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2018 Mazda MX-5 Miata Reviews, Pricing & Specs
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The Mazda MX-5 Miata was an instant hit as soon as it hit the market in 1990, combining the classic British roadster layout with Japanese reliability. Now in its fourth generation, it enters 2018 with minimal updates.
The MX-5 comes in two basic flavors. Soft Top is a full convertible version, aptly named because of its manually-folding cloth top, which comes in either black or a new Dark Cherry Color. RF was introduced last year and features an electronic top that folds away electronically in just 13 seconds beneath the sleek rear cowl. Otherwise, both versions are the same. There’s room for two and their luggage.
There’s one engine for the MX-5 across the range, and it’s a 2.0-liter inline 4-cylinder unit that produces 155 horsepower and 148 pound-feet of torque. These numbers won’t set anyone’s heart on fire compared to even a four-cylinder Chevrolet Camaro, but the MX-5 is all about doing more with less. Plus, since the curb weight is just over 2,400 pounds for the lightest models and the best of Mazda’s SKYACTIV weight-saving technology, that’s actually a lot of power per pound. Naturally, the MX-5 comes only in rear-wheel drive configuration. A 6-speed manual is standard while a 6-speed automatic is an optional upgrade. Fuel economy is 26 city mpg, 35 highway, and 29 combined for the automatic or 26, 33, and 29 for the manual.
Sport is the base trim for the MX-5. It comes standard with 16-inch alloy wheels, high-performance tires, LED headlights, keyless access and start, a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, Bluetooth audio, USB and auxiliary jacks, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, shift knob and parking brake handle, and a 6-speaker audio system with AM, FM, and CD. Sport is solely available with the Soft Top option.
Club can be had in Soft Top or RF guise, and it adds a sportier suspension with 17-inch gunmetal wheels, Bilstein shocks, a shock tower brace, a limited-slip differential, LED daytime running lights, a front air dam, a rear lip spoiler, XM radio, a 9-speaker Bose audio system, 2 USB audio inputs, and heated seats.
Lastly, Grand Touring also comes in both body styles. It carries dark-silver 17-inch alloy wheels, automatic headlights, an auto-dimming driver’s side mirror, automatic climate control, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, leather upholstery, navigation, and an alarm.
As far as safety, the MX-5 gets dual front and side airbags, plus curtain airbags for the RF body style, and a reversing camera. Club tacks on blind spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert, while Grand Touring tops things off with lane departure warning, automatic high beams, and adaptive front lighting. As this is a driver’s car, adaptive cruise control is absent in any guise. The MX-5 has not been crash-tested by any major agency.
The Mazda MX-5 Miata has never been better, from its svelte interpretation of Mazda’s current design standards to its capable and lightweight frame, to the still-new RF option. For a car with modern conveniences and safety features in the spirit of the original sports cars, you’d be hard-pressed to do better.
Published May 31, 2022 by Kyree Rollerson
User reviews for 2018 Mazda MX-5 Miata
Write a reviewUser rating:
by Bill W
Feb 16, 2022
Incredibly fun to drive. If youre over 6 foot tall it might be a bit cramped. Doesnt have a ton of power but it has enough get-up and go to be enjoyable. 33 mpg so its competitive with other combustion engines.Feb 16, 2022
by Dave R
Jul 13, 2021
Fun car to drive. Good mpg, it isnt an every day driver and it does need premium fuel. The trunk is small but it would carry a few duffle bags for a long trip. The manual tranny is tight, fast shifting and a short throw. It was just what I was looking for and it is all I expected it to be.Jul 13, 2021
by Dave A
Jul 04, 2021
This is a very fun car that rewards drivers with a great road experience. Quick, nimble and fuel frugal,Jul 04, 2021
User rating:
by Bill W
Feb 16, 2022
Incredibly fun to drive. If youre over 6 foot tall it might be a bit cramped. Doesnt have a ton of power but it has enough get-up and go to be enjoyable. 33 mpg so its competitive with other combustion engines.Feb 16, 2022
by Dave R
Jul 13, 2021
Fun car to drive. Good mpg, it isnt an every day driver and it does need premium fuel. The trunk is small but it would carry a few duffle bags for a long trip. The manual tranny is tight, fast shifting and a short throw. It was just what I was looking for and it is all I expected it to be.Jul 13, 2021
by Dave A
Jul 04, 2021
This is a very fun car that rewards drivers with a great road experience. Quick, nimble and fuel frugal,Jul 04, 2021
by Zachary Z
Nov 16, 2020
The definitive entry level sports car. Would more power be nice? Sure. Is this car still more fun to drive than others with twice the horsepower? Absolutely.Nov 16, 2020
by Sean E
Sep 13, 2020
Oh my GOSH what a nice, fun, quality vehicle! Smiles per mile baby. Miata is always the answer. Zoom Zoom! 10/10 full stop.Sep 13, 2020
by Ashish K
Jun 03, 2020
Love this car. Fun to drive. Did research and find reliable. Jun 03, 2020
by Douglas W
Mar 24, 2020
The GT model has everything you need for touring. Heated seats, lane departure warning, navigation, self leveling LED headlights. It is my daily driver and I have no regrets getting a RF GT.
