2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata: Road Test
2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata ▼
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- MSRP: $21,750 - $29,290
- Invoice: $20,108 - $27,054
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Our road test for the 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata includes a full evaluation of the 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata help you decide if a 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| Sport, manual | Touring, automatic | Grand Touring w/Suspension Pkg, manual | Grand Touring hardtop, automatic | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6.8 |
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/Suspension Pkg, manual | Grand Touring hardtop, automatic | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 5.2 |
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/Suspension Pkg, manual | Grand Touring hardtop, automatic | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 3 | 4 | 4 | 4.2 |
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/Suspension Pkg, manual | Grand Touring hardtop, automatic | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8 | 8 | 9 | 8 | 8.2 |
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/Suspension Pkg, manual | Grand Touring hardtop, automatic | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | 2 | 2 | 3 | 3.3 |
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/Suspension Pkg, manual | Grand Touring 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/Suspension Pkg, manual | Grand Touring hardtop, automatic | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 6 | 6 | 5 |
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/Suspension Pkg, manual | Grand Touring hardtop, automatic | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 5.5 |
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/Suspension Pkg, manual | Grand Touring hardtop, automatic | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1.4 |
No rear seating.
CARGO ROOM
| Sport, manual | Touring, automatic | Grand Touring w/Suspension Pkg, manual | Grand Touring hardtop, automatic | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2.8 |
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/Suspension Pkg, manual | Grand Touring hardtop, automatic | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 | 10 | 9 | 10 | 6.3 |
This Best Buy delivers as much driving enjoyment--if not outright power--as two-seat sports cars costing thousands more. Note, though, traction control and an antiskid system, safety features we highly recommend, are only available on the top-line Grand Touring, and then only as part of a pricey option package. Still, the MX-5 Miata combines open-air driving fun with surprising practicality, including a remarkably well-engineered retractable hardtop.
Total Score
| Sport, manual | Touring, automatic | Grand Touring w/Suspension Pkg, manual | Grand Touring hardtop, automatic | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 54 | 53 | 55 | 56 | 54.3 |
Total Score: 55
Scores for all Sporty/performance Cars
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