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The 40 mpg Cars of 2013

2009 Mazda Miata MX-5

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Curious about the newer model? Check out the 2013 Mazda Miata MX-5

Overview

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2009 Mazda Miata MX-5 Review

By KBB.com Editors

The 2009 MX-5 Miata roadster continues to capture the hearts of driving enthusiasts and open-air aficionados everywhere. The lightweight roadster may not be big on horsepower, but its 50/50 front-to-rear weight distribution, dynamic suspension and lightning-quick steering make it a blast to drive, while its excellent fuel economy makes it the perfect commuter car. Despite its small proportions, the 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata is easy to live with. The top, for example, can be operated from inside the car with just one arm and, when retracted, collapses into a small well behind the seats, as does the new available power-operated hardtop. As a result, the MX-5 Miata's small trunk is unaffected by the top's position, a claim the Pontiac Solstice, for example, can't make.

You'll Like This Car If...

If brutal winters make owning a soft-top car a nightmare, the 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata's new retractable hardtop is a dream come true. The MX-5's excellent fuel economy makes it a viable commuter car for those looking to leave their gas-thirsty SUVs at home. Driving enthusiasts and sports car club members love its wonderful handling and overall nimble performance.

You May Not Like This Car If...

If you're long of leg or over six feet in height, the MX-5 Miata can still present you with a cramped driving position. The MX-5 has a small trunk and does not offer much in the way of interior storage space. If this is going to be your only mode of transport, you're not going to win many friends when it's your turn to drive the co-workers to lunch.

What's New for 2009

The MX-5 Miata celebrates its 20th anniversary with a mild exterior and interior makeover. Manual transmission models have their redline moved from 5,000 to 7,200 rpm, while a new Induction Sound Enhancer (ISE) places more of the engine's sound just ahead of the windshield. Enhancements are also made to the transmission, suspension and traction control system.

Driving the Miata MX-5

Driving Impressions Unlike the first-generation Miatas, the newest MX-5 demonstrates a noticeable reduction in engine roughness and vibration. Past Miatas would buzz and shudder at idle, but the new MX-5 Miata hums...

as serenely as a happy humming bird. The 2.0-liter pulls strongly and keeps right on giving well past the 55-mph mark. Once in motion, the MX-5 rolls comfortably over smooth pavement and takes dips and bumps with few theatrics. The MX-5's 50/50 front/rear weight balance allows the car to perform remarkably nimble maneuvers that would be more difficult if the car had more of its weight biased to either end. At speeds in excess of 35 miles per hour, the MX-5's windshield creates an air curtain above the driver's and passenger's heads, effectively directing at least moderate levels of rain to the rear of the car.

Favorite Features

Bose Audio
It's tough to get a good sound system in an affordable convertible, but Bose finally pulled it off. With crisp highs and a thumping bass, the Bose system can easily defeat the most deafening wind noise.

Retractable Hardtop design
The MX-5's hardtop roof adds a mere 77 pounds to the car's weight and can be raised and lowered in just 12 seconds.

2009 Mazda Miata MX-5 Details

Interior

The MX-5 Miata's interior is wider than the first two generation Miatas, offering much-needed improvements in hip and shoulder room. The driver's-side foot well has been widened by running the exhaust down the right side of the transmission tunnel. While good news for the driver, the passenger now has to deal with limited foot and knee space. Fit and finish are excellent, with easy-to-read instruments, steering wheel-mounted controls for audio and cruise control and a perfectly situated shift lever. The MX-5's center console could do with some padding, though, as we found our elbows starting to smart a bit during aggressive cornering. Bose has created an optional sound system that adjusts equalization settings depending upon whether the top is up or down. The system even has different settings for leather versus cloth interior.

Exterior

The 2009 MX-5 Miata receives a mild exterior freshening featuring larger headlamps, a new five-point grille and oversized triangular fog lamp bezels. Despite the changes, the familiar Miata DNA is still evident. Unlike the original Miata, however, differences are present. Where the previous generation Miata's doors bow out, the MX-5's are slab sided. Restrained wheel arches have given way to the same pronounced flair that first appeared on the RX-8. The convertible top is easier to use than ever, capable of being operated from the driver's seat with just one arm, while the clever retractable hardtop permits year-round driving without adding significant weight or cost. 16-inch aluminum wheels are standard on the base car, with 17-inch rims offered on the performance models.

