2004 Mazda Miata: Road Test
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2004 Mazda Miata ▼
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- MSRP: $21,868 -$25,500
- Invoice: $20,181 -$23,528
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Our road test for the 2004 Mazda Miata includes a full evaluation of the 2004 Mazda Miata from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2004 Mazda Miata, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2004 Mazda Miata help you decide if a 2004 Mazda Miata is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| Base, man. | Base, auto. | LS, 6-sp man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 5 | 6 | 6.1 |
No opportunity to test the turbocharged MazdaSpeed version. On others, 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, man. | Base, auto. | LS, 6-sp man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 5.6 |
Extended-use 6-speed LS averaged 25.9 mpg over its 13,115-mi. test. Mazda recommends premium-grade fuel for all Miatas.
RIDE QUALITY
| Base, man. | Base, auto. | LS, 6-sp man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 3 | 3 | 3.6 |
Base suspension is firm but not unduly stiff for a sports car. Sport suspension optional on base and LS can jar on sharp bumps, so try before you buy. Expected cowl and windshield-frame scuttle over rippled pavement.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| Base, man. | Base, auto. | LS, 6-sp man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9 | 9 | 9 | 8 |
Razor sharp with little body lean even in fast cornering. 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, man. | Base, auto. | LS, 6-sp man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | 2 | 2 | 3.1 |
Road, wind, and engine noise are all prominent, though normal conversation is possible at 50 mph with top down.
CONTROLS
| Base, man. | Base, auto. | LS, 6-sp man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8 | 8 | 8 | 6.1 |
Handy and sporty, though using the console cupholders makes working manual shifter awkward. Interior materials are solid and sporty.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| Base, man. | Base, auto. | LS, 6-sp man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 4 | 4.9 |
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. Top-up blind spots hinder lane changes. Entry/exit is typical small-sports-car bending and twisting.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| Base, man. | Base, auto. | LS, 6-sp man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | 0 | 0 | 1.2 |
(No rear seating.)
CARGO ROOM
| Base, man. | Base, auto. | LS, 6-sp man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 | 1 | 2.8 |
Pack light for a long weekend, though small trunk holds more than you might suspect, and is certainly more accessible than MR2's tiny behind-the-seats bin.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| Base, man. | Base, auto. | LS, 6-sp man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 | 9 | 9 | 6.2 |
Miata defends front-engine sports-car tradition, while the MR2 touts midengine technology. Both are terrific fun, with Miata offering a measure of usable cargo room and, in base form at least, better value in the sports-car tier below the more-expensive, more-powerful entries from the likes of Nissan, Honda, BMW, and Mazda with its own RX-8.
Total Score
| Base, man. | Base, auto. | LS, 6-sp man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 50 | 48 | 49 | 47.6 |
Total Score: 49
Scores for all Sporty/performance Cars
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