- 2010
2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata
- Used Mazda MX-5 Miata
Mazda MX-5 Miata - What the Auto Press Says
Auto writers praise the Mazda MX-5 Miata for its all-around satisfying handling dynamics, as well as its impressive build quality and value over time. These factors helped the 2009 MX-5 win the U.S. News Best Car for the Money Award in the sports car class.
Now almost 20 years old, the Mazda MX-5 Miata is famous for providing superior sports car handling that's as comfortable as it is thrilling. Add to that its excellent reliability history and it's easy to see why sports car enthusiasts love the Miata. Motor Trend writes: "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."
The Miata was listed in the 2000 Guinness Book of World Records for being the best-selling two-seat convertible in history. Even so, reviewers note that some competitors offer stronger engines and faster off-the-line performance. The Honda S2000, for instance, easily keeps pace with the Miata, and may very well trump it on the race track -- especially in Club Racer trim. Though not as sporty, the Nissan 350Z is also a strong alternative for those in the market for a sports roadster. However, the Miata has both the S2000 and 350Z beat when it comes to ride quality.
Redesigned in 2006, the MX-5 Miata only receives a refresh for the 2009 model year that mostly affects its exterior design. It is available in five trims: SV, Sport, Touring, Grand Touring and Special Edition. In addition to convertible vinyl and cloth tops, a power retractable hardtop is also available.
- "The 2009 MX-5 Miata roadster continues to capture the hearts of driving enthusiasts and open-air aficionados everywhere." -- Kelley Blue Book
- "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
- "This Best Buy delivers as much driving enjoyment--if not outright power--as two-seat sports cars costing thousands more." -- Consumer Guide +"Another plus for Miatas is that they have held their value over the years." -- Forbes
MX-5-Miata Performance - 8.8 (Very Good)
Test drivers rave about the Miata's sport handling. "The roadster has a 50/50 weight distribution (front/rear) and precise rack-and-pinion steering for legendary handling and predictability," writes Cars.com. "The Miata is one of the most fun-to-drive cars around, despite its relatively modest engine power." With such thrilling sport capabilities, it's no wonder that critics are left impressed by the MX-5. Read More
MX-5-Miata Exterior - 8.0 (Very Good)
For 2009, the MX-5 Miata receives a refresh of its exterior design. Changes include a new front grill and revised rear fender bulges. Still, it features three convertible top options. Car and Driver explains, "The standard manual top is the easiest to use in the industry, completely operable from the driver's seat, and the optional folding hardtop is a model of compactness and light weight." Read More
MX-5-Miata Interior - 6.3 (Mediocre)
Auto writers are satisfied with the Miata's interior fit and finish, but find its cabin too cramped for large passengers. "Occupants above 6 feet in height may fit with the help of the new manual height adjustment, but the taller you are the more claustrophobic you'll feel and the poorer your sightlines will be," writes Cars.com. Read More
MX-5-Miata Safety - NA
It's been four years since the federal government last crash tested the MX-5 Miata. Though it only performed moderately well, the Miata features a host of standard active and passive safety equipment -- including front and side airbags. Reviewers, however, warn that the MX-5 might not be safe for children. Read More
MX-5-Miata Reliability - 6.0 (Mediocre)
The 2009 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). Critics applaud Mazda for the Miata's top-notch build quality. "Now in its 18th year, the MX-5 Miata delivers high quality and reliability, not to mention driver fun, at a reasonable price," writes Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. The MX-5 Miata carries a three-year/36,000-mile limited warranty. Read More
