2006-2008 Mazda MX-5: Full Review

Updated: 11/23/08

2006 Mazda MX-5
2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata
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2006-2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata ▼

  • Price Range:  $13,200 - $21,200
CG Rating

48

out of 100

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Learn about the year-to-year changes and reliability for the 2006-2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata and our price chart details a range of prices based on vehicle mileage and condition.

Pros

  • Steering/handling
  • Brake performance
  • Acceleration
  • Control layout/ materials

Cons

  • Noise
  • Ride
  • Cargo room
  • Passenger room and comfort

Vehicle Highlights

Mazda redesigned its popular two-door sports car for 2006, but retained four-cylinder power and the general design that had helped make Miata the best-selling two-passenger convertible in the world. The U.S. version of this third-generation Miata adopted the MX-5 model name, as used on the car in other markets since its 1990 introduction. Compared to the 1999-2005 Miata, the rear-wheel-drive MX-5 was longer by 2.5 inches in wheelbase and 1.6 inches overall, and was 1.7 inches wider. Base curb weight increased by about 50 pounds. Sole engine remained a four-cylinder, but it was a 170 horsepower, 2.0-liter, in place of a 1.8-liter that produced 142 horsepower. MX-5 came in six models: Club Spec, base, Touring, Sport, Grand Touring, and 3rd-Generation Limited. A manual transmission was standard: five-speed on Club Spec, base, and Touring, but six-speed on the others. Optional on Touring, Sport, and Grand Touring models was a six-speed automatic transmission with steering-wheel shift paddles; Miata's previous automatic had been a four-speed. Side airbags designed to protect both head and torso were standard; So were antilock four-wheel disc brakes. Traction control, antiskid system, and sport suspension were available. MX-5 came with a manual-folding soft top, with a heated glass rear window; a removable hardtop was optional. Sport, Grand Touring, and 3rd-Generation Limited have 17-inch wheels; others were 16-inch. The 3rd-Generation Limited came with a sport suspension, satellite radio, xenon headlights, and special trim. Mazda had few true competitors for the MX-5, apart from the more costly Honda S2000 and the new Pontiac Solstice--plus its coming-soon 2007 counterpart, the new Saturn Sky.

Expert Ratings Summary (view detailed report)

Category Mazda MX-5 Sport w/manual & susp. pkg. Rating
Performance 6
Fuel Economy 6
Ride Quality 3
Steering/Handling/Braking 9
Quietness 2
Controls/Materials 7
Interior Room 3
Room/Comfort (rear) 0
Cargo Capacity 2
Value within Class 10
Total Score: 48
Learn about the year-to-year changes of the 2006-2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata. Get full details of the styling and performance changes throughout the history of the 2006-2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata.

Year to Year Changes


2007 Mazda Miata/MX-5 : Retractable-hardtop versions of Mazda's sports car became available for 2007. The solid roof opened or closed in 12 seconds and stole no luggage space, though it added 77 pounds to the car's weight. Mazda continued to offer a removable hardtop for soft-top models. This year's lineup included the SV (soft-top only), along with Sport, Touring, and Grand Touring models, each of which could have either a fabric top or the new retractable hardtop. Mazda's four-cylinder engine made 170 horsepower with a manual gearbox, but 166 hp with an automatic transmission. SV and Sport models had a five-speed manual; others, six-speed. All but the SV could have the six-speed automatic with paddle shifters.
2008 Mazda Miata/MX-5 : The 2008 Mazda MX-5, which was also known as the Miata, was largely unchanged.

Our road test for the 2006-2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata includes a full evaluation from the inside out. We've evaluated every aspect of the 2006-2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata and highlighted the vehicle's performance with pros and cons. Use our comprehensive road test ratings to decide if this generation 2006-2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata is right for you.

