
Positive Review
This is my second Mazda Miata. It is a fun-to-drive little roadster, agile, nimble, with great responsive steering and smooth manual shifting. Although not as powerful (only 155 HP) as other cars costing the same, the overall driving experience can not be matched for the price. The exterior is now more aggressive-looking than the previous generations which is a definite plus. My only issues are with some of the interior design features. The CD player is located behind the seats where it is not readily accessible, instead of in the dashboard, by the radio, where it belongs. The GPS outlet is located where the passenger's feet would be; not reachable from the driver's seated position. There is no glove box even though there is room for one. The floor mats are very thin and not reinforced where the driver's clutch foot comes in contact with it. There is no spare tire (not even a doughnut), but instead you get a near-worthless "tire repair kit." Run-flat tires would have been a nice compromise. Despite these few interior issues, the new 2016 MX-5 Miata should provide the same pleasurable driving experience that all previous generations have delivered.
Critical Review
My husband and I wanted to buy a 2018 Miata RF, and went to test drive it, but had to pass on this car, because my husband's head hit the roof while he sat inside. He is 5 feet 11 inches tall. I heard that the soft top is 1/2 inch taller for head room. Very cute car, but made only for shorter people.
Showing 8 of 73 reviews.
Cornering, acceleration, manual transmission, looks, driver-focused cabin, MPG’s, wireless Apple Car Play, convertible top
Two seats, smallish trunk
I have used this car as my daily driver for over two years now in Miami, Florida. I drive to work, pick up my daughter at school and soccer, go on date nights with my wife, and make Costco runs. So far, it has met my needs as a daily 95% of the time. For the times when I need a bigger car, we use my wife’s SUV. We all know this car’s flaw: it’s too small to be a primary family vehicle and the trunk has limited storage. Boo-hoo. But do you know its super power? EVERYTHING ELSE. The manual transmission is so smooth and engaging, and it never gets old hearing the engine rev to 7500 RPM’s. It jumps off the line with a roar, and the sensation of speed is not slow by any means—it’s PLEASING. When you’re only 2450 pounds with a stiff suspension and you’re so low to the ground, 40 MPH feels like 60 MPH. The suspension communicates the road surface to you (so if you love luxury numbness, this car isn’t for you), but the ride is not rough. And the open-air feeling is such a treat; it makes you want to put your phone down and enjoy nature as our ancestors did. And did I mention cornering and U-Turns?? The MX-5 GRIPS on corners. And if you want to kick the rear end out, it’s pretty easy to recover your trajectory safely. U-Turns are a trip—give it a little gas, and it’s drift city. This car is pure therapy and joy. P.S. Don’t listen to anyone who scoffs at its 181 HP. It does 0-60 in 5.8 seconds (which is QUICK), and its power-to-weight ratio is equivalent to a 300 HP car that weighs 4000 lbs. No, it won’t beat a 911, an M3, a Model S, or a Corvette, but that’s not exactly an insult.
Excellent driving dynamics, charming styling
Small! But that's part of it.
The car has been a joy. They managed to keep the original vision of a small, lightweight roadster sports car intact in a time where hardly any other manufacturer makes cars like that. And even still, it might be the best Miata ever. Styling turns heads, and gets a lot of compliments. And its simply a joy to drive. Hats off to Mazda!
If you want a car that gets you the most smiles per gallon possible, this is it hands down. This car is absolutely a drivers car, if you have more than 1 passenger this can’t be your main car but if you only need yourself it is absolutely perfect in every way.
I have had many sports cars starting with a Sunbeam Alpine, Datsun 240z, Dodge Charger 2.2, Mitsubishi Eclipse, earlier Miata, and Subaru WRX. This is by far the best car I have ever owned. It is quick and corners like it's on rails. One of the best things about it is you can drive it flat out, something that you can not do with cars with large amounts of hp. However I am six feet tall and own a rf, anyone over my height would not comfortably fit, but I don't know about the ragtop. The transmission is exceptional with a light clutch and short solid throws. The car seems to be moving much quicker than your actual speed and driving the speed limit has never been such fun. I find excuses to drive.
Drivers Car
None
6 speed manual transmission is the only way to buy any sports cars. What's the sense of automatic. The Miata is built in Japan and a very high quality car. Absolutely love driving it. 9 years and not a single thing has failed me. I maintain my vehicles the way they should be maintained.
This car is pristine, garage kept, no winters, no snow, no rain....absolutely perfect condition, GT with all the extras, including special manufacturer paint! Dealer oil changes and NYS inspection.
Ever since I bought the car just three years ago and I’ve only put about 8000 miles on it. I’ve had to have it painted. This is the second time from sun and now the rubber roll around my windshield is cracking and falling off. I’ve had a change the battery twice, is this normal?
Transmission in complete failure at under 10k miles new. Had such high hopes, I've never been so disappointed in my life. Doing everything within my power to get rid of this rolling trash can even if I have to take a 10k dollar hit.