Pulse Reviews and Analysis
Best Mazda MX-5 Miata Generations (Ranked)
Curated by Kory White · Fractional CRO, CRO SyndicateBest Mazda MX-5 Miata Generations (Ranked)
The Mazda MX-5 Miata is the best-selling two-seat roadster in history and the purest expression of lightweight, affordable fun on four wheels. Across four generations since 1989, it has stayed true to a simple formula: low weight, rear-wheel drive, a snappy manual, and a folding top.
This ranking covers the 10 best MX-5 Miata generations and standout model years to buy used, judged on driving feel, reliability, value, and how well each has aged. Every pick uses real engine specs, generation codes, and current used-value ranges.
Direct Answer
The Best Overall Miata generation is the 4th generation (ND, 2016–present), which combined a featherweight 2,300-lb chassis, a willing 2.0-liter making 181 hp (ND2, 2019-on), sharp steering, and modern safety — clean examples trade for $22,000–$35,000. The Best Value pick is the 1st generation (NA, 1989–1997), the original lightweight icon that defined the breed and still trades for as little as $8,000–$18,000 for a clean example.
Whether you want a future classic, a track-day toy, or a cheap weekend convertible, the generations below cover every budget from $5,000 to $40,000+.
1. 4th Generation (ND, 2016–present) 🏆 BEST OVERALL
Used range: $22,000–$35,000 | Best for: Buyers who want the most complete modern Miata
The ND Miata returned to the original formula after the heavier NC. At roughly 2,300 lb, it is the lightest Miata in years. The early 2.0-liter (ND1) made 155 hp, while the revised 2019 ND2 bumped output to 181 hp at a 7,500-rpm redline.
It pairs a brilliant six-speed manual, near-perfect steering, and an available power hardtop (RF). Modern safety tech, good fuel economy, and Mazda's strong reliability make it the most usable, well-rounded Miata yet.
- ND2 2.0-liter making 181 hp with a 7,500-rpm redline
- Featherweight 2,300-lb chassis and razor-sharp steering
- Slick six-speed manual and available RF hardtop
- Modern safety tech with excellent reliability
Verdict: The most complete used Miata — original lightness, modern power, and the best all-around package in the line.
2. 1st Generation (NA, 1989–1997) 💎 BEST VALUE
Used range: $8,000–$18,000 (clean) / $25,000+ for mint low-mile
Best for: Enthusiasts and collectors who want the original icon
The NA Miata is the car that revived the affordable roadster. Weighing just 2,100 lb, its 1.6-liter (116 hp) and later 1.8-liter (133 hp) engines, pop-up headlights, and telepathic chassis defined lightweight fun. It is endlessly modifiable, cheap to maintain, and rising in collector value — yet clean drivers remain attainable.
Few cars deliver this much joy per dollar.
- Featherweight 2,100-lb chassis with pop-up headlights
- 1.6- and 1.8-liter engines that love to rev
- Endlessly modifiable with a huge aftermarket
- Rising collector value yet still attainable
Verdict: The value pick — the original lightweight icon, cheap to own and appreciating as a future classic.
3. 3rd Generation (NC, 2006–2015)
Used range: $9,000–$18,000 | Best for: Buyers who want a roomier, comfortable used Miata cheaply
The NC Miata is the largest and most comfortable generation, and now the best bargain in the lineup. Its 2.0-liter four makes 158–167 hp, and the optional power-retractable hardtop (PRHT) added year-round usability. While heavier than the NA and ND at around 2,500 lb, it still handles beautifully and offers more cabin room and refinement.
The 2009-plus refresh improved styling and the available six-speed.
- 2.0-liter making up to 167 hp with a willing chassis
- Available power-retractable hardtop for usability
- Roomiest, most comfortable Miata cabin
- The best value of any modern Miata generation
Verdict: The comfort bargain — a roomy, refined Miata for the lowest modern price, especially the 2009-plus cars.
