Does Mazda Still Make The Miata? | Roadster’s Enduring Spirit

Yes, Mazda absolutely still makes the Miata, carrying on its legacy with the current ND generation, delighting drivers with its pure roadster experience.

That’s a question I hear often in the shop, and it always brings a smile to my face. It shows how much the Miata has meant to so many drivers over the years, and it’s a testament to its enduring appeal.

For decades, this little roadster has been a beacon of driving enjoyment, proving that you don’t need excessive horsepower to have a blast behind the wheel. It’s truly a special machine that connects you directly to the road.

Does Mazda Still Make The Miata? The ND Generation Thrives

You bet they do! The Mazda MX-5 Miata is alive and well, currently in its fourth generation, known internally as the ND. This current iteration launched for the 2016 model year and has continued to evolve and refine the Miata formula.

The Miata’s story began back in 1989 with the NA generation, instantly capturing hearts with its pop-up headlights and agile handling. It proved that a lightweight, simple sports car could be incredibly rewarding.

Each subsequent generation, the NB (1998-2005) and NC (2005-2015), built upon that foundation, always staying true to the original concept. The ND generation brought modern technology and design while preserving the car’s core character.

It’s a car designed for drivers who cherish the open air, precise steering, and a direct connection to the road. Mazda has carefully maintained the Miata’s spirit through all these generations.

The ND Miata continues to earn accolades for its driving purity and accessible performance. It remains a top choice for enthusiasts looking for an unfiltered sports car experience.

What Makes the Current Miata Tick? Engine & Performance

Under the hood of the current Miata, you’ll find Mazda’s excellent Skyactiv-G 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine. This powerplant is a gem, specifically tuned for the Miata’s lightweight chassis.

It delivers a punchy 181 horsepower and 151 lb-ft of torque, which might not sound like much on paper. However, when you consider the Miata’s featherlight curb weight, it’s more than enough to provide spirited acceleration.

The engine loves to rev, pulling smoothly all the way to its 7,500 RPM redline. This allows you to really stretch its legs, especially with the manual transmission.

Mazda offers two transmission options: a slick-shifting six-speed manual and a responsive six-speed automatic. Most enthusiasts gravitate towards the manual for its engaging feel.

The manual gearbox is renowned for its short, precise throws, making every gear change a satisfying experience. It truly feels like an extension of the driver.

ND Miata Engine Specifications (2024 Model Year)

Feature	Specification
Engine Type	SKYACTIV-G 2.0L I4
Horsepower	181 hp @ 7,000 rpm
Torque	151 lb-ft @ 4,000 rpm
Redline	7,500 rpm
Fuel Economy (Manual)	26 City / 34 Highway MPG

The EPA estimates for fuel economy are quite respectable for a sports car, demonstrating Mazda’s engineering prowess. You get plenty of fun without constantly stopping at the pump.

The Miata’s Driving Dynamics: Why It’s Still a Driver’s Car

The true magic of the Miata lies in its driving dynamics, which are meticulously crafted. Mazda’s “Jinba Ittai” philosophy – rider and horse as one – is evident in every aspect of its design.

The car features near-perfect 50/50 weight distribution, which is crucial for balanced handling. This balance allows the Miata to feel incredibly neutral when cornering.

Its low center of gravity further enhances stability and responsiveness. The car simply feels planted and predictable on the road.

The suspension setup, with double wishbones up front and a multi-link rear, provides excellent road holding without being overly harsh. It soaks up bumps while keeping the tires firmly connected.

The steering is light, direct, and communicative, relaying precisely what the front wheels are doing. You feel every nuance of the road surface through the wheel.

Braking performance is equally impressive, offering strong stopping power and a firm pedal feel. The Miata inspires confidence when you need to slow down quickly.

Safety is also a priority, with the Miata earning good ratings from the NHTSA. Standard safety features include advanced airbags, a rearview camera, and blind-spot monitoring on most trims.

The car’s compact dimensions make it easy to maneuver in tight spaces and park. It’s a joy to drive whether you’re on a winding back road or navigating city streets.

Miata Trim Levels and Features: Finding Your Perfect Roadster

Mazda offers the Miata in several trim levels, each building on the last to provide varying levels of comfort and performance. You can choose between a classic soft top or the more refined Retractable Fastback (RF).

The soft top offers the purest open-air experience, with a roof that can be manually operated in seconds. The RF provides a power-retractable hardtop, giving it a coupe-like silhouette when closed.

