Driving is what the Miata is all about and few cars are as much fun as this one, particularly at this price. The 133-hp engine can propel the Miata to 60 mph in about 8.8 seconds. That's considerably slower than a Honda Civic del Sol VTEC, but a close match for a basic Mitsubishi Eclipse. The Miata engine isn't the smoothest on the market and the valvetrain is a bit noisy when cold, but it revs freely and is reliable and efficient. The five-speed gearbox shifts almost like a race car with short, precise strokes.
Great handling is what makes a great sports car and the Miata delivers on that promise. With its perfectly balanced chassis and rear-wheel drive, the Miata rewards skilled drivers with predictable handling and good grip. Though it leans a bit in corners like the traditional British roadsters, the rigid chassis provides a solid foundation for the superb four-wheel double-wishbone suspension to do its job. The rack-and-pinion steering is precise and the disc brakes subtract speed in a hurry and maintain their cool under heavy use.
This is no luxury sedan nor does not ride like one. The ride quality is firm, but not quite harsh. Wind noise, road noise and the exhaust note are constant reminders that this is a sports car. Mazda worked hard to perfect that exhaust note and it's music to the ears of a sports car aficionado. Riding with the top down is a joyous experience. Buffeting is minimal and the heater can be used to good effect on cool evenings. Life is good in this mode.
Traffic takes on a heightened stature when viewed from a Miata. The driver sits low to the ground so it's difficult to see ahead of other vehicles. And other people sometimes have trouble seeing small cars, so vigilance is in order when traffic is heavy.
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