4. 2nd Generation (NB, 1998–2005)
Used range: $7,000–$16,000 | Best for: Buyers who want NA driving feel with more power and a stiffer body
The NB Miata kept the NA's light weight (around 2,300 lb) but dropped the pop-up headlights for fixed units and added a stiffer chassis and a glass rear window. Its 1.8-liter four makes 140–155 hp, and the rare Mazdaspeed MX-5 (2004–2005) added a turbo making 178 hp.
It drives much like the NA but with more refinement and durability, making it a smart, affordable enthusiast buy.
- 1.8-liter making up to 155 hp with NA-like feel
- Stiffer chassis and glass rear window over the NA
- Turbocharged 178-hp Mazdaspeed variant available
- Light weight and strong, proven reliability
Verdict: The enthusiast value pick — NA-style fun with more power, refinement, and a rare turbo option.
5. ND2 RF (2019–present)
Used range: $26,000–$38,000 | Best for: Buyers who want a targa-style hardtop with the latest power
The ND2 RF (Retractable Fastback) adds a power hardtop and fastback styling to the 181-hp 2.0-liter ND platform. The roof folds in about 13 seconds, leaving stylish buttresses, while the cabin stays quieter and more secure than the soft top. It carries a slight weight penalty but delivers a more grand-touring feel without sacrificing the Miata's signature handling, making it the pick for buyers who want refinement and security.
- Power-folding hardtop that operates in about 13 seconds
- 181-hp ND2 engine with the 7,500-rpm redline
- Quieter, more secure cabin than the soft top
- Distinctive fastback styling with grand-touring comfort
Verdict: The hardtop pick — the most refined and stylish ND for buyers who want a secure, quiet roof.
6. NA 1.8 (1994–1997)
Used range: $9,000–$20,000 (clean) | Best for: Purists who want the best of the first generation
The later NA 1.8-liter cars are the most desirable first-gen Miatas. The 1.8-liter makes 133 hp, with a stiffer chassis, larger brakes, and a more robust drivetrain than the early 1.6 cars. Special editions like the M Edition add collector appeal.
These cars combine the pure NA experience with the durability and power buyers want, and clean examples are climbing steadily in value.
- 1.8-liter making 133 hp with stronger internals
- Stiffer chassis and bigger brakes than the 1.6 NA
- Desirable M Edition and special trims
- Pure NA experience with rising collector value
Verdict: The purist's NA pick — the most capable and collectible first-gen Miata for hardcore fans.
7. Mazdaspeed MX-5 (2004–2005)
Used range: $12,000–$25,000 | Best for: Enthusiasts who want a rare, factory-turbo Miata
The Mazdaspeed MX-5 is the only factory-turbocharged Miata. Its turbocharged 1.8-liter makes 178 hp and 166 lb-ft, with a six-speed manual, limited-slip differential, and upgraded suspension. Only about 5,400 were built, making it the rarest and most collectible NB.
It adds genuine punch to the lightweight chassis and has become a sought-after enthusiast car with prices on the rise.
- Factory turbo 1.8-liter making 178 hp and 166 lb-ft
- Six-speed manual and limited-slip differential
- Rare — roughly 5,400 ever built
- Strong and rising collector demand
Verdict: The rare turbo pick — the only factory-boosted Miata, and a future blue-chip collectible.
8. ND1 (2016–2018)
Used range: $18,000–$26,000 | Best for: Buyers who want the modern Miata at a lower price
The ND1 Miata is the most affordable way into the latest generation. Its 2.0-liter makes 155 hp — less than the later ND2 — but it shares the same featherweight chassis, brilliant steering, and slick six-speed manual. For buyers who care more about handling and feel than outright power, the ND1 delivers nearly the whole ND experience for several thousand dollars less.
- Featherweight chassis with razor-sharp steering
- 155-hp 2.0-liter and slick six-speed manual
- Several thousand dollars cheaper than the ND2
- Modern safety and Mazda reliability
Verdict: The modern-Miata bargain — nearly the full ND experience for less, ideal for handling-focused buyers.
