The Mazda Miata, a long-standing presence in the automotive market, has earned its place as a beloved car. It is a testament to what can be achieved when you strip away modern vehicles’ intricate complexities and accompanying weight and infuse it with a responsive transmission and an engine eager to rev. Undoubtedly, the Miata emerges as the quintessential driver’s car – affordable, approachable, and, above all, a source of pure fun.
With a lineage spanning over three decades, the Mazda Miata offers many outstanding options. However, the abundance of choices can make selecting the ideal year for a Mazda Miata a rather intricate task.
The 2019 MX-5 model is a resounding recommendation for those seeking the pinnacle of Mazda Miata years. The decision was no small feat, given the exceptional array of Miata models available. Further elaboration follows.
2019 Claims the Title of Best Year for Mazda Miata
The Mazda MX-5 Miata tends to attract enthusiasts for its iconic aesthetics and captivating driving experience. Consequently, the 2019 MX-5 Miata is our top choice for the best year in Mazda Miata history. This accolade is primarily attributed to its revamped engine, rendering it the most potent Miata of its time. Should one opt for the Grand Touring trim, a more exhilarating driving experience awaits, courtesy of exclusive features like Bilstein shocks and a sport-tuned suspension.
From a value perspective, the 2019 MX-5 Miata offers an exceptional return on investment, providing a gratifying sports car experience for under $40,000. It maintains its reputation for being swift and comfortable while retaining the spirit of the cherished roadster we’ve come to adore.
Pricing for the 2019 Mazda MX-5 Miata
As a relatively recent model, buyers can secure a low-mileage 2019 Mazda MX-5 Miata at a reasonable cost. Truecar.com says the average listing price for a used 2019 Mazda MX-5 Miata spans from $19,970 to $35,434. This model comes in three trim levels: Sport, Club, and Grand Touring.
The 2019 Mazda MX-5 Sport boasts 16 x 6.5 aluminum alloy wheels with a Metallic Black finish, black cloth-trimmed seats, and a 7-inch full-color touch screen. Unfortunately, the Sport trim isn’t as prevalent, with limited listings on prominent car retail platforms. To acquire a used MX-5 Miata with manual transmission and approximately 23,000 miles, one should expect to invest $27,980.
Ascending the trim hierarchy, the 2019 Mazda MX-5 Club offers 17-inch aluminum alloy wheels with a Metallic Black finish, black cloth-trimmed seats adorned with red stitching accents, and a Bose 9-speaker audio system featuring AudioPilot. The starting price for a used 2019 MX-5 Club, equipped with manual transmission and nearly 50,000 miles, is $26,500. Conversely, at the upper echelon of pricing, we discovered a practically pristine MX-5 RF Club Manual with a mere 350 miles on the odometer, priced at $33,950.
Lastly, the 2019 Mazda MX-5 Grand Touring indulges in leather-trimmed seats, automatic climate control, and a navigation system. The most affordable option we identified is an MX-5 Grand Touring with automatic transmission and 43,000 miles, priced at $25,438. In contrast, the highest-priced used MX-5 Grand Touring, equipped with automatic transmission and nearing 5,000 miles, is listed at $35,434.
2019 Mazda MX-5 Miata Specifications
The fourth-generation Miata is renowned for its ergonomic driving position. In the 2019 model, the Miata benefits from a telescoping steering wheel, adding a slight increase in weight to the roadster.
However, this weight gain proves worthwhile, as it allows drivers, particularly those of greater stature, to fine-tune their driving posture.
Performance-wise, the 2019 MX-5 Miata features a 2.0-liter Skyactiv-G four-cylinder engine that generates 181 hp, a notable increase of 26 horsepower compared to the previous year. The user-friendly manual transmission amplifies the 2019 Miata’s fun-to-drive character, while the optional automatic transmission offers swift and sporty performance. Additionally, Mazda addressed transmission issues that plagued earlier 4th-gen Miatas in the 2019 version.
Inside, the MX-5 Miata offers a cozy cabin tailored for two adults, albeit taller occupants may experience some spatial constraints. The cabin’s design leans toward minimalism, focusing on essentials. It does include a touchscreen infotainment system with intuitive controls. However, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support come standard only in the 30th Anniversary edition, available as a $450 upgrade for other trims.
Regarding fuel efficiency, the 2019 MX-5 Miata garners an EPA-estimated rating of 26/34 city/highway with manual transmission and 26/35 city/highway with the six-speed transmission. Thanks to Mazda’s various enhancements, the 2019 MX-5 Miata ranks among the more fuel-efficient roadsters in the market.
Reliability and Recalls for the 2019 Mazda MX-5 Miata
According to RepairPal, the Mazda MX-5 Miata maintains a reliability score of 4.0 out of 5.0 and an annual average repair cost of $429, marking it as an ownership cost-efficient choice.
Regarding reliability, the MX-5 Miata does encounter a few issues, albeit none too severe. For instance, the 2019 Mazda MX-5 faced complaints about its convertible top, a concern shared with earlier model years. Allegedly, the top can develop holes and exhibit signs of wear when in the lowered position.
At the time of this composition, the MX-5 Miata is subject to two recalls about a faulty fuel pump and a transmission software glitch capable of causing abrupt downshifts.
Safety Features and Ratings for the 2019 Mazda MX-5 Miata
The NHTSA and IIHS have not conducted safety and crash tests for the 2019 MX-5 Miata. The 2019 MX-5 Miata also offers a relatively limited selection of safety and driver-assistance features. These features are optional, encompassing blind-spot monitoring, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and rear-cross traffic alert.
Other Mazda MX-5 Miata Years to Contemplate
For those considering earlier standout years of the Mazda Miata, the 2010 Mazda MX-5 Miata 20th Anniversary Edition beckons attention. This limited-edition Anniversary model boasts 10-spoke, 17-inch alloy wheels, front fog lights, chrome accents, and commemorative badging.
For those valuing practicality, the 2006-2015 Mazda MX-5s warrant consideration. Representing the third-generation NC of the Miata, these models are among the heaviest Miatas but excel in spaciousness. Furthermore, they offer power retractable hardtops for added versatility.