When Mazda announced in 1989 that it had revived the traditional roadster, enthusiasts around the world clutched their chests in horror. A Japanese company trying to capture the essence of MG, Fiat, Alfa Romeo and Lotus two-seaters of the '60s? Blasphemy!

Welcome to the '90s, when you can buy the most driving fun you've ever had for less than a Ford Taurus LX. As an added bonus, the MX-5 Miata doesn't leak oil from the engine bay or water from the roof. It doesn't overheat, fry its electrical system, or scare you in the twisties. You can drive it all day without carrying tools, Go Jo, or Doan's pills. The MX-5 Miata is truly a modern automotive miracle.

For 1995, this sprightly convertible gets some revised option groups. Last year, Mazda added a passenger-side airbag, side-impact protection hardware, new alloy wheels and a bigger engine good for an extra 12 horsepower. Carried over from last year is the R-Package, which turns the Miata into a race-ready street machine with drivetrain and suspension modifications. Leather seats are still available, and a new color, Montego Blue, fleshes out the color chart, joining black, red, medium blue and white.

There is nothing like the Miata on the market today. Unless you enjoy project cars that never allow you to complete the project, the MX-5 Miata is the only way to go to obtain the true roadster experience.

1996 Highlights

Side-impact standards for 1997 are met a year early, and to offset the added weight, Mazda boosts power and torque.

Consumer reviews

Read what other owners think about the 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata.

5(97%)

4(3%)

3(0%)

2(0%)

1(0%)

5.0

37 reviews

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Most helpful consumer reviews

From Costco to Autocross

MX5inSac,12/26/2007

I was only looking for a small manual transmission car to get out of the boredom of minivan, and bought a 1996 Miata. This little car surprised me in many ways. I didn't know that I had petrol in my blood before! The Miata is slow by the number, but fast once the road starts to curve. The handling capability surpasses my comfort zone, which is why I start to autocross to appreciate this

Best toy car in the world

JJ,07/07/2008

Bought my white Miata w/140k miles on eBay. Excellent chassis. You wouldn't have a clue as in what a "good handling car" is like, unless you drive a Miata. Very forgiving near limits - gives you plenty of warning before it gives up. The car tries real hard to do whatever you are commanding it to do, and performs very well. Miata is nothing short of purebred sports car, designed from

More fun than a Boxster!

Chris,06/15/2009

Yep, you read that right! My previous car was a '98 Boxster. The Porsche was superior in almost every way, except I enjoy driving the Miata EVEN MORE! Handling is second only to the Lotus Elise, on par with an S2000, and better than the Boxster, for a fraction of the cost to buy and maintain. You just can't go wrong with this car.

The most fun car I have ever driven!

Tyler Gaudioso,02/17/2004

I worked as a valet parker for a year and a half, and I've driven anything you can think of. Ferrari. Porsche. Aston Martin. Mercedes. BMW. Name it. The bottom line? The Miata is more fun to drive. I wanted one for 2 years before finally finding the perfect car. I've had it for 6 months now, and everything is working as it has since I bought it. Crisp

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Features & Specs

MPG

21 city / 26 hwy

Seats 0

5-speed manual

Gas

133 hp @ 6500 rpm

MPG

21 city / 26 hwy

Seats 0

5-speed manual

Gas

133 hp @ 6500 rpm

See all Used 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata Convertible features & specs

Safety

NHTSA Overall Rating

The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.

Frontal Barrier Crash Rating
OverallNot Rated
Driver4 / 5
Passenger3 / 5
Side Crash Rating
OverallNot Rated
Side Barrier Rating
OverallNot Rated
DriverNot Rated
PassengerNot Rated
Combined Side Barrier & Pole Ratings
Front SeatNot Rated
Back SeatNot Rated
Rollover
RolloverNot Rated
Dynamic Test ResultNo Tip
Risk Of RolloverNot Rated

IIHS Rating

The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.

Side Impact Test
Not Tested
Roof Strength Test
Not Tested
Rear Crash Protection / Head Restraint
Not Tested
IIHS Small Overlap Front Test
Not Tested
Moderate Overlap Front Test
0

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Used 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata Convertible Overview

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Should I lease or buy a 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata?

Is it better to lease or buy a car? Ask most people and they'll probably tell you that car buying is the way to go. And from a financial perspective, it's true, provided you're willing to make higher monthly payments, pay off the loan in full and keep the car for a few years. Leasing, on the other hand, can be a less expensive option on a month-to-month basis. It's also good if you're someone who likes to drive a new car every three years or so.

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Used 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata Convertible

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Vehicle overview

1996 Highlights

Consumer reviews

Read what other owners think about the 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata.

Most helpful consumer reviews

Features & Specs

Safety

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Used 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata Convertible Overview

What's a good price on a Used 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata Convertible?

Which used 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata Convertibles are available in my area?

Can't find a used 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata MX-5 Miata Convertible you want in your area? Consider a broader search.

Should I lease or buy a 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata?

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