2013 Mazda MX-5 Miata Reviews, Pricing & Specs

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$23,720 to $29,250

Original MSRP

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expert review

4.2

avg user rating

(6 reviews)
2013 Mazda MX-5 Miata Preview summaryImage

The Mazda MX-5 Miata 2-seat roadster, which receives some minor updating for 2013, continues to offer an affordable, sporty driving experience that helps put it in a class almost by itself. While there are plenty of pricier, faster and better-equipped roadsters available today, the MX-5 Miata demonstrates that a car doesn't have to be super-expensive to be fun. Even though it's deep into its current generation, the MX-5 Miata routinely ranks near the top of the sports car class and still draws raves from critics for its ideal balance, precise handling, nimble ride and peppy performance. Car and Driver, for instance, recently named the 2013 Miata to its 10 Best Cars list for the eighth year in a row, and Autobytel recently named the Miata a Top 10 Sports Car.

Although observers expect an all-new MX-5 Miata in 2014, Mazda delivers an updated version for 2013, with a new, larger 5-point front mesh grille, as well as a new chin spoiler and updated front foglight design. The automaker also adds a new Dolphin Gray Mica exterior color, which replaces Metropolitan Gray Mica. In addition, Mazda replaces the outgoing mid-level Touring trim with a new Club trim, which comes with an upgraded sport-tuned suspension and a number of unique exterior features that give it a sportier appearance.

The entry-level Sport trim comes standard with a black Z-fold vinyl soft top, while the new Club trim gets a black Z-fold cloth soft top. The top-of-the-line Grand Touring trim also receives a cloth soft top in either black or Spicy Mocha, designed to match the interior color. In addition, owners can add a power-retractable hard top on the Club and Grand Touring trims. At the touch of a button, it opens or closes in 12 seconds.

Halogen headlights and foglights now come standard on all trims, although owners can add optional HID headlights to the Grand Touring trim. Power side mirrors, a glass rear window and chrome-tipped dual exhaust pipes are among the MX-5 Miata's other standard exterior features. In addition, all trims receive a new "pedestrian friendly" hood for 2013, which features redesigned hinges at the rear of the hood, allowing it to raise and shift back in the event of a collision with a pedestrian to reduce injuries.

The new Club trim displays a number of unique exterior features, including a black front air dam, a rear diffuser, black side mirrors, lower side graphics and 17-inch alloy wheels with gunmetal finish. The Sport trim rides on 16-inch aluminum-alloy wheels, while the Grand Touring gets 17-inch aluminum-alloy wheels.

Power for all 2013 MX-5 Miata trims continues to come from a 2.0-liter engine, which produces 167 hp at 7,000 rpm and 140 lb-ft of torque. For the Sport trim, the engine links to a standard 5-speed manual transmission with overdrive and a short-throw shifter. The Club and Grand Touring trims get a 6-speed manual shifter, which comes standard. For all trims, owners can opt for an available 6-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters for manual gear shifting. However, the automatic shaves off a few ponies, dropping horsepower to 158 at 6,700 rpm. Mileage checks in at 22/28 mpg with the 5-speed manual and 21/28 with both 6-speed transmissions. The engine drives the Miata through the rear wheels, providing a true sports-car experience.

Although some reviewers match the MX-5 Miata up against bigger, badder sport-oriented cruisers like the Ford Mustang, the Chevy Camaro, the Dodge Challenger and the Nissan 370Z, as well as the more comparably sized MINI Cooper, its most direct competitor is the new 4-passenger, rear-wheel-drive Subaru BRZ. Most testers agree the the BRZ delivers a little more pop and offers more interior space than the Miata, but they also agree that the Miata nevertheless provides a smooth, agile ride that's perfect for cruising around town with the top down. Acceleration remains good but not overly impressive, but the Miata glides over the road and handles tight corners with ease. Shifts with the manual transmission are quick and precise, and the well-tuned suspension keeps road harshness to a minimum. Add in good gas mileage for the class, and the Miata excels performance-wise on all fronts.

However, some say the MX-5 Miata wasn't designed for long-distance trips, due to its tight cabin. Hip room and headroom remain tight in the front seats, and the trunk offers a miniscule 5.3 cubic feet of storage space. Similarly, passengers will find few storage spaces inside the cabin. This makes it tricky to pack for long trips. In addition, some testers note that visibility out the back is limited with the top up.

Most agree that the MX-5 Miata comes relatively well-equipped for its size. All trims get standard air conditioning, a leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls, a padded center console and power windows and door locks. Cloth upholstery comes standard on the Sport trim, while the Club and Grand Touring trims receive black cloth seats with red stitching. The driver's seat on all trims features 6-way adjustment, while the passenger seat adjusts 4 ways. The Club trim adds remote keyless entry, a leather-wrapped shift knob and a trip computer, while the Grand Touring also includes leather upholstery, heated seats, an auto-dimming rear-view mirror and a leather-wrapped parking brake.

