Skip to main content

Used 1990 Mazda MX-5 Miata Consumer Reviews

4.9 out of 5 stars
75 reviews

See Edmunds pricing data

Has Your Car's Value Changed?

Used car values are constantly changing. Edmunds lets you track your vehicle's value over time so you can decide when to sell or trade in.

Price history graph example

Trending topics in reviews

Pros
Cons
4.5 out of 5 stars

A Great Car with one potential problem

rbarrwest, 04/04/2014
1990 Mazda MX-5 Miata 2dr Convertible
23 of 23 people found this review helpful

A great car!!!! I have had mine since December of 1989 and have 115,000 miles on it. But as my wife points out, it's hell when your mid-life crisis car is 24 years old! There is one problem to watch out for if you buy a '90. Some of them have the infamous crankshaft problem. It usually appears after the timing belt has been replaced and additional miles put on the car. Mine appeared at about 95000 miles. The problem has to do with the design of the crankshaft nose, keyway, cam drive sprocket and pulley bolt. The key was designed too short. For a good discussion of this problem see www.miata.net/garage/crankshaft.html. I had to replace the engine with one from a '92.

Report Abuse

5 out of 5 stars

Love love love this car

pawprintboxers, 10/01/2014
updated 04/01/2016
1990 Mazda MX-5 Miata 2dr Convertible
14 of 14 people found this review helpful

I bought my 1990 just 2 years ago. It was an early Christmas present to myself. I had admired the Miatas but just never bought one. Believe me I am making up for lost time. Excellent commuter car, great gas mileage, easy to park, zips all over, looks fabulous and I always have a smile on my face. I gave it new rims and a new top. I have only had to replace a few minor parts that 25 years dictated needing to be replaced. But nothing major at all. This is the little car that next quits. I am in love !! Update: I sold my 1990 after 3 years to another Miata lover. I bought a 2008 Miata. Love the Mazda cars but just wanted a bit more power items. The 1990 was FUN car but it got hard to commute with a stick shift. Now I have an automatic but still get the zoom zoom fun.

Safety
3 out of 5 stars
Technology
3 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Interior
5 out of 5 stars
Comfort
3 out of 5 stars
Reliability
5 out of 5 stars
Value
5 out of 5 stars
Report Abuse
1990 Mazda MX-5 Miata for sale near you
Showing 3 of 12 listings
See all 12 listings

4.63 out of 5 stars

Miata is the best damn car I have ever owned

my90miata, 04/14/2011
1990 Mazda MX-5 Miata 2dr Convertible
19 of 21 people found this review helpful

Bought this car with 182,000 on it and I have never looked back. What a great car. Not real fast but has plenty of giddyup and the handling is awesome. Very inexpensive to fix because there are so many still on the road. I live in Florida and the top is down on a daily basis. Got some wear on the top, but still not a lot out of the wallet to replace. It's like a go-cart on the highway. Fantabulous! :-)

Report Abuse

5 out of 5 stars

The Mazda Miata: THE Best Car Ever Built

JC-MX5, 11/14/2010
1990 Mazda MX-5 Miata 2dr Convertible
13 of 14 people found this review helpful

Since buying my 1990 Miata, I've been nothing short of satisfied. This fun, 2-door rag top is great from every angle and will leave a smile on your face long after you've stopped driving. It's reliable, fuel efficient (Mine sips to the tune of 36 mpg highway) and the most fun you can have in a car for the least amount of money spent. I recommend it to everyone, literally. I have yet to find a fault in my Miata and I don't expect to any time soon. After 20 years and 90k miles, she still has as much bite as the day she was born.

Report Abuse

5 out of 5 stars

THE LITTLE THAT WILL NEVER DIE

Patrick McDowell, 03/18/2010
1990 Mazda MX-5 Miata 2dr Convertible
17 of 19 people found this review helpful

I bought this car in '91. It was a new 1990 demo. This has been the most fun to drive car I have ever owned. I had Corvettes, 240Z's-300ZX's, Porsche, Benz galore....The only car even to come close was an old Afla Romeo Duetto. No, it is not the fastest..thought I did easily outrun an 82 Corvette and an 84 Regal turbo (not much of a speedster, haha) but the car is quick, not brutally fast. I could basically buy any car I wanted but speed is not the point with this car. It is just a "PURE" car. It is nimble, light, quick and easy to see out of and easy to park...I got 32 mpg on the highway and about 22 around town. If you do not love driving this car then you have may have problems!

