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Mazda MX-5 Miata NB

99-05 · Mazda MX-5 Miata

80out of 100

The highest-complaint Miata generation. Buy the NB2 (2001+) years only, and inspect the rust carefully.

Scores last updated: June 14, 2026

Score breakdown

85/ 100Reliability×3.577/ 100True Annual Cost×3.070/ 100Safety×1.527/ 100Practicality×0.5100/ 100Repairability×1.5

Our take

What it really is

The NB improved on the NA with dual airbags, more power, and a stiffer chassis. The NB2 (2001+) updated the engine with variable valve timing and improved the suspension. The NB1 (1999-2000) is the one to avoid.

Why it's on this list

The NB is the cheapest Miata with a modern safety baseline. NB2 years offer genuine performance at low prices. The Miata aftermarket is the same on an NB or ND.

The honest trade-offs

Documented wet-weather brake slip on early NB examples. Rear arches and sills rust. Full underbody inspection is mandatory. The NB2's VVT mechanism has known issues. This is a 20-25 year old car.

What to buy and what to avoid

2001-2005 NB2 only. Inspect all underbody rust carefully: sills, wheel arches, frame rails. Verify VVT operation. The 2001-2002 NB2 entry years are the best value.

Annual cost of ownership

Fuel (12k mi)
$1,414 (USD)[5]
Maintenance
$400 (USD)[1]
Tires (prorated)
$140 (USD)
Insurance (25yr male)
$2,400 (USD)[8]
Insurance (40yr female)
$1,650 (USD)[8]
Total (25yr male)
$3,040 (USD)
Total (40yr female)
$2,290 (USD)

Key specs

MPG combined
28[5]
MPG city / hwy
23 / 28[5]
Tank
12.7 gal[5]
Engine
BP-Z3 1.8L NA
Horsepower
155 hp
Torque
119 lb-ft
Seats
2
Cargo max
5 cu ft
Ground clearance
5.1"
Stock tires
195/50R15
Body
Convertible
Rear seats
No fold

Safety

NHTSA overall
4/5 ★[2]
IIHS rating
Not Tested[4]
ESC standard
No

Rust vulnerability

Overall severity
High
Frame rust risk
High

NB has documented rust issues — sills, rear arches, frame rails. Full underbody inspection mandatory.

Known issues by mileage

N/A
Brake slip in wet conditions (documented pattern)Safety-critical
60,000-100,000 Miles (97,000-161,000 KM)
NB2 (2001+) VVT mechanism issuesModerate
100,000-150,000 Miles (161,000-241,000 KM)
Rear main sealModerate

Best and worst years

Best years

  • 2001
  • 2002
  • 2003
  • 2005NB2 refinements

Reliability data

RepairPal annual cost
$380 (USD)[1]
Industry avg annual cost
$652 (USD)[1]
RepairPal rating
4/5[1]
Unscheduled visits/yr
0.4[1]
Severe issue probability
6%[1]
250k-mile survival
52%[7]

Repairability

Headlight type
Halogen
DIY replacement cost
$40 (USD)
At major retailer
Yes
Headlight benchmark
10/10

References

Sources used to research and score this vehicle. Superscript numbers in the sections above link here.

  1. [1]dataset
    RepairPal

    Annual maintenance cost, reliability rating, unscheduled visit frequency, severe issue probability

  2. [2]government
    NHTSA Crash Test Ratings

    Overall crash test stars, rollover risk %, rollover stars, frontal and side ratings

  3. [3]government
    NHTSA Technical Service Bulletins

    Manufacturer-acknowledged technical issues and dealer fixes

  4. [4]dataset
    IIHS Safety Ratings

    Small overlap, side impact, overall safety rating, Top Safety Pick status

  5. [5]government
    EPA Fuel Economy Guide

    MPG city/highway/combined, fuel grade required, tank size

  6. [6]forum thread
    CarComplaints

    Most complained-about model years, common failure patterns by year and mileage band

  7. [7]dataset
    iSeeCars Long-Term Reliability

    250k-mile survival rate, depreciation curve, best age to buy used

  8. [8]publication
    Bankrate / Insurify Insurance Estimates

    Insurance cost estimates by vehicle class and driver profile

Before you buy

Looking to buy a Mazda MX-5 Miata?

Start with our fully customized pre-purchase inspection checklist for you or your mechanic. Three versions: one for buyers who are not mechanics, one for enthusiasts with tools, one for handing off to a professional. Print or save as PDF.

Get the checklist

Modernize this car

CarPlay, backup cameras, blind spot monitoring, TPMS, and dashcams. Researched picks and honest watch-outs.

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