The Sport and Club trims come equipped with a 6-speaker AM/FM audio system with a CD/MP3 player and an auxiliary input jack. The Grand Touring upgrades to a 7-speaker Bose audio system. Bluetooth and a keyless start system are among the options for the Grand Touring, while owners can add SiriusXM satellite radio and a 6-CD changer at all trim levels. Standard safety features include front airbags, side-impact airbags, Dynamic Stability Control, traction control and antilock brakes with electronic brakeforce distribution and brake assist.

Published May 31, 2022 by Rob Feeman

User reviews for 2013 Mazda MX-5 Miata

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User rating:
by Steve P
Oct 05, 2021
Super fun. The retractable hard top is convenient. Oct 05, 2021
by David L
Jan 29, 2021
Ive owned each generation so far of the Miata and wanted to give the NC another shot because my first was an automatic NC1, which is not a fair comparison to the others I had, which were manual . This one is an NC2 manual, and I must say the improvements over the NC1 that I recall are worth it. I havent had it long, but so far Im glad I switched from the ND1 to the NC2. I can see the design similarities, but the NC2 seems to have heavier, and hopefully stronger, versions of the same parts on the underside. I prefer the NC 6 speed over the ND1 so far. To me the NC is a refined version of the NA while the ND is a refinement of the NB - I preferred the NA over the NB, and that is probably why I prefer the NC . All Miatas are special, but I love the NC2 best so far.Jan 29, 2021
by Jesus R
Jan 19, 2021
Vehicle was listed at price for an impeccable vehicle, but the data shows it was in an accident with frame damage. Priced WAY too high.Jan 19, 2021

2013 Mazda MX-5 Miata Pricing

Original MSRP
$23,720 to $29,250
Price range
$15,731 to $15,948
Average price on CG
$15,948
YoY price change
$15,747 to $15,948

Trims & specs

Air Conditioning

Single front air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · 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 · 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: 2 · Power outlet(s): 12V · Power steering: speed-proportional · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio · Storage: front seatback · 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: black with chrome accents · Headlamp bezel color: chrome · 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: lamp failure

Lights

Headlights: Halogen

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: power · Inside rearview mirror: manual day/night

Roof

Convertible rear window: glass · Convertible roof: manual

Seatbelts

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

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): front

Tires

Type: summer performance

Tires and Rims

Wheel type: aluminum alloy

Wheels

Wheel spokes: multi-spoke

Windows

Front wipers: intermittent · Solar-tinted glass: 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: mast · Auxiliary audio input: jack · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio · 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: locking · Cupholders: front · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 2 · Power outlet(s): 12V · Power steering: speed-proportional · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable · Steering wheel mounted controls: paddle shifter · Storage: front seatback · Vanity mirrors: dual

Drivetrain

Axle ratio: 4.10 · Limited slip differential: rear

Engine

Alternator: 100 amps

Exterior Features

Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: black with chrome accents · Headlamp bezel color: black · Mirror color: black · Rear bumper color: body-color

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 · Inside rearview mirror: manual day/night

Roof

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

Seatbelts

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

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 · Solar-tinted glass: front

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: 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

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: locking · Cupholders: front · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 2 · Power outlet(s): 12V · Power steering: speed-proportional · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable · 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: black with chrome accents · Headlamp bezel color: chrome · 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: 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 · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger

Seats

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

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: 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 · Solar-tinted glass: 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: mast · Auxiliary audio input: jack · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio · 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: locking · Cupholders: front · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 2 · Power outlet(s): 12V · Power steering: speed-proportional · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable · Steering wheel mounted controls: cruise controls · Storage: front seatback · Vanity mirrors: dual

Drivetrain

Axle ratio: 4.10 · Limited slip differential: rear

Engine

Alternator: 100 amps

Exterior Features

Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: black with chrome accents · Headlamp bezel color: black · Mirror color: black · Rear bumper color: body-color

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 · Inside rearview mirror: manual day/night

Roof

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

Seatbelts

Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger

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: twin-tube gas shock absorbers · 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 · Solar-tinted glass: front

Air Conditioning

Automatic 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: 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

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 with panic alarm · One-touch windows: 2 · Power outlet(s): 12V · Power steering: speed-proportional · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio · 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: black with chrome accents · Headlamp bezel color: chrome · 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: with wind blocker

Seatbelts

Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger

Seats

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

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: 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 · Solar-tinted glass: front

See all trims (5)