Report Abuse
4.38 out of 5 stars

1990 Miata

Micah Berry, 12/02/2002
1990 Mazda MX-5 Miata 2dr Convertible
5 of 5 people found this review helpful

My dad bought this car new in late 1989 during "Miata mania." Car ran like a champ. Great handling car. I bought the car from him with 44K miles. At 60,500, performance decreased noticably. Turns out that I need a new crankshaft. The car has been maintained by J. R. Mills at North Point Mazda in Little Rock for anything above an oil or air filter change. Mazda had a customer assistance program for 90-91 model cars with this problem; however, that is not the case anymore as I was rudely informed by Mazda, Inc. Other than the crankshaft, the crank sensor went at about 30K miles. It uses no oil, and is a blast to drive.

Report Abuse
3.75 out of 5 stars

nice tic-tac

chevegan, 02/26/2004
1990 Mazda MX-5 Miata 2dr Convertible
5 of 5 people found this review helpful

This is my wifes little tic tac, as she lovingly refers to it. Bought it from some guy who had just changed the engine since the crank went out. Very common 1990 problem, however engines are PLENTIFUL especially through japan. Paid 3k with tax and license. Very hard to find one cheaper in as good condition. Handling is top notch and keeps up with more expensive sports coups with ease. One gripe, power, or the lack there of. Suggestion? yes, buy a greddy turbo kit for $1100. It'll add about 40hp and make one HECK of a difference. Engine is bulletproof once crank is fixed and will run 200k miles without breaking a sweat.

Report Abuse
5 out of 5 stars

I love my miata

Matt, 09/04/2016
updated 03/12/2018
1990 Mazda MX-5 Miata 2dr Convertible
5 of 5 people found this review helpful

I bought what would be considered to somee as a high milage miata. Ive driven 20,000 miles in the last 4 minths in it...has never needed repairs. I think those people who have less than great luck with these is from improper maintenance or abuse from the owner. These are simple cars that dont need to be tarted up to be desirable automobiles. The only complaint i can think of having is the convertable top, obviously not a mechanical flaw but a poor choice in materials after 26 years in the sun ...or is it? Fuel consumption is low gearing is tight road noise is not as bad as a person would think and although it doesnt have much room for storage you can pack quite a lot inside the car and in the trunk. Ive road tripped with this car a few times and i get about 300 miles a tank ....decent for 11 gallons of gas. I would not hesitate to purchase another first year miata, but since mine is still strong i dont think ill have a need to Update: my thoughts on this car have not changed, ive actually acquired a second miata, so nice i bought it twice

Technology
5 out of 5 stars
Performance
4 out of 5 stars
Interior
5 out of 5 stars
Comfort
4 out of 5 stars
Reliability
5 out of 5 stars
Value
5 out of 5 stars
Report Abuse
4.75 out of 5 stars

Cheap Fun!!

Dan, 01/24/2007
1990 Mazda MX-5 Miata 2dr Convertible
3 of 3 people found this review helpful

Want a true 2 seater sports car? This is a reliable, fun and desirable car. Great mpg and a lot of car for a little money. If you want a weekend fun car or a practical commuter, this is it. It's best to find one that a kid has not beat to death. Mine has 200K on it and if it were not for the odometer, you would think the engine is new. This is a safe bet for a fun car that is sure to go up in value. Regardless of the retail value...it's hard to find a nice one for under $3K.

Report Abuse
4.88 out of 5 stars

Go topless!!

Aronson, 04/02/2002
1990 Mazda MX-5 Miata 2dr Convertible
3 of 3 people found this review helpful

I bought the car pre-owned with low miles. It was an instant love for me. I love the way it handles and drives. The car is a great escape from any hassles or cares life provides. Bad day at work.. drive the miata.. bills due.. drive the miata! I constantly am looking for the longest and twistiest way home. I also use any excuse to take the top off.

