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2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata Full Review
Date Published: 7/19/08
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Mazda MX-5 Miata Full Review
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2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata Review
The 2008 Mazda MX-5, which is also known as the Mazda Miata, is largely unchanged. Miata offers the choice of a manually folding soft top with a heated glass rear window, or a power-folding hardtop. The lineup begins with the soft-top only SV model, and ascends through Sport, Touring, and Grand Touring, each of which are available with either top. The top-line Special Edition model only has the soft top. All use a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine rated at 166 hp with manual transmission, 158 with automatic. SV and Sport use a 5-speed manual, the others get a 6-speed. Optional except for SV is a 6-speed automatic. Available safety features include ABS, traction control, antiskid system, and side airbags that provide head and torso protection. A sport suspension is available. The hardtop opens or closes in 12 seconds, steals no luggage space, and adds 77 pounds to the car's weight.
Competition
Consumer Guide Automotive places each vehicle into one of 18 classes based on size, price, and market position. The Sporty/Performance Car class consists of two-seat roadsters, 4-cylinder hatchbacks, and V8 muscle cars. Regardless of configuration, all have an emphasis on affordable performance.
Our Best Buys include the Mazda MX-5 and Scion tC. Our Recommended picks are the Ford Mustang and Mini Cooper. New this year is the Mini Cooper Clubman.
Our Best Buys include the Mazda MX-5 and Scion tC. Our Recommended picks are the Ford Mustang and Mini Cooper. New this year is the Mini Cooper Clubman.
News
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 260-hp Pontiac Solstice GXP/Saturn Sky Red Line roadsters. We'd expect the Mazda to have around 250 hp, which should be sufficient against those heavier rivals.
Meantime, Mazda is studying a showroom version of the recent Kabura concept, a tight four-passenger two-door coupe based heavily on the MX-5. Assuming it gets the green light, this little brother to Mazda's RX-8 sports car would bow no earlier than model-year 2009, though it may or may not come to the U.S.
Meantime, Mazda is studying a showroom version of the recent Kabura concept, a tight four-passenger two-door coupe based heavily on the MX-5. Assuming it gets the green light, this little brother to Mazda's RX-8 sports car would bow no earlier than model-year 2009, though it may or may not come to the U.S.
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2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata Road Test
| Pros | Cons |
| Steering/handling | Cargo room |
| Fuel economy | Passenger room |
| Noise | |
Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings
Acceleration
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.
| 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
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.
| 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
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.
| 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
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.
| 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
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.
| 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
The controls are well-placed. The gauges are clearly marked and easy to read.
| 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
Hard plastic surfaces dominate the cockpit but don't look cheap. Grand Tourings include dressy leather trim.
| 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)
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.
| 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)
(No rear seating)
| 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
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.
| 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
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.
| 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 |
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2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 05/01/2008
| Trim Name | Retail Price | Dealer Invoice | Destination Charge |
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| SV 2-door convertible, manual | $20,635 | $19,068 | $650 |
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| Sport 2-door convertible, manual | $21,635 | $19,989 | $650 |
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| Sport 2-door convertible, automatic | $23,840 | $22,020 | $650 |
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| Sport 2-door retractable hardtop, manual | $24,465 | $22,596 | $650 |
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| Touring 2-door convertible, manual | $23,780 | $21,966 | $650 |
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| Touring 2-door convertible, automatic | $24,880 | $22,979 | $650 |
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| Touring 2-door retractable hardtop, manual | $25,650 | $23,688 | $650 |
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| Touring 2-door retractable hardtop, automatic | $26,750 | $24,702 | $650 |
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| Grand Touring 2-door convertible, manual | $25,090 | $23,172 | $650 |
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| Grand Touring 2-door convertible, automatic | $26,190 | $24,185 | $650 |
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| Grand Touring 2-door retractable hardtop, manual | $26,960 | $24,894 | $650 |
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| Grand Touring 2-door retractable hardtop, automatic | $28,060 | $25,908 | $650 |
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| Special Edition 2-door convertible, manual | $26,590 | $24,544 | $650 |
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| Special Edition 2-door convertible, automatic | $27,340 | $25,244 | $650 |
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
| Model | Rebate & Incentives | Type | Expires |
|
|
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| MX-5 Miata | 0% financing. | Customer | 07/31/08 |
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
SV
Powertrain
2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine, 5-speed manual transmission.
