2006 Mazda MX-5 Full Review - Consumer Guide Automotive

Mazda redesigns its 2-dr sports car for 2006 retaining 4-cyl power and the general design that helped make Miata the world's best-selling two-seat convertible. U.S. versions of this 3rd-generation Miata adopt the MX-5 name used in other markets. Compared to the 1999-2005 Miata, the MX-5 is 2.5 inches longer in wheelbase and about 1.6 inches longer and wider overall. Base curb weight increases by about 50 lb. The sole engine remains a 4-cyl, but it's a 170-hp (166 with automatic transmission) 2.0-liter vs. a 142-hp 1.8. MX-5 comes in six models. Manual transmission is standard and is a 5-speed on Club Spec, base, and Touring models, a 6-speed on the others. Optional on Touring, Sport, and Grand Touring is a 6-speed automatic with steering-wheel shift paddles. The previous automatic was a 4-speed. Side airbags designed to protect both head and torso are standard. So are antilock 4-wheel disc brakes. Traction/antiskid control and a sport suspension are available. MX-5 comes with a manual-folding soft top with heated glass rear window; a removable hardtop is optional.

Competition

Consumer Guide® Automotive places each vehicle into one of 17 classes based on size, price, and market position. The Sporty/Performance Car class consists of two-seat roadsters, 4-cyl hatchbacks, and V8 muscle cars. Regardless of configuration, all have an emphasis on affordable performance.

Our Best Buys include Ford Mustang Mazda Miata, and Scion tC. Our Recommended picks are Acura RSX, Honda S2000, Mini Cooper, Nissan 350Z, and Pontiac GTO.

New or significantly redesigned models include Mitsubishi Eclipse and Pontiac Solstice.

News

In a surprise move, the MX-5 gets an optional power-retracting hard top for 2007. The surprise is that Mazda would bother offering this, considering that the MX-5's manual soft top is one of the slickest around. No word yet on price, but we'll keep you posted. Mazda says the rigid hideaway top steals no trunk space--a good thing, as the MX-5 has none to spare.

Look for a new MazdaSpeed performance version to surface soon with more power, uprated suspension and "fast car" styling add-ons. Its targets are the upcoming 260-hp Pontiac Solstice GXP and Saturn Sky Red Line convertibles. We expect the Mazda to have around 250 hp, which should be sufficient against those heavier rivals. Introduction could be as early as the first quarter of 2007.

2006 Mazda MX-5 Road Test

Pros	Cons

Steering/handling	Cargo room

Fuel economy	Passenger room

	Noise

Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings

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

Scores for all Sporty/performance Cars

Low Score		40
Average Score		48
High Score		58

2006 Mazda MX-5 Prices & Equipment

Model Prices

Prices Updated: 06/13/2006

Trim Name	Retail Price	Dealer Invoice	Destination Charge

Club Spec 2-door convertible	$20,435	$18,883	$560

Base 2-door convertible	$21,435	$19,804	$560

Touring 2-door convertible	$22,435	$20,726	$560

Sport 2-door convertible	$22,935	$21,187	$560

Grand Touring 2-door convertible	$24,435	$22,568	$560

3rd-Generation Limited 2-door convertible	$26,700	$24,654	$560

Pricing Key: Retail prices listed with each report are set by the vehicle's manufacturer. These figures appear on each car's federally mandated window sticker. Most price lists also include dealer-invoice prices. Dealer-invoice prices are what the dealer pays the manufacturer for the car and its factory-installed options. The destination charge is not included in the suggested-retail or dealer-invoice price and must be added to the cost of the vehicle. Car companies change prices frequently throughout the year. If the prices published do not match those on the vehicle's window sticker, the manufacturer has probably altered the price recently.

NA = price note available, NC = no charge.

Rebates and Incentives

There are no rebates or incentives at this time.

