Is MX-5 Miata a Good Daily Driver? (4 Gen: NA, NB, NC, ND)
If you desire an affordable, fun to drive, fuel-efficient and adequately comfortable sports car that you can daily drive, the Mazda MX-5 Miata is perfect.
However, it does have some shortcomings.
Miata’s Positives as a Daily Driver
#1 Impressive Fuel Economy for a Sports Car
Maximum power output increased from one generation to the next, but the added thrust from the inline-four never upset the finely balanced chassis that makes the Miata a joy to drive.
Miata’s lightweight construction means you can have a ton of fun without a mighty engine.
EPA rated the fourth-gen Miata at 29 mpg combined with the manual transmission and 30 mpg for the automatic version – an outstanding performance among sports cars.
Real-world results are even more impressive, the ND Miata consistently averaging north of 30 mpg.
| Fuel Econ. (manual) | |
| Mazda Miata | 29 mpg combined |
| VW Golf GTI | 27 mpg combined |
| Subaru BRZ | 24 mpg combined |
| Ford Mustang | 24 mpg combined |
That said, premium fuel is a requirement in some second and third-generation Miatas.
#2 Inexpensive Upkeep
According to RepairPal, the Mazda Miata costs $429 per year to maintain, slightly less than the $456 average for subcompact cars, including non-sports vehicles.
Most subcompact cars are front-wheel driven, which tends to be less expensive to buy and maintain than rear-wheel-drive ones.
Elsewhere, CarEdge’s Least Expensive Cars to Maintain ranked the MX-5 Miata favorably in upkeep costs.
You can expect a brand-new Miata to have a 5-year total maintenance cost in the region of $1,500 (#35 out of 164 cars) and $5,700 (#31 out of 164 cars) at the full-decade mark.
The table below shows how the Miata compares to the other sports and sporty cars.
| 5-yr Maint. | 10-yr Maint. | |
| Hyundai Veloster | $1,486 | $5,597 |
| VW Golf GTI | $1,539 | $5,576 |
| Mazda MX-5 Miata | $1,564 | $5,761 |
| Nissan 370Z | $1,716 | $6,157 |
| Subaru BRZ | $1,726 | $6,393 |
| Chevy Camaro | $1,910 | $7,015 |
| Ford Mustang | $1,915 | $7,093 |
| Dodge Challenger | $2,318 | $8,436 |
| Porsche 911 | $5,380 | $18,231 |
As far as sporty cars go, the Miata is as inexpensive to maintain as the VW Golf GTI and Hyundai Veloster.
Its upkeep is cheaper than the:
- Nissan 370Z,
- Subaru BRZ,
- Chevy Camaro,
- Ford Mustang,
- Dodge Challenger, and
- Porsche 911 (not comparable in price).
#3 One of the Cheapest (Sports) Cars to Insure
Miatas are some of the cheapest sports cars to insure.
An MX-5 Miata costs around $1,569/year for full coverage for a 30-year-old driver with a good record and credit.
It is cheaper to insure than the economical Toyota Corolla.
The figures below assume good driver and credit ratings.
| 25-year-old | 30-year-old | 40-year-old | 55-year-old | |
| Madza Miata | $2,014/yr | $1,569/yr | $1,413/yr | $1,261/yr |
| Chevy Camaro | $2,466/yr | $1,921/yr | $1,731/yr | $1,544/yr |
| Toyota Corolla | $2,515/yr | $1,959/yr | $1,764/yr | $1,575/yr |
| Subaru BRZ | $2,527/yr | $1,969/yr | $1,773/yr | $1,583/yr |
| BMW Z4 | $3,247/yr | $2,529/yr | $2,278/yr | $2,033/yr |
Besides vehicle model year, insurance premiums can vary considerably depending on the location.
The most expensive zip codes can be 2x to 3x the insurance cost of the cheapest, so take these figures only as a guide.
You should request quotes from multiple insurers for an accurate estimate.