Report Abuse
5 out of 5 stars

The car that changed how I view cars

thisisnick, 04/08/2021
1990 Mazda MX-5 Miata 2dr Convertible
2 of 2 people found this review helpful

I bought my bone stock, high mileage, mariner blue '90 Miata last October as a winter COVID project. The plan was to keep it for a season, pull things apart, learn about combustion engines, fix some issues, maybe enjoy driving it for awhile, and sell it off to the next guy. It's a simple little car after all; the perfect learning tool. How quickly I lost the plot and fell in love. It's hard to explain exactly why you can't stop smiling while you're cruising down the road in a relatively unsafe, under featured and s-l-o-w roadster from 31 years ago. Maybe it's feeling the sun beat down on you while you lean your arm out your "just the right height" window. Maybe it's the cute headrest speakers chattering lo-fi 90s tunes in your ears with the same clarity that your mom's Chevy Cavalier used to have. Maybe it's chirping the tiny, wimpy horn in greeting as you run across a C6 Corvette in your aged little tin can, knowing your therapy was a tenth of the price, or flipping your headlights in solidarity when you see another NA. The ground is so close. Camry's tower over you like F150s, and F150s are so enormous you can practically fit your little roadster in their wheel base. The steering is lightning and the car an extension of your body; point it where you want it to go, and off it goes. Whip it around a corner too fast (but not as fast as you thought you were going,) and the back comes loose in a perfectly controlled electric slide. You grab the little plastic but oh-so-notchy shifter, and bring it down a gear through the turn, easily able to whip the growly little 4-banger up to the right speed with your responsive, now extinct cable controlled throttle. Down the road you go in your beater; a ridiculous soap bar with every dash piece creaking, lifters ticking and a small spot of rust on your rocker that you know you have to deal with but it won't bother you now. Not today. It's too sunny. You smile. It's absurd. Why is this so fun? The MX5 Miata is so much greater than the sum of its parts. It has no business bringing so much joy, and yet it accentuates every fair weather day and makes you want to explore every last back road. You want to aimlessly find country paths you never knew were there, grinning like a fool the whole time. Enjoying every minute and living in the present. It's gas powered mental hygiene. For me, a car was always a means to get where I was going. That trip could be enjoyed more or less in a fun or not-so-fun car, but the end of the trip was the means. The little old Miata makes the trip itself a huge part of the joy. Instead of planning to go places for the destination, you're planning trips as an excuse to enjoy the ride along the way. The narrower, slower and twistier the path, the better. Are there problems? Yeah! It's a 31 year old car and not getting any younger! It's surprisingly reliable for what it is and Mazda bafflingly still makes a multitude of OEM replacement parts for their little 90s mascot, but I wouldn't stake your living on it never breaking down. The early models have a flaw with the crank that caused some to break, but mine is in fine condition three decades later so whose to say. The engine is wide open and easy to work on for those inclined. Parts are cheap if you're content with keeping the car stock, and in my own opinion, this is a car best enjoyed without modifications. Is it well featured? Not at all. The base model didn't even come with a radio. Mine's a mid-tier model and still has crank windows, plus some of the features like air conditioning have deleted themselves over the years. But you won't care, because the driving experience is just so sublime. You'll be too busy soaking in the countryside to realize that you don't have a backup camera. The only addition I found helpful was an FM transmitter to let me stream music from my phone. It plugs into the car's only auxiliary power, a single cigarette lighter put just within driver's reach. There are no cup holders, but you get an ash tray. If you have an opportunity to snag a relatively clean early Miata and can safely afford it, don't hesitate. The prices on these are finally starting to match the experience they bring to the driver, and rust has already brought so many of them to their graves. Find a nice spot for it in your garage and treat it well. Do the work on it yourself and, if you're a northerner like me, try to keep it off the salty winter roads no matter how tempting it is to drift it through a snowy parking lot. Enjoy this car. Treat it right. Live in the moment with a smile on your face. You can't buy a cheaper thrill on the open road.

