2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata: Overview

Vehicle Highlights

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.