#4 Acceptable Ride Comfort
Two-seat roadsters generally aren’t as comfortable as four-door sedans, but the MX-5 bucks that trend with a compliant enough suspension that makes day-to-day ride tolerable.
If a jittery ride concerns you, skip the Club version with a stiffer suspension.
Some cabin comfort shortcomings include road and wind noise that can get loud at highway speeds and the cramped interior.
Getting comfortable inside most Miatas would be a struggle for taller drivers, especially with the top up.
Miata’s Negatives as a Daily Driver
#5 Not Ideal for Inclement Weather
Performance cars aim to shed as much weight as possible to improve the power to weight ratio and thus speed.
A rear-wheel-drive car accelerates faster than a front-wheel-drive vehicle with a similar engine and weight due to the transferred weight to the back wheels improving traction.
Combine the Miata’s featherweight construction with rear-wheel power delivery, and spinning becomes an increased risk in slippery or snowy conditions.
It’s essentially a non-issue for drivers in regions that enjoy primarily sunny weather.
#6 Small in Almost Every Way
You shouldn’t expect a two-seat convertible to be a utilitarian machine, so the shortage of space in the Miata is hardly surprising.
The tiny trunk, no back seat, and limited cabin space mean you shouldn’t get a Miata expecting to haul much of anything.
Plus, a road trip for more than two is out of the question.
Getting in and out of a Miata with the top up is demanding, given its low-slung design.
Driving at higher speeds among more gigantic vehicles can be intimidating and is potentially a safety risk as the diminutive Miata can be hard to spot.
On the upside, it has a small turning radius and is nimble around town.
#7 Mixed Visibility Levels
The Miata convertible is a pleasant car to drive when the sun shines.
Visibility is expectedly excellent with the top down and wind in your face.
However, the views out become more challenging with the top up as the windshield pillars are relatively thick and the side windows are small.
The rearward view is similarly limited with the high head restraints in a tiny cabin.
Mazda Miata Generations
Here’s a summary of the Mazda Miata:
- 1st gen: NA Miata (1990 to 1997)
- 2nd gen: NB Miata (1999 to 2005)
- 3rd gen: NC Miata (2006 to 2015)
- 4th gen: ND Miata (2016 to present)
Which Miata Generation Is the Better Daily Driver?
MX-5 Miatas have spanned more than three decades, covering four generations.
All Miatas have a supremely balanced chassis and are fun to drive.
Table Guide:
- Fuel Economy: mpg city/highway/combined (base trim).
- Fuel Type: Prem=premium; ReQ=required; ReC=recommended.
- Reliability: /100; higher = fewer problems (JD Power).
| Model Year | Fuel Econ. | Fuel Type | Horsepower | Reliability |
| 4th Gen: ND Miata | ||||
| 2022 Miata | 26/34/29 | Prem-ReC | 181 hp | NA |
| 2021 Miata | 26/34/29 | Prem-ReC | 181 hp | NA |
| 2020 Miata | 26/34/29 | Prem-ReC | 181 hp | NA |
| 2019 Miata | 26/34/29 | Prem-ReC | 181 hp | 77/100 |
| 2018 Miata | 26/33/29 | Prem-ReC | 155 hp | NA |
| 2017 Miata | 26/33/29 | Prem-ReC | 155 hp | 83/100 |
| 2016 Miata | 27/34/30 | Prem-ReC | 155 hp | 84/100 |
| 3rd Gen: NC Miata | ||||
| 2015 Miata | 22/28/25 | Prem-ReC | 167 hp | 79/100 |
| 2014 Miata | 22/28/25 | Prem-ReC | 167 hp | 79/100 |
| 2013 Miata | 22/28/25 | Prem-ReC | 167 hp | 80/100 |
| 2012 Miata | 22/28/25 | Prem-ReC | 167 hp | 81/100 |
| 2011 Miata | 22/28/25 | Prem-ReC | 167 hp | 81/100 |