Safety
2 out of 5 stars
Technology
2 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Interior
4 out of 5 stars
Comfort
5 out of 5 stars
Reliability
4 out of 5 stars
Value
5 out of 5 stars
Report Abuse
5 out of 5 stars

WOWZERS!!!

redd, 06/11/2009
1990 Mazda MX-5 Miata 2dr Convertible
3 of 4 people found this review helpful

I haven't had Betty long, but what a joy! I'm a 45 year Young single mom of 4 who did a straight up trade with my 1988 Chevy suburban with 67,000 original miles for this 1990 red w/ White racing stripes, convertible beauty with 124,000 miles. Kbb says I got the short end of the stick. I got the short stick alright... And I'm loving it. Living in so cal with a convertible is the only way to go! Kids can't drive a stick so this is mama's baby!

Report Abuse
4.75 out of 5 stars

Miata

envelopo, 02/27/2002
1990 Mazda MX-5 Miata 2dr Convertible
2 of 3 people found this review helpful

Super fun reliable sports car. No problems at all.

Report Abuse
4.75 out of 5 stars

Instant Classic Import

Nick, 05/19/2009
1990 Mazda MX-5 Miata 2dr Convertible
2 of 3 people found this review helpful

I bought this car to get it out of my system and I can't get over it. It's fast, sporty, easy to clean, reliable, and a convertible! I look forward to sunny days when I can get an opportunity to drive. I will never let this car go, the pros astronomically out-way the cons with the Miata. I purchased this car with 90,000 miles on it and the engine still runs smoothly at my 170,000 mark. Buy and Miata and you will not regret it. It’s a classic; it will only go up in value as time goes on.

Report Abuse
4.88 out of 5 stars

1990 Miata

wandoriver87, 10/22/2014
1990 Mazda MX-5 Miata 2dr Convertible
2 of 4 people found this review helpful

So folks this car is amazing. Bought back in 1989 and was the 2,355 built. Mom drove it for 20yrs until coming down with Cancer, so she sat in the garage for 5yrs. Recently, dad gave it to me with just a few minor problems. He had stripped the bolt head on the #4 spark plug..fixed. New tires and a good wax down. Now, I drive this on most days. She has 64k on her and runs great. I replaced the computer and updated that. Cleaned out the drains due to minor clogs. Just love it. I've been told and warned if I sell it I would be disowned from the Family. Now, this is the car wonderful and for the folks that have low miles....bank!!!

Report Abuse
4.75 out of 5 stars

I still love it!

dfabish2, 09/29/2003
1990 Mazda MX-5 Miata 2dr Convertible
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

I've had this car for almost 14 years, and I still love to take it out for a spin just for the heck of it! The handling is crisp, the shift is butter- smooth, and the the exhaust note is enough to make an Italian weep with joy. On top of it all, the thing is bulletproof. In 118,000 miles, I've had almost no repairs, and it has protected me through three significant accidents (none my fault!). Not a lot of room, but that's not what it's about. I can't imagine being without a Miata, and my next one is on order!

Report Abuse
5 out of 5 stars

amazing experience at a cheap price

dyablo, 07/28/2002
1990 Mazda MX-5 Miata 2dr Convertible
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

my miata was the best investment i have made since a long time, i suggest for al you wild at heart but with limited budgets to consider buying one.

Report Abuse
5 out of 5 stars

Sixteen years, no problems

Zaddie Bob, 06/29/2005
1990 Mazda MX-5 Miata 2dr Convertible
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

As an original owner of one of the first cars off the first boat I expected some design/build problems. To date no major problems, especially since the three teenagers got their own cars. All learned to drive stick and still try to "borrow" their Father's car. Original top and interior, looks almost as good as new. Driven in all seasons except "salt," often with the top down. The car sits outside all winter under a cover and starts reliably even after four weeks with sub-zero temperatures. Average yearly maint. now runs around $150 including tires.

