DecodedCars2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2005 models.
- Class
- Two Seaters
- Body styles
- 2dr Convertible RWD /Gx/Gs/GT
- Engines
- 1.8L 4-cyl, 1.8L 4-cyl turbo
- Drivetrain
- Rear-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Premium Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 23 combined · 20 city / 26 hwy
- Length
- 155.9 in
- Curb weight
- 2,350 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 0 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 23 MPG combined — 26% better than the average 2005 two seaters (18.3 MPG).
- No recalls so far
Watch out for
- Premium fuel requiredEvery gasoline version is rated for premium, which raises running costs.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 4 similar 2005 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata is a two seaters offered with 2 engines (1.8L 4-cyl and 1.8L 4-cyl turbo) and rear-wheel drive.
It measures about 156 inches long and 66 inches wide on a 89-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 2,350 lb.
EPA rates its most efficient version at 23 MPG combined (20 city / 26 highway), 26% better than the 2005 two seaters average of 18.3 MPG, for an estimated $3,550 a year in fuel.
It has 0 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 1 complaint with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the exterior lighting.
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2dr Convertible RWD /Gx/Gs/GT | 155.9 in | 66.1 in | 48.4 in | 89.4 in | 55.9 / 56.7 in | 2,350 lb | 53/47 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MX-5 Miata | 1.8L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 20 / 26 / 23 | +26% | $3,550 | 386 |
| MX-5 Miata | 1.8L 4-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 20 / 26 / 22 | +20% | $3,750 | 404 |
| MX-5 Miata | 1.8L 4-cyl | Manual 6-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 20 / 26 / 22 | +20% | $3,750 | 404 |
| MX-5 Miata | 1.8L 4-cyl turbo | Manual 6-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 18 / 24 / 20 | +9% | $4,100 | 444 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2005 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata under the current (2011+) test program.
Similar 2005 two seaterss
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata (this car) | 23 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2005 Honda Insight | 52 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2005 Chrysler Crossfire | 21 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2005 Honda S2000 | 20 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2005 Toyota MR2 | 26 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
Recalls (0)
No vehicle recalls on file with NHTSA for the 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗Not every 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. No recalls on file, but check anyway.
- Exterior Lighting — 1 owner reports. Check all exterior lights, wipers and the windshield for cracks.
- Electrical System — 1 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 13,737 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Mazda. How we calculate this →