2006 Mazda MX-5: Road Test
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2006 Mazda MX-5 ▼
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- MSRP: $20,435 -$26,700
- Invoice: $18,883 -$24,654
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Our road test for the 2006 Mazda MX-5 includes a full evaluation of the 2006 Mazda MX-5 from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2006 Mazda MX-5, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2006 Mazda MX-5 help you decide if a 2006 Mazda MX-5 is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| Touring, auto. | Sport w/Susp. Pkg., man. | Grand Touring w/Susp. Pkg., man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 6.4 |
Brisk from all speeds, with satisfying low-rpm response. Six-speed manual transmission has short throws, but must be shifted with authority. Responsive automatic transmission boasts user-friendly paddle shifts, blunts power only slightly. No opportunity to test with 5-speed manual.
FUEL ECONOMY
| Touring, auto. | Sport w/Susp. Pkg., man. | Grand Touring w/Susp. Pkg., man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 5.5 |
Test 6-speed manual-transmission MX-5s averaged 21.3-23.8 mpg in mixed city/highway driving, 28.4 mpg in mostly highway use. Automatic-transmission test car averaged 23.4 mpg. Mazda recommends premium-grade fuel for MX-5.
RIDE QUALITY
| Touring, auto. | Sport w/Susp. Pkg., man. | Grand Touring w/Susp. Pkg., man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 3 | 3 | 3.9 |
Appropriately firm with base suspension, but not uncomfortable. Frequent choppy motions on uneven pavement with less-compliant combination of Suspension Package, 17-inch tires.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| Touring, auto. | Sport w/Susp. Pkg., man. | Grand Touring w/Susp. Pkg., man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8 | 9 | 9 | 8 |
Steering rewardingly quick and precise, though some testers find it unnecessarily heavy at low and moderate speed. With 17-inch tires, sharp bumps trigger steering deflection, detracting from control and tracking. MX-5 easily conquers corners, exhibits little lean, though some testers say tail tends to swing wide too early in fast turns. Fine stopping power, control.
QUIETNESS
| Touring, auto. | Sport w/Susp. Pkg., man. | Grand Touring w/Susp. Pkg., man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | 2 | 2 | 3.2 |
Road noise prominent with top up. Normal conversation easy at 60 mph top down. Engine has nice performance tone; exhaust note trumpets sports car personality, but some testers find it contrived, tiresome.
CONTROLS
| Touring, auto. | Sport w/Susp. Pkg., man. | Grand Touring w/Susp. Pkg., man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 8 | 5.5 |
Well-placed controls. Gauges clearly marked, easy to read. Hard plastic surfaces dominate interior, but don't look cheap. Available leather trim dresses up cockpit.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| Touring, auto. | Sport w/Susp. Pkg., man. | Grand Touring w/Susp. Pkg., man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 3 | 3 | 5.2 |
Drivers well over 6-ft tall may want for more leg room and feel confined with top up. Those under 5-ft-6 may have trouble seeing over high instrument panel. Most occupants will complain of intrusion from unpadded cupholder molded into front door panels. Seats support well in turns. Top-up blind spots hinder lane changes. Top lowers easily, but weight, construction make raising it a little awkward for some users; try before you buy.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| Touring, auto. | Sport w/Susp. Pkg., man. | Grand Touring w/Susp. Pkg., man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | 0 | 0 | 1.4 |
(No rear seating.)
CARGO ROOM
| Touring, auto. | Sport w/Susp. Pkg., man. | Grand Touring w/Susp. Pkg., man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 | 1 | 3.2 |
Small trunk requires careful packing. Little in-cabin storage space; second set of cupholders, located in center console, interfere with gearshift when in use.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| Touring, auto. | Sport w/Susp. Pkg., man. | Grand Touring w/Susp. Pkg., man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 | 10 | 9 | 6.6 |
Mazda's 2006 redesign trades a little bit of this 2-seater's lithe nature for a more masculine bearing. In the bargain, it gains power and safety features at prices starting some $1500 below the outgoing version. As always, MX-5 delivers as much driving enjoyment--if not outright power--as 2-seat sports cars costing thousands more. That's the definition of a sporty/performance car Best Buy.
Total Score
| Touring, auto. | Sport w/Susp. Pkg., man. | Grand Touring w/Susp. Pkg., man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 46 | 46 | 47 | 48.9 |
Total Score: 46
Scores for all Sporty/performance Cars
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