2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata Reviews, Pricing & Specs

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$23,110 to $30,925

Original MSRP

--

expert review

4.8

avg user rating

(8 reviews)
2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata Preview summaryImage

The 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata has almost no changes from the 2010 version, but in spite of that, it's in a class of its own. That's not hyperbole: There are no other two-seat roadsters available between $20,000 and $30,000 to U.S. buyers who want an affordable sports car.

As cars have grown in size over the past several decades, so, too, has the MX-5, which weighs around 2,500 pounds and has only a 170-horsepower four-cylinder engine. But its lightness means that its power-to-weight ratio is high enough to make it fun for most drivers, according to reviews of last year's model.

The size of the car stands out, with the tiny 2011 Miata offering scant trunk space and an interior that can seem cozy to average-size adults and tight to those taller than 6 feet. That compact feel enhances handling at speed, with little lean into corners and good brakes. On the other hand, it can tail out a bit easily during spirited driving, a sign of a well-balanced car pushed too hard.

Oh, there is one option you won't be able to check off for the 2011 model: Yellow is no longer available. That means that red, silver, blue, copper red, and black are all still available. Other major options include a paddle-shifted automatic transmission. This cuts power a bit and could deter purists who enjoy one of the better manual gearboxes out there, but it's available and fairly crisp in its own right.

While the interior is snug and comforting, with newly redesigned seats and cupholders, you won't be bringing much along with you in the convertible. There's a scant 5.3 cubic feet of storage, which is enough for a bag of groceries, maybe two.

If you start with the Sport trim, you get 16-inch wheels and the fabric soft top, a six-speaker stereo system with an input for an MP3 player, and power windows and mirrors. The Touring trim adds 1 inch to the diameter of the wheels, remote keyless entry, and a trip computer. You'll also get access to your stereo from the steering wheel and power locks. And the Grand Touring trim caps it with a seven-speaker Bose sound system and automatic climate control. Leather seating is also available.

Keep in mind that at the Grand Touring level, there are leather accents in the interior as well, although the aluminum-look plastic in the lower trim lines doesn't look out of place, according to recent reviews. You also have the option of a retractable hard top for the Touring or Grand Touring trims, which provides a bit more stability and takes less buffeting in the wind.

The 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata offers a two-seat roadster that focuses on one thing: making it fun for two people to be on the road with the top down. It can get a little noisy at top speeds, and its cargo room is cramped, but for just a few thousand dollars more than many midsize sedans to start, it's a great fit for the niche.

CarGurus Editorial Team
Published May 31, 2022 by CarGurus Editorial Team
While we highlight specific author bylines where possible, sometimes our content results from the combined efforts of several members of the CarGurus editorial team. As with all our editorial content, you can expect high levels of automotive insight and expertise delivered in a style that is approachable and free from jargon.

User reviews for 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata

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User rating:
by Louus B
Feb 04, 2022
I’ve only had my 2011 Miata for 5 days, but I am very pleased with it. The acceleration is better and stronger than I was expecting. Steering and handling are exceptional. Engine and exhaust note is satisfying. Entry and exit are challenging, but that’s to be expected in a car that small. Mine happened to come with a lot of extra goodies because it’s a grand touring model so that put some icing on the cake. Finally, it came with a very reasonable price that Car Gurus suggested as a great deal. At this point, I am very pleased with the vehicle, and I very much appreciate all of the excellent information that car gurus provide to help a shopper find the best vehicle at the right price. Feb 04, 2022
by Earnest S
Sep 05, 2021
Excellent drivability and comfort. Great gas mileage and body style.Sep 05, 2021
by Joe H
Aug 20, 2020
Quality car for the money. Nice convertible for a lower price point. Aug 20, 2020

2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata Pricing

Original MSRP
$23,110 to $30,925
Price range
N/A
Average price on CG
N/A
YoY price change
N/A

Trims & specs

Air Conditioning

Single front air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: deactivation switch · Front side airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: mast · Auxiliary audio input: jack · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: Sirius ready · Total Number of Speakers: 6

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 11.4 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 11.0 · Rear brakes: disc

Comfort Features

Door trim: vinyl · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Parking brake trim: urethane · Shift knob trim: urethane · Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Center console: locking · Cupholders: front · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 1 · Power outlet(s): 12V · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel mounted controls: paddle shifter · Storage: door pockets · Vanity mirrors: dual

