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2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata
Starting MSRP
$23,470–$31,225
Expert Reviews
By Cars.com Staff
Cars.com National October 20, 2011
Vehicle Overview
The two-seat Mazda MX-5 Miata roadster has been around for more than 20 years. Much has changed over the decades, including the disappearance of the Miata name from the car's exterior in 2006 as part of a redesign. The Miata name has since returned, but what hasn't changed is the formula: small, lightweight and affordable.
New for 2012
An electronic stability system is now standard, but there are no other significant changes.
Exterior
Exterior features include:
Manual-folding soft-top
Smile-shaped grille
Exhaust pipes flush with rear bumper
Standard 16-inch wheels
Optional 17-inch wheels
Optional power-retractable hardtop
Optional high-intensity-discharge headlights
Interior
The MX-5 Miata is small, but the two-seat configuration provides more driver space than expected. Interior features include:
Standard air conditioning
Standard leather-wrapped steering wheel
Standard cloth upholstery
Optional leather seats
Optional heated seats
Optional steering wheel-mounted cruise and audio controls
Under the Hood
A 2.0-liter four-cylinder powers the MX-5 Miata with 158 horsepower when teamed with the optional six-speed automatic transmission. When equipped with the five- or six-speed manual, it produces 167 hp. The difference comes from a higher redline with the manual: 7,200 rpm rather than 6,700 rpm with the automatic. Mechanical features include:
Rear-wheel drive
Intake runner tuned to provide a sporty sound
Dual exhausts
Safety
The MX-5 Miata has the mandated front airbags, and the passenger's airbag can be deactivated. Safety features include:
Standard side-impact airbags
Standard antilock disc brakes
Standard electronic stability system with traction control
*Invoice prices are made available by Cars.com and are not dealer advertising. All prices are subject to regional variations. Prices last updated 9/23/10. Click here for more information.
