carivo.co
Independent review & score by Carivo
| Seating Capacity | 2 passengers |
|---|---|
| Body Style | Sports |
| Base Price | $22,028–$27,667 |
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
Our scoring places the 2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata at 7.9/10 overall, which translates to a Recommended rating for this sports. Its strongest dimension is Reliability at 8.8/10, while Technology at 6.2/10 is where it trails the competition most noticeably. It's a solid all-rounder that delivers across most dimensions without obvious deal-breakers.
Reliability and safety are the two dimensions that matter most for long-term ownership costs. At 8.8/10, reliability is one of this sports's best cards — few vehicles in our database score higher on this dimension. The safety score of 7.2/10 is solid mid-pack territory. If advanced driver aids matter to you, compare standard equipment carefully and verify ratings at nhtsa.gov.
Performance is a genuine highlight at 8.0/10. The Mazda MX-5 Miata delivers engaging driving dynamics — responsive handling, meaningful power delivery, and a drivetrain that rewards spirited driving without sacrificing daily usability. Technology scores 6.2/10 — the infotainment and driver-assist features feel dated against current-generation rivals. This is worth weighing if you prioritize connected features or modern safety tech.
Priced from $22,028–$27,667, 22 MPG, seating 2, the Mazda MX-5 Miata sits in the budget-friendly tier of the sports market. Value is where it presses its advantage — 8.7/10, meaning the feature set and quality outrun the asking price. At 10 years old, resale value, parts availability, and whether a successor model has improved on its weak points are all worth investigating before committing.
Our take: The 2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata is a solid, well-rounded sports that covers the essentials without obvious deal-breakers. The main caveat is technology — worth checking if those dimensions are priorities for you. For most buyers in this segment, it's a safe, dependable choice.
Carivo scores are our own editorial assessment, informed by NHTSA safety and recall records, EPA fuel-economy figures, and manufacturer-published specifications. Scores are reviewed periodically and updated when new data becomes available. See our full methodology →
The 2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata ranks #100 of 316 sportss in the Carivo database — better than 69% of the segment. Its 7.9/10 overall score is 0.2 points above the segment average of 7.7/10. Its $22,028 starting price undercuts the segment's median of $46,090 by about 52%.
Rankings are recalculated as new vehicles and scores are added. See the full Sports ranking →
Across the MX-5 Miata model years we've scored, the 2016 holds its position — we didn't find an older year that delivers similar scores for meaningfully less money.
| Year | Score | Starting price (MSRP when new) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 8.3/10 | $29,854 | Read review → |
| 2024 | 8.3/10 | $28,985 | Read review → |
| 2023 | 8.2/10 | $28,115 | Read review → |
| 2022 | 8.2/10 | $27,245 | Read review → |
| 2021 | 8.1/10 | $26,376 | Read review → |
| 2020 | 8.0/10 | $25,506 | Read review → |
| 2019 | 8.1/10 | $24,637 | Read review → |
| 2018 | 8.0/10 | $23,767 | Read review → |
| 2017 | 7.9/10 | $22,898 | Read review → |
| 2016 (this review) | 7.9/10 | $22,028 | |
| 2015 | 7.9/10 | $21,159 | Read review → |
Explore the full lineup of Mazda models scored by Carivo — ranked by overall score across reliability, safety, value, performance, and technology.