Driving fun. The car handles beautifully. I had a 97 Automatic on lease, and just returned it for the 2000 5-speed. I love both of them, but the 5-speed is teriffic. The new glass rear window is a wonderful touch.

The 97 was perfect. The 2000 has some problems that I don't like. Namely, the BOSE stereo system. It is so boomie in the low-end, I have to turn it off at stop lights to avoid giving myself a headache. (It is really that bad.) Also the above mentioned cup holders. Try shifting with a fountain drink in the holder. Good thing the seats are leather!

23,000. For the money, there is no way to get a better deal. It has plenty of power, is fun to drive, the top is easy to put down. I highly recommend this car.

Similar Products Used:

None

To sum it up briefly- fun! Great handling, good ride, more reliable than almost ANY other car out there, and just plain fun!

cupholders are a joke, leather quality is mediocre, and seats could be a bit deeper/lower for those of us 6'0" and up.

Have owned 3 and loved each one..these cars go where you want them to up to the limits, and beg to be driven. A true sports car in every sense of the word. I could have bought either an M Roadster or Honda S2000 on the last purchase(1999 10th Anniversary Edition), but gladly chose my Miata's reliability and total connection to the car.

If you're simply looking for a car to 'occasionally put the top down' on on a Sunday, the car MAY ride a bit harsh for your tastes.

If, on the other hand, you truly ENJOY driving, esepcailly through tight mountain turns, and with the wind in your hair...this may very well be the only converitble you need to drive!

Similar Products Used:

Many Camaros and F bodies, Corvette, 280Z, MR2 turbo, 2.8L Z3 and M Roadster, Mustang GT convertible...the list goes on. Out of every convertible out there, this is THE car to buy, new or used. The only cars that come close in overall driving experience would be the M Roadster at $42k+ or S2000 at ~$38k with dealer markups, but bear in mind the cost of repairs on either of those out of warrantee is likely to be MUCH more frequent AND more expensive.

Almost everything! The styling is outstanding. The price was reasonable in comparison to other cars in this catagory. The handeling is outstanding and the layout of the inside is refined and logical, with the exception of the armrest.

The power is sufficient, but could use a tad more. As I mentioned before the layout of the inside is outstanding, but the armest area could use an updaupdate. Still not enough reason to select another car.

I received a good deal on my car by paying about $22,500. I would more than recommend this car to anyone. It is almost too mcuh fun to drive. Everyday I look forward to driving to work and I look forward to driving home. That experience you really cannot find anywhere else. I look forward to washing it, and find it almost theraputic. I would recommend this car to anyone who has an opportunity to buy it.

Similar Products Used:

AS you can see by my email address I was ready to purchase a Z3, but this car had twice as much for a lot less.

Handling, styling, useability (jump in and go). Smooth shifter, amazing durability throughout, reliability.

This is a ten year old car that is still in rock solid shape (64k miles). No worries about 'putting on mileage' or 'parking dings' in a fully depreciated asset.

Great driving position (lots of fresh air.) Sturdy, I added two subframe braces and a cockpit brace for $300 and 15 minutes work.

Nothing. Ok it is not that spacious, and doubtless loses in every accident.

Original radio had to go. Guess I am a sucker for power tops. Noisy on highways (Windstop really helps ease that aspect). Not recommend for a long highway cruise.

- Price? $6500 in early 1999.
- Recommend it? Absolutely. Everyone should own at least one. A serendipitous impulse purchase. It is a rare example of something done right. (Also recommend the Oris Windstop as an add on, and check out miata.net)

Similar Products Used:

- VW G60 Corrado: I chose a Corrado over the Miata in 1990, but I doubt the Corrado is still running... unreliable with a rubbery shifter but A1+ handling.
- Mercedes CLK320 Cabriolet (talk about dull, we sold it because the Miata was driven more often - more fun for less than an eighth of the cost)
- Porsche Boxster: OK this does compare - a superb vehicle - but the Miata can be driven hard and stay kinda legal, impossible in the Porsche. The Boxster and Miata get about equal usage.
- 1972 Fiat 850 Spyder: only thing that came close to the Miata for simple fun, and it has probably long since rusted away.
- 1996 and 2000 Miatas (test drives) did not add anything to the experience, Mazda got it right a decade ago.

This is a great fun to drive car. Power is very good, awesome grip, an overall great car, and fun to drive

Maybe a little bit noisy, but nothing to worry about

Anybody who loves to drive, and is looking for a low cost sports car, with great acceleration and outstanding cornering prowess, buy this car. Very good quality also, have not changed one part yet ! ! ! !

