The 2008 MX-5 MIATA is a 2-door, 2-passenger convertible sports car, available in 7 trims, ranging from the SV to the Grand Touring Power Retractable Hardtop.
Upon introduction, the SV is equipped with a standard 2.0-liter, I4, 166-horsepower engine that achieves 22-mpg in the city and 27-mpg on the highway. A 5-speed manual transmission with overdrive is standard. The Grand Touring Power Retractable Hardtop is equipped with a standard 2.0-liter, I4, 166-horsepower engine that achieves 21-mpg in the city and 28-mpg on the highway. A 6-speed manual transmission with overdrive is standard.
Summary: My 2nd miata. First was a 1999 miata with a BRP 45 supercharger.
The NC is a major step up, and the folding hardtop is perfect. I could have bought a 2006 for $7000 less than this, but the folding top is a must have for me. The suspension package is a disappointment. It is soft, and leans more than it should. The car really needs larger swaybars and lower springs. I haven't found any major issues that I don't like. If I crashed it today, I'd buy another one exactly like it.
Strengths: Handles fairly well. Light and tossable. Good stock power, but of course, it can use more. Great build quality. NVH is much better than my NB.
Weaknesses: Pricey for the HP you get.
Way too much RPM on fwy cruizing. Needs an overdrive, badly.
Similar Products Used: Boxster, Boxster S, S2000, Lotus Elise/Exige.
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Summary: I bought my first Miata 2 years ago: it was a 2002 LS. I paid about $21000 and thought it was a bargain. It was enjoyable to drive, comfortable for its' size. However, it was relatively slow and the suspension rather soft with only average grip. It seemed like the perfect "girls car" to me, but not exactly what I wanted. Then I saw my dealer had a Mazdaspeed for $19900! The test drive was great: suspension slightly firmer, grippier tires, seemingly much greater acceleration, and all the advantages of my old LS except no cruise control! That's ok with me, because the rest of the car more resembles the old British roadsters I drove and loved when younger without the pain, suffering, and mechanical disasters. That the Mazdaspeed has at least 90 percent of the performance of a Honda S2000 at a cost of less the 66 percent makes it an absolute bargain in my mind. I admire the Honda but have never seen one new for less than $30000 in my area, and that was 2 years ago. The Mazdaspeed, after 2 months, is much more like the type of car I like: a roadster first, easy to stow top, firm but not jolting ride, 0-60 less than 8 seconds, acceptable fuel economy, low polar moment of inertia, small size, capable of being daily driver (because I feel like these characteristics best represent well designed automobiles).
Strengths: acceleration,price,amount of comfort combined with performance,reliability, resale value, size
Weaknesses: size(I am 6` tall, weigh 220lbs. legroom is at a premium), small trunk
Similar Products Used: various old British roadsters, Toyota MR2
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Summary: I've wanted a Miata ever since their introduction back in the early 80s. Funny how you live your life and you always say, "Man, I wish I would've..." about quite a few things but never got around to them.
Well, though I've been wanting a convertible sports car for a LONG time, I'm glad it took me this long to get one.
The MSM is just an absolute joy to drive. It's quick, nimble, stable and with the turbo, a kick in the seat at 3200 rpm. LOTS of mods available from appearance to performance. Very affordable to purchase, to maintain, and to personalize it.
I've driven the LS and Base Miatas before buying my MSM and though nice in their own rights, it just can't compare with the MSM.
I drove and considered the Honda S2K. Sweet car, great handling, but the rpms need to be almost screaming to take dip into the power band. For a new one, an S2K is north $30,000. Sorry, but the MSM was just a better value - for me.
Strengths: For the money, it's an awesome value with the factory turbo (and the warranty!), factory beefed up suspension, the 17" alloys, and black leather seats with red stitching trim.
Weaknesses: I think that the Mazda could have a added a cruise control for the MSM. Hmm...that's about it.
