2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata [ 2007 ]
Based on analysis of 49 MX-5-Miata reviews and test drives.
Mazda MX-5 Miata - What the Auto Press Says
The 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata ranks 1 out of 10 Affordable Sports Cars. This ranking is based on our analysis of 49 published reviews and test drives of the Mazda MX-5 Miata, and our analysis of reliability and safety data.
The Miata ranks in the top half of its class because of its tight, balanced handling and zippy acceleration. What's more, reviewers see its soft top and new power-folding hardtop as the best in their class, though the MX-5 falls short of competitors on interior room. As the highest-ranking Affordable Sports Car, the Miata proves to be a smart choice for anyone in the market for a great performer at a bargain price.
Reviewers see the 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata as a fun-to-drive roadster for a very affordable price. In fact, Car and Driver describes it as "motorized pleasure," insisting that it's "surprisingly practical for a sporting roadster." Listed in the 2000 Guinness Book of World Records as the best-selling two-seat convertible in history, the MX-5 was redesigned in 2006 to be a more powerful and muscular version of its former self.
Though test drivers commonly complain of the Miata's cramped interior cabin, most agree that its exquisite performance attributes more than make up for any discomfort experienced in the driver's seat. In fact, the MX-5 is so well-liked that in 2007 it racked up several honors. It's listed by Car and Driver as a "10Best Car" for the second straight year. Consumer Reports even lists the MX-5 as the most "Fun to Drive," noting it "won drivers over with its balanced handling, quick and precise steering, and crispshifting six-speed manual transmission -- all available at a reasonable price."
The MX-5 comes in several trims -- SV, Sport, Touring and Grand Touring -- with one universal 2.0-liter engine and three transmission choices. The two-door convertible is also available with a Power Retractable Hard Top (PRHT) in either the Sport, Touring or Grand Touring trims.
- "The new MX-5 is just like that bubbly, blonde cheerleader you knew in high school 15 years ago. Only now she's grown up and has a college degree. She's also put on a few more pounds. But she still knows all the moves." -- Motor Trend.
- "Not so much as a nut, a bolt, or a switch has carried over from the second-generation Miata -- not even the name. And yet the most important element has not changed-that would be, simply, driving fun." -- Automobile Magazine
- Compared to the Pontiac Solstice, the Miata is "quicker, more agile, more refined, quieter, roomier, more comfortable, [and] better looking." -- Car and Driver
- "For what the car is, and what it has always been, the MX-5 Miata is essentially without peer. And whether you like the retractable hardtop or not -- and I do -- the soft top is still available for purists, and the hardtop just adds one more feature that makes the car a little more practical as a daily driver." -- Orlando Sentinel
- "The latest generation is spectacularly good, both sweetly rewarding to drive and an excellent value." -- New Car Test Drive
- "Another plus for Miatas is that they have held their value over the years." -- Forbes
MX-5-Miata Performance - 8.7 (Very Good)
Reviewers absolutely love the 2008 MX-5 Miata's spirited driving. "With the MX-5's potent driving dynamics, perfect power-to-weight ratio, engaging engine response, and short-throw shifter; this car is a delight to play with," says Motor Trend. "Toss in the added benefit of a convertible, and you double the fun factor." Compared to other Affordable Sports Cars, the Miata ranks in the top half of its class for performance. Continue with our full Miata Performance Review to learn why test drivers don't like the Touring and Grand Touring's optional stiffer sport suspension. continue
MX-5-Miata Exterior - 7.7 (Good)
Most reviews like the exterior styling of the 2008 Miata, which looks more masculine than previous generations. Critics are especially impressed with the convertible's hard and soft-top options. The Orlando Sentinel comments: "This retractable hardtop works so well that all but the hard-core sports-car types were quickly won over. Flip the latch and press a button, and the hardtop folds itself into a space behind the seats, intruding not at all on the small but usable trunk." Even so, other Affordable Sports Cars fare better in the category of design -- especially the Pontiac Solstice and Saturn Sky. Continue with our full Miata Exterior Review to read about its speedy convertible top, which folds in only 12 seconds, or go to the 2008 Miata Photo Gallery to see it for yourself. continue
MX-5-Miata Interior - 6.5 (Mediocre)
Despite the cramped accommodations, reviewers assert that the Miata's excellent interior fit and finish makes it a joy to drive. According to Car and Driver, its cabin "is none too spacious but nicely equipped, perfectly suited to whipping you and a companion about as you chase the late summer sun until it falls into the horizon." Compared to other Affordable Sports Cars, the Miata's interior ranks in the middle of its class. Continue with our full Miata Interior Review to learn why its four-speaker base stereo system leaves some critics disappointed, or go to the 2008 Miata Photo Gallery to check it out. continue
MX-5-Miata Safety - NA
The Miata features a wide array of active and passive safety equipment, and does well in federal government crash tests, earning four of five stars for driver protection and five stars for front passenger protection in front impact crashes. In side impact crashes, however, the Miata only earns three stars for front seat occupant protection. Continue with our full Miata Safety Review to learn why some reviewers poke fun at the sound of its horn. continue
MX-5-Miata Reliability - 8.0 (Very Good)
The 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata reliability score shown is the Predicted Reliability rating provided by J.D. Power and Associates. This score is based on trending the past three years of historical initial quality and dependability data from J.D. Power's automotive studies, specifically the Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS) and the Initial Quality Study (IQS). Mazda offers warranty coverage on all of its cars, including a three-year/36,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty. Continue with our full Miata Reliability Review to read which notable source says that it has an "excellent" history of reliability. continue
