Top 10 Best Mazda MX-5 Miata Models of All Time

It’s a bit hard to believe that 26 years ago, no one really knew what a Mazda Miata was.

With its immense success over the past two and a half decades, it’s hard to remember a world PM (pre-Miata). With lightweight, lightning reflexes and a fun factor that can’t be measured in this or most worlds, the Mazda MX-5 Miata redefined what an affordable sports car should be.

Lasting over 30 years a low volume sports car is no small feat. To keep the thrill alive, many great Miatas have rolled out of the factory during its history. Some you may be fond of, but others you might not have even realized were ever built. Here is our list of the top 10 best Mazda MX-5 Miata models of all time. This was a hard one to put together, so feel free to share your favorite MX-5 model variants with us in the comments below.

In 2007 the third generation MX-5 Miata received a new feature not offered on any previous version of the car. A three-piece, power folding retractable hard top convertible roof could now be ordered from the factory. Although it did add weight to the car, it also added a new level of all-weather capability and practicality that couldn’t be matched by the older car’s one piece removable hardtop that required two people to remove and couldn’t be brought along for a drive.

In 2001, the second generation Mazda MX-5 Miata received a mid-cycle refresh that gave the car a more aggressive appearance. Many consider this sub-generation the best looking Miata of all time. Available in the 2001 model was a six-speed manual transmission and limited-slip differential.

Power was once again up for the 1.8-liter engine, now making 143 HP total for North America. Unfortunately, Mazda quoted the overseas power output of 155 HP initially which lead to a lot of apologies and an offer to buy the car back off of customers.

We’d be re-missed to not include the car that started it all on this list. In 1990 the Mazda MX-5 Miata burst on the scene as a two seat roadster weighing just over 2,000 lbs. Even if the small 1.6-liter engine only made 116 HP, the car’s chassis was designed to exploit every last pony.

Responsive and properly balanced, a novice driver could easily drive the MX-5 near its limit. With weight so low, the suspension didn’t have to be overly stiff either which had a side benefit of a comfortable ride.

Weighing 2,345 lbs. the latest MX-5 continues the proud Miata tradition of exploiting every one of its 181 HP from the 2.0-liter engine. The drivetrain is so responsive in fact, that instrument testing has proven it to be the fastest Miata of all time. Even faster than the car residing at number one on this list.

Great steering, amazing grip and the best transmission yet in any MX-5, the “ND” MX-5 delivers. So why is it only in second place? Well, we’ve saved a somewhat rare, special edition Miata for our number one slot. Hint: it’s the only factory Miata with forced induction.

With a 1.8-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine making 178 HP and 166 lb-ft. of torque, the 2004-2005 Mazdaspeed MX-5 Miata was a significant upgrade power-wise over regular Miata's at the time. But claiming the Mazdaspeed as the best Miata of all time based on power alone wouldn’t make much sense as the MX-5 has never been about outright power.

What made the Mazdaspeed so special was that it’s a complete package. It came with a whack of chassis and suspension upgrades that included Bilstien shocks, beefier springs, wider tires, thicker anti-roll bars and a strut tower brace. To let passersby know this car was something special, the exterior also received upgrades include a tasteful skirt package, 17-inch wheels and a rear spoiler.

Although the new 2021+ MX-5 Miata is faster, there’s something undeniably cool about a second generation Miata with a factory turbo engine and all the upgrades to match. Almost 20 years later, it’s still the coolest MX-5 Miata ever produced.