2010 Mazda MX-5 Miata - 2010 10Best Cars - Car and Driver

[xterra43]

the MX 5 is bigger inside than the S2000 and 10k less expensive for more fun....

[Drphalgun19]

i'm planning to get a roadster for an affordable price is this a good car ?

[sliv3rhaze]

@Drphalgun19 fantastic i have one

[milesdavisblackmx5]

Agreed - I had a NA S-Linited Eunos for 8 years. Fabulous little car. Anybody who says otherwise hasn't got a clue. I may have Porsches now, but I sometimes wish my little Eunos was still outside ready to roll.

[phillymiata]

Miata is the best --

AWD is 'faster' but RWD will always be FUNNER -- there is a reason the S2000 isint made anymore -- it was fast, but not as fun as the miata (any version!)

so its not all about numbers (typical american sheeple thinking) its about balance!

[Fruna123]

drove one of these at work the other day (1996) and its so fun to just throw around and beat to shit on the road. undo the 2 latches on the soft top and slam it down quick just beat the shit out of this car. handles like a house fly, shifts like it needs the next gear mmmmmmmmm

[automotomagazine]

Mazda MX-5 Roadster Coupé 2.0 Performance, 160 ch 29 850 €

Elle vocalise, et même bien, comme si la boîte à air avait été remplacée par une boîte à musique. Et comme le 2 litres se révèle plus tonique qu’auparavant, que

les suspensions ménagent un meilleur confort, presque trop souple en conduite rapide où elle se dandine vite, cette MX-5 possède l’art de la balade rapide. (French)

[shadowlightened]

im proud to own a 2006 mx5, hahhaha i love it so much, the handling, etc. everything is awsome

[lbryan250]

Should I buy this, the GTI or the MINI COOPER S?

[Chess83]

@lbryan250 MX-5 hands down-- my advice is test drive all three for yourself. I was between the Cooper S and the MX-5 and I drove both; wasn't even an option. The salesman was pushing the Cooper and I flat out told him I felt like going home to shower before getting back in the MX-5 because the Cooper was CRAP. Seriously don't know where all the hype came from.

[metalicsupra]

Ive been in both a 92 NA miata(My current car) and a S2000 and to be completely honest...the s2000 is like a beefy version of my Miata. Its a bit harder to drive because its got more power and its also a bit jumpy at times also due to the extra power but it truely is a beefy version of the 90s miatas.

[crxdelsolsir]

The miata is a really good car and congrats for its longevity.

I know your goin to flame with my Honda input but here it is anyway. Just keep an open mind its just a statement of fact.

Honda had absolutely great cars in the same time as the first Miata.

Check out the Honda Beat (mid engined, 50/50 weight distribn, convertible & economy), a real sports car feel with the engine in the rear

The Delsol (already had roll bar,Vtec, powered hard top option in 1st gen form a decade before Miata).

[kaboshi]

@crxdelsolsir

yeah but the del sol is a fwd,dosent comes with the transtop option anywhere near america,and it's a fwd

did i say it was a fwd?

[crxdelsolsir]

@kaboshi

Nothing wrong with FWD. Its actually a very efficient set up (min loss of power transfer to driven wheels).

Front engine and rear wheel drive means there is less weight to the rear for traction at the same time as more loss of power given longer transmitting power from engine to rear. Engineering wise it is not as efficient or safe.

Hence more FWD and front engine cars than RWD with front engine cars.

[kaboshi]

@crxdelsolsir transversal engine on a fwd is just not efficient, and saying that a F/r platform si not optimal? it's the best platform on the planet(ok,let's get the M/R platform out for their ridiculous prices) as you try to launch with a fwd, the nose of the car lifts up,thus reducing the traction on the front wheels,the complete oposite happens when you launch a rwd, ass a80% of the weight ''falls'' on the rear wheels.

fwd is there to let mr-mrs everybody drive without oversteer/winter

[crxdelsolsir]

@kaboshi

Your wrong in claiming a fwd car is not efficient. It is one of the strong points why it is the most abundant format of cars on this planet.

Traction - who says traction is most important (and should be judged) on acceleration? How about on a turn (where handling is more critical).

On turns the normal approach is you decelerate so 80% of weight is up front better traction on driving wheels (while to maintaining speed) & reduces likelyhood of drifting or power sliding. Better Control

[kaboshi]

@crxdelsolsir i dont think we'Ll ever get along on this point, fwd have been invented for ppl who cant drive,mr-mrs everybody.

if you EVER tried to race a fwd, you know that understeer almost killed you at least once a lap, i raced a 300whp fwd for a couple of years, and you just cant compare a ''high horsepower street setup'' that drop 400horses but cant use them more than 30% of then because of spinning/understeer

you have to drive a mx-5 to beleive:P

[crxdelsolsir]

@kaboshi

FWD is not just for people that cant drive its the most practical format for normal cars today. Not that non racing car drivers dont know how to drive.

Most FWD cars today can out perform many rear wheel drive sports cars yesterday.

