range: $19,998 - $24,590

Mazda MX-5 Miata Club Convertible Exterior Shown

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Edmunds' Expert Review

by Jonathan Elfalan^{Director, Vehicle Testing
Jonathan Elfalan has worked in the automotive industry since 2005. As a director of vehicle testing at Edmunds, Jonathan has tested and reviewed thousands of cars and written thousands of car-related articles over the course of his career. Jonathan got his start testing cars for Road & Track magazine as a newly minted mechanical engineer grad from University of California, Irvine, and has also contributed to Motor Trend and the Associated Press. He likes to say he learned to drive a manual transmission in a rear-wheel-drive mid-engine vehicle but often omits it was his family's 1991 Toyota Previa minivan.}

Pros

Extremely fun and engaging to drive, even at low speeds
One of the most fuel-efficient sports cars you can buy
Manual soft top is easy to lower or close quickly
Prices are quite reasonable

Cons

Cabin gets fairly loud at highway speeds even with the top up
Not much stretch room inside, even for average-size occupants
Limited cargo space in a tiny trunk
Noticeable body roll during aggressive cornering

What’s new

Most of the updates for the 2018 Mazda MX-5 Miata are minor, with the biggest news being optional heated Recaro sport seats for the Club trim; they are available with the new Brembo/BBS Recaro package. Advanced keyless entry is now standard across the board, and the base Sport trim gains the 7-inch infotainment interface. The Club trim now gets heated leather seats if you opt for the package with the upgraded Brembo brakes and BBS wheels.

Vehicle overview

The Mazda MX-5 Miata was completely redesigned just two years ago, so it's no surprise the 2018 model receives few changes. Mazda did its homework with this Miata generation, improving the interior quality and accommodations while making it lighter and quicker than its predecessor. There is perhaps no better Mazda model that currently embodies the "Zoom-Zoom" spirit more than the MX-5 Miata.

Continue reading Edmunds Expert Rating below

For sale near Houston, TX

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2018 Mazda MX-5 Miata
Grand Touring Convertible
$16,591
great price
- 79,296 miles
- No accidents, 2 owners, personal use only
- 4cyl manual
- Roger Beasley Mazda South (151 mi away)
- Bluetooth
- Navigation
- Leather Seats
- Keyless Entry/Start
- Upgraded Headlights
Close
Located in Austin, TX
Machine Gray 2018 Mazda Miata Grand Touring RWD 6-Speed Manual I4Need Financing? We have competitive financing terms available, with over 20 lendin...
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: Yes
Personal Use Only: Yes
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Clean Title
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: No
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: No
Free History Report: No
Features and Specs:
29 Combined MPG (26 City/33 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: JM1NDAD70J0201454
Stock: S8673B
Certified Pre-Owned: No
Listed since: 02-12-2025
2018 Mazda MX-5 Miata
Club Convertible
$19,998
great price
$4,003 below market
- 46,676 miles
- 1 accident, 3 owners, personal use only
- 4cyl manual
- CarMax Ft. Myers (847 mi away)
- Delivery available*
- Bluetooth
- Keyless Entry/Start
- Upgraded Headlights
- Blind Spot Monitorin...
- Tire Pressure Warnin...
Close
Located in Fort Myers, FL
CarMax values transparency and wants you to love your next car, not settle on it. Certain vehicles may have unrepaired safety recalls. Check nhtsa.gov...
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: No
Personal Use Only: Yes
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Clean Title
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: No
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: No
Free History Report: No
Features and Specs:
29 Combined MPG (26 City/33 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: JM1NDAC78J0201042
Stock: 27312363
Certified Pre-Owned: No

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Miatas are best enjoyed when the road turns twisty. A peppy yet fuel-efficient four-cylinder engine provides enough power and a delightful soundtrack to keep you entertained for as many miles as you can handle. And on that note, if you want the best version of the Miata for such activities, we strongly recommend the Club trim and the six-speed manual transmission. Mazda also offers an automatic transmission, but it doesn't come with many of the Miata's dynamic-enhancing goodies.

