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.
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.
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.
Similar Products Used: Boxster, Boxster S, S2000, Lotus Elise/Exige.
Would you like to Comment? Join CarReview for a free account, or Login if you are already a member.
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
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).
Similar Products Used: various old British roadsters, Toyota MR2
Would you like to Comment? Join CarReview for a free account, or Login if you are already a member.
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.
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.
Similar Products Used: - Considered a Honda S2k
Would you like to Comment? Join CarReview for a free account, or Login if you are already a member.
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 4 of 128
Price Paid:
$21200.00
from Brown's Fairfax Mazd
Strengths: Handling. Shifter action. Exhaust note. Convertible top's ease of use. Reliability. Overall balance.
Weaknesses: Way over priced Minidisc option.
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.
Similar Products Used: Fiat Spider.
Would you like to Comment? Join CarReview for a free account, or Login if you are already a member.
Rating Reviewed by: mick_c(Unregistered User)
Review Date August 20, 2003
Overall Rating 5 of 5
Value Rating 4 of 5
Used product for 1 to 3 months
Visitors rate this review 2.33 of 5,
3.00 votes
Review 5 of 128
Price Paid:
$19500.00
Year / Model Reviewed: 2003 miata
Strengths: If u drive one u know. If you havnt, its the second next thing to a go kart on bigger wheels. Gets good gas mileage, nimble, reliabe, decent crash test ratings, etc
Weaknesses: Not the most practical thing out there, but is that why u bought it?
Summary: THe car fits its purpose in what is was intended to do. Be affordable, FUN, reliable, good looking *inside and out*, and u got the rest. One thing I do have to say,which is a huge pet peeve of mine is the marque and image issue. If you lack that much self confidence, or need attention as a material grabbing person, I feel sorry for you. I have a newer BMW, even though I didnt buy it, I dont feel a marque makes me as a person or any more special. Its annoying to hear those comments of 'look at me' attitude. Just drive and enjoy.
Similar Products Used: BMW 3 series
others
Would you like to Comment? Join CarReview for a free account, or Login if you are already a member.
5 of 5
4 of 5
