Skip to main content

1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata consumer reviews

$19,125–$24,485 MSRP range
side view of 1997 MX-5 Miata Mazda
(25 reviews)
96% of drivers recommend this car
Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 3.9
  • Interior 4.4
  • Performance 4.8
  • Value 5.0
  • Exterior 4.8
  • Reliability 4.8
Explore the 1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata

good condition cheap car MIATA

I love Miata's and this is the cheapest one I can find in good condition. I would love to get this car but I'm looking for a car for my sister

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 5.0
  • Interior 5.0
  • Performance 5.0
  • Value 5.0
  • Exterior 5.0
  • Reliability 5.0
  • Purchased a Used car
  • Used for Having fun
  • Does recommend this car
4 people out of 8 found this review helpful. Did you?
Yes No

Simply Outstanding

My son and I own this car. Easy to work on, inexpensive parts and pure driving pleasure. This is our second Miata. The N/A, first generation Miata's have a special place with enthusiasts. I'd be weary of heavily modified versions from backyard mechanics.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 5.0
  • Interior 5.0
  • Performance 5.0
  • Value 5.0
  • Exterior 5.0
  • Reliability 5.0
  • Purchased a Used car
  • Used for Having fun
  • Does recommend this car
7 people out of 8 found this review helpful. Did you?
Yes No

One of my all time favorite cars

A lot of people hate on these but that's just because they've never driven one themselves. It handles unlike any car I've ever driven and is so easy to work on. There's also a plethora of aftermarket parts. One of my favorite cars by far.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 3.0
  • Interior 3.0
  • Performance 5.0
  • Value 5.0
  • Exterior 5.0
  • Reliability 5.0
  • Purchased a New car
  • Used for Commuting
  • Does recommend this car
5 people out of 5 found this review helpful. Did you?
Yes No

Fun and Reliable Car

Fun car to drive, it's small but I'm 6ft tall and fit in it just fine. Handles like it's on rails, great little parking lot racer or high gas mileage daily driver.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 4.0
  • Interior 4.0
  • Performance 4.0
  • Value 5.0
  • Exterior 4.0
  • Reliability 5.0
  • Purchased a New car
  • Used for Having fun
  • Does recommend this car
2 people out of 2 found this review helpful. Did you?
Yes No

Fun, nimble roadster that corners as-if on rails!

A truly wonderful roadster that is fun to drive, easy to maintain and one of the most reliable cars I've ever owned. It sticks to the road as-if it is riding on rails. Fun fun fun, even with the top up!

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 4.0
  • Interior 5.0
  • Performance 5.0
  • Value 5.0
  • Exterior 5.0
  • Reliability 5.0
  • Purchased a Used car
  • Used for Having fun
  • Does recommend this car
1 person out of 1 found this review helpful. Did you?
Yes No

Daily track car

Seeet little toy, you can take it to the track or drive it to work. Either way you?ll feel amazing and have a great time just being with it. Would highly recommend.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 4.0
  • Interior 4.0
  • Performance 5.0
  • Value 5.0
  • Exterior 5.0
  • Reliability 5.0
  • Purchased a Used car
  • Used for Having fun
  • Does recommend this car
2 people out of 2 found this review helpful. Did you?
Yes No

Fun Driver

I looked around a while before deciding on the Miata. It is a little tight getting in and , but I'm old and don't bend too well any more. The interior is comfortable and well thought out for driving. The interior is a bit noisy, but it's a convertible so you have to expect that. It handles like it is on rails, and the power is more than sufficient. If you want to have fun where you are in charge of the drive and not some computer, check out an older Miata.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 4.0
  • Interior 3.0
  • Performance 5.0
  • Value 5.0
  • Exterior 5.0
  • Reliability 4.0
  • Purchased a Used car
  • Used for Commuting
  • Does recommend this car
0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
Yes No

fun to drive

zips in the mountains with the top down you can see all of the natural beauty including mountain goats. Enough room for two with a case of wine. Zipppeeee

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 5.0
  • Interior 5.0
  • Performance 5.0
  • Value 5.0
  • Exterior 5.0
  • Reliability 5.0
  • Purchased a New car
  • Used for Having fun
  • Does recommend this car
0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
Yes No

great fun in the mountains

a summer car only. Great in the mountains or short hops in or about town. Not a high speed or interstate travel car for the most part due the light weight of the vehicle. Trunk space is limited but adequate for short/overnight jaunts. Engine purrs like a kitten and stainless exhaust system sounds great!

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 5.0
  • Interior 5.0
  • Performance 5.0
  • Value 5.0
  • Exterior 5.0
  • Reliability 5.0
  • Purchased a New car
  • Used for Having fun
  • Does recommend this car
0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
Yes No

Most fun for your money

This car is incredible. Of course it has its flaws, but those are far outweightd by the goods. The biggest downside is that the cup holders are uselessly small but its not a car that should really have spillables. Even though it's small, it has decent room to fit a large male. The car handles like a dream around any corner and is super reliable and inexpensive to repair. I recommend this car to anyone wanting a fun weekend driver or a daily for short distance driving.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 2.0
  • Interior 3.0
  • Performance 4.0
  • Value 5.0
  • Exterior 4.0
  • Reliability 4.0
  • Purchased a Used car
  • Used for Having fun
  • Does recommend this car
0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
Yes No