Consumer Guide®'s Rebates and Incentives represent a summary of national manufacturer programs available. Regional restrictions may apply, and offerings may vary by model. For a complete list of Rebate & Incentive programs click here.

Standard Equipment

Club Spec

Powertrain

2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine, 5-speed manual transmission.

Safety

Dual front airbags, side airbags, antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, emergency inside trunklid release.

Comfort and Convenience Features

Power steering, tilt steering wheel, cloth upholstery, bucket seats, center console, cupholders, power mirrors, power windows, AM/FM/CD player, digital clock, tachometer, intermittent wipers, map light, visor mirrors, rear defogger, floormats.

Appearance and Miscellaneous

Theft-deterrent system, windblocker, 205/50R16 tires, alloy wheels.

Base adds to Club Spec:

Comfort and Convenience Features

Air conditioning, leather-wrapped steering wheel.

Touring adds to Base:

Comfort and Convenience Features

Cruise control, power door locks, remote keyless entry, steering-wheel radio controls.

Appearance and Miscellaneous

Fog lights.

Sport adds to Touring:

Powertrain

6-speed manual transmission.

Appearance and Miscellaneous

205/45R17 tires.

Grand Touring adds to Sport:

Comfort and Convenience Features

Leather upholstery, Bose sound system.

3rd-Generation Limited adds to Grand Touring:

Powertrain

Limited-slip differential, traction control.

Safety

Antiskid system.

Comfort and Convenience Features

Satellite radio (requires monthly fee).

Appearance and Miscellaneous

Unique interior and exterior trim, xenon headlights, sport suspension.

Optional Equipment

Major Packages	Retail Price	Invoice Price
Premium Pkg 1
Grand Touring	$1,600	$1,374
Limited-slip differential, traction control, antiskid system, xenon headlights, alarm. NA w/Suspension Pkg., 6-speed automatic transmission.

Premium Pkg. 2
Grand Touring	$1,600	$1,374
Traction control, antiskid system, xenon headlights, alarm. Requires Suspension Pkg. or 6-speed automatic transmission.

Suspension Pkg.
Sport, Grand Touring	$500	$430
Limited-slip differential, sport suspension. NA w/6-speed automatic transmission.

Appearance Pkg.
3rd-Generation Limited, Base, Club Spec, Grand Touring, Sport, Touring	$1,145	$916
Front air dam, side and rear skirts.

Interior Trim Pkg.
3rd-Generation Limited, Base, Club Spec, Grand Touring, Sport, Touring	$435	$348
Leather/aluminum shift knob, aluminum interior trim.

Powertrain
6-speed automatic transmission w/manual-shift capability
Touring, Sport, Grand Touring	$1,100	$945


Comfort and Convenience Features
AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3 changer
3rd-Generation Limited, Base, Club Spec, Grand Touring, Sport, Touring	$500	$400


Satellite radio
3rd-Generation Limited, Base, Club Spec, Grand Touring, Sport, Touring	$430	$344
Requires monthly fee after 6th month.

Rubber floormats
3rd-Generation Limited, Base, Club Spec, Grand Touring, Sport, Touring	$75	$60


Appearance and Miscellaneous
Door edge guards
3rd-Generation Limited, Base, Club Spec, Grand Touring, Sport, Touring	$78	$62


Chrome fuel filler door
3rd-Generation Limited, Base, Club Spec, Grand Touring, Sport, Touring	$100	$80


Rear spoiler
3rd-Generation Limited, Base, Club Spec, Grand Touring, Sport, Touring	$350	$280


Detachable hardtop
3rd-Generation Limited, Base, Club Spec, Grand Touring, Sport, Touring	$	$


Run-flat tires
Sport, Grand Touring	$515	$442
Includes tire-pressure monitor.