I was between the MX-5 RF GT and the Toyota 86. 86 is definitely more practical when it comes to storage and cabin comfort. But it is nowhere as fun or good looking.Mar 24, 2020
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2018 Mazda MX-5 Miata Pricing
Original MSRP
$25,295 to $32,750Price range
$20,467 to $22,053Average price on CG
$20,467YoY price change
$21,551 to $20,467Trims & specs
Air Conditioning
Single front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Side airbags: front with head protection chambers
Audio System
Antenna Type: mast · Voice recognition audio system · Bluetooth auxiliary audio input · Single disc in-Dash CD · Aha internet radio · Pandora internet radio · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio · Total Number of Speakers: 6
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Front brake diameter: 11.0 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 11.0 · Rear brakes: disc
Comfort Features
Door trim: vinyl · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Parking brake trim: leather · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cupholders: front · Multi-function remote: keyless entry with panic alarm · One-touch windows: 2 · Power outlet(s): USB front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable · Steering wheel mounted controls: phone · Storage: bin · Vanity mirrors: dual
Driver Seat
Manual adjustments: 6
Drivetrain
Axle ratio: 3.45
Engine
Alternator: 100 amps · Battery: maintenance-free
Exterior Features
Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: metallic · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: black · Mirror color: black · Rear bumper color: body-color · Window trim: black
Headrests
Front headrests: integrated · Number of front headrests: 2
In Car Entertainment
Infotainment: Mazda Connect · Infotainment screen size: 7 in.
Instrumentation
Fuel economy display: range · Instrument cluster screen size: 4.6 in. · Warnings and reminders: maintenance reminder
Lights
Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Headlights: LED · Tail and brake lights: LED
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power · Inside rearview mirror: manual day/night
Passenger Seat
Manual Adjustments: 4
Roof
Convertible rear window: glass · Convertible roof: with wind blocker
Safety
Crumple zones: rear · Impact sensor: alert system
Seatbelts
Emergency locking retractors: front · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger
Seats
Driver seat manual adjustments: reclining · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat manual adjustments: reclining · Upholstery: cloth
Security
Power door locks: anti-lockout
Spare Tire
Kit: inflator kit
Steering
Steering ratio: 15.5 · Turns lock-to-lock: 2.7
Suspension
Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: double wishbones · Front shock type: monotube · Rear Shock Type: coil over shock · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Rear shock type: monotube · Stabilizer bar(s): rear
Telematics
Driver assistance app: roadside assistance · Electronic messaging assistance: with read function · Phone: voice activated · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth
Tires
Type: summer performance
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Windows
Front wipers: variable intermittent · Power windows: with safety reverse · Solar-tinted glass: front · Tinted: windshield
Air Conditioning
Single front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Side airbags: front with head protection chambers
Audio System
Antenna Type: diversity · Voice recognition audio system · Auxiliary audio input: jack · Single disc in-Dash CD · Aha internet radio · Stitcher internet radio · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · Premium Brand: Bose · HD radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · 1 subwoofer · Total Number of Speakers: 8
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Front brake diameter: 11.0 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 11.0 · Rear brakes: disc
Comfort Features
Center console trim: leatherette · Door trim: leatherette · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Parking brake trim: leather · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cupholders: front · Multi-function remote: proximity entry system · One-touch windows: 2 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable · Steering wheel mounted controls: phone · Storage: bin · Vanity mirrors: dual
Driver Seat
Manual adjustments: 6
Drivetrain
Axle ratio: 2.87 · Limited slip differential: rear
Engine
Alternator: 100 amps · Battery: maintenance-free
Exterior Features
Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: metallic · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: black · Mirror color: black · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear spoiler: lip · Rear spoiler color: black · Window trim: black
Headrests
Front headrests: integrated · Number of front headrests: 2
In Car Entertainment
Infotainment: Mazda Connect · Infotainment screen size: 7 in.
