2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata: An Affordable Drop Top Roadster

Highlight: The folks at Mazda claim that this has been the biggest market for what has become the world’s best-selling two-seater convertible, since the MX-5 Miata was conceived over 20 years ago.

Test vehicle’s MSRP: $31,300 (Base price starts at $23,905)

Major Standard Features: 5-speed manual; 16-inch wheels; power exterior mirrors; a/c; leather steering wheel; power windows; AM/FM/CD player with 6 speakers; side airbags; dual exhaust pipes

Standard Engine/Horsepower: 2.0-liter DOHC/167

Standard Fuel Mileage: 21/28 (based on 6-speed manual transmission)

Indirect Competitor: BMW Z4

What’s New: The current generation rear-wheel drive roadster was last reworked in 2009. While the sporty roadster is virtually unchanged for the 2011 model year, pricing has risen by approximately $2,000 on the base model MX-5 Miata since its last major update.

Pros:

Since I was fortunate to get my hands on the top of the line Grand Touring model, my sporty two seater was outfitted with Mazda’s optional easy-to-use power retractable hard top. In fact, opening and closing cycles to the top last less than 12 seconds, making this the fastest power-operated retractable hard top in America which is another claim from the folks at Mazda.

For those pinching pennies, but yearning for an affordable roadster, a soft top is available for about $1,600 less than the hard top. Personally, I prefer the hard top since it improves the overall appearance of the sexy vehicle, giving it a more upscale look, when the top is up.

Another money saving feature in the compact roadster is the standard 5-speed manual or 6-speed manual, depending on the trim package. By opting for the manual, as opposed to an automatic, one can keep a lid on the sticker price, holding the price down by approximately $1,100. Just like with the hardtop, I also preferred the 6-speed manual transmission that was in the well-equipped MX-5 Miata we reviewed.

And if price isn’t a big concern, the tiny roadster can be equipped with heated leather seats, a leather shift knob, 17-inch alloy wheels, fog lights, steering wheel mounted cruise and audio controls, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, an in-dash 6-disc CD changer, an anti-theft alarm, a keyless entry system, Bluetooth connectivity, Xenon headlights and a Sirius Satellite radio.

Oh yeah, my two-seater was also equipped with four cup holders.

Cons:

I last reviewed the MX-5 Miata two years ago, when the vehicle received its last major update. Just like two years ago, I still have the same concerns: the rear-wheel drive configuration impedes the legroom of adult-size passengers, the odd location of the fuel filler door release lever, which is located underneath the back rear window, and that this roadster only uses premium fuel!

Furthermore, due to this vehicle’s compact size, the MX-5 Miata can be a little dicey to drive on the highway, especially in the midst of a heavy downpour.

The Verdict:

While this is a fun and spirited roadster to kick-it around town in, the Miata MX-5 compact size is not an everyday driver for most consumers -- unless they reside in a warm weather climate. Thus, this may be the leading reason why both Honda and GM have walked away from this contracting segment a few years ago. Currently, besides the MX-5 Miata, there are only two players in this field. BMW offers the Z4 at the high end of the segment, while the MX-5 Miata is priced at the low-end of the segment.

Now although the number of competitors in this segment has literally shrunk, Mazda sales continue to grow in small increments. In fact, new-vehicle sales for the Miata MX-5 are up about 3 percent from the same period a year ago.

Overall the MX-5 Miata is a good value, especially when stacked up against the pricier Bimmer Z4. Since the Z4 has a price tag near $50k and the long-term (out-of –warranty) maintenance upkeep could be out of reach for most consumers, the sporty designed Mazda MX-5 Miata is a great alternative. With this vehicle, one can still drop the top without mortgaging the future.