Drivetrain

Axle ratio: 4.10

Engine

Alternator: 100 amps

Exterior Features

Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Front bumper color: body-color · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear spoiler: lip

Headrests

Front headrests: integrated · Number of front headrests: 2

Instrumentation

Warnings and reminders: low fuel level

Lights

Headlights: Halogen

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: power

Roof

Convertible rear window: glass · Convertible roof: manual

Seatbelts

Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front

Seats

Driver seat manual adjustments: reclining · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat manual adjustments: reclining · Upholstery: cloth

Spare Tire

Kit: tire sealant

Steering

Steering ratio: 15 · Turns lock-to-lock: 2.7

Suspension

Front Shock Type: twin-tube gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: double wishbones · Rear Shock Type: coil over shock · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): front

Tires

Type: summer performance

Tires and Rims

Wheel type: aluminum alloy

Wheels

Wheel spokes: multi-spoke

Windows

Front wipers: intermittent · Power windows: front · Solar-tinted glass: front · Tinted: windshield

Air Conditioning

Single front air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: deactivation switch · Front side airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: mast · Auxiliary audio input: jack · 6 disc in-dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: Sirius ready · Total Number of Speakers: 6

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 11.4 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 11.0 · Rear brakes: disc

Comfort Features

Door trim: vinyl · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Parking brake trim: urethane · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Center console: front console with armrest · Cupholders: front · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 2 · Power outlet(s): 12V · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel mounted controls: paddle shifter · Storage: door pockets · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual

Drivetrain

Axle ratio: 4.10

Engine

Alternator: 100 amps

Exterior Features

Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: chrome surround · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear spoiler: lip

Headrests

Front headrests: integrated · Number of front headrests: 2

Instrumentation

Fuel economy display: MPG · Warnings and reminders: lamp failure

Lights

Headlights: Halogen

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: power

Roof

Convertible rear window: glass · Convertible roof: with wind blocker

Seatbelts

Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front

Seats

Driver seat manual adjustments: reclining · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat manual adjustments: reclining · Upholstery: cloth

Spare Tire

Kit: inflator kit

Steering

Steering ratio: 15 · Turns lock-to-lock: 2.7

Suspension

Front Shock Type: twin-tube gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: double wishbones · Rear Shock Type: twin-tube gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): front

Tires

Type: summer performance

Tires and Rims

Wheel type: aluminum alloy

Wheels

Wheel spokes: multi-spoke

Windows

Front wipers: intermittent · Power windows: front · 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: deactivation switch · Front side airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: mast · Auxiliary audio input: jack · 6 disc in-dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · Premium Brand: Bose · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: Sirius ready · Total Number of Speakers: 7

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 11.4 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 11.0 · Rear brakes: disc

Comfort Features

Door trim: leatherette · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Parking brake trim: leather · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Center console: with lighting · Cupholders: front · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Multi-function remote: trunk release · One-touch windows: 2 · Power outlet(s): 12V · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio · Storage: front seatback · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual

Drivetrain

Axle ratio: 4.10

Engine

Alternator: 100 amps

Exterior Features

Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: chrome surround · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear spoiler: lip

Headrests

Front headrests: integrated · Number of front headrests: 2

Instrumentation

Fuel economy display: MPG · Warnings and reminders: low oil pressure

Lights

Headlights: Xenon

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: power

Roof

Convertible rear window: glass · Convertible roof: manual

Seatbelts

Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front

Seats

Driver seat manual adjustments: reclining · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat manual adjustments: reclining · Upholstery: leather

Spare Tire

Kit: inflator kit

Steering

Steering ratio: 15 · Turns lock-to-lock: 2.7

Suspension

Front Shock Type: twin-tube gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: double wishbones · Rear Shock Type: twin-tube gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): front

Telematics

Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth

Tires

Type: summer performance

Tires and Rims

Wheel type: aluminum alloy

Wheels

Wheel spokes: multi-spoke

Windows

Front wipers: intermittent · Power windows: front · Solar-tinted glass: front · Tinted: windshield

Air Conditioning

Single front air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: deactivation switch · Front side airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: mast · Auxiliary audio input: jack · 6 disc in-dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: Sirius ready · Total Number of Speakers: 7

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 11.4 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 11.0 · Rear brakes: disc