2006 Mazda MX-5 Specs & Safety

Vehicle Dimensions

Specification	Mazda MX-5 2-door convertible

Wheelbase, in.	91.7

Overall Length, in.	157.3

Overall Width, in.	67.7

Overall Height, in.	49.0

Curb Weight, lbs.	2441

Cargo Volume, cu. ft.	5.3

Standard Payload, lbs.	--

Fuel Capacity, gals.	12.7

Seating Capacity	2

Front Head Room, in.	37.4

Max. Front Leg Room, in.	43.1

Rear Head Room, in.	--

Max. Rear Leg Room, in.	--

Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.

Engines

	dohc I4

Size, liters/cu. in.	2.0 /122

Horsepower @ rpm.	170 @ 6700

Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm.	140 @ 5000

Availability	Standard

EPA City / highway mpg

5-speed manual	25/30

6-speed manual	24/30

6-speed automatic	23/30

Engine Key: l/cu in. = liters/cubic inches; ohv = overhead valve; ohc = overhead camshaft; dohc = dual overhead camshaft; I = inline cylinders; H = horizonally opposed cylinders; V = cylinders in a V configuration; W = cylinders in a W configuration; rpm = revolutions per minute; CVT = continuously variable (automatic) transmission; NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.

Safety Features

Antilock Brakes

Traction Control

Antiskid System

Front Side Airbags

Curtain Side Airbags

Rear Side Airbags

NHTSA Crash-Test Results

Test

Mazda MX-5 2-door convertible

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury: 5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Side-impact crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%; 1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%; 2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.

Manufacturer's Warranty

Class	Years/Miles	Comments

Powertrain	None/--	--

Bumper-to-bumper	4/50,000	--

Corrosion	5/Unlimited	--

Free roadside assistance	4/50,000	--

Free scheduled maintenance	None/--	--

Manufacturers may periodically offer additional coverage as a purchase incentive. There offers are not reflected on this chart. The federal government requires two other warranties. The Exhaust Emission Warranty covers corrosion-related parts for 2 years/24,000 miles, plus 8 years/80,000 miles on the catalytic converter and any on-board diagnostic device. The Passenger Restraint Warranty covers seat belts and airbags for 5 years/50,000 miles.

Built in: Japan

Drivewheels: rear-wheel drive

Tester's Comments

(what's this?)

Vehicle Evaluated: 2006 Mazda MX-5
Trim Level: Sport
Arrival Date: 09/06/2005
Engine: dohc I4
Bodystyle: 2-door convertible
Transmission: 6-speed manual
4WD/AWD: No
Base Price: $22,935
Price as Tested: $23,995
Mileage at Beginning of Test: 234
Mileage at End of Test: 532
Total Measured Miles:
Total Fuel Used: 12.55 gals.

Major Options: Suspension Pkg. (Sport-Tuned Suspension, Limited Slip Differential), Bilstein Shocks

Consumer Guide® Fuel Economy: 23.75 mpg (what's this?)

Problems During Test: None

From The Back Seat
Tom Appel About the best $24,000 toy on the market. MX-5 is a smile maker that could pass as an efficient daily driver for some lucky single. Don't need a back seat? Don't need much luggage space? Like the open-top thing? Here's your car--unless your 6-ft tall or taller or 300 lb or heavier.

Vehicle Evaluated: 2006 Mazda MX-5
Trim Level: Sport
Arrival Date: 09/29/2005
Engine: dohc I4
Bodystyle: 2-door convertible
Transmission: 6-speed automatic
4WD/AWD: No
Base Price: $22,935
Price as Tested: $24,595
Mileage at Beginning of Test: 1108
Mileage at End of Test: 1266
Total Measured Miles:
Total Fuel Used: 7.094 gals.

Major Options: 6-speed Automatic Transmission

Consumer Guide® Fuel Economy: 22.27 mpg (what's this?)

