Major Options:  Suspension package, Premium package #2

Consumer Guide® Fuel Economy:  26.54 mpg (what's this?)

Problems During Test: None

From The Back Seat
Chuck Giametta Delightfully balancing power and handling, style and smart packaging, the MX-5 puts to shame sports cars that cost thousands more, yet deliver little more usable road performance and no more fun.

Ed Piotrowski This well-engineered sporty car scores a bullseye in the category of "smiles per dollar." It's as fun to drive as comparable cars that carry high-end nameplates but costs often half as much. Take note BMW, Pontiac, Volkswagen, and Volvo - the MX-5's retractable hardtop works quickly while adding little weight and without stealing trunk space. Though a work of engineering genius, the hardtop remains a somewhat questionable value because the MX-5's soft top also works quickly (by hand) and can be opened and closed while seated inside the vehicle. And despite testing many an MX-5 in unpredictable Chicago weather, we've never had any issues with the soft top leaking. You certainly won't get frowned upon for choosing the retractable hard top, but the soft top is a better choice overall. The money saved can be used to invest in performance parts to further hone this sports car's already excellent performance.

Jack Stewart MX-5 offers more fun for the buck than any sports car. The retractable hardtop works well, but isn't necessary. the standard cloth top is easy to use and snug.

John Biel The MX-5 remains an extremely fun-to-drive car with excellent performance for the money. Kudos to Mazda for making its fast- and smooth-operating convertible hardtop available in three of the MX-5's trim levels so that people who are attracted to this feature aren't forced to either a) spend top dollar for it, or b) give up hope of buying a car with it.