9. NC PRHT (2007–2015)
Used range: $11,000–$19,000 | Best for: Buyers who want a folding hardtop on a budget
The NC Power Retractable Hard Top adds a metal folding roof that stows in about 12 seconds without eating trunk space. With the 2.0-liter making 158–167 hp, it offers coupe-like security and quiet with roadster fun. It is the cheapest way to get a folding hardtop Miata, and the comfortable NC cabin makes it a usable daily-driver convertible.
- Power hardtop that folds in about 12 seconds
- 2.0-liter making up to 167 hp
- Coupe-like quiet and security on a budget
- Comfortable, usable daily-driver roadster
Verdict: The budget hardtop pick — the cheapest folding-roof Miata, comfortable and secure for daily use.
10. NB 1.6 / Base (1999–2000)
Used range: $5,000–$10,000 | Best for: First-time roadster buyers on the tightest budget
The early base NB Miata is the cheapest entry into roadster ownership. Some markets offered a 1.6-liter (110 hp) alongside the 1.8, and the simple, light, durable package is easy to maintain and forgiving to drive. It lacks the power and special-edition cachet of pricier picks, but for buyers who just want affordable open-top fun, nothing here costs less.
- Lowest entry price of any Miata generation
- Light, simple, and forgiving to drive
- Cheap, plentiful parts and easy maintenance
- Pure open-top fun for first-time buyers
Verdict: The budget first-roadster pick — the cheapest way into Miata ownership, simple and dependable.
How to Choose
When buying a used Miata, condition and rust matter more than generation. For a modern daily, the ND2 (2019-plus) is the sweet spot of power and reliability; the NC is the best value with more comfort. Collectors should target clean, unmodified NA 1.8 cars and the rare Mazdaspeed MX-5.
Always check for rust on rocker panels and frame rails (especially NA/NB), confirm the soft top and convertible mechanism work, and verify the clutch and synchros are healthy. Mazda's reliability is excellent across the board, so a well-kept example of any generation will be dependable.
FAQ
Which Miata generation is the best to buy? The ND (2016-present), especially the 2019-plus ND2 with 181 hp, is the best all-around choice, combining the original light weight with modern power, safety, and reliability.
What is the best value used Miata? The NA (1989–1997) offers the best value and collector upside at $8,000–$18,000, while the NC (2006–2015) is the cheapest comfortable modern Miata.
Is the Miata reliable? Yes. The MX-5 is one of the most reliable sports cars ever made; the main concerns are rust on older NA/NB cars and worn convertible tops, not mechanical failures.
Which Miata is the most collectible? The NA 1.8 with special editions and the rare Mazdaspeed MX-5 (only about 5,400 built) are the most collectible, with values climbing steadily.
Bottom Line
Across four generations, the ND Miata (2016-present) is our Best Overall used buy — a featherweight, sharp, reliable roadster that recaptured the original spirit, with the 181-hp ND2 as the pick of the litter at $22,000–$35,000. The NA (1989–1997) is our Best Value, the appreciating original icon you can still own affordably.
Bargain hunters should look at the comfortable NC, while collectors should chase clean NA 1.8 cars and the rare Mazdaspeed. Check for rust, confirm the top works, and almost any Miata on this list will deliver the purest, cheapest driving fun in the world.
Sources
- Mazda MX-5 generations and history — Wikipedia
- Car and Driver — Mazda MX-5 Miata reviews and specs
- Edmunds — used Mazda MX-5 Miata pricing and reviews
- Kelley Blue Book (KBB) — Mazda MX-5 used values
- MotorTrend — Mazda Miata history and road tests
- Hagerty — Mazda Miata valuation and buyer's guide
- EPA fuel economy ratings — Mazda MX-5
*Mazda MX-5 Miata generations review — Miata reviews, rating, best Miata generation 2027, and a review of the best Mazda MX-5 Miata model years to buy used.*