Upon hearing that I was testing a 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata, my friend Meredith told me her Miata story. When she went to buy her first car after her daughter was born, she settled on a station wagon. After the ink dried on all the paperwork, her husband asked her if she was excited. She said that while she was content with the wagon, there was really a Miata in her soul.
This wasn’t the only story I heard from people about the deep fulfillment attained from a Miata (from driving it, that is). And I get it – oh, do I get it. On the first sunny day I had with it, I became a confirmed convertible addict. There is nothing in the world that can’t be worked out from inside the cockpit of a Miata. It’s a very small interior; there’s little room to carry your baggage, literal and otherwise. In fact, I was most comfortable ditching my purse and just bringing a small clutch. A diaper bag would have fit in the trunk. OK, fine, I know I’m not kidding anyone.
Honestly, like in any other two-seater, a car seat is not much of an option in this car. Boosters are a stretch; my test Clek booster fit best on the narrow, contoured seats. In case you’re wondering, the Miata has a hard switch to turn off the passenger-side airbag in case the little sensor fails or makes you uneasy. I have to tell you, my daughter has bought into convertible therapy as much as anyone can.
I know you’re not here to learn how a convertible might fit a kid on a day-to-day basis, and I’m not going to do you the disservice of acting like you are. The Miata is nothing more than pure indulgence after a long day. Seriously, if you are looking for a fun second car to calm your stress, this baby will cure what ails you, while carting you to the local burrito joint to pick up dinner. The retractable hardtop is so awesome; it goes up and down so quickly, you can take advantage of even a small errand with the top down.
I really do believe there’s merit to getting a little sun, some wind in your hair and a little car to help you get some perspective. My recommendation is, even if you can’t buy a new one, rent one for a day or evening. Bring your soul out to play in a Miata.
*For more information on the 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata and its safety features, visit Cars.com. With questions or comments regarding this review, write to editor@motherproof.com.
LET’S TALK NUMBERS
Latch Connectors: 1
Seating Capacity (includes driver): 2
IT’S THE LITTLE THINGS THAT COUNT
Storage Compartments (Puny, Fair, Ample, Galore): Puny
Cargo/Trunk Space (Puny, Fair, Ample, Galore): Puny
SENSE AND STYLE
Family Friendly (Not Really, Fair, Great, Excellent): Not Really
Fun Factor (None, Some, Good Times, Groove On): Groove ON!
Specs
2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata Grand Touring
Base price: $26,960
Price as tested: $29,535
Engine: 166-hp, 2.0-liter I-4
Fuel: 21/28 mpg
Length: 157.3″
Width: 67.7″
Ground Clearance: n/a
Turning Radius: 15.4′
Cargo space: 5.3 cu. ft.
NHTSA Crash-Test Ratings
Frontal Impact
Driver’s side: Not Rated
Passenger’s side: Not Rated
Side Impact
Front occupant: Not Rated
Rear occupant: Not Rated
Rollover resistance: Not Rated
