1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata consumer reviews

THE GOOD -Feels like it can take all the punishment you give it and more. Engine just won't stop. Very reliable. -Great mileage. I average around 27-28mpg. -Handles almost too good. You can whip it around, stop on a dime, your wish is its command. I've pulled some stuff on the road I couldn't do in almost any other car. -Looks sporty. Black is the best color on this car IMO. -RWD in this tiny thing is too much fun! THE BAD -The Ford 1.8L engine doesn't have much torque in the lower end; car is geared very low to compensate. Having a manual makes this irrelevant because you can rev it up to a where the power kicks in and let it fly. -Shifter is a bit noisy going into 4th gear. Using fully synthetic transmission fluid takes care of this for the most part. -You feel EVERY bump in the road -Going on long trips can make you claustrophobic. Letting down the top solves this though. -Engine noise on the highway is a little loud for some. At 60 mph the tach is at 3000 rpm. I can't help but think the highway mileage would be better if 6th gear was higher. -Very small. This makes it both exhilarating and intimidating such as when you are surrounded by truckzilla. In conclusion, if you are looking for a reliable sports car and want the biggest bang for your buck here you go. But for long road trips I would stick to a roomier car.

I had the 1997 STO which is basically the same car as the M except that it had a spoiler on it. I put 215,000 miles on it and never had to do anything other than change the battery, tires, oil, and the timing belt and water pump once. It was fun, it moved quickly, responded well, and since I had never driven in snow before, when I moved to WI I ended up on the ditch 3x without ever getting a scratch on her and without her rolling over. I loved that car and I much prefer the look of the 1st generation over the 2nd and do not like the 3rd generation at all. It feels like mazda has decided to concentrate its maket appeal to all those muscle men rather than us cute, pert, intelligent, professional woman who love to drive. If you can get a 1st gen, I recommend you do so now as they have reached the 10 year old mark and if you're deciding between 1st and 2nd gen, if the mileage is low, go with the 1st generation.

Love my Mazda Miata STO but it is now for sale. We bought a brand new '07 Saab convertible because it is much roomier. Arguably, the Miata is more fun to drive but comfort ultimately won out.

I bought a used '97 Miata STO Edition four years ago and still feel it was an excellent purchase. The car is very reliable, runs like a top (93K miles), turns on a dime - a great overall value. The only issue is its flimsy top and no shoulder room. The car's top was knifed by a thief and if you are broad-shouldered as I am, it is hard to fit two people abreast. All in all, I highly recommend this car for fun factor and excellent value.

Great weekend car or for everyday use. Handles well for fast corners. Takes seconds to put top down, can accomplish it at a stop light. I use it mostly for weekend trips and long weekends.