Cars · Top 10
Best Mazda MX-5 Miata Model Years (Ranked) in 2027
Direct answer
The 2015 Mazda MX-5 Miata (NC) is the best Miata model year, with 1 NHTSA complaint, no recall campaigns and KBB used prices from $12,000. The 2011 comes second with the same 1 complaint and 0 recalls, and the 1999 ranks last with 75 complaints and 3 recalls.
At a glance
| # | Pick | NHTSA complaints | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2015 Mazda MX-5 Miata (NC) | 1 complaint filed with NHTSA for the 2015 MX-5 Miata, the fewest of any year here | Buyers who want the last and cleanest NC, with no recalls and a low price |
| 2 | 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata (NC) | 1 complaint filed with NHTSA for the 2011 MX-5 Miata | Buyers who want an NC with a retractable hard top for less than the price of a 2015 |
| 3 | 2021 Mazda MX-5 Miata (ND) | 1 complaint filed with NHTSA for the 2021 MX-5 Miata | Buyers who want the newest ND with the 181 hp engine and a clean complaint record |
| 4 | 2013 Mazda MX-5 Miata (NC) | 2 complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2013 MX-5 Miata | Buyers who want a late NC with no recalls |
| 5 | 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata (NC) | 3 complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2009 MX-5 Miata | Budget buyers who want an NC at the lowest KBB price of the 2009-2015 group |
| 6 | 2020 Mazda MX-5 Miata (ND) | 3 complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2020 MX-5 Miata | Buyers who want a 181 hp ND for less than the 2021 |
| 7 | 1993 Mazda MX-5 Miata (NA) | 9 complaints filed with NHTSA for the 1993 MX-5 Miata | Buyers who want an early pop-up headlight NA at the lowest price |
| 8 | 1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata (NA) | 11 complaints filed with NHTSA for the 1997 MX-5 Miata | Buyers who want the last and strongest NA |
| 9 | 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata (NB2) | 15 complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2003 MX-5 Miata | Buyers who want the updated NB2 with variable-valve timing |
| 10 | 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata (NB1) | 75 complaints filed with NHTSA for the 1999 MX-5 Miata, the most of any year here | Buyers who want the first NB without pop-up headlights at a low price |
Pick by what you want
Best overall
2015 Mazda MX-5 Miata (NC)
Best newest
2021 Mazda MX-5 Miata (ND)
Cheapest NC
2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata (NC)
Best 181 hp for less
2020 Mazda MX-5 Miata (ND)
Best classic
1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata (NA)
The ranking
1
2015 Mazda MX-5 Miata (NC)
Photo: Calreyn88 / CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Answrs VerdictThe cleanest record.
NHTSA complaints: 1 complaint filed with NHTSA for the 2015 MX-5 Miata, the fewest of any year hereNHTSA recalls: 0 recall campaigns listed by NHTSA for the 2015 MX-5 MiataKBB price: Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price $12,000 for the Sport (originally $24,790) up to $15,800 for the 25th Anniversary Edition (originally $33,000)Power and economy: 167 hp (KBB); 24-25 combined mpgThird generation: The NC was introduced in 2005 and built until 2015; it added the Power Retractable Hard Top (PRHT), and Car and Driver put it on its 10Best list from 2006 to 2013Owner rating: KBB owners rate the third-generation MX-5 Miata 4.9 out of 5 for reliability
The 2015 is the last NC, with 167 hp. NHTSA lists 1 complaint and 0 recall campaigns; KBB prices run from $12,000 to $15,800 for the 25th Anniversary Edition, and owners rate the generation 4.9 out of 5 for reliability.
Go ifBuyers who want the last and cleanest NC, with no recalls and a low price
Skip ifYou want the 181 hp engine, which arrived with the updated ND
Why #1 over #2: It matches the 2011 on complaints (1) and recalls (0) and is the newest NC year with a clean record.
2
2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata (NC)
Photo: IFCAR / Public domain via Wikimedia Commons
Answrs VerdictThe value NC.
NHTSA complaints: 1 complaint filed with NHTSA for the 2011 MX-5 MiataNHTSA recalls: 0 recall campaigns listed by NHTSA for the 2011 MX-5 MiataKBB price: Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price $9,600 for the Sport (originally $24,086) up to $12,000 for the Grand Touring (originally $27,686)Power and economy: 167 hp (KBB); 24-25 combined mpgThird generation: The NC introduced the Power Retractable Hard Top (PRHT), a folding hard top that does not encroach on trunk spaceOwner rating: KBB owners rate the third-generation MX-5 Miata 4.9 out of 5 for reliability
The 2011 NC has the Power Retractable Hard Top option and 167 hp. NHTSA lists 1 complaint and 0 recalls, and KBB prices run from $9,600 to $12,000.