Notable Equipment

Standard Equipment

The 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata SV Convertible comes with a five-speed manual transmission, four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes (ABS), 16-inch alloy wheels, glass rear window with defroster, vinyl top, dual power mirrors, power windows, three-spoke tilt steering wheel, cloth bucket seats, mesh windblocker, AM/FM stereo with CD, an auxiliary audio input jack and side-impact airbags. The Sport and Touring models add more standard features such as larger wheels, cruise control and power door locks. The Touring and Grand Touring add a six-speed manual transmission, while the Grand Touring trim adds a cloth (rather than vinyl) top, tan or black leather seats, automatic climate control, heated seats and a Bose audio system.

Optional Equipment

A six-speed automatic with manual shift mode is optional on the Touring, Sport and Grand Touring trims. The Suspension Package offered on the Sport and Grand Touring adds Bilstein shocks, limited-slip differential and sport suspension. Dynamic Stability Control with Traction Control, the limited-slip differential, Smart Key, Bluetooth and xenon headlamps can be had by ordering the Premium Package, which is available only on the Grand Touring trim level.

Under the Hood

The MX-5's 2.0-liter engine has plenty of pep and a newfound reserve of low-end torque that allows for quick off-the-line sprints. Both the five- and six-speed manuals provide precise shifts that make quick work of gear changes. The six-speed automatic delivers crisp gear changes designed to maximize every bit of the engine's power. When switched to manual mode, the six-speed automatic performs admirably, though we think you lose some of the gas-and-clutch driver interaction that makes the MX-5 so much fun to drive.

2.0-liter in-line 4
167 horsepower @ 7200 rpm (manual), 158 horsepower @ 6700 rpm (automatic)
140 lb.-ft. of torque @ 4000 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 22/27(five-speed manual), 21/28 (six-speed manual), 20/27 (automatic)

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2009 Mazda Miata MX-5 Consumer Reviews

Overall Rating

9.4

Out of 10

Based on 170 Ratings for the 2006 - 2013 models.

Review this car

Value

9.5/10

Quality

9.5/10
Reliability

9.7/10

Performance

9.5/10
Comfort

8.8/10

Styling

9.5/10

Nothing to say except GREAT CAR.

By Art (NE) on Wednesday, March 27, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 40,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 9/10

Pros: "Price, Fun to drive."

Cons: "None, if you accept the car for what it is."

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"Everything that you could want in a true roadster without spending over $30,000. Response to asking for power and speed, exact steering, brakes that respond, this roadster has it all. Fun is what this car is all about. Wind in your hair type of fun."

2 people out of 2 found this review helpful

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The Driver's Car.

By DjFlank (CA) on Monday, March 18, 2013

I don't own this car

10 8.0

overall rating 8 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 8/10
Value: 8/10
Reliability: 9/10
Quality: 9/10
Performance: 9/10
Styling: 5/10
Comfort: 6/10

Pros: "handling, charisma, blast to drive"

Cons: "interior and audio"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 9

"Imagine this; Beautiful Southern California weather, minimual afternoon traffic, and a brand new rear wheel drive sports car for under $30,000. Today I got to live that dream in the 2013 Mazda MX-5 club sport. I was greeted by a very nice sales rep who had no problem handing over the keys and coming along for the ride. The club sport puts down its 167 horses thanks to a 4.10 gear ratio and its 6 speed short shift gear box, and boy does it. I was flying through gears with traction control very off, and it just put the power down where you want it. Throttle respnse is amazing and so is the steering. I found myself smiling the whole time until the inevitable stop sign brought me to a stop on the club sports amazing brake system. The car's chassis is very rigid for a convertible, yet feels very light on its feet. I found myself smiling everytime I was presented with a corner, attacking it with ease. The club sport definatly brings out driver confidence, and definatly makes you want to go out and drive. For a car that has low profile tires you would expect a harsh ride, but mazda has found a very nice medium between sporty and comfort. With the top up there isn't too much road noise, and sitting that low to the ground you do feel like you are driving around in a massive go-kart. Overall I was very satisfied with the MX-5 Club sport. The interior was on the lacking side as the seats only sort of held you in place, and the radio felt like an aftermarket from the 90's. I also didn't care too much for the lack of quality in the plastics but for under 30k I know not to demand Grass-fed-pampered cows hand stiched to perfection, but it would be nice if you are going to slap a club sport badge and give it sporty persona you should make the driver feel more like they are a part of the expierience and image that you market. Interior aside It felt like this car would be a great weekend warrior on the track, or on your favorite mountain roads. This is the perfect car for anybody, and I mean anybody. You don't need to be a professional to control this car, though it makes the driver feel as such. The overall feel of the car makes it have that charisma... the cheap and cheerful car that makes you smile. The car seduces you into a trance that makes you just smile, and as onlookers take a second glance, you feel like you are the big shot who knows what a car should be. Withen the short time i had with this car I felt as if there was hope in this world of electronics, and dual clutch automatics that make you feel more like you are playing a game rather than driving. I would recomend this car to anyone who still belives in the driver car, a person who likes there cars light on the feet, tight proper manual gear box, and drive wheels at the back. The club spec MX-5 really puts the driver back in the car."