As always, though, there are downsides to Miata ownership. Taller individuals might find the cabin confining and particularly difficult to enter and exit if the top isn't down. Trunk capacity is a laughable 4.6 cubic feet, so packing light is a requirement for any road trip. And lastly, in the interest of saving weight, the lack of sound deadening results in a fair amount of road and wind noise at speed with the top up.

Still, few cars are more rewarding and fun to wheel around than the Miata. If you can live with the size limitations, you have little reason to consider anything else in this segment for the pleasure of driving.

What's it like to live with?

Interested in learning about what it's like to live with this little roadster? Check out our long-term reviews for the fourth-generation 2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata and the updated 2019 Mazda MX-5 Miata. We spent a year and more than 20,000 miles with each of these charming convertibles. In our long-term coverage you can read in-depth reporting from our editors on everything from the way the Miata drives to its reliability.

Edmunds' Expert Rating

7.9 / 10

If you love to drive and appreciate a car that connects with you and the road underneath, start with the 2018 Mazda MX-5 Miata. Lively and engaging, the Miata is a joy to drive at any speed. You'll also like its fuss-free soft top and relatively affordable price.

Trim tested

Each vehicle typically comes in multiple versions that are fundamentally similar. The ratings in this review are based on our Full Test of the 2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata Club Convertible (2.0L inline-4 | 6-speed manual | RWD).

NOTE: Since this test was conducted, the current MX-5 Miata is fundamentally unchanged. Our findings remain fully applicable to this year.

Scorecard

Overall	7.9 / 10
Driving	9.0
Comfort	8.0
Interior	7.0
Utility	5.0

Driving

9.0

The Miata might not boast big power numbers, but it's small and light, so it always feels exceedingly nimble. You won't find many cars that put the driver more in touch with the driving experience or that are more entertaining to drive on public roads — especially the twisty ones.

Acceleration

8.5

In our testing, a Miata with the manual transmission reached 60 mph in 6.3 seconds. You won't be blowing doors off V8 Camaros, but it's nonetheless appropriate acceleration for the car's zippy character. There's plenty of midrange torque. Accelerating quickly is as pleasurable as it is easy.

Braking

8.0

Our test car stopped from 60 mph in 111 feet, which is slightly longer than we'd expect given that it had the optional Brembo brake package installed. The distances and pedal firmness remained consistent, though, and it stayed composed in full-panic braking.

Steering

9.0

Steering effort is lighter than we're used to from a Miata, and feedback is a little muted, too. Even still, it remains one of the best steering examples available today. It reacts with immediacy and is very accurate. The steering wheel feels perfectly shaped in your hands.

Handling

9.0

Few cars feel more light and nimble than the Miata. Precise and predictable are the operative words. There's more body roll than expected when cornering aggressively. But overall, driving a Miata along a curvy road is an absolute blast.

Drivability

9.0

Even though the Miata is capable of entertaining performance, it is still easy to drive in everyday commuting situations (yes, even with a manual transmission). The small footprint is well-suited to tight city confines and parking spaces.

Comfort

8.0

Roadsters aren't known for being comfortable, but the Miata bucks that trend with compliant suspension tuning and seating for the long haul. There's a noticeable amount of noise, but for some, that's part of the allure.

Seat comfort

9.0

The seats cradle occupants with just the right amount of support. The side bolsters provide ample lateral support without being intrusive. After hours of driving, you should still be pretty comfortable.

Ride comfort

8.0

Despite its small dimensions and sporty intentions, the Miata isn't punishing. There's plenty of compliance to smooth over bumps, but bigger potholes will send a good thud through the chassis. Long road trips won't be a problem.

Noise & vibration

7.0

Road and wind noise is prevalent at highway speeds with the top up, but not to the point that it's intrusive. The pleasant exhaust tenor is loud enough to make it sound special, but it's not so loud that it's obnoxious.

Climate control

The Miata's simple climate control interface, with its three large and knurled knobs, is easy to use. However, the system has trouble regulating temperature even with the top up, especially on very hot or very cold days.

Interior

7.0

The Miata's interior is well-crafted with a pleasing and relatively ergonomic design. But a small car like this comes with the typical drawbacks, such limited cabin space for bigger-than-average people.