Problems During Test: None

From The Back Seat
Chuck Giametta Pure sports cars, such as the MX-5, require the purity of a manual transmission to fulfill their true mission. So it's no small matter to find that this automatic transmission doesn't ruin the experience. It's terrifically well-matched to this engine, pulling steadily off the line, downshifting alertly, even holding lower gears at midrange speeds, just as you might with the 6-speed manual. The paddle-shift feature is pretty racy, too, though it seems to sacrifice some promptness in the name of slightly slurred, but smoother, gear changes. If I had to, I could live with it, but I'd also argue that driving an automatic-transmission sports car isn't really living.

Rick Cotta Still a great little sports car, but aside from a welcome dose of extra power and a more responsive automatic transmission, this MX-5 is not a huge step forward from the Miata--and in some ways, such as top function and interior details, a step back.

Vehicle Evaluated: 2006 Mazda MX-5
Trim Level: Sport
Arrival Date: 04/27/2006
Engine: dohc I4
Bodystyle: 2-door convertible
Transmission: 6-speed manual
4WD/AWD: No
Base Price: $22,935
Price as Tested: $23,995
Mileage at Beginning of Test: 1204
Mileage at End of Test: 1742
Total Measured Miles:
Total Fuel Used: 19.418 gals.

Major Options: Suspension Package (sport tuned suspension, limited slip differential, Bilstein shocks)

Consumer Guide® Fuel Economy: 27.71 mpg (what's this?)

Problems During Test: None

Vehicle Evaluated: 2006 Mazda MX-5
Trim Level: Grand Touring
Arrival Date: 09/06/2005
Engine: dohc I4
Bodystyle: 2-door convertible
Transmission: 6-speed manual
4WD/AWD: No
Base Price: $24,435
Price as Tested: $25,495
Mileage at Beginning of Test: 163
Mileage at End of Test: 387
Total Measured Miles:
Total Fuel Used: 10.508 gals.

Major Options: Suspension Package (Sport-Tuned Suspension, Limited-Slip Differential, Bilstein Shocks)

Consumer Guide® Fuel Economy: 21.32 mpg (what's this?)

Problems During Test: None

From The Back Seat
Mark Bilek This generation Miata remains true to form. First and foremost it is a fun car to drive. Mazda did a great job, I only wish they had added two more inches of leg room and another inch of head room.

Vehicle Evaluated: 2006 Mazda MX-5
Trim Level: Grand Touring
Arrival Date: 09/12/2005
Engine: dohc I4
Bodystyle: 2-door convertible
Transmission: 6-speed manual
4WD/AWD: No
Base Price: $24,435
Price as Tested: $25,495
Mileage at Beginning of Test: 193
Mileage at End of Test: 2910
Total Measured Miles:
Total Fuel Used: 31.13 gals.

Major Options: Bilstein Shocks, Suspension Package, Limited Slip Differential

Consumer Guide® Fuel Economy: 23.74 mpg (what's this?)

Problems During Test: None

From The Back Seat
Damon Bell The MX-5 is a hoot. There are very few cars that are this much fun to drive, and fewer that are this economical in both MSRP and MPG. I just wish I fit in the cockpit better.

Ed Piotrowski MX-5 is raw fun that's priced within reach of many buyers. Use the money you save over buying other sporty/performance cars to take a long road trip or build a garage addition.

John Biel The MX-5's Miata predecessors never relied on power as the core element for driving fun, but this driver can't say he doesn't enjoy the added strength in the new model. The fact that it doesn't seem to detract from the historically fun driving experience of the Miata/MX-5 is all the more to the good.

Rick Cotta Aside from a satisfying increase in power, the new Miata doesn't strike me as any improvement over the old one, and even incorporates some new-found lapses. Yet it's still the quintessential sports car, though it has stiff competition in the form of Pontiac's Solstice.

< 2006 Mazda MX-5 Photos

Also in the 2006 Mazda MX-5 Review:

Mazda MX-5

Mazda MX-5 Road Test

Mazda MX-5 Prices & Equipment

Mazda MX-5 Specs & Safety

Mazda MX-5 Photos

Mazda MX-5 Full Review

All Mazda MX-5s

All Mazdas

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