2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata consumer reviews

After 8 years of motorcycling, I decided to trade for a car that most nearly duplicated the fun a riding a motorcycle. The MX-5 probably comes a close as any car can. The outdoor feel is there, it has the perfect driving position, and I have more storage space. The MX-5 top is as easy to raise and lower as one could hope for. The gears on the 5 speed shift smoothly, the engine sounds great and just enough air enters the cockpit. With the top up, the noise level is about what you would expect with a convertible. The cup holders in the console are OK if you don't have to shift gears very often. I use the bottle holders in the doors most of the time. Overall, almost as much fun as a motorcyle and that is a great complement.

I bought this car back in May of '06 and have trouble going even a half a day without driving this car. The handeling is the best of any car I own with a very responsive 4-cyl. engine which has no problem revving freely to the redline. The speed that you can maintain through coners is what really makes this car amazing. I take longer ways home from work just so I can take the twisty roads. The gearbox is very percise and short shifting however sometimes 5th gear on my 5 speed feels like a reach. Make no mistake this car isn't a drag car it's a refined race car with emphasis on corner carving. Give me turns and I'll outrace many higher power cars or other roadsters because few can match the balence and agility of the MX-5. Some will say this is a chick car like one guy at work but I quickly quited him by blowing away his soccer mom SUV in the turns on the way home. Definatly the best car for the money you can buy. Would write more but I think i'm going to go for a drive.

The design is really a great strength of this all newly engineered 2006 MX-5. Really has more manly aspects that include flared out fenders and slightly larger and longer cabin space for those taller than 5' 9''. The stereo was the biggest disappointment but got much better after breaking it in. REALLY REALLY! need a 6 disc changer for this small car. Finding a place for lunch can be a challenge. On the other hand, I did fit 2 lagre gas grill canisters in the trunk. I have had the car for 6 weeks and I am having problems with both weather stripping over the windows that are leaking bad. My recommendations are for K and N air filter but not the cold air infusion intake. Reason 1 you have to take the bumper assembly off to install the cold air intake and 2. hotter states ( southern) decrease the effect of the cold air intake and the car is designed with a quasi cold air intake to start. My second recommendation is to use Mobile 1 synthetic every 7500 miles and change oil and filter at that time. Mazda stated that Mobile 1 exceeds warrenty. Check out other oils that will not meet warrenty expectations!!!

2006 Touring. This car is a hoot. Finish and handling is superb. Although the top is touted as easily put up and down while seated, that has not been my experience. I find it much easier to do from outside. The standard radio is fine but for afficienados it may be less so. The car is very quick, not exactly fast. I have the 5 speed and it is crisp and comfortable to the touch. Gas mileage is way up there, pushing high 20's minimum. Room is tight for bigger guys. Seats comfortable. Cockpit is well laid out with everything at a finger's touch away. This is the most fun to drive car I've ever owned. Knocked my rag top Jeeps to second place (3 over the years). Didn't think that was possible. I'm a long time 4X4 guy. Can't wait to get home to drive around in the evenings. Maybe not suited for primary vehicle, as second car it is a blast.

a fun car! a pleasure to drive! i purchased this car new about four weeks ago and i have trouble parking it--i don't want to quit playing with it .maybe i did'nt have enough toys when i was little. .