Acceleration

Sport, manual	Touring, automatic	Grand Touring w/Susp. Pkg., manual	Grand Touring retractable hardtop, automatic	Class Average
6	6	6	6	6.6

Acceleration is brisk from all speeds, with satisfying low-rpm response. The 6-speed manual transmission has short throws but needs a firm hand. The responsive automatic boasts user-friendly paddle shifters and blunts power only slightly. No opportunity to test a 5-speed manual model.

Fuel Economy

Sport, manual	Touring, automatic	Grand Touring w/Susp. Pkg., manual	Grand Touring retractable hardtop, automatic	Class Average
7	6	7	6	5.3

In Consumer Guide testing, 6-speed manual-transmission equipped MX-5 Miatas averaged 21.3-23.8 mpg in mostly city driving and 26.5-28.4 mpg with more highway use. An automatic-transmission version averaged 23.4. Mazda recommends premium-grade gas.

Ride Quality

Sport, manual	Touring, automatic	Grand Touring w/Susp. Pkg., manual	Grand Touring retractable hardtop, automatic	Class Average
4	4	3	4	4.1

The base suspension is appropriately firm but is not uncomfortable. The ride is choppy and borderline harsh with the less-compliant combination of the Suspension Package and 17-inch tires.

Steering/Handling/Braking

Sport, manual	Touring, automatic	Grand Touring w/Susp. Pkg., manual	Grand Touring retractable hardtop, automatic	Class Average
8	8	9	8	8

Miata's steering is quick and precise, though some testers find it unduly heavy at low to moderate speeds. With 17-inch tires, the steering is deflected by sharp bumps, detracting from control and stability. 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 brakes provide fine stopping control. The added weight of the retractable hardtop is not noticeable.

Quietness

Sport, manual	Touring, automatic	Grand Touring w/Susp. Pkg., manual	Grand Touring retractable hardtop, automatic	Class Average
2	2	2	3	3.2

Tire thrum is marked with the soft top raised. The hardtop version has less wind and traffic noise. With the top down, normal conversation is easy at 60 mph. The engine's sound and exhaust note befit a sports car, but some testers find both too loud.

Controls

Sport, manual	Touring, automatic	Grand Touring w/Susp. Pkg., manual	Grand Touring retractable hardtop, automatic	Class Average
8	8	8	8	5.6

The controls are well-placed. The gauges are clearly marked and easy to read.

Details

Sport, manual	Touring, automatic	Grand Touring w/Susp. Pkg., manual	Grand Touring retractable hardtop, automatic	Class Average
5	5	6	6	4.8

Hard plastic surfaces dominate the cockpit but don't look cheap. Grand Tourings include dressy leather trim.

Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

Sport, manual	Touring, automatic	Grand Touring w/Susp. Pkg., manual	Grand Touring retractable hardtop, automatic	Class Average
3	3	3	3	5.4

Those over 6-feet tall may want more legroom and top-up head clearance. Those under 5-foot-6 may have trouble seeing over the high dashboard. Most occupants will complain of intrusion from the unpadded cupholder molded into front door panels. The seats support well in turns but seem thin on padding. Raising the soft top creates blind spots that hinder lane changes. The 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, manual	Touring, automatic	Grand Touring w/Susp. Pkg., manual	Grand Touring retractable hardtop, automatic	Class Average
0	0	0	0	1.4

(No rear seating)

Cargo Room

Sport, manual	Touring, automatic	Grand Touring w/Susp. Pkg., manual	Grand Touring retractable hardtop, automatic	Class Average
2	2	2	2	2.9

MX-5's small trunk requires careful packing. Compared with the soft top, the retractable hardtop consumes no additional trunk space when stowed. There is little in-cabin storage space, and using the secondary cupholders in the center console interferes with shifting.

Value within Class

Sport, manual	Touring, automatic	Grand Touring w/Susp. Pkg., manual	Grand Touring retractable hardtop, automatic	Class Average
10	10	9	10	6

This Best Buy delivers as much driving enjoyment--if not outright power--as two-seat sports cars costing thousands more. The MX-5 Miata 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, manual	Touring, automatic	Grand Touring w/Susp. Pkg., manual	Grand Touring retractable hardtop, automatic	Class Average
55	54	55	56	53.3

Scores for all Sporty/performance Cars

Low Score		42
Average Score		53
High Score		70