Ease of use

8.5

The primary controls are well-placed around the driver, and the gauges are easy to read. But the infotainment system's controller knob is in a spot where drivers might place their right forearm and it doesn't fall readily to hand.

Getting in/getting out

7.0

The average-size adult will have no problem slipping in and out. Taller drivers will have to curl themselves through the opening if the top is up. Short doors aid access in tight parking spots.

Roominess

6.5

Six-foot-tall drivers will reach the size limitations of head- and legroom. Even for the typical adult, the cockpit is snug enough to feel as though you're wearing the car. But it doesn't feel claustrophobic.

Visibility

9.0

Forward visibility is as good as it gets nowadays, thanks to favorable windshield positioning and narrow roof pillars. As small as the car is, there's very little guesswork with rear visibility, too.

Quality

8.0

The interior materials have improved significantly from the last Miata and now meet the standards for this price point.

Convertible top

The manual cloth top drops quickly and easily without leaving your seat, but it requires a final push to latch in place. Deploying it is easier than in previous Miatas thanks to some assistance from lifting springs. Buffeting is not excessive.

Utility

5.0

A tiny trunk, no back seat and limited cabin space mean that this isn't the best if you need to transport large items. Small items and soft duffels are more easily accommodated.

Small-item storage

The tidy bin between the seats serves as a less convenient glovebox (because there isn't one). It's your primary place to store your items, and its holding capacity is about average. That's helpful because the removable cupholders are good for holding cups only.

Cargo space

A significant drawback. The Miata's 4.6-cubic-foot trunk is comically small, and there's no glovebox. The bins behind the seats are small, and the other pockets are tiny. The removable cupholders can obstruct shifting.

Technology

In Club and Grand Touring trims, the Miata comes with an easy-to-use infotainment interface. There's also a respectable number of advanced driver safety aids. The sound system's quality, however, is unimpressive.

Audio & navigation

Mazda's infotainment system is easy to navigate and use. But even with the nine-speaker Bose stereo upgrade, the sound quality is only middling and is easily overwhelmed by wind and road noise.

Smartphone integration

The Miata has two USB ports but no Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. Playing media stored on your phone is fairly easy with the native system, though. The 12-volt outlet is strangely and inconveniently hidden deep in the passenger footwell.

Driver aids

Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert now come standard on most Miatas. But adaptive cruise and forward collision warning aren't available.

Voice control

As long as the cabin isn't too noisy, voice recognition is accurate, and on-screen prompts simplify use. Using voice commands to enter an address is as easy as with any other system.

Compare 2018 Mazda MX-5 Miata trim levels

Helpful trims summary and side-by-side comparison chart

2018 Mazda MX-5 Miata models

The 2018 Mazda MX-5 Miata is a two-seat roadster offered in three trim levels: Sport, Club and Grand Touring. All three trim levels are powered by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine (155 horsepower, 148 pound-feet of torque) that drives the rear wheels through either a six-speed manual or an optional six-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters. The Sport trim offers a more bare-bones motoring experience; the Club is for sport-oriented driving, with a number of mechanical upgrades and added interior features; and the top Grand Touring trim focuses on providing comfort, convenience and technology.

Standard features for the Sport trim include 16-inch alloy wheels, a manually retractable black soft top with a glass rear window, LED headlights and taillights, air conditioning, a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment interface, keyless entry with push-button ignition, a height-adjustable driver seat, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, cruise control, Bluetooth, and a six-speaker sound system with a CD player, a USB port and an auxiliary audio jack.

The Club trim includes everything from the Sport but comes with different equipment depending on the chosen transmission. With the manual shifter, it includes a sport-tuned suspension with Bilstein shock absorbers, a shock-tower brace, a limited-slip differential and an engine sound enhancer. Opting for the automatic negates these features.

Otherwise, all Miata Clubs get 17-inch wheels with summer performance tires, a sportier front fascia, a rear lip spoiler, black mirror covers and roll hoops, red interior stitching, upgraded interior trim panels, a nine-speaker Bose audio system (with headrest speakers, satellite radio and HD radio, and dual USB ports), voice controls, and a 7-inch touchscreen interface with an auxiliary control knob mounted on the center console. The Club also gets a safety-oriented bundle that includes blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert.