Safety
Dual front airbags, side airbags, antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, tire-pressure monitor.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Power steering, tilt steering wheel, cloth upholstery, bucket seats w/height-adjustable driver seat, center console, power mirrors, power windows, AM/FM/CD player, tachometer, intermittent wipers, manual convertible top (convertible), rear defogger, floormats.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Theft-deterrent system, windblocker, 205/50R16 tires, alloy wheels.
Sport convertible manual adds to SV:
Comfort and Convenience Features
Air conditioning, leather-wrapped steering wheel.
Sport convertible automatic/Sport hardtop adds to Sport convertible manual:
Powertrain
5-speed manual or 6-speed automatic transmission w/manual-shift capability.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Cruise control, power door locks, remote keyless entry, steering wheel radio controls, power retractable hardtop (hardtop).
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Fog lights.
Touring adds to Sport convertible automatic/Sport hardtop
Powertrain
6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic transmission w/manual-shift capability.
Comfort and Convenience Features
AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD player.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
205/45R17 tires.
Grand Touring adds to Touring:
Comfort and Convenience Features
Leather upholstery, heated seats, Bose sound system.
Special Edition adds to Grand Touring:
Powertrain
Limited-slip differential, traction control.
Safety
Antiskid system.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Keyless access and starting, xenon headlights.
Optional Equipment
Major Packages |
Retail Price |
Invoice Price |
|
Convenience Pkg.
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Sport convertible manual
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$1,055
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$906
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Cruise control, power door locks, remote keyless entry, fog lights.
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Premium Pkg. 1
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Grand Touring convertible manual
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$1,600
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$1,374
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Limited-slip differential, traction control, antiskid system, remote engine start, xenon headlights, alarm. NA w/Suspension Pkg., 6-speed automatic transmission.
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Premium Pkg. 2
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Grand Touring
|
$1,250
|
$1,074
|
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Traction control, antiskid system, remote engine start, xenon headlights, alarm. Requires Suspension Pkg. or 6-speed automatic transmission.
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Suspension Pkg.
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Touring, Grand Touring
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$500
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$430
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Limited-slip differential, sport suspension. NA w/6-speed automatic transmission.
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Appearance Pkg.
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Grand Touring, SV, Sport convertible automatic/Sport hardtop, Sport convertible manual, Touring
|
$1,145
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$916
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Front air dam, side and rear skirts. NA Special Edition.
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Interior Trim Pkg.
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Grand Touring, SV, Sport convertible automatic/Sport hardtop, Sport convertible manual, Touring
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$515
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$412
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Leather/aluminum shift knob, aluminum interior trim. NA Special Edition.
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Comfort and Convenience Features |
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AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3 changer
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SV, Sport
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$500
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$400
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Satellite radio
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Grand Touring, SV, Special Edition, Sport convertible automatic/Sport hardtop, Sport convertible manual, Touring
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$430
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$344
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Rubber floormats
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Grand Touring, SV, Special Edition, Sport convertible automatic/Sport hardtop, Sport convertible manual, Touring
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$45
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$36
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Appearance and Miscellaneous |
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Alarm
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Sport automatic, Sport hardtop, Touring, Grand Touring
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$181
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$145
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Door edge guards
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Grand Touring, SV, Sport convertible automatic/Sport hardtop, Sport convertible manual, Touring
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$78
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$62
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NA Special Edition.
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Chrome fuel filler door
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Grand Touring, SV, Special Edition, Sport convertible automatic/Sport hardtop, Sport convertible manual, Touring
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$100
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$80
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Rear spoiler
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convertible
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$350
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$280
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NA Special Edition.
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Run-flat tires
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Touring convertible, Grand Touring
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$515
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$442
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2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata Specs & Safety
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | Mazda MX-5 Miata 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. | 2445 |
| 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. | 166 @ 6700 |
| Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm. | 140 @ 5000 |
| Availability | Standard |
|
EPA City / highway mpg
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| 5-speed manual | 22/27 |
| 6-speed manual | 21/28 |
| 6-speed automatic | 20/27 |
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 Miata 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 | 5/60,000 | -- |
| Bumper-to-bumper | 3/36,000 | -- |
| Corrosion | 5/unlimited | -- |
| Free roadside assistance | 3/36,000 | -- |
| Free scheduled maintenance | --/-- | -- |
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
Locate a Dealer
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Also in the 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata Review:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Mazda MX-5 Miata Full Review
7.
8.
9.
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