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2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata Bottom Line

November 7, 2008

By Marty Padgett's avatar Marty Padgett, Executive EditorMarty Padgett

TheCarConnection.com’s editors researched a wide range of road tests of the 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata to write this definitive review. TheCarConnection.com’s resident experts also drove the Mazda MX-5 Miata roadster and hardtop to help you decide which reviews to trust where opinions differ, and to add more impressions and details and provide you with the best information.

Likes:

  • Engaging handling
  • Perky four-cylinder engine
  • Great manual shifter
  • Retractable hard top is light, useful

Dislikes:

  • Tight cockpit
  • Lack of safety data
  • No stability control on base models

Buying Tips:


The 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata is widely available with buyer incentives, as the current body style doesn't seem to be as popular as past versions. If you live in a harsher climate, the power-hardtop edition is truly useful and has virtually no effect on the Miata's handling or performance.

The 2008 Mazda MX-5 has dropped the "Miata" tag from its official name, but enthusiasts know it best by that--and its fun handling, quick-release convertible top, and deft steering and braking.

This year, there are both retractable-hardtop and soft-top Mazda MX-5 roadsters for sale. Both are powered by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder with 170 horsepower and a five- or six-speed manual, depending on trim levels. The engine makes 166 hp with the optional six-speed automatic. Fuel economy ranges from 22/27 mpg to 20/27 mpg.

The Mazda MX-5 is the closest thing to a reincarnated British roadster on the planet--though one with altogether better reliability and fit and finish. The four-cylinder engines are zippy and responsive, the steering and handling are sportscar-perfect, and the manual transmissions are a sheer joy to shift.

The new shape introduced last year takes some getting used to--it's more Mr. Roboto than revived Lotus Elan. The interior is neatly trimmed with high-quality materials, and it's even a little roomier than before, though no one will complain about too much shoulder room in a Miata. The soft top is easy to use; just flick the header latches and flip it over the shoulder into a shallow holding area, and you'll still have enough luggage room for a short weekend trip.

Last year the Miata gained the retractable hardtop option. When the hardtop is retracted and folded away, the Miata has 5.3 cubic feet of trunk space--more than enough for the typical overnight bag. This version of the Miata comes in just 80 pounds heavier than the standard soft-top roadster, and the top takes just 12 seconds to fold away, so the effect on performance is minimal.

Standard features include power windows, power mirrors, a CD player, and tilt steering. Optional features include the six-speed automatic, power locks, Sirius Satellite Radio, steering-wheel audio controls, and a sport suspension. Dual front and side airbags, along with anti-lock brakes, are standard, but stability control is only available on the most expensive model. The 2008 Mazda MX-5 has not been crash tested by the NHTSA.

Other Choices:

If you like the 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata, also consider:

Reason Why:

None of the convertibles that compete for attention with the 2008 Mazda MX-5 offer a folding hardtop. However, the Pontiac Solstice and Saturn Sky offer a turbocharged engine option, as does the new MINI Cooper Convertible, which also comes in a dizzying array of trim and styling combinations.

The Bottom Line:

The 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata brings the classic roadster into the modern era, with fantastic handling and an optional power-folding hardtop.

TheCarConnection.com’s editors researched a wide range of road tests of the 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata to write this definitive review. TheCarConnection.com’s resident experts also drove the Mazda MX-5 Miata roadster and hardtop to help you decide which reviews to trust where opinions differ, and to add more impressions and details and provide you with the best information. Likes:Engaging handlingPerky four-cylinder engineGreat manual shifterRetractable hard top is light, usefulDislikes:Tight cockpitLack of safety dataNo stability control on base modelsBuying Tips: The 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata is widely available with buyer incentives, as the current body style doesn't seem to be as popular as past versions. If you live in a harsher climate, the power-hardtop edition is truly useful and has virtually no effect on the Miata's handling or performance. The 2008 Mazda MX-5 has dropped the "Miata" tag from its official name, but enthusiasts know it best by that--and its fun handling, quick-release convertible top, and deft steering and braking. This year, there are both retractable-hardtop and soft-top Mazda MX-5 roadsters for sale. Both are powered by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder with 170 horsepower and a five- or six-speed manual, depending on trim levels. The engine makes 166 hp with the optional six-speed automatic. Fuel economy ranges from 22/27 mpg to 20/27 mpg. The Mazda MX-5 is the closest thing to a reincarnated British roadster on the planet--though one with altogether better reliability and fit and finish. The four-cylinder engines are zippy and responsive, the steering and handling are sportscar-perfect, and the manual transmissions are a sheer joy to shift. The new shape introduced last year takes some getting used to--it's more Mr. Roboto than revived Lotus Elan. The interior is neatly trimmed with high-quality materials, and it's even a little roomier than before, though no one will complain about too much shoulder room in a Miata. The soft top is easy to use; just flick the header latches and flip it over the shoulder into a shallow holding area, and you'll still have enough luggage room for a short weekend trip. Last year the Miata gained the retractable hardtop option. When the hardtop is retracted and folded away, the Miata has 5.3 cubic feet of trunk space--more than enough for the typical overnight bag. This version of the Miata comes in just 80 pounds heavier than the standard soft-top roadster, and the top takes just 12 seconds to fold away, so the effect on performance is minimal. Standard features include power windows, power mirrors, a CD player, and tilt steering. Optional features include the six-speed automatic, power locks, Sirius Satellite Radio, steering-wheel audio controls, and a sport suspension. Dual front and side airbags, along with anti-lock brakes, are standard, but stability control is only available on the most expensive model. The 2008 Mazda MX-5 has not been crash tested by the NHTSA. Other Choices:If you like the 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata, also consider:Pontiac SolsticeSaturn SkyMINI Cooper ConvertibleReason Why:None of the convertibles that compete for attention with the 2008 Mazda MX-5 offer a folding hardtop. However, the Pontiac Solstice and Saturn Sky offer a turbocharged engine option, as does the new MINI Cooper Convertible, which also comes in a dizzying array of trim and styling combinations. The Bottom Line:The 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata brings the classic roadster into the modern era, with fantastic handling and an optional power-folding hardtop. TheCarConnection.com’s editors researched a wide range of road tests of the 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata to write this definitive review. TheCarConnection.com’s resident experts also drove the Mazda MX-5 Miata roadster and hardtop to help you decide which reviews to trust where opinions differ, ...

Other Choices:

None of the convertibles that compete for attention with the 2008 Mazda MX-5 offer a folding hardtop. However, the Pontiac Solstice and Saturn Sky offer a turbocharged engine option, as does the new MINI Cooper Convertible, which also comes in a dizzying array of trim and styling combinations.

Next Steps:

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See the Mazda MX-5 Miata in Other Years:

2010 | 2009 | 2008 | 2007 | 2006 | 2005 | 2004 | 2003 | 2002 | 2001 | 2000 | 1999 | 1997

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