Similar Products Used: - Considered a Honda S2k
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Rating Reviewed by: Gary Weston(Unregistered User)
Review Date November 18, 2003
Overall Rating 4 of 5
Value Rating 5 of 5
Used product for 1 to 3 months
Visitors rate this review 4.71 of 5,
14.00 votes
Review 4 of 128
Price Paid:
$16900.00
from Mazda of Clear Lake
Year / Model Reviewed: 2003 Miata
Summary: I purchased this Miata as a midlife fun to drive vehicle. Since I purchased it it has been barely drivable. I go to drive it and my wife is running errands. I go to the garage later and my son has gone to band practice in it. Later I go to drive it and my daughter has taken it for the afternoon. I particularly find it undrivable in the sun. On bright afternoons I go to take it for a spin and it is gone.. It is sometives available when it is raining outside so I jump in and find out that it must get bad gas mileage. I always fill it up on the rare case that I do get to drive it, yet every time I get into it it's empty. What a strange car that seems to be so reliable but never available. With all the other cars I have owned over the years none seemed to get more than a quick once over by the family. Too pedestrian. But this little buggy was immediately adopted by one and all. I dont think in the past 3 months that the motor has cooled down. With 5 family drivers it seems to be the car of choice. It may be parked in the garage and blocked in by 4 other cars but it someone in the family will take 15 minutes moving cars around to take it on their next trip. Its that fun. So fun that my kids who swore they would never drive a stick shift will have been won over by this slick shifting sled. Fortunately this car is used for sporting around locally. Due to its size it would be be fun but tough to use as a family day to day car. No back seat and small trunk does not facilitate trips to the vet with the Abby the Lab, or to Lowes for lumber. But thats why we own SUVs and such. All in all I think that I will really enjoy this car. If and when I ever get a chance to drive it. The styling and performance is a bargin at the list price. Manufacturers rebates and dealer discounting really make this an affordable pleasure car. Whats more with the dependability of Japanese quality it is a pleasure knowing that unlike some of the European ancestors I won't face electrical problems, carb problems or oil leaks on the driveway. The old MG I had in the late 60's was terrible when it came to dependability.
Mazda has truely captured a market segment that was underserved. Where else can you find a car that delivers spry performance for such a reasonable price.
I know I will enjoy it ..someday...
Strengths: Great handling car with modest power but terrfic road manners. Great value for the money.
Weaknesses: Personally would like the seat back to recline more when seat is in rear most position
Similar Products Used: MG many years ago
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Rating Reviewed by: Mike Deboard(Unregistered User)
Review Date June 22, 2003
Overall Rating 5 of 5
Value Rating 5 of 5
Used product for Less than 1 month
Visitors rate this review 3.40 of 5,
5.00 votes
Review 5 of 128
Price Paid:
$21200.00
from Brown's Fairfax Mazd
Summary: I've driven a couple of Miatas over the past ten years, or so, and have always wanted to own one. For one reason or another, I could never bring myself to buy one. Well last week I couldn't come up with a good reason to wait any longer. I'm now the proud owner of a british racing green 2003 Miata. I know Mazda has a different name for the color, but I don't care. I feel like a twelve year old kid with an unlimited pass to the go kart track. I can't imagine enjoying the driving experience more. I've driven faster cars, Porsche 911's, 944 Turbos, Mustang GT's, Lexus GS400's, etc. All were great cars. The Miata, however, wins the day for pure joy of driving. The telepathic steering, the precise little shifter, the cornering stance, the cool little snarl of the exhaust note. Sure the Miata, like all cars, could use more power. But, if a larger engine was an option, I don't think I'd check the box. I prefer balance to sheer speed and acceleration. I'm not sure when they made them standard, but my Miata came with stock 16 inch wheels with what appears to be black rubber bands wrapped around them. Some folks might find the ride a little too unforgiving. I love what it does for cornering and overall handling. It feels as though I can place the car wherever I want to. They look great too. For those who enjoy driving and interfacing with well desinged and executed machinery, the Miata is a fairly inexpensive way to rediscover just how much fun even a quick drive to the grocery store can be.
Strengths: Handling. Shifter action. Exhaust note. Convertible top's ease of use. Reliability. Overall balance.
Weaknesses: Way over priced Minidisc option.
Similar Products Used: Fiat Spider.
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