| 2010 Miata | 22/28/24 | Prem-ReQ | 167 hp | 83/100 |
| 2009 Miata | 22/28/24 | Prem-ReQ | 167 hp | NA |
| 2008 Miata | 22/27/24 | Prem-ReQ | 166 hp | 83/100 |
| 2007 Miata | 22/27/24 | Prem-ReQ | 166 hp | 83/100 |
| 2006 Miata | 22/27/24 | Prem-ReQ | 170 hp | NA |
| 2nd Gen: NB Miata | ||||
| 1999-2005 Miata | 20/26/23 | Prem-ReQ (01-05) Regular (99-00) | 140-142-hp | NA |
| 1st Gen: NA Miata | ||||
| 1990-1997 Miata | 20/26/22 | Regular | 116-133-hp | NA |
The relative pluses and minuses between the MX-5 Miata generations:
| Pros | Cons | |
| 1st Gen Miata(NA) | Least powerful. Regular gas. Cheapest to buy. | Lightest (2,116 – 2,293 lbs). Lacks safety features. Very old, but relatively inexpensive upkeep. |
| 2nd Gen Miata (NB) | Gained lbs (2,299 – 2,447). Regular gas (only 1999 and 2000 models). | Premium gas required (2001-2005). |
| 3rd Gen Miata (NC) | Heaviest (2,474 – 2,619 lbs). Good fuel economy. Improved ride comfort over NA and NB. Roomiest – better for tall drivers. | Premium gas required (2006-2010). Adequate safety features – airbags, ABS, EBA. |
| 4th Gen Miata (ND) | Lightweight (2,332 – 2,403 lbs) and the most powerful. Significantly more fuel-efficient than previous generations. Latest in safety features. | Most expensive. |
Daily Driving an Older Generation Miata:
Can You Daily Drive an NA Miata?
NA Miatas are the least expensive of all four generations and are the obvious choice for shoppers hunting for the cheapest MX-5.
The featherweight construction and use of regular gas count among the NA Miata’s daily-driver qualities, although its lack of modern safety features is a major drawback – the only significant features include front airbags and ABS.
NHTSA awarded the NA Miata 4/5 stars in front driver-side and 3/5 stars in front passenger-side crash tests.
Can You Daily Drive an NB Miata?
The second-gen NB Miata marginally improved the NA’s power output, driving dynamics, and interior quality.
Despite the minor enhancements, the NB Miata isn’t significantly different from or more comfortable than the generations it replaced, putting it as a mediocre daily driver at best.
A turbocharged Mazdaspeed Miata appeared in 2004 and part-2005, but the higher torque and aggressive gearing proved too frenetic to gain a foothold among MX-5 fans.
Can You Daily Drive an NC Miata?
Larger and heavier than the other Miatas, the NC was still one of the lightest sports cars on the market at the time, continuing with the four-cylinder formula.
The NC Miata was more comfortable and refined than the previous two generations, reasonably fuel-efficient, and has adequate safety features, making it a decent daily driver.
If you’re taller than average, the NC Miata is the best fit – although that doesn’t detract from the fact that the Miata is a small car.
Can You Daily Drive an ND Miata?
If the Miata’s size fits, the ND represents an abundance of value for the money as an everyday car, with superior fuel economy among sports cars, plenty of in-the-sun driving thrills, and an impressive list of safety tech.
Road and wind noise are ever-present in this roadster, and comfort isn’t its forte, but it’s reasonably livable day-to-day.
Mazda Miata Comparison with Other Vehicles
Mazda Miata vs. Subaru BRZ as a Daily Driver
Table Guide:
- Engine: base trim; +drivetrain.
- Fuel Economy: mpg combined (base trim).
- Fuel Type: Prem=premium; ReQ=required; ReC=recommended.
- Maintenance Costs: per year avg. (RepairPal).
- Visibility: excellent, good, average, poor.
