Mazda MX-5 Miata Generations
Each Mazda MX-5 Miata generation, representing the timeframe between each MX-5 Miata redesign, is listed below. Use this list to see which is the most reliable and safest MX-5 Miata generation based on iSeeCars' data-driven ratings.
In the market for a slightly used Mazda MX-5 Miata, but wondering if it offers the latest design enhancements? iSeeCars' team of automotive experts and data scientists compiled the most accurate and comprehensive history of the Mazda MX-5 Miata's redesign schedule, showing which model year an all-new "vehicle generation" debuted. When a vehicle is redesigned it benefits from the latest design and engineering enhancements, which impacts performance, fuel efficiency, safety, and reliability. iSeeCars' data shows that, on average, newer generations of a model are more powerful, fuel efficient, and reliable than older generations, but not all models follow this pattern. Use the information below to track changes in the Mazda MX-5 Miata and its engine power, fuel efficiency, safety, and iSeeCars' Reliability Ratings across model years/generations. iSeeCars' objective and data-driven Reliability Rating is based on a rigorous analysis of over 312 million vehicles, to calculate each vehicle model's useful lifespan and its ability to last 200,000 miles or more.
The Mazda MX-5 Miata is a subcompact convertible last redesigned in 2016. The latest generation is powered by a 2.0L engine that makes 181 hp and delivers up to 34 mpg. A new Mazda MX-5 Miata has a starting MSRP of $28,985.
The previous Mazda MX-5 Miata generation is a subcompact convertible produced from 2006 to 2015. This generation is powered by a 2.0L engine that makes 167 hp and delivers up to 28 mpg. Used car pricing for this generation ranges from $6,994 to $21,989.
In the market for a slightly used Mazda MX-5 Miata, but wondering if it offers the latest design enhancements? iSeeCars' team of automotive experts and data scientists compiled the most accurate and comprehensive history of the Mazda MX-5 Miata's redesign schedule, showing which model year an all-new "vehicle generation" debuted. When a vehicle is redesigned it benefits from the latest design and engineering enhancements, which impacts performance, fuel efficiency, safety, and reliability. iSeeCars' data shows that, on average, newer generations of a model are more powerful, fuel efficient, and reliable than older generations, but not all models follow this pattern. Use the information below to track changes in the Mazda MX-5 Miata and its engine power, fuel efficiency, safety, and iSeeCars' Reliability Ratings across model years/generations. iSeeCars' objective and data-driven Reliability Rating is based on a rigorous analysis of over 312 million vehicles, to calculate each vehicle model's useful lifespan and its ability to last 200,000 miles or more.
The Mazda MX-5 Miata is a subcompact convertible last redesigned in 2016. The latest generation is powered by a 2.0L engine that makes 181 hp and delivers up to 34 mpg. A new Mazda MX-5 Miata has a starting MSRP of $28,985.
The previous Mazda MX-5 Miata generation is a subcompact convertible produced from 2006 to 2015. This generation is powered by a 2.0L engine that makes 167 hp and delivers up to 28 mpg. Used car pricing for this generation ranges from $6,994 to $21,989.
iSeeCars Generations Rankings are calculated based on an analysis of data from over 12 million cars that assesses how long each vehicle generation lasts, along with safety data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Association.
See how we rank these cars- Reliability 8.6 / 10
- Safety Not Available
iSeeCars Generations Rankings are calculated based on an analysis of data from over 12 million cars that assesses how long each vehicle generation lasts, along with safety data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Association.
See how we rank these cars- Reliability 7.8 / 10
- Safety Not Available
iSeeCars Generations Rankings are calculated based on an analysis of data from over 12 million cars that assesses how long each vehicle generation lasts, along with safety data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Association.
See how we rank these cars- Reliability 7.3 / 10
- Safety Not Available
iSeeCars Generations Rankings are calculated based on an analysis of data from over 12 million cars that assesses how long each vehicle generation lasts, along with safety data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Association.
See how we rank these cars- Reliability Coming soon
- Safety Not Available
Other Model Generations
Our methodology
iSeeCars Generations Rating is calculated based on the latest research from our data science team.
The iSeeCars Generations Rating is an analysis of two factors: reliability and safety. It is calculated for each model generation based on the analysis of over 312 million cars using a proprietary mathematical model that estimated the probability that each vehicle would survive to various mileage thresholds. This survival model was used to calculate the average lifespan of each vehicle generation, which forms the basis of the reliability score. The safety score is based on NHTSA safety ratings.
Vehicles are scored in two categories:
Reliability
The reliability score represents an analysis of iSeeCars' proprietary research on the longest-lasting vehicles.
Safety
The safety score is calculated based on the last five years of crash test ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and incorporates the latest Top Safety Pick information from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).