Comfort Features

Armrests: dual front · Door trim: vinyl · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Parking brake trim: urethane · 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): 12V · Power steering: speed-proportional · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel mounted controls: cruise controls · Storage: door pockets · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual

Drivetrain

Axle ratio: 4.10

Engine

Alternator: 100 amps

Exterior Features

Door handle color: chrome · Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: chrome surround · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color

Headrests

Front headrests: integrated · Number of front headrests: 2

Instrumentation

Fuel economy display: MPG · Warnings and reminders: coolant temperature warning

Lights

Headlights: Halogen

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: power

Roof

Convertible rear window: glass · Convertible roof: power retractable hard top

Seatbelts

Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front

Seats

Driver seat manual adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat manual adjustments: reclining · Upholstery: cloth

Spare Tire

Kit: tire sealant

Steering

Steering ratio: 15 · Turns lock-to-lock: 2.7

Suspension

Front Shock Type: twin-tube gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: strut · Rear Shock Type: coil over shock · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): rear

Tires

Type: summer performance

Tires and Rims

Wheel type: aluminum alloy

Wheels

Wheel spokes: multi-spoke

Windows

Front wipers: intermittent · Power windows: front · 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: deactivation switch · Front side airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: mast · Auxiliary audio input: jack · 6 disc in-dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · Premium Brand: Bose · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: Sirius ready · Total Number of Speakers: 7

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 11.4 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 11.0 · Rear brakes: disc

Comfort Features

Armrests: dual front · Door trim: leatherette · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Parking brake trim: leather · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Center console: with lighting · Cupholders: front · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 2 · Power outlet(s): 12V · Power steering: speed-proportional · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel mounted controls: cruise controls · Storage: front seatback · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual

Drivetrain

Axle ratio: 4.10

Engine

Alternator: 100 amps

Exterior Features

Door handle color: chrome · Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: chrome surround · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color

Headrests

Front headrests: integrated · Number of front headrests: 2

Instrumentation

Fuel economy display: MPG · Warnings and reminders: low fuel level

Lights

Headlights: Halogen

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: power

Roof

Convertible rear window: glass · Convertible roof: power retractable hard top

Seatbelts

Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front

Seats

Driver seat manual adjustments: reclining · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat manual adjustments: reclining · Upholstery: leather

Spare Tire

Kit: inflator kit

Steering

Steering ratio: 15 · Turns lock-to-lock: 2.7

Suspension

Front Shock Type: twin-tube gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: strut · Rear Shock Type: coil over shock · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): rear

Telematics

Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth

Tires

Type: summer performance

Tires and Rims

Wheel type: aluminum alloy

Wheels

Wheel spokes: multi-spoke

Windows

Front wipers: intermittent · Power windows: front · 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: deactivation switch · Front side airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: mast · Auxiliary audio input: jack · 6 disc in-dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · Premium Brand: Bose · AM/FM radio · Total Number of Speakers: 7

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 11.4 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 11.0 · Rear brakes: disc

Comfort Features

Armrests: dual front · Door trim: leatherette · Floor Mat 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 · Cupholders: front · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Multi-function remote: trunk release · One-touch windows: 2 · Power outlet(s): 12V · Power steering: speed-proportional · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel mounted controls: cruise controls · Storage: front seatback · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual

Drivetrain

Axle ratio: 4.10 · Limited slip differential: rear

Engine

Alternator: 100 amps

Exterior Features

Door handle color: chrome · Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: chrome surround · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color

Headrests

Front headrests: integrated · Number of front headrests: 2

Instrumentation

Fuel economy display: MPG · Warnings and reminders: low fuel level

Lights

Headlights: HID

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: power

Roof

Convertible rear window: glass · Convertible roof: with wind blocker

Seatbelts

Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front

Seats

Driver seat manual adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat manual adjustments: reclining · Upholstery: leather

Spare Tire

Kit: inflator kit

Steering

Steering ratio: 15 · Turns lock-to-lock: 2.7

Suspension

Front Shock Type: twin-tube gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: strut · Rear Shock Type: coil over shock · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): rear

Telematics

Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth

Tires

Type: summer performance

Tires and Rims

Wheel type: aluminum alloy

Wheels

Wheel spokes: multi-spoke

Windows

Front wipers: intermittent · Power windows: front · Solar-tinted glass: front · Tinted: windshield

See all trims (6)