Instrumentation
Fuel economy display: range · Instrument cluster screen size: 4.6 in. · Warnings and reminders: maintenance reminder
Lights
Daytime running lights: LED · Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Headlights: LED · Tail and brake lights: LED
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: manual folding · Inside rearview mirror: manual day/night
Passenger Seat
Manual Adjustments: 4
Roof
Convertible rear window: glass · Convertible roof: soft top
Safety
Cross Traffic Alert: rear · Crumple zones: front · Impact sensor: alert system
Seatbelts
Emergency locking retractors: front · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger
Seats
Driver seat manual adjustments: reclining · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat manual adjustments: reclining · Upholstery: contrast stitching
Security
Power door locks: anti-lockout
Spare Tire
Kit: tire sealant
Steering
Steering ratio: 15.5 · Turns lock-to-lock: 2.7
Suspension
Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: double wishbones · Front shock type: monotube · Rear Shock Type: coil over shock · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Rear shock type: monotube · Stabilizer bar(s): front
Telematics
Driver assistance app: roadside assistance · Electronic messaging assistance: with read function · Phone: voice activated · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth
Tires
Type: summer performance
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Windows
Front wipers: variable intermittent · Power windows: with safety reverse · Solar-tinted glass: front · Tinted: windshield
Air Conditioning
Sun sensor climate control front air conditioning · Single front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: diversity · Voice recognition audio system · Auxiliary audio input: iPod/iPhone integration · Single disc in-Dash CD · Aha internet radio · Stitcher internet radio · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · Premium Brand: Bose · HD radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · 1 subwoofer · Total Number of Speakers: 8
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Front brake diameter: 11.0 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 11.0 · Rear brakes: disc
Comfort Features
Center console trim: leatherette · Door trim: leatherette · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Parking brake trim: leather · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Center console: locking · Cupholders: front · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Multi-function remote: proximity entry system · One-touch windows: 2 · Power outlet(s): USB front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable · Steering wheel mounted controls: paddle shifter · Storage: bin · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual
Driver Seat
Manual adjustments: 6
Drivetrain
Axle ratio: 2.87
Engine
Alternator: 100 amps · Battery: maintenance-free
Exterior Features
Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: metallic · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: black · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Window trim: black
Headrests
Front headrests: integrated · Number of front headrests: 2
In Car Entertainment
Infotainment: Mazda Connect · Infotainment screen size: 7 in.
Instrumentation
Fuel economy display: MPG · Instrument cluster screen size: 4.6 in. · Warnings and reminders: lamp failure
Lights
Daytime running lights: LED · Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Headlights: LED · Tail and brake lights: LED
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: manual folding
Passenger Seat
Manual Adjustments: 4
Roof
Convertible rear window: glass · Convertible roof: with wind blocker
Safety
Cross Traffic Alert: rear · Crumple zones: front · Impact sensor: post-collision safety system
Seatbelts
Emergency locking retractors: front · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger
Seats
Driver seat manual adjustments: reclining · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat manual adjustments: reclining · Upholstery: leather-trimmed
Security
Power door locks: anti-lockout
Spare Tire
Kit: tire sealant
Steering
Steering ratio: 15.5 · Turns lock-to-lock: 2.7
Suspension
Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: double wishbones · Front shock type: monotube · Rear Shock Type: coil over shock · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Rear shock type: monotube · Stabilizer bar(s): front
Telematics
Driver assistance app: roadside assistance · Electronic messaging assistance: with read function · Navigation system: with voice recognition · Phone: voice activated · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth
Tires
Type: summer performance
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Windows
Front wipers: variable intermittent · Power windows: with safety reverse · Solar-tinted glass: front · Tinted: windshield
Air Conditioning
Single front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Side airbags: front with head protection chambers
Audio System
Antenna Type: mast · Voice recognition audio system · Auxiliary audio input: iPod/iPhone integration · Single disc in-Dash CD · Aha internet radio · Pandora internet radio · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · Premium Brand: Bose · HD radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · 1 subwoofer · Total Number of Speakers: 8
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Front brake diameter: 11.0 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 11.0 · Rear brakes: disc
Comfort Features
Center console trim: leatherette · Door trim: leatherette · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Parking brake trim: leather · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cupholders: front · Multi-function remote: proximity entry system · One-touch windows: 2 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable · Steering wheel mounted controls: paddle shifter · Storage: bin · Vanity mirrors: dual
Driver Seat
Manual adjustments: 6
Drivetrain
Axle ratio: 2.87 · Limited slip differential: rear
Engine
Alternator: 100 amps · Battery: maintenance-free
Exterior Features
Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: metallic · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: black · Mirror color: black · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear spoiler: lip · Rear spoiler color: black · Window trim: black
Headrests
Front headrests: integrated · Number of front headrests: 2
In Car Entertainment
Infotainment: Mazda Connect · Infotainment screen size: 7 in.