Consumer Guide® Road-Test Evaluation

Acceleration is brisk from all speeds, with satisfying low-rpm response. Mazda's six-speed manual transmission has short throws, but must be shifted with authority. The responsive automatic transmission boasts user-friendly paddle shifts, and blunts power only slightly. Fuel economy also is appealing. Test MX-5s averaged 21.3 to 23.8 mpg with a six-speed manual transmission, and 23.4 mpg with automatic. Mazda recommends premium-grade fuel for the MX-5. Ride comfort is appropriately firm with the base suspension, but not uncomfortable. Frequent choppy motions occur on uneven pavement, bordering on harshness, with the less-compliant combination of Suspension Package and 17-inch tires. Steering is rewardingly quick and precise, though some testers find it unnecessarily heavy at low to moderate speeds. With 17-inch tires, sharp bumps trigger steering deflection, detracting from control and straightline tracking. An MX-5 easily conquers corners and exhibits little lean, though some testers say the tail tends to swing wide too early in fast turns. The added weight of the retractable hardtop isn't noticeable. Expect fine stopping power and control. Road noise is prominent with the top up, accompanied by marked tire thrum. With the top down, normal conversation is easy at 60 mph. Mazda's engine has a nice performance tone. The exhaust note trumpets sports-car personality, but some testers considered both sounds too loud and tiresome. Hardtop models suffer less wind and traffic noise. Gauges are clearly marked and easy to read, and controls are well placed. Hard plastic surfaces dominate the interior, but don't look cheap. Available leather trim, standard in the Grand Touring model, dresses up the cockpit. Drivers well over six feet tall may long for more leg room, and also feel confined with the top up. Those under five-foot-six or so may have trouble seeing over the high instrument panel. Most occupants are likely to complain of intrusion from the unpadded cupholders molded into front door panels. Seats support well in turns, but seem thin on padding. Top-up blind spots hinder lane changes. The fabric top lowers easily, but weight and construction make raising it while seated a little awkward for some users. The retractable hardtop lowers at the touch of a single button. Careful packing is needed to squeeze much luggage into the small trunk. In-cabin storage space is minimal, too. A secondary set of cupholders, located in the center console, may interfere with the gearshift when in use.
Value for the Money
For better or worse, Mazda's 2006 redesign traded a little bit of this two-seater's lithe nature for a more masculine bearing. In the bargain, it gained power and safety features at new-car prices starting well below the prior version. As always, the current MX-5 delivers as much driving pleasure--if not outright power--as two-seat sports cars costing thousands more. Mazda manages to combine open-air fun with surprising practicality, including a remarkably well-engineered retractable hardtop. That's a workable definition of a Best Buy in this class. Beware, though: Strong resale values keep secondhand prices high.

Expert Ratings Summary

Category Mazda MX-5 Sport w/manual & susp. pkg. Rating
Performance 6
Fuel Economy 6
Ride Quality 3
Steering/Handling/Braking 9
Quietness 2
Controls/Materials 7
Interior Room 3
Room/Comfort (rear) 0
Cargo Capacity 2
Value within Class 10
Total Score: 48

Each vehicle report contains one rating chart for representative model. Consumer Guide® rates in ten key areas: Performance, Fuel Economy, Ride Comfort, Steering and Handling, Interior Noise, Controls and Materials, Driver Room, Passenger Room, Cargo Capacity, and Insurance Costs. These ratings compare the particular vehicle rated to ALL other vehicles, not a vehicle's standing in a particular class. In the ratings table, "1" is the lowest rating and "10" is the highest rating.
Our reliability study for this generation Mazda Miata/MX-5 includes details on average repair costs, manufacturer recalls, and everything you need to know to gauge the long-term reliability of this generation Mazda Miata/MX-5 .

Trouble Spots

Consumer Guide's® Auto Editors have scoured repair bulletins and questioned mechanics to search for commonly occurring problems for a particular vehicle. In some cases we also give possible manufacturer-suggested solutions. In many instances these trouble spots are Technical Service Bulletins posted by the manufacturer, however, we have our own expert looking at additional vehicle problems.