Point is where not dealing with 300 whp on roads. If we do we do not use all 300 whp just to accelerate from one stop light to the next.

[crxdelsolsir]

@kaboshi

Fact is we are not talking about racing conditions or the best format that can plant the most power on the ground.

We all know a RWD set up inferior to an AWD set up in the issue planting power to ground above a certain power band (where more traction than 2 wheels is finally required).

But just let me point out that the 1st Gen of both the Miata and Delsol the FWD Delsol out accelerates & out brakes the Miata. Delsol was awarded Drivers Choice (on top of the Miata) by Motor Week

[HunterXray]

@crxdelsolsir Do you mean Del Sol?

[Chess83]

@kaboshi This is rather silly; high hp FWD is a difficult thing to accomplish because of the power output in an axle that must accelerate AND steer-- it has nothing to do with skill but engineering. The VAST majority of high performance cars have switched to AWD to remove the threat of under/over steer; the current trend is partial AWD which places slightly more power at rear; but still gives some up front.

Both setups have flaws that AWD answers.

[Antigen07]

@Chess83 But AWD is heavier, even less efficient and less sporting than a RWD only setup. For people who see sports cars as about the joy of the drive vs numbers, RWD is better if not faster except to 60 or on loose surfaces.

[Chess83]

@Antigen07 while it is heavier the ability to for the car to place some of the power at the front allows the car to carry much more speed reliably though the corner, which means faster travel and more exhilarating driving experience.

For the record, I own an MX5 and love it. I am a purist at heart and believe a "proper" sports car is RWD, be it FR or MR-- that being said, if I am going to race someone I'd be reaching for a Mid-engine AWD as it allows me to go faster.

[AccidentallyFunny]

My new MX-5 is about a week old now. 2010 6Spd -- GT PRHT -- with premium & suspension package. We tried a good number of roadsters, and in many ways some were much better than the MX-5, but ultimately none of them were as refined or had that quality feel (except BMW). Thanks C&D for the review and Mazda for making such an amazing car. :D

[Amras0407]

@jerrry007 Too bad they stopped making them...

[jerrry007]

@Amras0407 things end so new ones can happen. they will eventualy make something new in that class. Luckily I bought one 2008 model and yes it is a gooood car :)

[AccidentallyFunny]

@jerrry007 I can respect your opinion because the S2000 is indeed a really really nice machine.

[jerrry007]

s2000 is a way better!

[RogTheLefty]

@jerrry007 meh.id prefer the miata over s2000 just because i drive the miata daily,and i surely know what the s2000's seats are all about xD

[jaowseph]

Man I love seeing that power retractable hard top go up and down.

[AccidentallyFunny]

I think of the Miata as a true sport car. 50/50 light weight, RWD and refined to perfection. It's not the fastest performing sports car, but that doesn't make it an ordinary car..

[japster1358]

sports cars are not all about hp and 0-100 stats.. it about the experience and emotions involved..

[BigBoyBato]

i have owned a 95 M3, currently own a 92 GT-R... but yet, i still want this car. My own little sister of all people told me its a 'girls' car, lol... whatever, once i get money, i'm getting this. Better gas mileage than my current car I"m sure.

[rainofthepast]

five starz video

[rainofthepast]

best roadster ever !!

i really prefer it than the SLK and the z4

[goestyou]

stupid americans and their "muscle" cars hahahah

[horn36]

getting this in a few months.. so F***ING EXCITED! SHIETTTTT..

[mechmusician]

Why the hell would you buy a new one? It's been the same car for 15 years. Get a used one.

[86bmw325i]

These things are FUCKING fast when you put a turbo on them

[AccidentallyFunny]

How many years in a row is this in 10 best now? They might as well carve out a spot in stone for the Miata. Fucking awesome little car :)

[mechmusician]

When is Mazda going to let this car reach it's full potential and put the 2.3L, MZR, turbo SIDI motor into it? That's the only thing this car lacks. Power.

[orochiThing]

its a track car not muscle

[billylai6]

I think the main point of this car is, you don't need a lot of power to have fun.

[mechmusician]

I don't give a rat's ass what anybody thinks the point of this car is. There are many aspects to a great sports car. Power is one of them. This car lacks it. With the new pint-sized turbo motors in them, the Miata could actually drop weight with a new motor. There are 1.4-1.8L direct-injected turbo motors with very low torque peaks (around 1750RPM) out there for contract. Imagine a lighter, more efficient, 200hp+ Miata.

[Uberwagon]

I don't think there's a car made that makes as many smiles as this thing. It's pure fun, pure hijinks. Anyone who tries to compare it to a second hand S2000 or Z4 doesn't get it (and obviously hasn't driven one). More weight and staggered tires means the others cost an absolute fortune to track (tires, brakes, breakdowns). These things? Just gas...

[ebmirador]

a life size go kart. I want one in red please....

[MacTownB34ST]

@ebmirador i have one in red ;) ha the original. its a 1990 with 35,000 miles and i love it!

[saudim46]

this is one of the most fun-to-drive cars out there...find straight line performance in V8 American muscles bro...