Instrumentation
Fuel economy display: MPG · Instrument cluster screen size: 4.6 in. · Warnings and reminders: maintenance reminder
Lights
Daytime running lights: LED · Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Headlights: auto delay off · Tail and brake lights: LED
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: manual folding · Inside rearview mirror: manual day/night
Passenger Seat
Manual Adjustments: 4
Roof
Convertible rear window: glass · Convertible roof: with wind blocker
Safety
Cross Traffic Alert: rear · Crumple zones: rear · Impact sensor: alert system
Seatbelts
Emergency locking retractors: front · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger
Seats
Driver seat manual adjustments: reclining · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat manual adjustments: reclining · Upholstery: contrast stitching
Security
Power door locks: anti-lockout
Spare Tire
Kit: inflator kit
Steering
Steering ratio: 15.5 · Turns lock-to-lock: 2.7
Suspension
Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: strut · Front shock type: monotube · Rear Shock Type: coil over shock · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Rear shock type: monotube · Stabilizer bar(s): front
Telematics
Driver assistance app: roadside assistance · Electronic messaging assistance: with read function · Phone: voice activated · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth
Tires
Type: summer performance
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Windows
Front wipers: variable intermittent · Power windows: with safety reverse · Solar-tinted glass: front · Tinted: windshield
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Single front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Side airbags: front with head protection chambers
Audio System
Antenna Type: diversity · Voice recognition audio system · Bluetooth auxiliary audio input · Single disc in-Dash CD · Aha internet radio · Stitcher internet radio · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · Premium Brand: Bose · Touch screen display radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · 1 subwoofer · Total Number of Speakers: 8
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Front brake diameter: 11.0 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 11.0 · Rear brakes: disc
Comfort Features
Center console trim: leatherette · Door trim: leatherette · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Parking brake trim: leather · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Center console: locking · Cupholders: front · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Multi-function remote: trunk release · One-touch windows: 2 · Power outlet(s): USB front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable · Steering wheel mounted controls: cruise controls · Storage: bin · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual
Driver Seat
Manual adjustments: 6
Drivetrain
Axle ratio: 3.45
Engine
Alternator: 100 amps · Battery: maintenance-free
Exterior Features
Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: metallic · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: black · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Window trim: black
Headrests
Front headrests: integrated · Number of front headrests: 2
In Car Entertainment
Infotainment: Mazda Connect · Infotainment screen size: 7 in.
Instrumentation
Fuel economy display: MPG · Instrument cluster screen size: 4.6 in. · Warnings and reminders: maintenance reminder
Lights
Daytime running lights: LED · Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Headlights: auto delay off · Tail and brake lights: LED
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Passenger Seat
Manual Adjustments: 4
Roof
Convertible rear window: glass · Convertible roof: power retractable hard top
Safety
Cross Traffic Alert: rear · Crumple zones: rear · Impact sensor: post-collision safety system
Seatbelts
Emergency locking retractors: front · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger
Seats
Driver seat manual adjustments: reclining · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat manual adjustments: reclining · Upholstery: leather-trimmed
Security
Power door locks: anti-lockout
Spare Tire
Kit: tire sealant
Steering
Steering ratio: 15.5 · Turns lock-to-lock: 2.7
Suspension
Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: double wishbones · Front shock type: monotube · Rear Shock Type: coil over shock · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Rear shock type: monotube · Stabilizer bar(s): rear
Telematics
Driver assistance app: roadside assistance · Electronic messaging assistance: with read function · Navigation system: touch screen display · Phone: voice activated · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth
Tires
Type: summer performance
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Windows
Front wipers: variable intermittent · Power windows: with safety reverse · Solar-tinted glass: front · Tinted: windshield