1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata Review
1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata Review
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Used MX-5 Miata for sale
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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.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata M-Edition 2dr Convertible and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.36 per gallon for regular unleaded in Ohio.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio
$181/mo for MX-5 Miata M-Edition
MX-5 Miata M-Edition
vs
$174/mo
Avg. Compact Car
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.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
5 star(97%)
4 star(3%)
3 star(0%)
2 star(0%)
1 star(0%)
37 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
5 out of 5 stars
From Costco to Autocross
MX5inSac, 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!
4.63 out of 5 stars
Best toy car in the world
JJ, 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.
4.88 out of 5 stars
More fun than a Boxster!
Chris, 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.
5 out of 5 stars
The most fun car I have ever driven!
Tyler 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 | $181/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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