Let’s look at some of the key trim levels available:

• Sport: This is the entry point, offering the essential Miata experience. It includes 16-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights, and a 7-inch infotainment display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
• Club: Stepping up to the Club trim adds a sportier edge. It comes with 17-inch black alloy wheels, a limited-slip differential (LSD) on manual models, and Bilstein shock absorbers for enhanced handling.
• Grand Touring: The Grand Touring trim focuses on comfort and premium features. It includes leather-trimmed seats, automatic climate control, navigation, and a Bose premium audio system.

Each trim level offers a distinct flavor of the Miata, allowing drivers to tailor the car to their preferences. The choice between soft top and RF also significantly impacts the car’s character.

Even with its small stature, the Miata offers enough trunk space for a weekend getaway. It’s surprisingly practical for a dedicated sports car.

ND Miata Trim Level Highlights (2024 Model Year)

Trim Level	Key Performance Features	Key Comfort/Tech Features
Sport	16-inch alloy wheels, LED lights	7-inch display, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto
Club	LSD (manual), Bilstein shocks, 17-inch wheels	Bose audio, heated seats (optional)
Grand Touring	Adaptive front-lighting, Traffic Sign Recognition	Leather seats, navigation, automatic climate control

The Grand Touring trim also often includes advanced driver-assistance systems. These modern features enhance safety and convenience without diluting the driving fun.

Owning a Miata: Maintenance, Reliability, and Longevity

From a mechanic’s perspective, the Mazda Miata is generally a very reliable vehicle. Mazda has a strong reputation for building dependable cars, and the Miata is no exception.

Routine maintenance is straightforward and typically affordable. Keeping up with oil changes, tire rotations, and brake inspections will ensure your Miata runs well for years.

Mazda recommends using synthetic oil, and following the factory service schedule is always a good practice. This helps maintain engine longevity and efficiency.

Common wear items like tires and brake pads are readily available and reasonably priced. The Miata’s light weight also means less stress on these components compared to heavier cars.

The Miata’s simple, robust design contributes to its long-term durability. Many older Miatas are still on the road, a testament to their build quality.

Regarding fuel, the 2.0-liter engine is designed to run on regular unleaded gasoline. While premium fuel won’t harm it, it’s not required to achieve the advertised performance or efficiency.

The Miata also holds its value remarkably well, often retaining a higher percentage of its original price than many other vehicles. This makes it a smart purchase in the long run.

It’s a car that rewards careful ownership with years of trouble-free enjoyment. Just like any vehicle, consistent care makes all the difference.

Does Mazda Still Make The Miata? — FAQs

Is the Mazda Miata a reliable car?

Yes, the Mazda Miata is known for its excellent reliability. Mazda consistently ranks high in consumer satisfaction and dependability surveys, and the Miata benefits from this solid engineering. Its relatively simple design and robust components contribute to its long-term durability. Regular maintenance helps ensure a trouble-free ownership experience for many years.

What is the main difference between the Miata soft top and the RF?

The primary difference lies in the roof mechanism and styling. The soft top features a manually operated fabric roof that folds down quickly and easily behind the seats for a traditional roadster feel. The RF (Retractable Fastback) has a power-retractable hardtop that transforms the car into a sleek coupe when closed, offering better sound insulation and security. Both offer open-air driving, but with distinct characters.

Is the Miata a good car for daily driving?

The Miata can certainly be a good daily driver, especially for those who prioritize driving enjoyment and don’t need extensive passenger or cargo space. Its compact size makes it agile in traffic and easy to park, while its fuel efficiency is a bonus. However, its firm ride and limited storage might not suit everyone’s daily commute, depending on personal needs and expectations.

What kind of fuel does a Mazda Miata take?

The Mazda Miata with its 2.0-liter Skyactiv-G engine is designed to run on regular unleaded gasoline. While some sports cars require premium fuel, the Miata does not. Using regular 87 octane fuel will provide the advertised horsepower and fuel economy figures. There’s no performance benefit from using higher octane fuel in this specific engine.

How much does a new Mazda Miata typically cost?

The price of a new Mazda Miata varies depending on the trim level, transmission choice, and whether it’s a soft top or RF model. Entry-level Sport soft top models typically start in the mid-$20,000 range. Higher trims like the Club or Grand Touring, especially the RF versions, can push the price into the low to mid-$30,000 range. Options and destination fees will also affect the final price.