1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata Reviews, Pricing & Specs
Overview
The 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata received a few tweaks to improve its emissions and enable it to meet federal side-impact standards, which were...
The 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata received a few tweaks to improve its emissions and enable it to meet federal side-impact standards, which were required for the 1997 model year vehicles. As a result, the '96 MX-5 Miata was slightly heavier and slightly more powerful than earlier editions, with its 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine producing 133 horsepower, up 5 horsepower. A five-speed manual was the standard transmission, while a four-speed automatic was optional. The MX-5 Miata was available in a Base model, as well as an upscale M Edition. Standard features for the Base model included a manually operated soft top, power brakes, a driver's-side airbag, remote fuel and trunk releases, and 14-inch wheels. Options included a removable hardtop, air conditioning, power windows, anti-lock brakes, cruise control, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, aluminum alloy wheels, and leather seats. The M Edition received such upgrades as air conditioning, power windows, anti-lock brakes, and leather seats, as well as special interior and exterior colors. Generally, drivers reported having very few problems with the MX-5 Miata, and noted that it was a fun car to drive, as well as a good value. Styling, build quality, and responsive handling were also cited as positive factors, while its lack of storage space was among the negatives.
What owners say
"Overall, owners of the 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata celebrate its fun driving experience and responsive handling. Many appreciate its reliability and manageable maintenance costs. However, some drivers note that its acceleration might feel mediocre and that it's not the most spacious option available."
I absolutely LOVE this car. I love it so much that I have two of them (the other is my husband's 1990.) She handles well, runs like a dream, and has needed little to no maintenance. I average about 28-29 MPG in the city and 30-32 MPG on the hwy. It's a very fun car to drive! The only downside is that it's SO low to the ground sometimes it takes some effort to get out of the car. :)
August 20, 2008Performance ~ stock 4 cylinder manual tranny with quick acceleration and braking Build Quality ~ Built to last Appearance ~ Not a big fan of the pop up lights, but several mods are available for this. Cost of Ownership ~ Averages 30mpg and requires little maintenance to run perfectly Fun Factor ~ Definitely!
September 28, 2010The performance in my car has been modified and it runs quite well compared to stock. The build quality on the car is quite good and it makes for easy quick mods that can really spruce up the fun level that it provides. The cars appearance reminds some of early '60s British roadsters, but to me it looks like a really small 4cyl convertible. Cost of ownership is extremely low, and even a car like mine that has been pretty seriously modified still hasn't given me an extra expenses over standard random maintenance. All Miatas are quite fun to drive, and with another 100hp, they are even more fun.
July 7, 2010What owners say
I absolutely LOVE this car. I love it so much that I have two of them (the other is my husband's 1990.) She handles well, runs like a dream, and has needed little to no maintenance. I average about 28-29 MPG in the city and 30-32 MPG on the hwy. It's a very fun car to drive! The only downside is that it's SO low to the ground sometimes it takes some effort to get out of the car. :)
August 20, 2008Performance ~ stock 4 cylinder manual tranny with quick acceleration and braking Build Quality ~ Built to last Appearance ~ Not a big fan of the pop up lights, but several mods are available for this. Cost of Ownership ~ Averages 30mpg and requires little maintenance to run perfectly Fun Factor ~ Definitely!
September 28, 2010The performance in my car has been modified and it runs quite well compared to stock. The build quality on the car is quite good and it makes for easy quick mods that can really spruce up the fun level that it provides. The cars appearance reminds some of early '60s British roadsters, but to me it looks like a really small 4cyl convertible. Cost of ownership is extremely low, and even a car like mine that has been pretty seriously modified still hasn't given me an extra expenses over standard random maintenance. All Miatas are quite fun to drive, and with another 100hp, they are even more fun.
July 7, 2010If you can find a M edition at a low price do not pass it up. Miata's handle like a dream. Great on gas. Cheap and easy to work on. For such a small car everything under the hood was easy to get to.
June 6, 2010Fun car to drive, especially in the summer. Mediocre acceleration but amazing handling and braking. Drifter.
January 4, 2008This thing is a shifter cart on steroids. Compared to a Pontiac Solstice, this thing has a ton of storage space. The engine in this thing seems indestructible. I run full synthetic oil in it but it has thrown the accessory drive belts three times resulting overheating. It still runs and turns over smooth as if it was new.
October 13, 2013Light, small wheelbase allows for a quick and nible, easy to corner vehicle, never has major problems, only common problems are the weather striping around the door. Both interior and exterior are amazingly designed and cost of maintnance is really cheap. Best feature of the car is the fun factor, i have never met a person who owned a miata and said "when you drive a miata, you experience a drive that no other person who will understand unless you have driven one with no limits".
April 7, 2012It may not be the fastest, it may not be the largest, it may not be the roomiest or spacious, it may not be exclusive, it may not be flashy, it may not have enough cup holders, but you can be for damn sure, it's the best car I've ever owned. I will never give it up!
June 25, 2008I drove a 1992 Miata for 10 years, did most of the maintenance and lots of mods, carpet, woodgrain dash, well, about %3,000 worth but I never regretted a penny. I dont believe you can go wrong with a Miata. Of course some need work so YMMV but it is a very fun car! I will own another one day.
July 9, 2022Overall the car is great its fun to drive and handles great. The performance is pretty good besides the lack of power but it makes up for some of it in its handling of corners. It looks great for a 96 and gets great gas mileage.
June 27, 2012Trims & specs
Base MSRP $25,210 | Seating 2 |
Engine N/A | Cargo Capacity N/A |
Combined MPG N/A | Drivetrain N/A |
Base MSRP $18,900 | Seating 2 |
Engine N/A | Cargo Capacity N/A |
Combined MPG N/A | Drivetrain N/A |