The Grand Touring loses the manual-transmission Club's performance upgrades except for the sound enhancer, which remains a manual-only feature. But it gets adaptive headlights with automatic high-beam control, auto-dimming mirrors with exterior heating, lane departure warning, body-colored mirror covers, automatic wipers, a cloth-lined top, leather upholstery, heated seats, automatic climate control and a navigation system.

A Brembo/BBS package is offered on manual-transmission Club models, and it includes 17-inch forged BBS wheels, more powerful Brembo front brakes, an aero body kit and heated leather seats. For 2018, this package can also be enhanced with Recaro sport seats.

Cost to Drive^{Cost to drive estimates for the 2018 Mazda MX-5 Miata Sport 2dr Convertible (2.0L 4cyl 6M) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.49 per gallon for premium unleaded in Texas.}

Monthly estimates based on costs in Texas

$150/mo

$141/mo

Avg. Compact Car

Calculate my fuel costs

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Reliability Ratings by RepairPal

4/5Excellent

#9 out of 27 among Subcompact Cars

RepairPal Reliability Ratings are based on the actual cost, frequency, and severity of unscheduled repairs and maintenance on make/model data for select 2008-2022 vehicles. The reliability of a specific vehicle may vary depending on its maintenance and driving history, model year, trim, and features.

Cost

^{The average total annual cost for unscheduled repairs and maintenance across all model years of the Mazda MX-5 Miata from 2008-2022.}

$349/yr

vs. $416/yr
for Average Subcompact Car

Frequency

^{The average number of times this model is brought into the shop for unscheduled repairs and maintenance in a single year. RepairPal calculates this metric by tracking millions of unique vehicles over multiple years to determine an average number of visits per year (omitting small routine visits, e.g., oil changes).}

0.81x/yr

vs. 1.22x/yr
for Average Subcompact Car

Severity

^{The probability that a repair will be a major issue, meaning the repair costs 3x the average annual repair cost for all models. This threshold will be higher for vehicles that have higher labor rates and parts costs (such as a premium brand).}

12.4%

vs. 10.1%
for Average Subcompact Car

powered by RepairPal ^{Based on RepairPal reliability data as of 8/23/2023. Ratings are provided by RepairPal and Edmunds is not responsible for their accuracy.}

Mazda MX-5 Miata Reviews

Owner Reviews

4.7

78 reviews

5(75%)

4(22%)

3(1%)

2(1%)

1(1%)

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Most Helpful Owner Reviews

My new 2016 MX-5 miata GT - just plain fun

Heidi, 02/14/2016

2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata Grand Touring 2dr Convertible (2.0L 4cyl 6M)

First, I am very happy with this fun little convertible. I've had convertibles before, and really enjoyed my old Honda S2000. Currently have a Mazda CX-5. It was time for another little fun convertible and I chose the 2016 Miata GT, manual. I bought the 2016 Miata Grand Touring 2 months ago. It is so nice to drive with the top down! It is quick, fun and most importantly, a great value. …

Deleted my "Bucket List"! Updated 11/14/18...

Vaughn, 11/12/2015

2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata Grand Touring 2dr Convertible (2.0L 4cyl 6A)

