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2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata consumer reviews

$21,750 starting MSRP
side view of 2009 MX-5 Miata Mazda
(17 reviews)
100% of drivers recommend this car
Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 4.2
  • Interior 4.5
  • Performance 4.6
  • Value 4.6
  • Exterior 4.8
  • Reliability 4.7
Explore the 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata

Best Bang-for-the-Buck

I've wanted a Miata for years. Now that the kids are gone and I'm not so sure I want to keep riding my motorcycle, it was the perfect vehicle for me. It's a sensible car for both fun and transportation. It is quick, nimble, agile and responsive. It's well-made and solid-feeling. It's a sports car, so its suspension is stiff. And you won't want to roll up to the supermarket and try to stuff a week's worth of groceries in the trunk. But nothing beats it for a jaunty ride in the country--both biway lanes and highway--during non-snow weather. Love 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 Having fun
  • Does recommend this car
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Love This Car

Remember, "Is it a Breath Mint, or is it a Candy Mint?" Well with the The Retractable Hard Top Convertible, the question is, "Is it a Convertible, or is it a Hard Top?

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 New car
  • Used for Having fun
  • Does recommend this car
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A true sports car for the masses.

I am a long time auto enthusiast and have owned over 50 cars to date. Last fall we bought an MX5 Retractable Hardtop 6 speed and enjoyed every moment of driving before putting it away the winter. The car is solidly built and an exceptional handler with a great motor and the 6 speed is one of the best made. The top is water tight with no squeeks or rattles, just like the rest of the car. I looked at everything else on the market in this price range and nothing gave the same amount of smiles per gallon as this car. Only regret is that we could not find one with the leather package. We love the car and plan to keep it for many years to come, and with such a stong aftermarket out there, I expect I will have fun upgrading the car over the next few years !

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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Telepathic Responses

To those that believe that cars are mere conveyances, this car won't make much sense. To those that believe that some vehicles are capable of rising above being nothing more than an appliance, this car is worth serious consideration. The car was designed from the outset to put a smile on the driver's face, whether they are flinging it down a twisty road or running errands. The best way I can explain it to non-car people is this: Just like a good song on the radio, this car is capable of elevating your mood. For that, it is to be cherished.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 4.0
  • Interior 4.0
  • Performance 4.0
  • Value 4.0
  • Exterior 5.0
  • Reliability 4.0
  • Purchased a New car
  • Used for Having fun
  • Does recommend this car
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Fresh Air

Started looking used but ended up new since price is not much different at year end. Great 2nd car for running errands and playing golf. Got car with few options under theory that what I don't have can't break and plan to keep for 10yrs. No need for hardtop since the softtop is so well engineered and sorted out. Simple car at it's best!

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 4.0
  • Interior 4.0
  • Performance 5.0
  • Value 5.0
  • Exterior 5.0
  • Reliability 5.0
  • Purchased a New car
  • Used for Commuting
  • Does recommend this car
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Great little car that happens to be a convertible

The 2009 MX-5 is a great looking car even if all the owners of past models say the front grill is silly. I think it just represents the silly grin you'll end up having after driving this car. It handles really well (as expected of a sports car) and is somewhat quick after 3-4K rpm. Its the most fun car I've ever driven and I am always sad when the trip comes to an end. The cons are that it is slow to go from a stop, with some reviews reporting 0-60 at 8 seconds or more, and no spare tire. If you're looking for a small car or roadster with Japanese quality and low maintenance, look no further. Since Honda is no longer making the more expensive S2000, Mazda is the only game in town with a low-cost sports roadster. A BMW Z4 or Porsche Boxster will cost you $20K+ more, a 370z roadster will cost $10-15k more. With those you get more performance for the price, but not necessarily more fun.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 3.0
  • Interior 4.0
  • Performance 4.0
  • Value 4.0
  • Exterior 5.0
  • Reliability 5.0
  • Purchased a New car
  • Used for Having fun
  • Does recommend this car
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just fun

love driving the car, too cold to put top down but look forward to do so a lot. runs good for no more then 167 hp. handles very well,stops very short from 60,but with summer tirs on car dont do too well in snow.

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 New car
  • Used for Having fun
  • Does recommend this car
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