Go ifBuyers who want an NC with a retractable hard top for less than the price of a 2015
Skip ifYou want the newest NC: the 2015 starts at $12,000
Why #2 over #3: It lists 0 recalls versus 1 for the 2021, with the same 1 complaint.
3
2021 Mazda MX-5 Miata (ND)
Photo: Yaktatel / Public domain via Wikimedia Commons
Answrs VerdictThe modern pick.
NHTSA complaints: 1 complaint filed with NHTSA for the 2021 MX-5 MiataNHTSA recalls: 1 recall campaign listed by NHTSA (air bag restraint control module software)KBB price: Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price $22,200 for the Sport (originally $27,775) up to $23,900 for the Grand Touring (originally $32,715)Power and economy: 181 hp (KBB); 29 combined mpgFourth generation: The ND has been built since 2015, added the Retractable Fastback (RF) variant, and gained a 181 hp engine in the 2019 update; it won the 2016 World Car of the Year AwardOwner rating: KBB owners rate the fourth-generation MX-5 Miata 4.8 out of 5 for reliability
The 2021 is the newest year here, an ND with 181 hp and 29 combined mpg. NHTSA lists 1 complaint and 1 recall campaign (air bag control module software); KBB prices run from $22,200 to $23,900.
Go ifBuyers who want the newest ND with the 181 hp engine and a clean complaint record
Skip ifYou want zero recalls or a price under $20,000
Why #3 over #4: It lists 1 complaint versus 2 for the 2013, with the newer 181 hp ND.
4
2013 Mazda MX-5 Miata (NC)
Photo: Calreyn88 / CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Answrs VerdictThe steady NC.
NHTSA complaints: 2 complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2013 MX-5 MiataNHTSA recalls: 0 recall campaigns listed by NHTSA for the 2013 MX-5 MiataKBB price: Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price $12,550 for the Sport (originally $25,595) up to $13,900 for the Grand Touring (originally $28,145)Power and economy: 167 hp (KBB); 24-25 combined mpgThird generation: The NC was built from 2005 to 2015 and Car and Driver named it to its 10Best list from 2006 to 2013Owner rating: KBB owners rate the third-generation MX-5 Miata 4.9 out of 5 for reliability
The 2013 NC lists 2 NHTSA complaints and 0 recall campaigns. KBB prices run from $12,550 to $13,900, and the NC made Car and Driver 10Best from 2006 to 2013.
Go ifBuyers who want a late NC with no recalls
Skip ifYou want the fewest complaints: the 2015 and 2011 list 1
Why #4 over #5: It lists 2 complaints versus 3 for the 2009, with the same 0 recalls.
5
2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata (NC)
Photo: IFCAR / Public domain via Wikimedia Commons
Answrs VerdictThe cheap NC.
NHTSA complaints: 3 complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2009 MX-5 MiataNHTSA recalls: 0 recall campaigns listed by NHTSA for the 2009 MX-5 MiataKBB price: Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price $6,500 for the SV (originally $22,420) up to $11,500 for the Grand Touring (originally $27,020)Power and economy: 167 hp (KBB); 24 combined mpgThird generation: The NC took design cues from the 2003 Mazda Ibuki concept car and won the 2005-2006 Car of the Year Japan AwardOwner rating: KBB owners rate the third-generation MX-5 Miata 4.9 out of 5 for reliability
The 2009 NC lists 3 NHTSA complaints and 0 recall campaigns. KBB prices run from $6,500 for the SV to $11,500 for the Grand Touring, and owners rate the generation 4.9 out of 5 for reliability.
Go ifBudget buyers who want an NC at the lowest KBB price of the 2009-2015 group
Skip ifYou want fewer complaints: the 2013 lists 2
Why #5 over #6: It lists 0 recalls versus 1 for the 2020, with the same 3 complaints.
6
2020 Mazda MX-5 Miata (ND)
Photo: Johannes Maximilian / CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Answrs VerdictThe cheaper ND.
