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- Fun to drive
- Responsive steering and handling
- Low base price
- Good fuel economy
- Optional power-retractable hard top
- Modest power
- Noisy, cramped interior
- Small trunk
- Stability control is not available on base models
The Mazda MX-5 Miata's near-perfect 50/50 front-to-rear weight balance, quick, responsive steering and well-engineered suspension give the roadster an ideal sports car feeling on the road, auto writers say. Almost every review uses the word "fun" in describing the MX-5. That's a big part of why this car exists, and it ranks at the top of its class for delivering an enjoyable driving experience through a combination of "perky" engine, nimble handling and easy-to-use convertible top. Many reviewers say that an owner needs to place more value on good handling over raw power to enjoy the MX-5. Comparisons are often made to GM's better selling, more powerful and "sexier" competitors, the Pontiac Solstice (*est. $22,165 to $31,750) and Saturn Sky (*est. $25,525 to $31,180), but reviews say that the MX-5 consistently beats the GM roadsters for refinement and sheer driving fun.
The best reviews can be found at Edmunds.com, Cars.com and The Car Connection. The MX-5 wins "Recommended" accolades from ConsumerGuide.com, Cars.com and ForbesAutos.com. Car and Driver names the Mazda as one of its 10 Best Cars.
Our Sources
1. Edmunds.com
In a well-rounded review, Edmunds editors praise the MX-5's low base price and economical operating costs, comparing it to the more powerful and "sexier" Pontiac Solstice and Saturn Sky. Still, the MX-5 is deemed the "superior" car.
Review: 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata Review, Editors of Edmunds.com
This good, descriptive review also links to a summary of how other publications rate the Mazda MX-5 Miata. Writer Marty Padgett appreciates the Miata's dynamics, transmission, and retractable hard top, but dislikes the tight interior.
Review: 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata Bottom Line, Marty Padgett
3. Cars.com
Cars.com includes the Mazda MX-5 Miata on its "Best Bet" list and is the "best deal for sun lovers.". The MX-5 review is more descriptive than critical, but includes a summary of pros and cons and links to three more feature-oriented road test reviews.
Review: 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata Review, Joe Wiesenfelder, July 20, 2007
This review on the Mazda MX-5 Miata gives some good general impressions, but has only minor criticisms: the car's small trunk and lack of muscle. It notes that the manually operated soft-top can be easily unlatched and folded with one hand, "which can't be said of the competing Pontiac Solstice and Saturn Sky."
Review: Value-Conscious Vroom, Jim Gorzelany, May 30, 2008
5. Car and DriverDetails/Subscribe
The 2008 best-car list at Car and Driver once again includes the Mazda MX-5 Miata, described as "irresistible." The article gives only a short description, rather than road-testing details.
Review: 2008 10 Best Cars, Csaba Csere and Tony Swan, Jan. 2008
ConsumerGuide.com rates the Mazda MX-5 Miata on a numerical scale that earns it a "Best Buy" rating. Highest points go to steering/handling and fuel economy. Lows include cargo space, passenger room and noise.
Review: 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata Review, Editors of ConsumerGuide.com, May 28, 2008
7. ConsumerReports.orgDetails/Subscribe
Editors of Consumer Reports base their updated review of the Mazda MX-5 Miata on a road test done in 2006. One unique aspect of Consumer Reports is its data on historical reliability, as compiled in large owner surveys.
Review: 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata Review, Editors of Consumer Reports
Although this dated article reviews a 2007 model Mazda MX-5 Miata, it's an interesting commentary from eight AutoWeek staffers who drove the test car. Each enjoyed driving the MX-5, but points of criticism include engine and road noise, cramped interior and some styling quibbles.
Review: 2007 Mazda MX-5 Grand Touring, Editors of AutoWeek, June 1, 2007
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