Similar Products Used:

Corvette

Balance is the word. There are faster cars. There may even be several that handle better (darned few) but there is absolutely no other automobile that is more fun to drive and live with on a day to day basis. I have owned a MGB, MGA, TR-3, Auston Healy, and a Triumph Spitfire. The Miata has the charm of all of these cars only it works and outhandles them all. This car is a blast. Owners refer to the silly look on their face as the Miata grin because you can't drive a Miata and keep from grinning. This is four wheel therapy at it's best. There are perhaps more aftermarket products available for the Miata than any other sports car. Because of this you can make it as unique as you wish. It is as close to bulletproof as any car is likely to be. Ladies of all ages love it (this can be both flattering and dangerous depending on how tolerant your wife is). The only people who might have a problem with this car are those who do not like attention. I have spent much of my life describing automobiles in factual terms. A Miata is more than that. The combination of a subtle seductive body, economy and ability to navigate curves at maximum velocity combine to make a drivers response to a Miata emotional rather than purely factual. This car will get to you.

The latch on the center glove box is on the wrong side. But what would you expect of a car which was designed to be a right wheel drive car.

I paid about $22,000. I would recommend it without equivication. There is no way to describe this car and do it justice. You have to drive one. Once you feel what driving a Miata is like, if you have a soul, you will understand what the excitement is about. Owners don't buy this car they adopt them. I know it sounds silly but most Miata owners even name their cars. I don't have time for such rubbish- I have to go out and wax Gypsy R. (grins)

Similar Products Used:

Did I mention I have owned a slew of old English sports cars? I also test drove a BMW Z3, a Boxter and have since driven a Honda S2000. The Miata is the pick of the litter. Believe it or not it handles better than most of these icons. You can also have a blast driving it and be within shouting distance of the speed limit.

beautiful design both in and out. You will never get tire of the exterior design of the car. It is a brand new classic automobile will modern functionality.

little too small for family of four :-)

Highly recommended for anyone who is looking for fun for very little money. This is a fun fun fun fun fun car. It has perfect blend of a roadster, modern engineering/functinoality, just enough of power, and a beautiful design.

Similar Products Used:

MR-2, Fiat Spyder, Mustang convertable, MG.

Incredible connection with the driving experience, especially with the top down. Phenomenal handling ability, good power, "telepathic" responsiveness. Great styling. Absolutely addictive fun factor. Reputation for excellent reliability. The car has all the features I would have requested if anyone had bothered to ask me how to design a sports car!

Silly design of console lid and cupholders. Seats are adequate, but I would prefer more lateral support.

I would recommend it to anyone seeking to restore their connection with driving and who wants a car that will provide the maximum of enjoyment with minimal expense, both in terms of inital cost and upkeep. $26,500, new, with optional ABS, a/c, and the matching hardtop. (Perpetual, silly grin is standard equipment!)

Similar Products Used:

Alfa Romeo Spider (early 70's)- Miata is somewhat less elegant, but is a stronger performer and more reliable. Fiat 850 Spider (early 70's) - Miata is in a different class, much better in virtually all aspects

I love this car! I just got it a week ago, and cannot believe how incredible the Miata is to drive!! Power, Handling, Looks, this car is the complete package.

THE BLOODY CUP HOLDER!

I paid $20,000 for this car including tax. I would tell anyone who wanted a fast, slick sports car to buy this one immediately. Why spend 30-100K on a car when you can have the #1 sports car for only $20,000 ??

Similar Products Used:

Honda Prelude, BMW Z3, HONDA S2000

--More powerful engine than my 1994 had. Better for in city driving, yet retains open road spunk.

--Great fuel mileage.

--More room in cockpit than my '94.

--Bigger trunk — can carry full set of golf bags or two smaller sets.

--Needs minimal servicing.
--Supple ride, yets corners like a go-kart.

Leather interior nice, but find the convertible top doesn't seem as trouble-free as 1994 Miata which used a different fabric. Also seems to have a dead spot in the torque curve at 2800 rpm that wasn't in lesser horsepower model.

For someone who likes the concept of an old-fashioned English sports car (MGA, MGB, Triumph TR-6, Sunbeam, etc) but really doesn't want to tinker under the hood prefers staying dry on a wet day, the Miata is ideal.

I had a 1960 MGA 1600 and 1976 Triumph TR-7 and know the differences between the Miata and English sports cars.

The Miata is very forgiving in manners... quick and responsive. Has modern sound systems, very good brakes, smart styling. Yes, it would be recommended.

Similar Products Used:

Better than my 1994 Miata model"R" in virtually all ways. Loved the old one, like this one even more.