1990 Mazda MX5 A package 1.6 DOHC

Summary:

A bargain sports convertible, worth every penny

Faults:

Nothing at all!

Only "normal" maintenance required.

90-93 version's crankshaft may break sometime after a timing belt change, but these occasions are rare.

General Comments:

This is a very reliable sports car that handles like few others. It's not a fast car, but is quick enough and very lively at high engine speeds.

If you don't like shifting, there are only a few automatics available (no 1990's however) as it is a much better car as a manual transmission.

It's perfect for a weekend driver, and great also for everyday as long as you don't mind only 2 seats and a small trunk. Also, this car doesn't like snow.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 19th January, 2002

9th Feb 2002, 00:21

With proper winter tires, the cars does good in the snow. (At least, mine does. :) )

Also, the "short nose crankshaft" problem only appear on 1990 and early 1991 models.

15th Feb 2004, 17:21

Just thought I'd add something to the original post...I see it mentioned something about there being no 1990 Miatas with an automatic transmission...Perhaps I read the post wrong, but I have a 1990 Miata, plus it has an automatic transmission.

2nd Feb 2005, 11:34

I own a 1988 Honda CRX Si, and I love it, but my girlfriend owns a 1990 Miata, and she as well as I also love it. Its manual tranny is great, because we both like shifting, and you can shift a lot in the Miata. We put 8mm plug wires in it and a racing beat intake on it.

When Miata sites say they sound better than Honda's, I'm ashamed to say that as much as I love my CRX to death, the Miata has a nice deep purr to it that never gets too loud. Not to mention how great the handling is.

28th Nov 2005, 13:42

I have myself a 1990 miata, and yes, those cars are very tricky to drive on wet or snowy roads especially when cornering. I think that by carrying 2 baggs of sand in the trunk (80-100lbs) I improved the handling as miata doesn't have enough weight on the back.

1990 Mazda MX5 Miata 1.6

Summary:

A car to own for a lifetime!!!!

Faults:

Spark plug wires.

General Comments:

9 years with my Miata.... I store it every winter and bring it out in the summer. Every year it puts a big grin on my face.

NOTHING has gone wrong since I owned this car... coming up on 160,000 km, I probably need to fix a front end oil seal and I'm on my 3rd set of spark plug wires (they last about 50,000 km.)

On long runs the Miata can be a bit noisy with the top up, buy it with the AC. I simply can't recommend this car enough. As long as you're prepared to live with its impractical configuation, it's a simply superb product. A great car and an even greater 2nd car.

As for performance... some may crave for more power (OK even I do sometimes) but there are TONS of excellent aftermarket kits available (the Miata drive train is EXTREMELY robust) and even stock, my 10 year old MX5 will get to 190 kph with very little drama (just did this in a fit of silliness the other day).

If you like the car you can buy it with 100% security.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 6th September, 2000

29th Jul 2001, 00:04

I recently purchased a 1990 MX-5 of my own and it's a great little car.

24th Sep 2001, 21:12

I wish I still had mine. 2 weeks ago I got hit head on by a Grand Am. I cannot believe how well this car held up and protected me. This was something I was always worried about with this car. I just had some superficial scrapes and was sore, but came out OK. And now I am looking for a replacement.

24th Jul 2008, 17:26

My mx5 had 113,000k when I bought it in 2000. It now has 250,000k and it still makes me smile...Dave.

26th Aug 2009, 18:54

I'm another proud owner of a 1990 Mazda Miata MX5 with 60k.

I enjoy driving it and in traffic too.

Any info would be helpful.

In reply to 26th Aug 2009, 18:54

13th Oct 2015, 01:39

I love my 1990 Miata, it's my fourth car in my garage and driven occasionally; nothing negative I can say about this gem.

1990 Mazda MX5 1.6

Faults:

I have had no problems with this car. Only ordinary maintenance has been required to keep it running like new.

General Comments:

The MX-5 is a fun car. It is for tall people a bit small and trunk space is minimal. Smooth running engine. Seems very reliable.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 29th June, 1999