NHTSA complaints: 3 complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2020 MX-5 MiataNHTSA recalls: 1 recall campaign listed by NHTSA (air bag restraint control module software)KBB price: Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price $18,900 for the Sport (originally $27,525) up to $24,300 for the Club (originally $31,235)Power and economy: 181 hp (KBB); 29 combined mpgFourth generation: The 2019 update raised the engine to 135 kW (181 hp) and added a dual-mass flywheel on manual cars; KBB also lists a 100th Anniversary Special Edition for 2020Owner rating: KBB owners rate the fourth-generation MX-5 Miata 4.8 out of 5 for reliability
The 2020 is an ND with the 2019 update to 181 hp. NHTSA lists 3 complaints and 1 recall campaign; KBB prices run from $18,900 to $24,300 for the Club.
Go ifBuyers who want a 181 hp ND for less than the 2021
Skip ifYou want the fewest complaints: the 2021 lists 1
Why #6 over #7: It lists 3 complaints versus 9 for the 1993, with 181 hp versus 116 hp.
7
1993 Mazda MX-5 Miata (NA)
Photo: free photos & art / CC BY 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Answrs VerdictThe classic NA.
NHTSA complaints: 9 complaints filed with NHTSA for the 1993 MX-5 MiataNHTSA recalls: 2 recall campaigns listed by NHTSA (exterior lighting; unspecified)KBB price: KBB lists a current resale value of $4,709 and a trade-in value of $2,993; the original MSRP could not be confirmedPower and economy: 116 hp (KBB); 23 combined mpgFirst generation: The NA debuted with a 1.6-litre four making 116 horsepower and pop-up headlights; a 1.8-litre became standard in most markets in late 1993Owner rating: KBB owners rate the 1990-1997 MX-5 Miata 4.8 out of 5 overall and the 1993 4.9 for reliability
The 1993 is an early NA with 116 hp and pop-up headlights. NHTSA lists 9 complaints and 2 recall campaigns; KBB lists a resale value of $4,709, and the original MSRP could not be confirmed.
Go ifBuyers who want an early pop-up headlight NA at the lowest price
Skip ifYou want modern safety or power: the 1993 has 116 hp
Why #7 over #8: It lists 9 complaints versus 11 for the 1997, although the 1997 has fewer recalls.
8
1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata (NA)
Photo: Ethan Llamas / CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Answrs VerdictThe last NA.
NHTSA complaints: 11 complaints filed with NHTSA for the 1997 MX-5 MiataNHTSA recalls: 1 recall campaign listed by NHTSA (exterior lighting)KBB price: KBB lists a current resale value of $4,717 and a trade-in value of $3,660; the original MSRP could not be confirmedPower and economy: 133 hp (KBB); 22 combined mpgFirst generation: The NA was built from 1989 to 1997 and sold 228,961 unitsOwner rating: KBB owners rate the 1990-1997 MX-5 Miata 4.8 out of 5 overall and the 1997 4.9 for reliability
The 1997 is the last NA, with 133 hp and 22 combined mpg. NHTSA lists 11 complaints and 1 recall campaign for exterior lighting; KBB lists a resale value of $4,717.
Go ifBuyers who want the last and strongest NA
Skip ifYou want fewer complaints: the 1993 lists 9
Why #8 over #9: It lists 11 complaints versus 15 for the 2003, and both list 1 recall.
9
2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata (NB2)
Photo: Elise240SX / CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Answrs VerdictThe updated NB.
NHTSA complaints: 15 complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2003 MX-5 MiataNHTSA recalls: 1 recall campaign listed by NHTSA (fog lights)KBB price: Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price $6,975 for the Club Sport (originally $20,000) up to $8,175 for the SE (originally $26,550)Power and economy: 142 hp (KBB); 25 combined mpgNB2 update: In 2001 Mazda changed the front and rear styling and added variable-valve timing to the 1.8-litre, making 142 hp; updated cars are known as NB2Owner rating: KBB owners rate the 1999-2005 MX-5 Miata 4.8 out of 5 overall and the 2003 4.9 for reliability
The 2003 is an NB2 with 142 hp from the 2001 update. NHTSA lists 15 complaints and 1 recall campaign for the fog lights; KBB prices run from $6,975 to $8,175.
Go ifBuyers who want the updated NB2 with variable-valve timing
Skip ifYou want fewer complaints: the 1997 lists 11
Why #9 over #10: It lists 15 complaints versus 75 for the 1999, with 1 recall versus 3.
10
1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata (NB1)
Photo: Tysto / Public domain via Wikimedia Commons
Answrs VerdictThe first NB.
