Mazda Miata: Celebrating Twenty Years

What's New About the Miata:
The sporty and fun-to-drive all-new fifth generation Miata has been reworked for its twentieth anniversary, with its Jaguar-like side profile. Over the past twenty years the evolution of this vehicle has reignited America’s love for compact roadsters - causing a number of automakers to build their own Miata-type vehicle.

Must Have Goodies:
While you’re cruising the city in this compact roadster, consider stepping up to the Grand Touring edition, which consist of such upgrades as leather heated seats, a brown or black cloth top and automatic a/c controls. You can also opt to shell out an additional $1,840 for an automatic retractable hardtop, although the manual folding top can be operated with one hand. Adding to the top, you should opt for the premium package, which consists of an anti-theft alarm, a keyless starter, traction control and Xenon headlights for better night time lighting. And you must have the 6-speed manual transmission which enhances the driving experience.

What Rocked:
The easy-to-use fold down manual top in our test vehicle rocked. We were able to close and open the top without reading any directions. In fact, we were able to close and open the top in a matter of seconds. And although the tiny roadster can only seats two, there are 4 cupholders in the vehicle. What’s a convertible without a safe spot to place your water bottle or cup of Cappuccino? Oh yeah, we can’t forget the heated leather seats for those chilly days when you must drop the top.

What We Hated:

Although this vehicle is definitely fun to drive, because of its compact size, we were a little afraid to drive on Atlanta’s dangerous highways. Like most compacts and micro cars, the MX-5 is no match for 18 wheelers, pick ups and SUVS. And if you’re not familiar with the vehicle, you’ll have to read the owner’s manual to locate the locking fuel release door, which was located in the rear storage compartment. What an odd location? Also for $29,000 asking price, the Miata should contain automatic headlights. Why should we have to remember to turn on and turn off the headlights?

Any Juice:

While the 2.0, 4-cylinder engine doesn’t offer a turbo like a number of its competitors, the vehicle is still capable of kicking out 167 horses.

Verdict:

For years this vehicle has served as a second car for many, because of its compact size. Although the vehicle has grown slightly, its still a tight fit to squeeze in and roll out of for most average size adults. Since the recession, many folks have shied away from the two-seater compacts, focusing on more practical vehicles. (This should allow buyers to work a sweet deal.) With that said, the MX-5 is available in 12-trim levels. The vehicle can be ordered as an automatic or manual with either a retractable hardtop or manual one. Pricing for the Miata starts at $21,759 and easily climbs to $32,000.

Competition:

Honda S2000, Pontiac Solstice and Saturn Sky

To price out a new MX-5 or another new vehicle, visit JeffCars.com's New Car-Buying Guide.