1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata Review
Price Estimate: -$74 - -$116





+1
Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
What’s new
Side-impact standards for 1997 are met a year early, and to offset the added weight, Mazda boosts power and torque.
For sale near Woodson, TX
6 listings
- $6,250
- 154,077 miles
- No accidents, 7 owners, personal use only
- Ricky Stapleton Autos (177 mi away)
Close
Located in Norman, OK
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: Yes
Personal Use Only: Yes
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Clean Title
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: No
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: No
Free History Report: No
Features and Specs:
Listing Information:
VIN: JM1NA3534T0713138
Stock: 713138
Certified Pre-Owned: No
Listed since: 07-02-2025 - $7,997
- 76,564 miles
- No accidents, 3 owners, corporate fleet vehicle
- Marthaler Honda (797 mi away)
Close
Located in Albert Lea, MN
Recent Arrival! 1996 Mazda MiataThis vehicle Contains the following features and options: 4-Wheel Disc Brakes, AM/FM radio, Cassette, Front anti-roll...
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: Yes
Personal Use Only: No
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Clean Title
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: No
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: No
Free History Report: No
Features and Specs:
Listing Information:
VIN: JM1NA3537T0711237
Stock: 25459B
Certified Pre-Owned: No
Listed since: 07-01-2025
Vehicle overview
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.
Cost to Drive
Monthly estimates based on costs in Texas
$149/mo for MX-5 Miata M-Edition
MX-5 Miata M-Edition
vs
$145/mo
Avg. Compact Car
See Edmunds pricing data
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Mazda MX-5 Miata Owner Reviews
Most Helpful Owner Reviews
Trending topics
From Costco to Autocross
5 out of 5 starsMX5inSac, 12/26/2007
1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata 2dr Convertible
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 … fine roadster more. Needless to mention, one can turbocharge a Miata to get 200+ HP without harming the engine (which was designed to be turbocharged). It is also a practical car. I go to Costco in the Miata, and seldom need to put anything in the front seat. Try that with a Boxster or MR2!
Best toy car in the world
4.63 out of 5 starsJJ, 07/07/2008
1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata 2dr Convertible
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 … ground up to be impractical in all other aspect other than getting from A to B in the most exhilarating way. Underpowered, but don't afraid to rev it up to 5000+ rpm. The car soars when you push it hard. 27 MPG in abusive driving.
More fun than a Boxster!
4.88 out of 5 starsChris, 06/15/2009
1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata 2dr Convertible
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!
5 out of 5 starsTyler Gaudioso, 02/17/2004
1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata 2dr Convertible
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 … handling,
that x-factor 'oneness' you feel,
powerful braking. The Miata has them
all and then some.
1996 MX-5 Miata Highlights
Base
Engine Type | Gas |
---|---|
Combined MPG | 23 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $149/month |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 3.6 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | rear wheel drive |
Safety
NHTSA Overall Rating
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
- Frontal Barrier Crash RatingOverallNot RatedDriver4 / 5Passenger3 / 5
- Side Crash RatingOverallNot Rated
- Side Barrier RatingOverallNot RatedDriverNot RatedPassengerNot Rated
- Combined Side Barrier & Pole RatingsFront SeatNot RatedBack SeatNot Rated
- RolloverRolloverNot RatedDynamic Test ResultNo TipRisk Of RolloverNot Rated
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
- Small Overlap Front Driver-Side TestNot Tested
- Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side TestNot Tested
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – Original0
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – OriginalNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Roof Strength TestNot Tested
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintNot Tested
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