Used 2015 MAZDA MX-5 Miata

2015 marks the 25th anniversary of the Mazda MX-5 Miata, and though it has matured over the years to offer features like a retractable hardtop, its simple formula continues to work its magic. The Miata’s potion for emotion goes like this: Start with a 2-seat roadster body that boasts the best handling this side of a go kart, add a zippy engine and rear-wheel drive, give it an attainable price, then let it set you free. Tradeoffs for its grin-inducing manners include limited cargo space and an absence of the latest technology as this 3rd-generation Miata nears the end of its lifecycle. Those factors may deter casual commuters, but driving purists will relish what remains the most thrilling roadster for the money.

The oft-used comparison is true: The 2015 Mazda Miata indeed feels like a go kart for adults. That means razor-sharp handling, a peppy but not overpowering 4-cylinder engine, and the rear-drive setup of a traditional sports car. Just try not to grin while throwing the Miata around a corner. Then there’s that manual transmission. Available as a 5- or 6-speed, it is among the best in the business, regardless of price. Yes, an automatic is available, but real thrills in a Miata involve three pedals and flicks of its short-throw shifter. Downsides of the Miata’s performance-mindedness include a stiff suspension and a buzzy cabin that even hardtop models can’t entirely tame. This roadster may not be your first choice for a cross-country trek, but on a winding road or for an open-air cruise down the coast, few cars stir the soul like a Mazda Miata.

The Miata’s cockpit offers seating for two and just a modicum of storage space. Optimists will refer to it as snug, but there’s no denying that it can be tight for larger occupants. But those who fit – and even the taller among us can – will be rewarded with supportive seats eager to embrace you as memories are made. At 5.3 cubic feet, trunk space is also at a premium, but large enough to hold several bags of groceries. Dials and buttons for audio and climate functions are easy to see, reach and use. The MX-5 lacks features like a navigation system and USB input.

As a modern take on a classic roadster shape, the 2015 MX-5 Miata has a long (for its size) hood, a round and tidy rear, and a squat stance. Among the biggest differentiators between models is in regard to the roof. Standard models have a cloth soft-top you must fold and unfold manually, while the Power Retractable Hard Top has just what its name entails. Both fold snugly into the rear deck without affecting trunk space. On hardtop models, the roof is black in Club models (which can provide a nice contrast) or the same color as the body on Grand Touring trims.

POWER RETRACTABLE HARD TOP
In addition to offering better insulation and security than a fabric roof, Miatas with the power-operated hardtop are essentially two cars in one: a sleek coupe with the roof up, or a sun-ready convertible with it down.

CALL IT THE AUTOMOTIVE APPENDAGE
Spend time in a Miata, and it will soon feel like an extension of your very self. Few cars have this gift, and those that do often begin with the word "Porsche." For much less money, Mazda’s little roadster has the uncanny ability to be your automotive appendage.

Spend the least on a base 2015 Mazda MX-5 Miata Sport and you’ll get a cloth soft top with a glass rear window, 16-inch wheels, cloth seats, and basic creature comforts like air conditioning, power windows and a 6-speaker AM/FM/CD player with auxiliary input. Stepping up to the Club trim brings features such as cruise control, keyless entry and 17-inch wheels. Top-line Grand Touring models add a Bose premium audio system and heated leather seats. Safety features include front and side airbags, and stability and traction control. Exclusive 25th-anniversary models include almond leather seats, satin chrome accents, and a custom Tourneau watch.

Most upgrades for the 2015 Mazda MX-5 Miata, such as larger wheels, leather interior and automatic climate control, come by climbing trim levels. Other amenities are bundled into packages, including Bluetooth hands-free phone connectivity, satellite radio, bright xenon headlights, and an anti-theft alarm. An appearance package adds a front air dam and rear underskirt, while the suspension package includes a sport-tuned suspension, Bilstein shock absorbers and limited-slip differential (both of those packages are included on Club models). Included in Grand Touring trim and optional on others is an in-dash 6-disc CD changer.

The 2015 MX-5 Miata features just one engine choice: a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder that makes 167 horsepower with a manual transmission and slightly less (158) with an automatic. This power isn’t tremendous, but it doesn’t need to be. Considering the MX-5 only weighs around 2,500 pounds, this peppy engine is eager to make the Miata squirt around traffic and cruise comfortably at highway speeds. We’ve already waxed poetic about the superb manual transmission, but if you do opt for the 6-speed automatic, know that it does a fine job overall. Fuel economy tops out at 28 mpg, which may seem low for such a small and light car. We expect the forthcoming next-gen Miata to surpass that number with a new engine.

2.0-liter inline-4
167 horsepower @ 7,000 rpm (manual)
158 horsepower @ 6,700 rpm (automatic)
140 lb-ft of torque @ 5,000 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 22/28 mpg (5-speed manual), 21/28 mpg (6-speed manual), 21/28 mpg (automatic)