Report Abuse
4.88 out of 5 stars

MIATA no ka oi (the best!!)

tracyd123, 02/19/2004
1990 Mazda MX-5 Miata 2dr Convertible
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

love my miata!! I'm the original owner and although I've only put on 48000 miles since 1990 (14 years) I've had no problem with it at all. It's perfect for a short person. Great pickup and cornering. I never put the top up. I've only had to buy one battery and a few tires--no other problems at all. It looks and drives as if brand new!! Just love it!!

Report Abuse
5 out of 5 stars

Simply the best

NoteIt, 06/07/2002
1990 Mazda MX-5 Miata 2dr Convertible
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Extremely reliable. No other car will bring you as much fun per mile. Every time I take her out it's a pleasure- all the days stress will melt away (I'm serious). She still brings a tear to my eye driving with the top dropped on a warm, Northern Californian night. Mazda really really got it right with the Miata- I've driven and have rid in other convertibles- some are faster, others will turn more heads, but if you drive for the pure joy of driving it has to be a Miata.

Report Abuse
5 out of 5 stars

Lovin it

miata mamma!, 04/24/2006
1990 Mazda MX-5 Miata 2dr Convertible
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Wanted a Miata since i first noticed it but not practical with 3 small kids - so when the youngest went to college momma got a new baby and we love her! She had 51,000 miles on her 2 years ago and we've added another 15,000. She is sweet! Handles great-love to take her on curvy country roads. I am horrible at a stick shifts but she tolerates me very well. On vacations she'll get 40 miles to the gallon. We have not done anything to her mechanically. People sometimes think we have an expensive sports car because they are fairly rare in our neck of the woods - paid $3k for her and wouldn't take 3 times that for her. Husband thought it was a girls car but takes her out as much as I do. A total joy to drive.

Report Abuse
4.88 out of 5 stars

AWesome Car

kerby, 05/16/2004
1990 Mazda MX-5 Miata 2dr Convertible
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

THE CAR DRIVES GREAT AND THE ALTERNATOR ON THIS CERTAIN WAS THE ORIGIONAL ONE FROM THE FACTORY (14 YEARS OLD!) IT FAILED THOUGH BUT IF IT LAST THIS LONG THIS CAR SHOULD GO ON FOR ANOTHER 14 YEARS! THE CAR DRIVES AND HANDLES GREAT. IM 6'2 AND IM MORE COMFORTABLE IN IT THAN IN A 4 DOOR SEDAN. ONCE AGAIN "ITS AN AWESOME CAR"

Report Abuse
4.88 out of 5 stars

WOW

Atl Dave, 06/05/2004
1990 Mazda MX-5 Miata 2dr Convertible
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Bought it used from the 2nd lady owner. WOW what a great little car. Red paint a little faded in spots, but this car is bullet proof. My mechanic wants it. The camshaft problem for 90-91 modles has not surfaced at all @ 98,000 miles. It's a 3rd car for us and it's just what we need. (and want)

Report Abuse
5 out of 5 stars

Pocket sized perfection

Christoph, 10/26/2002
1990 Mazda MX-5 Miata 2dr Convertible
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

I have driven classics, luxury cars, sports cars and this one takes the cake. Cheapest car I have ever bought and the most enjoyable car I have ever owned. If you are in the market for a "fun" car, this is the one for you.

Report Abuse
4.75 out of 5 stars

15 years and still going

Mike, 07/20/2005
1990 Mazda MX-5 Miata 2dr Convertible
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

This morning my miata turned 147,000 miles while making a mental note that it is it 's birthday this week. It's been a great ride and it's been well taken care of. The few repairs needed include rt door window motor, rt. rear brake caliper and timing belt @ 98k, clutch plate @ 110K and an engine pulley/gear wheel 133k. Original equipment that is still in place includes all lighting, brake system, engine (no cam prob yet), exhaust system ( just started with a sound near the manifold last week) and the soft-top including zipper still work well. It continues to be a great little car. Now I need to consider the exhaust replacement, original Mazda or after market, any thoughts?

Report Abuse
5 out of 5 stars

Best Little Roadster Around!