[ushkoun]

You know ya gotta stop talking this shit about american cars, japanese cars, european cars! Because if the make of the car is still in business they're probably partners with another make, doesnt matter witch one it is.

[temdatli]

The cartoon face is just comical.

[5Qu1Z33r]

The engine in Miata is a joke. Wake me up when it's pulling atlest 300 horses...

[1RadRotary]

you dumbass, thats not the point of this car.

[5Qu1Z33r]

Yeah i know, the point of this car is to suck at strait line acceleration lol

[Motive17]

Who cares about straight line acceleration? A real car can go around corners too. Something a Mustang, Camaro, or Corvette could only dream of doing.

[iamElijah]

you're an idiot, the corvette z06 and zr1 both are handling beasts. the new shelby gt500 handles damn good as well. the camaro on the other hand doesn't compare to those two.

[Motive17]

...and yet another person who thinks they know something about cars. I'm going to tell you something that all Americans need to get through they thick heads. The U.S. cannot make good cars.

[jrodigan5]

Corvette ZR1

Ford Mustang (the old ones)

Cadillac CTS-V

I'm not saying that Americans make the best cars in the world, because its not true, but Americans can make some good cars.

[Motive17]

I'll agree with you on the Cadillac but it gets trumped by the Lexus ISF.

[jrodigan5]

Yeah, the ISF is a really great car. looks great and performs to match.

[luke26126]

put up a shelby gt500 to a subaru wrx sti and the shelby will get killed in handling

[5Qu1Z33r]

Yeah right, because there are so many fast corners in cities...

[Motive17]

And there are also so many long straights devoid of traffic.

[5Qu1Z33r]

Where i live - yes.

[lockdown260]

mustang- ur right

camaro- maybe

Corvette- you failed on this one. It can corner with the best japanese and euro cars.

[Smatchimo]

yah if you get the z06, get the ragtop and it loosens up more than you would think, feels like shit.

[JcmMagNoo]

then why bother. you cant get anything less than 20K for a muscle car anyways.

[5Qu1Z33r]

What's your point, i don't get it?

[JcmMagNoo]

its a sports car.

[5Qu1Z33r]

Miata is a sportscar? Sorry, don't think so...

[JcmMagNoo]

a 20 year old traditional 2 passanger coupe that can out corner a muscle car for 20 straight years. i consider it as one

[5Qu1Z33r]

There is slightly more to a sportscar than ability to corner well. Just google it, or read wiki.

p.s. VW passat can out corner a muscle car :)

[esca8652]

the miata isn't particularly fast but it's a great handler and is fun to drive both very important requirements to be labeled as a sports car.

[5Qu1Z33r]

By your logic - go kart is a sportscar. While 0-60 in 6.5 is not bad, i just don't consider it to be in sportscar territory, since my old Saab 9-5 Aero was able to pull that off.

[OneOfaKind949]

In needs the speed 3 engine.

[Z3RO0RD1E]

Well, a car with a smile on it better give you one too.

[ham645]

true

[seroyer2]

how could the Miata not be on the 10 best. this is the most fun car I have ever driven.

[gunzkevin]

Roadsters are pretty cool but aren't too well suited for taller people like me. I sat in one and it seemed a lot harder to sit in than my daughter's focus. But this car is still pretty sweet.

[coolerdude44]

i'm 6'5'', 250 lbs and i love this car. it's comfortable (way better than the honda s2000) and i'm thinking of buying one.

[datkoolbrutha]

God Bless you! Your an inch taller than me,lol! I just couldn't fit in the Miata,but I love the way it looks and handles.

[datkoolbrutha]

You can say that again,LMAO! I'm 6'4 and I tried to sit in the Miata 2 years ago and I felt like I was sitting in a go-cart at an amusement park.If I was shorter I would definitely own one.I'm glad they didn't change the formula of the Miata that much.That's what makes it fun!

[coolerdude44]

that's strange, like i said i'm 6'5'', and it felt ok to me at the new york international auto show last year. i tried sitting in the honda s2000, and i literally couldn't get in it. weird, and disappointing because a 2002 s2000 would be the perfect addition to my life right now.

[datkoolbrutha]

I guess cuz I'm used to driving SUVs,lmao! But you know what......I still would consider a roadster.There is one I was able to get into.....the BMW Z4.

[demonicreborn]

You're having problems? That's odd... I'm 6'4 and sitting in my friend's miata is not a problem.

[datkoolbrutha]

Well to tell you the truth,that was back then.I weighed 270lbs,lol! Now I'm 235lbs.I'll try again soon getting into a Miata.This car has a cult following that will forever exist. Now you make me want one now,lol!

[minibus1351]

Miata is probably one of the only true roadsters left today. Good old English tradition with Japanese reliability. I would say this is a great first car to buy and keep for a lifetime.

[surlybikes13]

how about lotus

[minibus1351]

Lotus is no doubt a great car too, but price is not approachable for many, I think. One of my favourite car manufacturers though.

[Motive17]

Lotus is definitely my favorite sports car maker. Each car has so much engineering.