2007 Mazda MX-5: Road Test
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2007 Mazda MX-5 ▼
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- MSRP: $20,585 -$27,620
- Invoice: $19,022 -$25,502
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Our road test for the 2007 Mazda MX-5 includes a full evaluation of the 2007 Mazda MX-5 from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2007 Mazda MX-5, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2007 Mazda MX-5 help you decide if a 2007 Mazda MX-5 is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| Sport w/Susp. Pkg., man. | Touring, auto. | Grand Touring w/Susp. Pkg., man. | Grand Touring retract. hdtp, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6.5 |
Brisk from all speeds, with satisfying low-rpm response. Six-speed manual transmission has short throws, but needs a firm hand. Responsive automatic boasts user-friendly paddle shifts, blunts power only slightly. No opportunity to test 5-speed manual model.
FUEL ECONOMY
| Sport w/Susp. Pkg., man. | Touring, auto. | Grand Touring w/Susp. Pkg., man. | Grand Touring retract. hdtp, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 5.5 |
Test 6-speed manual-transmission MX-5s averaged 21.3-23.8 mpg overall, 28.4 mpg in mostly highway use. Automatic-transmission version averaged 23.4. Mazda recommends premium-grade fuel.
RIDE QUALITY
| Sport w/Susp. Pkg., man. | Touring, auto. | Grand Touring w/Susp. Pkg., man. | Grand Touring retract. hdtp, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 4 | 3 | 4 | 4 |
Base suspension appropriately firm, but not uncomfortable. Ride is choppy, borderline harsh with less-compliant combination of Suspension Package, 17-inch tires.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| Sport w/Susp. Pkg., man. | Touring, auto. | Grand Touring w/Susp. Pkg., man. | Grand Touring retract. hdtp, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9 | 8 | 9 | 8 | 8 |
Steering quick and precise, though some testers find it unduly heavy at low to moderate speeds. With 17-inch tires, steering deflected by sharp bumps, detracting from control and stability. MX-5 easily conquers corners, exhibits little lean, though some testers say tail tends to swing wide too early in fast turns. Fine stopping control. Added weight of retractable hardtop not noticeable.
QUIETNESS
| Sport w/Susp. Pkg., man. | Touring, auto. | Grand Touring w/Susp. Pkg., man. | Grand Touring retract. hdtp, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | 2 | 2 | 3 | 3 |
Tire thrum marked with soft top raised. Hardtop version has less wind, traffic noise. Top down, normal conversation easy at 60 mph. Engine sound, exhaust note befit a sports car, but some testers find both too loud.
CONTROLS
| Sport w/Susp. Pkg., man. | Touring, auto. | Grand Touring w/Susp. Pkg., man. | Grand Touring retract. hdtp, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 8 | 8 | 5.5 |
Well-placed controls. Gauges clearly marked, easy to read. Hard plastic surfaces dominate cockpit, but don't look cheap. Grand Tourings include dressy leather trim.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| Sport w/Susp. Pkg., man. | Touring, auto. | Grand Touring w/Susp. Pkg., man. | Grand Touring retract. hdtp, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 5.1 |
Those over 6-ft tall may want more leg room and top-up head clearance. Those under 5-ft-6 may have trouble seeing over high dashboard. Most occupants will complain of intrusion from unpadded cupholder molded into front door panels. Seats support well in turns, but seem thin on padding. Raising soft top creates blind spots that hinder lane changes. Soft top lowers easily, but can be awkward to raise while seated. Hardtop lowers at the touch of a single button.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| Sport w/Susp. Pkg., man. | Touring, auto. | Grand Touring w/Susp. Pkg., man. | Grand Touring retract. hdtp, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
(No rear seating)
CARGO ROOM
| Sport w/Susp. Pkg., man. | Touring, auto. | Grand Touring w/Susp. Pkg., man. | Grand Touring retract. hdtp, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2.4 |
Small trunk requires careful packing. Little in-cabin storage space; using secondary cupholders in center console interferes with shifting.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| Sport w/Susp. Pkg., man. | Touring, auto. | Grand Touring w/Susp. Pkg., man. | Grand Touring retract. hdtp, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 | 10 | 9 | 10 | 6.2 |
This Best Buy delivers as much driving enjoyment--if not outright power--as two-seat sports cars costing thousands more. MX-5 combines open-air driving fun with surprising practicality, including a remarkably well-engineered retractable hardtop. Some versions are a bit pricey, but resale values are strong.
Total Score
| Sport w/Susp. Pkg., man. | Touring, auto. | Grand Touring w/Susp. Pkg., man. | Grand Touring retract. hdtp, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 48 | 48 | 48 | 50 | 47.2 |
Total Score: 49
Scores for all Sporty/performance Cars
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