SandyMac, 07/20/2006
1990 Mazda MX-5 Miata 2dr Convertible
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

I've had 3 Miatas in my lifetime. Little Red, my current Miata has been lots of fun and reliable. It's time I get a little more practical plus I don't have a garage for her anymore. It's breaking my heart but I'm putting her up for sale.

Report Abuse
5 out of 5 stars

Great Car

specbike81, 09/04/2003
1990 Mazda MX-5 Miata 2dr Convertible
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

This car is one of the greatest bangs for the buck. The way this car hadles is amazing, and I have never had any major problems with it, even though it is 13 years old. Its a great car.

Report Abuse
5 out of 5 stars

Best money ever spent!

Tyna Agee, 08/10/2016
1990 Mazda MX-5 Miata 2dr Convertible
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

I bought my 1990 miata back in 1998 off of a private seller for $8k with 19,000 miles on it. I still have the car today with only 98k miles on it! This car has been amazingly dependable, reliable and practically maintenance free! I think I spent money on a new soft top and brakes but that's really it besides regular oil changes. This car has been so much fun to drive too! I store it every winter so I have taken great care of it. I honestly have to say that's it's been one of the best purchases I have ever made! I absolutely love the looks of the 2016 Miata convertibles but I can't seem to part with my little old red baby!

Safety
3 out of 5 stars
Technology
2 out of 5 stars
Performance
4 out of 5 stars
Interior
3 out of 5 stars
Comfort
4 out of 5 stars
Reliability
5 out of 5 stars
Value
5 out of 5 stars
Report Abuse
4.88 out of 5 stars

Awsome Little 90

biff, 03/26/2002
1990 Mazda MX-5 Miata 2dr Convertible
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Bought the car used 2 years ago with 80,000 miles. I'm the 3rd owner and drive it as a commuter. It is a road warrior-unbreakale and a lot of fun. Other than minor fixes here and there the car has been fantastic. I've put 40,000 miles on it in 2 years and it keeps going and going...

Report Abuse
4.75 out of 5 stars

the most amazing car I've ever owned

frank1330, 04/25/2009
1990 Mazda MX-5 Miata 2dr Convertible
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Bought this car when it first came out in 1990. Visibility blows away all current convertibles - downside, no roll bar. This car cost me next to nothing in repairs, and was basically unkillable. At around 12 years of age the dealer told me I blew the head gasket (untrue) so I figured I'll just drive it till it drops. Nine plus years later, still going strong. I put low miles on it, so I couldda kept it, but my job changed and exposed this car's only flaw - rear wheel drive makes it a challenge in the snow - although not too bad with 4 snows and 50 lbs sand in trunk. my office is no longer accessible by rail, so I bought a mini cooper convert. Figured almost 20 yrs was time for a change.

Report Abuse
4.63 out of 5 stars

My Miata!

barbara, 11/11/2006
1990 Mazda MX-5 Miata 2dr Convertible
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

I've been driving my little white & black beauty for 16 years, and it's been a joy! I was going to buy a new car but decided to put some money into repairing my old car as it drives like new. Fixed the AC and put on 4 new tires and since I am 81, it may outlast me. Truthfully, if I could afford a new Miata, I would buy one, but this one is fine.

Report Abuse
5 out of 5 stars

Best car I have ever owned

Keith D., 10/28/2008
1990 Mazda MX-5 Miata 2dr Convertible
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

I have owned my Miata for 10 years. It is babied and winterized and stored each winter. Car looks like new and the oil comes out like it goes in every time. No problems other than regular maint. (time belt, cam pos. sensor, etc.) It is funny that these cars are worth more to recycle them for the aluminum than to sell them them but you will not find many 1st generation owners willing to give them up for any price.

Report Abuse
4.63 out of 5 stars

my reliable MGB

lucypetunia, 09/07/2002
1990 Mazda MX-5 Miata 2dr Convertible
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

for years I drove a 71 MGB that stood for Monthly Guaranteed Breakdown. Unreliable electrical, etc. then one day on a beautiful spring morning I saw a Miata pre- release being driven around our town to hype the new car. I called and ordered one that day. I had to wait six months but, I had it customized before delivery with red-welted black leather seats and panels, Jag style wire wheels and sold the MG, never looking back. All the fun of the British roadster with none of the headaches.

