2001 Mazda Miata: Road Test
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2001 Mazda Miata ▼
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- MSRP: $21,180 -$25,715
- Invoice: $19,548 -$23,725
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Our road test for the 2001 Mazda Miata includes a full evaluation of the 2001 Mazda Miata from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2001 Mazda Miata, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2001 Mazda Miata help you decide if a 2001 Mazda Miata is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| Base, auto. | LS, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | 6 | 5.7 |
Liberal use of throttle and manual gear shift brings out Miata's fun nature. Little difference in performance between 5- and 6-speed manuals at about 7.8 sec 0-60 mph in our tests. Automatic-transmission versions aren't nearly as responsive.
FUEL ECONOMY
| Base, auto. | LS, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 6.1 |
Extended-use-test 6-speed LS is averaging 27.2 mpg over its first 5668 mi. Mazda recommends premium gas.
RIDE QUALITY
| Base, auto. | LS, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 3 | 3 | 3.5 |
Base suspension is firm but not unduly stiff for a sports car. Suspension Package can jar on sharp bumps, so try before you spend extra for it. Expected cowl and windshield frame scuttle over rippled pavement.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| Base, auto. | LS, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 8 | 9 | 6.8 |
Razor sharp with little body lean even in hard cornering, and smooth, swift stops with ABS. Standard sport-oriented tires are poor in snow; we put four Goodyear Ultra Grip Ice winter tires on a previous extended-use Miata, and they performed admirably.
QUIETNESS
| Base, auto. | LS, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 2 | 2 | 3.2 |
Road, wind, and engine noise are all prominent, though normal conversation is possible at 50 mph with top down.
CONTROLS
| Base, auto. | LS, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 8 | 8 | 5.6 |
Handy and sporty, though radio buttons could be larger and using the console cupholders makes working manual shifter awkward. Top-up blind spots hinder lane changes. Interior materials, fit, and finish are solid and sporty.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| Base, auto. | LS, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 4.3 |
Toyota MR2's wider cockpit feels slightly more spacious, but Miata has enough room and comfort for two adults, though 6-footers have no excess leg or head space. Entry/exit is typical small sports car bending and twisting.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| Base, auto. | LS, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 0 | 0 | 1.5 |
(No rear seating.)
CARGO ROOM
| Base, auto. | LS, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 | 3 |
Pack light for a long weekend, though small trunk holds more than MR2's behind-the-seats bin.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| Base, auto. | LS, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 9 | 9 | 4.6 |
Miata defends front-engine sports-car tradition, while the Toyota MR2 touts mid-engine technology. Both are terrific fun, with Miata offering slightly more cargo room and, in base form at least, better value.
Total Score
| Base, auto. | LS, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 47 | 49 | 44.3 |
Total Score: 48
Scores for all Sporty/performance Cars
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