5 people out of 6 found this review helpful

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Inexpensive to run for long term fun

By Triode (CA) on Saturday, January 26, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 12,000

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 9/10
Reliability: 9/10
Quality: 9/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 9/10
Comfort: 8/10

Pros: "Fun to drive, reliable, inexpensive, Classic look"

Cons: "Noisy, body roll."

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"If you believe "Less is more", you should test drive one of this! Miatas are light, nimble, fun, easy to run in the long run,and surprisingly inexpensive to insure (due to majority of the owners are in their 35+). Simple old school design (no turbo, supercharger, direct port injections.....) Nothing different than a 20+ years old super reliable Japanese car from Honda and Toyota in term of maintenance costs. Timeless and classic look make this roadster ---one of the bargain in auto industry. BRZ / FRS maybe more technology advances in these days. But I think it's not going to be as inexpensive to insure and maintain in the long run than the Miata. Not to mention, PRHT makes it even more special in its class. Of course, it's even close to perfect, it noisy at highway speed with the top up. NC needs at least an upgrade RX8 sway bars to kill the unacceptable body roll for daily driving. (Just a $200 fix normally including labor)"

11 people out of 12 found this review helpful

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More fun than any other car I've ever driven.

By Broomhilda (HI) on Monday, December 17, 2012

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 180,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 9/10
Comfort: 9/10

Pros: "Zoom zoom."

Cons: "Big vehicles tend to back into you."

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"Marvin is a '97 sport model I bought in July, 2000, with 10,000 miles on the odometer and in near-perfect shape. He's taken me on a 15,000 mile trip around the continental US with a side trip to Baja and gets me home up the mountain nightly. He's been towed exactly twice in 10 years with the only major repair being head gasket replacement a few years ago. I'm 62 and plan to drive him till I die since it doesn't look like he is ever going to. He gets a new roof and paint job next week - bumble bee yellow with black stripes for visibility. The only down side is my bad knees; getting out sometimes feels like climbing out of a well."

5 people out of 5 found this review helpful

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Love it. Had 2006 Miata wanted new Miata..

By Kathy (FL) on Tuesday, November 27, 2012

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 300

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 9/10
Comfort: 8/10

Pros: "great looks- performance- reliability-"

Cons: "$32,000+ but worth it!!!!!!"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"had a'04 tiburon great car. bought 06 Miata loved it, traded for 09 altima coupe nice but missed Miata. just picked up '13 SPARKLING BLACK MC Grand Touring Retractible WHAT A GREAT CAR; PADDLE SHIFTERS ARE COOL!!!!"

1 person out of 2 found this review helpful

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Always wanted one & really love this one.

By Doc Ben (AR) on Saturday, November 17, 2012

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 16,000

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 9/10
Quality: 8/10
Performance: 9/10
Styling: 8/10
Comfort: 8/10

Pros: "Driving with a big smile & rapid pulse"

Cons: "1st gear & reverse next to one another"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"Had several sport convertibles when I was younger and got tired of constantly working on them, so I switched motorcycles for a couple of decades. A friend got a MX-5 six years ago and had no problems with it. He let me drive it and that's all it took to get me looking for one. I've had this one for a over 3 yrs. and would buy another if This one ever wears out."

5 people out of 5 found this review helpful

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