Report Abuse
5 out of 5 stars

Owner

John Lenkway, 03/27/2002
1990 Mazda MX-5 Miata 2dr Convertible
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

It is avery fun and relyable car. But if you need a car that holds more than one extra person, like me, it is not the way to go. On the plus side, it is a chick magnet. But, it doesen't have that kick I am looking for. My suggestion is that you don't get one in automatic. If you have it standard, it will have the extra excelleration.

Report Abuse
4.63 out of 5 stars

great little sportscar

bohughflor, 05/28/2004
1990 Mazda MX-5 Miata 2dr Convertible
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

I've had this car since 1990 and it has really been driven especially in the first 8-10 years. Never had any major repairs or problems except having to replace roof after 10 years. Alot of fun to drive with a great manual transmission. I'm 6'2" and I always felt comfortable in the drivers seat.

Report Abuse
4.75 out of 5 stars

great car at a great price

azwildcat, 06/11/2002
1990 Mazda MX-5 Miata 2dr Convertible
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

I have had sports cars from Austin Healy Sprites all the way to Jaguars. The Miata offers more fun per dollar than any car I have ever owned. Mine is a 1990 with 107000 miles. With the exception of normal maintenance I have spent nothing on the car. Always runs well, never leaks and has been completly trouble free.

Report Abuse
4.5 out of 5 stars

Excellent FUN!

thel, 07/17/2005
1990 Mazda MX-5 Miata 2dr Convertible
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

I've owned a couple of Miatas and I've always loved the concept: small, RWD, lightweight, convertible with a nice stiff suspension. My 90 is the A-package which has the alloy wheels, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and a cassette player that was quickly replaced for an Alpine cd player. (To get teh power hoo-has and cruise, you have to get the B-package). At 140,000 miles, (16,000 of which I've put on the car) the car has aged well. Nothing has "broken down" and the maintainence that I've performed (oil changes, tire rotations, synthetic fluid changes, shock replacements, etc.) has been very easy. The aftermarket support for the Miata is vast, making it easy to modify.

Report Abuse
4.88 out of 5 stars

An Original 1990

SouthTxShine, 06/24/2008
1990 Mazda MX-5 Miata 2dr Convertible
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

The 1990 Mariner Blue Mazda Miata. My first convertible and lovin' it. Keeping it original with lots of TLC. It's like driving an "adult" size go-cart legally on the highways!

Report Abuse
5 out of 5 stars

Great car

Dan, 01/26/2006
1990 Mazda MX-5 Miata 2dr Convertible
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

This is my 3rd Miata. I always wanted to own an original, and have not been let down. I drive about 180 miles a day, and even being 16 years old, the car still gets about 26mpg.

Report Abuse
4.75 out of 5 stars

13 Years and counting

BF, 04/22/2003
1990 Mazda MX-5 Miata 2dr Convertible
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

I have had this car since '89 and have put every mile on this car. This past December I upgraded to something bigger and when it came down to selling the Miata I just couldn't part with it. We had MG's before and this car still captures the essence of a British sports car with the reliability of a japanese car. Paint still looks great, and have had very minimal mechanical problems with it. Look forward to having it for a long time to come.

Report Abuse
5 out of 5 stars

Nothing Like It!

beachman, 02/06/2003
1990 Mazda MX-5 Miata 2dr Convertible
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

A pure pleasure in every sense of the word. I never get tired of driving this testimony to the roadster. The perfect balance of power to weight and it handles like a cat. 145k care free fun miles. What more could you ask for? I am going to purchase a 1999 aniversary addition. I hope they didn't mess with a good thing.

