Mazda MX-5 Miata Review from Consumer Reports

[Smashinz2002]

This guy is wrong; the Miata does NOT rev "really high" on the highway. First, he does not define what rpms are being turned at highway speeds (such as 70mph). Second, he does not define what "really high" means. The Miata revs perfectly for a 4-cylinder in top gear, at 70 mph (or higher). About 3400 at 70, and about 3900 at 80. These are perfect figures for such an engine. Best power BEGINS at 4000rpm. And then continues without flattening, to redline. This is perfect, and useable.

[thechinadesk]

@Smashinz2002

Thanks for that clarification. I was skeptical about the CR claim that the Miata revved "really high" at highway speeds.

How could it possibly, with a six speed manual?

Incidentally, the newer Miatas look different but just as good as the older ones.

The older Miatas looked like the Lotus Elan.

The newer Miata sheet metal suggests that Mazda decided to make the Miata look more muscular, therefore incorporated a hint of Dodge Viper body styling.

[GunFreak271]

Did you say that the soft top has less road noise than the hard top counterpart? How does that make any sense?

[Smashinz2002]

judging by what the tach is showing on that six-speed at 70mph, it's not revving high enough. You would have to drop a gear there to get it moving well. I know this because I have the 5-speed, and it's turning 3500 at 70, which is what it should be doing. The really good power starts pulling around 80mph, or 4000 rpm, and continues to redline without flattening out. Very impressive for a non-turbo. Even though the low-end torque is great for a 2.0, it is intended to be run above 4k for best perf

[rowsdower12]

CR wouldn't know what fun is if fun ran them over with a freight train of joy. I know they aren't MotorTrend or what have you but seriously. They need to put certain cars under what they are INTENDED to do. Sure there are obviously downsides to this car or that car but don't compare a focused sports car to a SUV saying, well you can't seat other people or cargo. Okay I'm done.

[simond3737]

Ive got one..2007 black with folding hardtop,I had the NA,NB and now this NC..Its the best by far...The roof is bloody awesome,no more dodgy old soft tops...This thing handles beautifully.make it sound a bit more like a real car with some aftermarket stainless exhausts and a K+N intake..And then I will just drive it forever...I take it out even if I have nowhere to go..Its that kind of car..

[Shuffle3956]

i felt claustrophobic as soon as he started complaining about the leg room space

[andrewerdna100]

tested this car out and its pretty fun to drive. only thing is i needed car that sits more than 2 and that has more features

[JustAnotherJake7]

This car is just great, I think I would prefer a mid 90's one, but that's just me. I love cars from the 90's. I think they are just soo much better

The 1992 Camry we have aided that opinion A LOT

[TonightsSpecials]

OHZ NOEZ!!!! IT HAS SHORT GEARING!?!?! Why would anyone who buys a roadster want an actually track usefull sixth gear!?!? HA! (That was sarcasm) Why would anyone buy a roadster/sportscar and expect to have a soft, high up, quiet, and an intuitive ride drive position. This guys last statement is the only thing that saved him from looking like an idiot.

[godwithme777]

sports cars can be fun, but know this, the county morgue is filled at an average of 300-400 broken and blood ridden bodies every week, cause of carelessness and selfishness on the road. cars are machines and only do what the driver commands it. machines break and fail when you least expect it! going 50+ mph and swerving in front of someone (especially with no clearance in front of the side), is very foolish. may be fun, but childish and dangerous 2u & 2 innocent victim! think bug on a windshield

[periskop]

Actually, you _could_ race a Mustang with this car - provided that it's not a drag race, and there are plenty of corners :)

[TheLethalCep]

why is the oil pressure so high

[Smashinz2002]

@TheLethalCep The Miata includes a "true pressure" oil gage. This means that the oil pressure you see, is actually what is going on. The gage is extremely responsive, as if you had attached a mechanic's gage to the engine. This is perfect. People are just used to seeing the oil needle in the middle all the time, which is not really what is going on in the engine. 

[TheLethalCep]

holy shit that car is running hot as hell

[wanewton]

@TheLethalCep That's the oil pressure up top.  It varies with the RPM. The temp is lower right. That's where mine normally runs.

[barreltrollololol]

@0:50 On par with many small cars... miata is a small car...

-

@1:43 Doesn't take up much luggage space.... the top is stored in it's OWN space, it doesn't take up any space in the trunk. You have the exact same space whether top up or down.

-

@2:25 I know miata is marketed to everyone but a tall person needs to know their limitation and know they won't be very comfortable in a miata and think of buying a different convertible.

-

@2:49 Low seat? It's a small sport miata, duh.

[redman6657]

Once I'm able to drive, I'd buy this car. I'm not buying it because I want lots of performance or good looks, I'm buying it because I know I can become a great driver from this car. It handles well, the pedals are perfectly spaced for heel and toe shifting, and the shifter has short throws. It's just a car for the driver. Period.

[tizotube100]

I was this close on being sold for this car, then he mentioned bad room space and very noisy cabin. Two things I really hate. Trust me, I use to have an integra and that shit was so annoying to bare with on the freeway.

[HunterXray]

@tizotube100 It makes me wonder if Dynamat would help bring the noise down to a manageable level.

[tortillaandbeans]

tired of the noise.... never.... i purposely zip down the back window just to hear the exhaust note...

[HunterXray]

@tortillaandbeans I don't think I'd get tired of the noise either. Because I always drive with all my windows and my sunroof open, until it's too cold.

[godwithme777]

@HunterXray i have a 2011 mx 5, it's actually quieter with the top down, or windows open with the top up. Anyway, a sports car isn't supposed to be quiet. It's all about realising that your'e in a machine, and you are the one controlling it, not a computer, or dsc devise. when one learns how to truly drive, the chances are, that you will be much safer on the road against the sleeping zombies who don't realise they have 3ooolb of killing metal in their hands, and drive like lunatics pinballs!

[Midknight1124]

Errr the folding hard top takes up NO luggage space....it doesn't "only take up a little"

[Midknight1124]

lol the fuel economy is "on par with many small cars!...that's increadible!! Wait...how big is this car again? oh ya, it's what I'd call a "small car"

[HunterXray]

@Midknight1124 Yeah, I was thinking... this ISN'T a small car?

[nicknickk]

The car is great, I know cause I have one, but this guy is a bit of a girl...complains too much.."seats are low" well yeah dud it is a sports car and handles well.

[2005Boxster]

Consumer reports should stick to reviewing washing machines.

[esca8652]

@2005Boxster Yeah isn't it a boring review lol

[Girdedloins]

I just may trade my MINI in on one of these girlie cars.

[ivaniclixx]

It doesn't take ANY luggage space to take the roof down ...

[rowplaya619]

Lol "it doesn't give much space for tall people"

Don't you check that before you buy a car??

[jvrdlc]

nice car, nice review

[kcejoda]

What kind of review is this. All this guy is doing is whining and complaining about how noisy the car is and other junk. You don't like it sir then don't fucking drive the car, what a turd.

[btinder711]

@kcejoda

I think you miss the whole point of a car review.

[rowplaya619]

@btinder711 actually they didn't, its ment to review both good and bad aspects and i thank them cause i wanna know whats speacial about it.. I'm saving up for one

[96hatchy]

well ur comment isn't very logical at all. of course he;s going to drive it. it is his job to review the car. but i also dislike this review because people who are going to buy a miata could give two shits about the handling and road noise. or if they do care its probably at the bottom of their list.