Clutch: Clutch pedal may squeak due to the type of plastic used for the starter interlock switch. (2006)

Convertible top: The convertible top on some early production cars may leak from the front and/or may interfere with the molding while lowering. (2006)

Heater core: The heater may not work properly if the car is parked nose down on a steep grade because an air pocket forms in the heater core requiring a redesigned hose between the radiator tank and thermostat. (2006)

Tire wear: If aftermarket tire valve caps made of brass, or having brass threaded inserts, are used they can seize to the stem of the tire pressure monitoring system valve and cause breakage. (2006-07)

Consumer Guide® Estimated Repair Costs

This table lists costs of likely repairs for comparison with other vehicles. The dollar amount includes the cost of the part(s) and labor (based on $50 per hour) for the typical repair without extras or add-ons. Like the pricing information, replacement costs can vary widely depending on region. Expect charges at a new-car dealership to be slightly higher.
Item Name Repair Cost
A/C Compressor $780
Alternator $870
Automatic Transmission or Transaxle $3,695
Brakes $550
Clutch, Pressure Plate, Bearing $935
Constant Velocity Joints $2,490
Exhaust System $360
Radiator $710
Shocks and/or Struts $1,520
Timing Chain or Belt $805
Our price chart for this generation Mazda Miata/MX-5 details a range of prices in year-by-year listings based on vehicle mileage and condition.
Prices Good Average Poor
2008
MX-5 $18,000-20,000 $16,600-18,400 $11,500-12,800
MX-5 Touring, Grand $20,000-23,000 $18,400-21,200 $13,000-15,000
2007
MX-5 $16,000-18,000 $14,600-16,400 $10,200-11,500
MX-5 Touring, Grand $17,500-20,500 $16,100-18,900 $11,200-13,100
2006
MX-5 $14,500-16,200 $13,200-14,700 $9,000-10,000
This chart details a range of prices in year-by-year listings for vehicles in three condition levels:
Good: a clean low-mileage, solid-running vehicle that needs little or no repair.
Average: a car with normal miles on the odometer, perhaps a few scrapes or dings; engine might need a minor repair or two, but runs acceptably well.
Poor: might have potentially dangerous problems with the engine and/or body, or abnormally high mileage; definitely in need of mechanical attention. Valuations reflect wholesale prices paid by dealers at auction, and retail prices on used-car lots. Each range covers all trim levels and engine types for a vehicle with a typical amount of equipment--usually an automatic transmission, air conditioning, stereo, etc. Fully loaded vehicles may cost more. Average mileage is 12,000 miles per year. Keep in mind that these are guidelines only. Actual selling prices vary- especially from region to region.
Specs for this generation Mazda Miata/MX-5 include everything from fuel mileage to seating capacity to options availability.

Vehicle Dimensions

Specification 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.

Powertrain Options and Availability

All MX-5 models used a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, which made 170 horsepower with the standard manual shift and 166 hp with an automatic transmission. In 2006, a five-speed manual was standard on Club Spec, base, and Touring; six-speed on the others. For 2007, SV and Sport models got the five-speed; others kept the six-speed manual. Available for all except the SV, the six-speed automatic included paddle shifters.
Engines Size liters /
cu. in		 Horse- power Torque Transmission:
EPA city/hgwy		 Consumer Guide Observed
dohc I4 2.0 / 122 166-170 140 5-speed manual: 25/30
6-speed manual: 24/30
6-speed automatic: 22/30		 5-speed manual: --
6-speed manual: 23.8
6-speed automatic: 23.4

Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.
Built In:  Japan
Drive Wheels: longitudinal front-engine/rear-wheel drive
Detailed safety information for this generation Mazda Miata/MX-5 include detailed crash test scores from the NHTSA.

NHTSA Crash-Test Results

Vehicle crash test information not available at this time.

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%. Sideimpact 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%.

Learn about official auto recalls, reliability issues, and vehicle problems for the 2006-2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata directly from the NHTSA and manufacturers.

NHTSA Recall History

2006: In extremely low ambient temperature, bolt attaching horn assembly to steering wheel may fail during driver's airbag deployment, and horn assembly could separate.

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