The Miata was very cute, mine was a dark green, which I found a bit more luxurious looking than the more common red or black. It was very comfortable for me, but would probably be a bit cramped for a tall man or a very heavy person. It had enough trunk room for my purposes, but a road trip for two would mean traveling light.
There were no strange noises and visibility was good. I think it was in the shop for mechanical reasons once: for a new water pump. Not bad for a car that was four years old when I got it! Costs were reasonable, but do keep in mind that the plastic window in the back can get cloudy with age. I was able to find someone to fix it without replacing the whole soft top. I do with that it had come with a hard top for winter, both to save the ragtop, and for warmth. The heater works just fine, but I took this car to Alaska with me, and a hard top would have been better. You also need to get very good snow tires for winter driving, typical of any sports car.
The best thing about the Miata is that it is just plain fun to drive. It's quick and responsive, but not so powerful that you feel overwhelmed. Handling is wonderful, and braking firm and smooth. I felt very safe driving it, small as it was.
I would definitely recommend the Miata as a car that is both fun and reliable. It reminded me of my first car, an MG Midget, in its spirit and style, but without the constant repairs.
Jerry
Colorado Springs, Colorado
5.0
Fun and affordable convertible
This is a fun car at an affordable price. While other convertibles can run pretty expensive, this one is mostly pretty cheap, and the upkeep is on par with other vehicles.
Tucson, Arizona
5.0
A classic roadster experience.
The 1996 Mazda Miata MX-5 is one of the most popular sports cars and for good reason Once someone has been behind the wheel of a Miata, they will understand what makes it so special. The Miata will not win drag races, nor will it blow your mind with its top speed but take the Miata up through the winding roads of the mountains and the Miata shows what makes it so special. The car has excellent handling, and accelerating through the apex of a turn has never felt so satisfying. The experience can be improved upon by lowering the convertible top, or if it is too hot, the A/C is cold enough to escape even the hottest Arizona summer days. The Miata is furnished inside with a simple, yet elegant interior, including a wooden steering wheel and matching shifter knob. In my particular car however it has a custom fit crown royal shift boot.