Still charming after all these years.
(Find Used in Your Area)
By Mitch McCullough, Editor-in-Chief
Overview
The Mazda Miata became an instant cult car when it was introduced seven years ago. With its soft top, room for two and rear-wheel drive, it represented a return to the traditional sports car, recalling a simpler time when British roadsters roamed U.S. roads. Even better, the Miata lacked sports car traits we didn't miss: leaky tops, leaky engines, electrical problems, poor reliability. Until last year, when BMW launched the Z3 roadster, the Miata represented a class of one. This year brings the Porsche Boxster and Mercedes-Benz SLK. The Mazda Miata is not in the same class as these fine German roadsters, but it still provides a lot of the charm with much lower car payments. The Miata starts at $19,575 and tops out at $26,225. Just about the only direct competitor is the two-seat Honda del Sol, starting at about $15,500. But the del Sol isn't regarded as a true sports car. The Miata has changed little since its introduction, thanks in part to Miata program manager Toshihiko Harai, who resisted changes that would compromise the car's basic character. Critics said Mazda should have gone further in 1994 when it replaced the original 1.6-liter engine with a slightly more powerful 1.8-liter. But a bigger engine, said Harai, would add weight, cost and complexity, detracting from the Miata's nimble handling and appealing simplicity. This simplicity makes the Miata popular with racers who appreciate this car's remarkable reliability and low operating cost. The Miata has dominated its classes in Sports Car Club of America Showroom Stock racing since its inception and part of the reason is that the lightweight rear-drive Miata is much easier on brakes and front tires than heavier front-drive compacts.
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