Report Abuse
4.88 out of 5 stars

a true sports car

Peter Pantsless, 12/15/2002
1990 Mazda MX-5 Miata 2dr Convertible
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

I have only owned my '90 miata for 2 months now but i'm already positive this is the best investment I ever made. Don't let anyone tell you that this is a chick-car because undernieth the jelly bean exterior is a true sports car. It's not as fast as my old RX-7 but it can take any car on a curvy road. And for reletively the same price as a civic theres not much else that could touch the miata in the bang for the buck category

Report Abuse
4.88 out of 5 stars

Fun and economical

Roadstergal, 03/08/2002
1990 Mazda MX-5 Miata 2dr Convertible
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Bang for the buck, it can't be beat. Fast and fun, with good fuel mileage, inexpensive parts and mods, and easy DIY maintenence. It will carry as much as I ever need to carry - unless you do weekly trips to Home Depot, you won't need more.

Report Abuse
5 out of 5 stars

Classic roadster

Frank Peterson, 10/23/2018
1990 Mazda MX-5 Miata 2dr Convertible
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

The car is solid and simple. It's the best ever in its class. It's a joy to drive, and it gives joy to all who see it.

Safety
5 out of 5 stars
Technology
3 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Interior
4 out of 5 stars
Comfort
3 out of 5 stars
Reliability
5 out of 5 stars
Value
5 out of 5 stars
Report Abuse
4.75 out of 5 stars

Fun car

Itsatoy, 12/15/2002
1990 Mazda MX-5 Miata 2dr Convertible
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Terrific little ride. White 90's have apparent paint issue (mine started peeling BIG time this past year). Other than that is is a reliable and most enjoyable car (toy). Pretty easy to maintain and makes me smile whenever I put the top down and drive for the first time after awhile.

Report Abuse
4.5 out of 5 stars

1990 Mx5

Joel, 04/30/2009
1990 Mazda MX-5 Miata 2dr Convertible
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

My last car was a 94 LeBaron Convertible (I drive a convertible or I don't drive at all), and was immediately impressed by the speed and handling. This is a true sports car! Mine has 164k miles but runs great (except for the standard old car noises) if I baby it. Very fun to drive, get lots of compliments on it, and an ego boost every time I drive it....cheers!

Report Abuse
5 out of 5 stars

Experience the joy of driving!

Matthew, 05/12/2019
updated 05/16/2023
1990 Mazda MX-5 Miata 2dr Convertible
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

This car is incredible to drive. It’s low to the ground, classic in nature, handles great, sounds great, and connects the driver to the road and surrounding elements. A lot of sports cars are so sophisticated and refined that they hinder the driving experience in many ways. The Miata is not the fastest nor as refined as many roadsters and sports cars but the sheer experience is among the best. I love my Miata and will keep it for many more years as a classic.

Safety
4 out of 5 stars
Technology
1 out of 5 stars
Performance
4 out of 5 stars
Interior
5 out of 5 stars
Comfort
3 out of 5 stars
Reliability
5 out of 5 stars
Value
5 out of 5 stars
Report Abuse
4.88 out of 5 stars

An oldie but goodie......

Adolph, 03/10/2002
1990 Mazda MX-5 Miata 2dr Convertible
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Heeeeeyyyy!....my early style crankshaft hasn't failed yet.

Report Abuse
5 out of 5 stars

Reliable and UnderPriced

TAYLORPARTON, 10/22/2010
1990 Mazda MX-5 Miata 2dr Convertible
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

I have owned my Share of Small Convertibles and This One by Far exceeds all expectations. Excellent Gas Mileage, Excellent Drivability, Very Hot Car and Never a Problem, Maintenance is VERY Affordable, Tires are Very Affordable and it Gets an Excellent Safety Rating. I give this a 10 RATING

Report Abuse
4.75 out of 5 stars

Oldie But Goodie

IOMick, 09/04/2003
1990 Mazda MX-5 Miata 2dr Convertible
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Oh BOY!! We just acquired my brother-in- law's 1990 (11/6/1989) Miata - white, low miles (8824 real miles), and it had it's first visit to our trustworthy mechanic ... "This car is still new (!) and needs to be driven regularly", he said, and we intend to. First repairs included: front main seal, timing belt, water pump, all belts, new thermostat and antifreeze; brakes AOK, hoses OK, a/c ? tires OK ... now we drive for awhile and see what's next ... 8^)

Report Abuse
Items per page:
50