Don't think this little roadster won't be exciting to drive with only 155 horses under the hood. I've been driving the Grand Touring version since August and I really hate pulling it into the garage for the night. The short throw, six speed manual shift is so sweet. My daily commute is 12 miles of country roads ( speed limits 35 to 55 ) which puts the tach between 1500 & 2200. I'm … getting 38 to 42 mpg, not 28 to 34 as suggested on the sticker! My only freeway run was the hour and a half drive coming home from the dealership at 80 mph. Only got 36 mpg on that trip. I'll take it back to the dealer for it's first free oil change but I definitely won't use the freeway, (no fun in that!) Coffee drinkers will be dissappointed with either of the cup holder positions as you and a passenger will be banging your knees on them (if holders are installed on either side of the front center console) and if the holders are at the rear of center console, reaching for your cup will be a little awkward. Trust me, you won't feel the need for caffeine when your slide behind the wheel! The glove compartment is between the seat backs (right above the cup holders) so don't be reaching for any items while driving. There aren't any door pockets for storage either. The trunk can hold 4 or 5 bags of groceries (but not your golf clubs). If the lack of storage positions bothers you, ... take your spouse's car but don't be surprised if they won't give your's back! Final analysis ... I've deleted my "Bucket List" ... Don't need it! I'm having too much fun driving my Miata! Updated 11/12/2016: It's been an unusually warm autumn for 2016 which has happily extended my top down driving fun! My Miata was purchased to be driven only on rare special occasions in nice weather (so I could gift it to my 4 year old grandson upon my demise which hopefully won't be for 20+ years). Unfortunately, this car has become my "preferred" choice of transportation, so I no longer see myself limiting my driving to 1,000 miles a year. My grandson will probably be inheriting a Miata with 100,000+ miles on it at the rate I've been using it! Sorry about that kiddo! Updated 11/14/2017: I took my 20116 Miata to my local Mazda dealer last fall for a 3,000 miles oil change before putting it to bed for the winter. I now have 4,777 miles and not due an oil change until 7,830 but I'll probably have them change oil again (and maybe a wash) before covering it up for the winter. This is the most fun car to drive I have ever owned. Getting in and out for retirees may require a few weeks at the gym ( concentrate on squat thrust), until you feel physically fit to enter and exit this car without the aid of your arms and hands. (OK, maybe throw some push ups in with those squat thrusts for a while.) They say people with two story houses live longer because of the extra exercise their getting going up and down steps so maybe Miata Owners live and prosper longer too! My barber's father is 96 and contributes his longevity to traveling to the basement with a shot glass for wine and going back upstairs to read a book in his rocking chair while he sips on his shot glass of wine. "Wow! A shot a day is his longevity secret" I asked? ... "No," said my barber. "He makes a hundred trips a day!" 2018 (Summer)… Traded the convertible in for a retractable roof (RF). It's less noisy when up and extends my driving season an extra month on either side of the winter months. Looks sharper too with the Targa style roof! 125lbs. heavier so mpg dropped about 2 mpg. getting 36-40 mpg now with mostly rural driving at 45-55 mph.

More fun to drive than my former Corvette

Paul Jay W., 11/01/2015

2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata Sport 2dr Convertible (2.0L 4cyl 6M)

Traded in my 2006 Corvette for a 2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata, so that alone should tell you something! More fun to drive, better handling, smoother manual shifting and just more exciting overall. My only issues are with some of the interior design flaws. The CD player is behind the seats rather than in the dashboard by the radio where it belongs. There is no "glove box" even though there …

Took the Miata over the New Porsche Boxster

David A. Myers, 12/21/2015

2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata Grand Touring 2dr Convertible (2.0L 4cyl 6A)

I owned a used 1999 Boxster that I had for 10 years and was looking for a newer 2-seat convertible replacement. i was looking at the new Boxster and Audi TT, but didn't really want to shell out $50K-$60K for a new car. And even the used ones were fairly pricey. I owned a 1992 Mazda Miata that I absolutely loved but had to trade it in when we started a family. I wasn't all that impressed …

We have a limited number of reviews for the 2018 Mazda MX-5 Miata, so we've included reviews for other years of the MX-5 Miata since its last redesign.

See all 78 reviews of the Mazda MX-5 Miata

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2018 MX-5 Miata Highlights

Trim:

Sport

Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee	$25,295
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	29 MPG
Cost to Drive	$150/month
Seating	2 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	4.6 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	rear wheel drive
Warranty	3 years / 36,000 miles

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Safety

Our experts like the MX-5 Miata models:

Blind-Spot Monitoring: Alerts the driver of other vehicles in the Miata's blind spots with indicators mounted on the side mirrors.
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert: Alerts the driver of cars approaching from either side of the Miata's rear bumper when in reverse.
Lane Departure Warning: Warns you when you unintentionally drift out of your lane without activating a turn signal.

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