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2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata consumer reviews

$21,843–$24,623 MSRP range
side view of 2003 MX-5 Miata Mazda
(27 reviews)
100% of drivers recommend this car
Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 4.2
  • Interior 4.6
  • Performance 4.4
  • Value 4.8
  • Exterior 4.9
  • Reliability 4.9
Explore the 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata
Shop the 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata

fun

The car is fun to drive, but hard to get into and out of. I wish there was more room for my feet. The hanling is great and economy better than normal for a sports car.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 4.0
  • Interior 4.0
  • Performance 5.0
  • Value 4.0
  • Exterior 5.0
  • Reliability 5.0
  • Purchased a Used car
  • Used for Having fun
  • Does recommend this car
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Get this done or youll be sorry

These cars are excellent machines and will typically last to around 400K miles before needing rebuilding. That being said there is a absolute necessity and that is around 60K miles the Timing belt (which cannot be inspected without disassembling of the engine front) must be replaced. This is a known problem on these engines check miata.net and youtube miata timing belt. While you have it apart it is wise to change the water pump, all the gaskets and crankshaft seal. Mazda will charge you $575 for this job. Be Aware or you will be walking!

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 4.0
  • Interior 5.0
  • Performance 4.0
  • Value 4.0
  • Exterior 5.0
  • Reliability 5.0
  • Purchased a Used car
  • Used for Commuting
  • Does recommend this car
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Great Toy

Bought this car for just cruising around on nice days. I can't complain about anything other than the cup holders with cups are in the way when trying to shift. My elbow can knock over the cup. Rear axle seals went at 38k. Mileage has been around 30-32 mpg.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 4.0
  • Interior 4.0
  • Performance 5.0
  • Value 5.0
  • Exterior 5.0
  • Reliability 4.0
  • Purchased a Used car
  • Used for Off-roading
  • Does recommend this car
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Reliable Fun Car that holds its value

The actual car listed here is one owner, driven by one middleaged person; white with beige top, always garaged; driven avg. 2200 miles/yr. Oil changed every six months. Near pristine condition inside and out. Interior shows no wear. Fuel 28 mpg. Comes with bra and 4 mud guards (not installed). A wrench has never been turned on this vehicle except to change the oil and filter. New battery. Not a good fit for the very tall or portly.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 4.0
  • Interior 5.0
  • Performance 4.0
  • Value 5.0
  • Exterior 5.0
  • Reliability 5.0
  • Purchased a New car
  • Used for Having fun
  • Does recommend this car
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Very reliable with very impressive handling.

Bought it with 18000 on odometer. got 34,000 on her now. The best car for commuting 20 miles each way on the snake turn Southern State Parkway. 30 mpg , easy top down (3 seconds) 6 speed works well, brakes work well, goes wherever I direct the steering wheel. Never a mechanical problem. The car just keeps on going.Once owned a MGBGT. the MX5 is a much better sporty car.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 4.0
  • Interior 5.0
  • Performance 4.0
  • Value 5.0
  • Exterior 5.0
  • Reliability 5.0
  • Purchased a Used car
  • Used for Commuting
  • Does recommend this car
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I love this car!!!

This is my first miata and my mother had one when they first came out and I have to say this is one very tight car! I love the feel and I love the gas mileage!!!! I have a LS 5sp and it is a thrill to drive if you want a great dependable running sports car then this is it!!!!!!!!!!

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 4.0
  • Interior 5.0
  • Performance 5.0
  • Value 5.0
  • Exterior 5.0
  • Reliability 5.0
  • Purchased a Used car
  • Used for Off-roading
  • Does recommend this car
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Favorite of any car I have owned!

Great "fun" value. I can't picture myself "not" owning a Miata anytime in the forseeable future. Drove it to the Grand Canyon, and it was plenty comfortable for my wife and I. Averaged 30 miles a gallon for the 1600 mile round trip. Can't wait for our next driving vacation.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 4.0
  • Interior 4.0
  • Performance 4.0
  • Value 5.0
  • Exterior 5.0
  • Reliability 5.0
  • Purchased a New car
  • Used for Off-roading
  • Does recommend this car
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