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QUALITY | 7 out of 10
Expert Quotes:
[soft top] can be lifted or stowed from the driver's seat by operating a single latch and using one's arm to sweep the roof forward or back
Road & Track
the trunk size is limited; however, it can accommodate two weekend bags for a quick getaway
MSN Autos
Taller drivers said they didn't fit
Consumer Reports
The Miata doesn't offer very good noise isolation, however, and that's partly why it always feels like you're going faster than you really are.
Cars.com
Ride comfort is appropriately firm with the base suspension, but not uncomfortable.
Consumer Guide
The center console has a storage space that's adequately sized for the age of smart phones and chargers; there's also a padded armrest.
Interior materials look nice enough but are a bit on the simple and cheap side, and it's even a little more spacious than before, though no one will complain about too much shoulder room in a Miata.
The standard soft top is easy to use and surprisingly weather-tight. Just flick the header latches and flip it over the shoulder (most will be able to use one arm) into a shallow holding area. The only downside of the soft top is noise; the Miata's top isn't as well-insulated as some pricier soft tops, and you'll get a fair amount of wind and road noise on the highway.
At the top of the 2011 Miata range is a PRHT (power retractable hardtop) model, which includes a thoughtfully designed power-folding top that looks and feels like one of the luxury-brand hardtops. The PRHT model adds very little extra weight, and the top stows away in just 12 seconds; unlike some other hardtop convertible models, it doesn't hamper the fun. When the hardtop is retracted and folded away, the Miata still has 5.3 cubic feet of trunk space. While that's much smaller than any sedan, it's large enough for most overnight bags or a couple of duffels.
Most Miata models have a ride that's firm but not too uncomfortable, but the 17-inch tires are an option than can sully the experience if you live amongst frost-scarred roads.
Conclusion
Comfortable and refined aren’t words you’d use much in describing the 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata; but it’s surprisingly practical.
