2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata

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(4.8) 19 reviews
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2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata
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Key Specs
Our Take
Overview
Photos
Reviews
Safety & Recalls
Warranty & CPO
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Key Specs

of the 2012 Mazda MX‑5 Miata. Base trim shown.

Our Take

From the Cars.com Vehicle Test Team

The Good

  • Handling
  • Six-speed manual
  • Quick top operation
  • Same trunk size with top up or down
  • Standard side-impact airbags

The Bad

  • Confining cabin
  • Dwarfed by other vehicles

Notable Features of the 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata

  • Soft-top or power-retractable hardtop
  • Choice of three transmissions
  • Timeless styling
  • Rear-wheel drive

2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata Overview

By Cars.com Editors
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 m...

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



View 12 Photos

Latest 2012 MX-5 Miata Stories

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Consumer Reviews

4.8
19 reviews
Exterior Styling
(4.9)
Performance
(4.8)
Interior Design
(4.4)
Comfort
(4.2)
Reliability
(4.9)
Value For The Money
(4.8)

What Drivers Are Saying

(5.0)

Most Fun I have ever had with a car

by DAK from Waunakee, WI on March 8, 2018

If you want a nice hardtop convertable that has a lot of life in it. This is it! Ony 12,000 miles on this beauty. This car won't be around long. Read full review

(5.0)

Fun ride +HTC

by nevadawx from Henderson, NV on January 13, 2018

A hard top convertible with 13 second roof drop time is pretty cool all by itself, but make it a Miata and it goes beyond cool to just plain fun. Read full review

Safety & Recalls

Recalls

The 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata currently has 0 recalls

Crash and Rollover Test Ratings

The 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata has not been tested.

Manufacturer Warranties

Backed by Mazda
New Car Program Benefits

  • Bumper-to-Bumper

    36 months / 36,000 miles

  • Powertrain

    60 months / 60,000 miles

  • Roadside Assistance

    36 months / 36,000 miles

Certified Pre-Owned Program Benefits

  • Maximum Age/Mileage

    Less than 6 years/less than 80,000 miles

  • Basic Warranty Terms

    12 months/12,000 miles

  • Powertrain warranty

    7 years/100,000 miles

  • Dealer Certification Required

    160-point inspection

  • Roadside Assistance

    Yes

  • View All Program Details

Have questions about warranties or CPO programs?

See Warranty FAQs or visit the manufacturer's website .

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Cars.com Car Seat Check

Certified child passenger safety technicians conduct hands-on tests of a car’s Latch system and check the vehicle’s ability to accommodate different types of car seats. The MX-5 Miata received the following grades on a scale of A-F.*
* This score may not apply to all trims, especially for vehicles with multiple body styles that affect the space and design of the seating.

Warranty FAQs

What is a Bumper-to-Bumper warranty?

Often called a basic warranty or new-vehicle warranty, a bumper-to-bumper policy covers components like air conditioning, audio systems, vehicle sensors, fuel systems and major electrical components. Most policies exclude regular maintenance like fluid top offs and oil changes, but a few brands have separate free-maintenance provisions, and those that do offer them is slowly rising. Bumper-to-bumper warranties typically expire faster than powertrain warranties.

What is a Powertrain warranty?

Don't be misled a 10-year or 100,000-mile powertrain warranty doesn't promise a decade of free repairs for your car. It typically covers just the engine and transmission, along with any other moving parts that lead to the wheels, like the driveshaft and constant velocity joints. Some automakers also bundle seat belts and airbags into their powertrain warranties. With a few exceptions, powertrain warranties don't cover regular maintenance like engine tuneups and tire rotations.

What is included in Roadside Assistance?

Some automakers include roadside assistance with their bumper-to-bumper or powertrain warranties, while others have separate policies. These programs cover anything from flat-tire changes and locksmith services to jump-starts and towing. Few reimburse incidental costs like motel rooms (if you have to wait for repairs).

What other services could be included in a warranty?

Some automakers include free scheduled maintenance for items such as oil changes, air filters and tire rotations. Some include consumables including brake pads and windshield wipers; others do not. They are typically for the first couple of years of ownership of a new car.

What does CPO mean?

A certified pre-owned or CPO car has been inspected to meet minimum quality standards and typically includes some type of warranty. While dealers and third parties certify cars, the gold standard is an automaker-certified vehicle that provides a factory-backed warranty, often extending the original coverage. Vehicles must be in excellent condition and have low miles and wear to be certified, which is why off-lease vehicles feed many CPO programs.

See also the latest CPO incentives by automaker