2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata consumer reviews

This little firecracker flies. I have the 2012 6-speed manual, Power Retractable Hard Top (PRHT), white mica Grand Touring trim. I also opted for the advanced-sport suspension with Bilstein shocks, 17-in high performance wheels, and the Bose sound system. The short throw shift is smooth and quick, and coupled with the ultra-responsive steering, clutch, 4-wheel disc brakes, and 167 hp, the Miata's experience is nothing short of awesome. This thing literally hugs the asphalt on tight turns and handles with an ease and directness that makes it seem it wants to drive itself. At high freeway speeds with the top up (as on longer trips) it's more solid and quieter than I had thought it would be, thanks to the hard top and that 6th gear. Sure it's small inside (it's a two-seater European-style sports car, what do you expect?) but it's definitely not cramped. All dash controls are easy to reach yet you can stretch out in the seat with no problem. If you want to drag the family along like Clark Griswold, get a bigger car, but I assume if you want this kind of car, you want the driving experience of a true sports car convertible. I see some reviewers pan the "only 167 hp" and ""small interior with no built-in NAV" and I have to respectfully disagree. With its sporty small size and low weight (about 2500 lbs.) those 167 fuel-injected, 4 valve-per-cylinder ponies have plenty of nitro to rocket you through those 6 speeds. I mean, who really cares if that muscle car next to you can get to the next traffic light first if he decides to? Besides, with gas going at around 4 bucks who needs an expensive guzzler? You can save bucks and still have the quick, responsive driving experience roadster drivers crave. And the no-NAV? I say, no big deal. If you need that just get a stand-alone unit or use your smart phone. Besides, who needs another screen constantly staring at you while you're busy enjoying the driving experience? How Mazda puts together a highly reliable and quick sports car that looks as cool as the Miata at its lower price point in its class is beyond me, but I really could care less. They've done it, and it's available for the asking. I highly recommend this little titan.

great alternative to a motorcycle and love the hard top... i have travelled 600 miles in a stretch and was very confortable even with a brace on my left knee ... love it

I bought the MX-5 because I wanted a convertible, but I love it just as much for its performance. It's quick and nimble. It has outstanding handling. It's one of the most responsive cars I've owned. I bought the 6 speed manual transmission. I love the the rumble it makes when you accelerate. It sounds like a fast, fun car. I bought it to drive with the top down and I haven't been disappointed. It's great! I chose the power retractable hardtop roof and it couldn't be easier. Just push a button to put the top up when you're leaving the car unattended and push a button to put it down when you return. The interior space is compact, but still comfortable for an average sized person. If you're an XL or larger, it will be a tight fit. The trunk release latch is placed somewhat inconveniently several inches back under the dash. You end up feeling around for it. The trunk can also be opened from the key fob so it's a minor inconvenience. The key fob also has a retractable key which is a nice touch when you're carrying the key in your pocket. The trunk is nice sized for such a small car. I can easily put a week's groceries inside. The fun factor on this car is so high that any shortcomings seem minor. I love it.

FUN, EXCITING to drive. It's exciting to drive and the overall buying experience was very stressLESS.

The Miata is fantastic and I'm lucky I can have a car like this as my daily driver. I know it's not practical for a lot of people because they need more seats, space, etc. But for those who don't have these requirements - or can afford a second "fun"car - I recommend it 100%! Besides being every bit as fun to drive as reviewers have said for 20 years, it's about as classy a looker as you can get for under 30K. Mine is Copper Red with the Dune interior, and the combination is drop-dead gorgeous. The car has razor-sharp steering, stops on a dime, and - biggest plus for me - has the smallest turning circle of about anything on the road today. You can turn around int the tightest parking lot! It's brilliant! It's so well balanced that it feels completely neutral in everything, curves, flats, accelerating, braking, you name it. Only a little too much body roll prevents me from calling it the perfect handler. On the other hand, it's so lightweight that its 167 hp feels totally satisfying. Even more satisfying when you know people have spent $20 or 30K more for 200 more horsepower, and they're getting worse mileage and aren't enjoying the drive any more than I do! There are downsides of course, but pretty few. When you buy a convertible you've already come to terms with most of them, like noise and compromised visibility (in the back - the front visibility is superb). The rest are details really: the bulge in the center console eating into passenger knee room, as does the emergency brake which sticks out at such a weird angle, the bad stereo, awful cheap sun visors. But this is a car that steals you heart after the first drive, and then all is forgiven. Especially at $28,000!