2000 Mazda Miata: Overview

Vehicle Highlights

A base-price cut and a new Special Edition model are midyear highlights for Mazda's 2-seat sports car. Added to the base Miata at the start of the 2000 model year was a new uplevel LS version with standard leather upholstery and other amenities. Joining both this spring is a Special Edition model with special paint and trim. All have a 140-horsepower 4-cylinder engine. Base and LS models use a 5-speed manual transmission or optional automatic; the Special Edition comes only with a 6-speed manual. Antilock brakes are unavailable on the base model and optional on the other two.
Previously optional features made standard on base and LS models for 2000 include alloy wheels, power steering, power windows, and a leather-wrapped Nardi steering wheel. Added to their standard equipment at midyear are air conditioning, fog lamps, and floor mats. The base model also gets the previously optional wind blocker panel, while the lower-body aero package is now standard on both the LS and the Special Edition. The base model's list price is reduced by $700, the LS model's by $450. All Miatas have a manual-folding soft top with a heated glass rear window. A removable hardtop is available at extra cost. The midyear price cut coincides with the introduction of the Toyota MR2 Spyder, another 4-cylinder, 2-seat convertible with similar performance and a list price of around $23,100. Among changes in store for the 2001 Miata is an increase to 155 hp.

COMPETITION

This class features an interesting mix of hard-core performance models and more luxurious touring convertibles. Our Best Buys give you a little of both worlds. The Chevrolet Corvette is fast, comfortable, and reasonably affordable. Unlike previous models it doesn't beat you up with a hard ride, and it will cruise quietly at highway speeds. Our other Best Buy, the Mazda Miata, is a bare-bones roadster with few frills and average acceleration, but for weekend fun on a twisty back road it's hard to beat.
If you don't mind spending a few more bucks, we recommend you take a look at the BMW Z3 and Mercedes-Benz SLK. Both are two-seat convertibles. The BMW is more sporty and the Mercedes is more luxurious.
If you are interested in bang-for-the-buck our Budget Buys include the Chevrolet Camaro and Ford Mustang. At any given price or equipment level the Camaro is a faster car, but the Mustang might be a little more user-friendly as a daily driver.