NHTSA complaints: 75 complaints filed with NHTSA for the 1999 MX-5 Miata, the most of any year hereNHTSA recalls: 3 recall campaigns listed by NHTSA (exterior lighting; fuel filler pipe and cap; front underhood wiring)KBB price: KBB lists a current resale value of $4,785 and a trade-in value of $3,697; the original MSRP could not be confirmedPower and economy: 140 hp (KBB); 23-24 combined mpgSecond generation: The NB was unveiled in 1997 and sold for the 1999 model year; Mazda dropped the retractable headlamps for pedestrian safety testing and added a six-speed manual optionOwner rating: KBB owners rate the 1999-2005 MX-5 Miata 4.8 out of 5 overall and the 1999 4.9 for reliability
The 1999 is the first NB, with 140 hp and fixed headlights. NHTSA lists 75 complaints, the most of any year here, and 3 recall campaigns; KBB lists a resale value of $4,785.
Go ifBuyers who want the first NB without pop-up headlights at a low price
Skip ifYou want few recalls or complaints: NHTSA lists 3 recalls and 75 complaints
How we ranked these
We ranked Miata model years by what they give a used buyer today: NHTSA owner complaint and recall counts first, then Kelley Blue Book used prices against the original MSRP, engine output and KBB owner reliability ratings. The Miata has four generations: the NA (1989-1997) with pop-up headlights, the NB (1998-2005) with fixed headlights, the NC (2005-2015) that introduced the retractable hard top, and the ND (2015-present) with the Retractable Fastback. Counts were read from the NHTSA API and prices from KBB when we checked, and prices change weekly. NHTSA files older Miatas under several model names, so we used the one that returned the count. Newer years have had less time to collect complaints, and KBB shows resale values, not Fair Purchase Prices, for the 1993, 1997 and 1999. For other open-top cars, see /cars/best-roadsters-2027/. Facts are taken from each maker's own published information; check the official site before you buy.
Questions people ask
What is the best Mazda Miata model year?
By NHTSA records, the 2015 MX-5 Miata (NC): 1 owner complaint and no recall campaigns, with KBB Fair Purchase Prices from $12,000. The 2011 matches it at 1 complaint and 0 recalls from $9,600.
What are the four Miata generations?
The NA ran from 1989 to 1997 with pop-up headlights, the NB from 1998 to 2005, the NC from 2005 to 2015 (it introduced the Power Retractable Hard Top) and the ND has been built since 2015, with a Retractable Fastback variant and 181 hp after the 2019 update.
How much is a used Mazda Miata?
Kelley Blue Book lists a 2009 from $6,500, a 2011 from $9,600, a 2015 from $12,000, a 2020 from $18,900 and a 2021 from $22,200; the 1993, 1997 and 1999 list resale values near $4,700.
Is the Mazda Miata reliable?
KBB owners rate the third-generation MX-5 Miata 4.9 out of 5 for reliability and the fourth generation 4.8, and NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for the 2009, 2011, 2013 or 2015 model years.
Lowest KBB Fair Purchase Price by model year (USD, as listed) at a glance
2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata (NC)6,500 USD
2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata (NB2)6,975 USD
2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata (NC)9,600 USD
2015 Mazda MX-5 Miata (NC)12,000 USD
2013 Mazda MX-5 Miata (NC)12,550 USD
2020 Mazda MX-5 Miata (ND)18,900 USD
2021 Mazda MX-5 Miata (ND)22,200 USD
Official sites
- 2015 Mazda MX-5 Miata (NC) · kbb.com
- 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata (NC) · kbb.com
- 2021 Mazda MX-5 Miata (ND) · kbb.com
- 2013 Mazda MX-5 Miata (NC) · kbb.com
- 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata (NC) · kbb.com
- 2020 Mazda MX-5 Miata (ND) · kbb.com
- 1993 Mazda MX-5 Miata (NA) · kbb.com
- 1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata (NA) · kbb.com
- 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata (NB2) · kbb.com
- 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata (NB1) · kbb.com
Sources
- en.wikipedia.org
- api.nhtsa.gov
- api.nhtsa.gov
- api.nhtsa.gov
- api.nhtsa.gov
- api.nhtsa.gov
- api.nhtsa.gov
- api.nhtsa.gov
- api.nhtsa.gov
- api.nhtsa.gov
- api.nhtsa.gov
- api.nhtsa.gov
- api.nhtsa.gov
- api.nhtsa.gov
- api.nhtsa.gov
- api.nhtsa.gov
- api.nhtsa.gov
- api.nhtsa.gov
- api.nhtsa.gov
- api.nhtsa.gov
- api.nhtsa.gov
Prices, specs and availability change; confirm on the official site before you buy.