- Ride Comfort: excellent, good, average, poor.
| Engine | Horsepower | Fuel Econ. | Fuel Type | Maint. Costs | Visibility | Ride Comfort | |
| Mazda Miata | 1.8L-2.0L-i4-RWD | 116-181-hp | 22-29-mpg | Prem-ReC | $429 | Average | Average |
| Subaru BRZ | 2.0L-2.4L-flat-4-RWD | 200-228-hp | 22-28-mpg | Prem-ReQ | $672 | Good | Average |
Although similarly priced rear-wheel-drive vehicles, the BRZ is larger and 500-pound heavier than the Miata.
The Subaru BRZ coupe is a more practical daily driver than the Miata convertible, with extra interior and trunk space and marginally better ride comfort.
But if costs factor more prominently in your priority list, opt for the Miata – lighter, slightly higher fuel efficiency, and lower maintenance cost than the BRZ.
Opt for the automatic transmission if you want a more fuel-efficient BRZ.
Mazda Miata vs. Honda S2000 as a Daily Driver
Table Guide:
- Engine: base trim; +drivetrain.
- Fuel Economy: mpg combined (base trim).
- Fuel Type: Prem=premium; ReQ=required; ReC=recommended.
- Maintenance Costs: per year avg. (RepairPal).
- Visibility: excellent, good, average, poor.
- Ride Comfort: excellent, good, average, poor.
| Engine | Horsepower | Fuel Econ. | Fuel Type | Maint. Costs | Visibility | Ride Comfort | |
| Mazda Miata | 1.8L-2.0L-i4-RWD | 116-181-hp | 22-29-mpg | Prem-ReC | $429 | Average | Average |
| Honda S2000 | 2.0L-2.2L-i4-RWD | 237-240-hp | 20-21-mpg | Prem-ReQ | $404 | Average | Average |
These superb-handling roadsters are compelling options in the affordably-priced sports car segment.
Apart from the slight deficiency in engine performance, the Mazda Miata beats the Honda S2000 in daily-driver metrics – fuel economy (marginally) and modern comfort amenities.
The S2000’s best years are far behind it, while the Miata is newer and keeps getting better.
But if you want a raw, unfiltered driving experience, the S2000 delivers in spades.
Mazda Miata vs. Chevy Corvette as a Daily Driver
Table Guide:
- Engine: base trim; +drivetrain.
- Fuel Economy: mpg combined (base trim).
- Fuel Type: Prem=premium; ReQ=required; ReC=recommended.
- Maintenance Costs: per year avg. (RepairPal).
- Visibility: excellent, good, average, poor.
- Ride Comfort: excellent, good, average, poor.
| Engine | Horsepower | Fuel Econ. | Fuel Type | Maint. Costs | Visibility | Ride Comfort | |
| Mazda Miata | 1.8L-2.0L-i4-RWD | 116-181-hp | 22-29-mpg | Prem-ReC | $429 | Average | Average |
| Chevy Corvette | 5.7L-6.2L-V8-RWD | 245-490-hp | 17-21-mpg | Prem-ReC (2009-present) Prem-ReQ (2003-2008) Regular (up to 2002) | $737 | Average | Good |
Both represent absolute value for money in their respective price points – the Corvette is twice the price of the Miata.
If you can afford the price difference, the Corvette coupe is a more practical and comfortable daily driver than the Miata.
It has considerably more cargo capacity than the diminutive Miata.
However, the Miata would make a better everyday car than the Corvette from the costs and ease of maneuverability perspectives – significantly smaller turning radius and two-thirds of the Corvette’s weight.
References:
https://www.mazdausa.com/vehicles/mx-5-miata
https://www.roadandtrack.com/car-culture/a35292695/mazda-mx-5-miata-buyers-guide-every-generation/
https://www.nhtsa.gov/vehicle/1997/MAZDA/MIATA/C#safety-ratings-frontal