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Walkaround
Inspired by the Lotus Elan, the Miata's classic lines and proportions haven't changed since 1989, and still look good today. There's only one model, an extensive array of options allows buyers to equip their Miata to be whatever they think it should be--traditional roadster, weekend racer, or semi-lux sports car with all the amenities. The Miata comes with a five-speed manual gearbox, which we recommend. The $850 automatic transmission seems out of character for this car. The base Miata comes with steel wheels, wind-up windows and few convenience features, but it isn't by any means an unpleasant car. There's no low-grade interior to suffer, no instrumentation to miss, no power shortage with which to contend. We recommend opting for the $300 power steering package because it makes the car easier to handle at low speeds. Four option packages are available. The touring package includes aluminum alloy wheels, power steering, power windows and mirrors, door map pockets and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. The $2090 popular equipment package starts with the touring package and adds headrest speakers, cruise control, a power antenna and a Torsen limited-slip rear differential. The $2985 leather package adds a tan leather interior with a matching top to the foregoing. Weekend warriors can order the $1500 R package, which adds a sports suspension, alloy wheels, limited-slip, rear spoiler and other aerodynamic aids. The stiff Bilstein shock absorbers sharpen handling response, but make the ride quality a bit firm for daily use. Air conditioning is a $900 option for all models. The $900 antilock braking option is ganged with the $675 premium CD sound system and they, in turn, are only available with the popular equipment and leather packages. We'd much prefer to see ABS as a stand-alone option. Accessories include a removable hard top ($1500), traditional tonneau cover, fog lights, racing stripes, rear spoiler and CD changer. Our $21,655 test car came with the touring package, air conditioning and floor mats.
Interior Features
Getting in and out of the Miata isn't the easiest thing to do; the cockpit is small and low. Once inside, however, it's comfortable--if you're over six feet tall you may want to take an extended test drive with the top up before buying one. The reclining seats, be they cloth or leather, are comfortable and supportive, and the relationship between the seat, wheel, gearshift and pedals is ideal for enthusiastic driving. The interior design is attractive, functional and sports car traditional. A large tachometer is paired with an overly optimistic 140-mph speedometer. Switchgear is straightforward and easy to use. The standard AM/FM/cassette stereo works well, but don't expect symphonic sound in this tiny cabin. There's not much room in the cabin for anything but a passenger, and the trunk carries only the most minimal luggage. Miata enthusiasts who are also golfers say they can get a set of clubs in the trunk, but we think it takes ingenuity and the right equipment. The tiny glovebox and small center console can be locked; a removable cupholder lives inside the console. It's a cinch to raise or lower the soft top. Putting the top down is a matter of releasing two latches at the top of the windshield and flipping the top rearward. Before that, however, it's important to take time to unzip the clear plastic window to avoid creating a permanent visible crease. A matching boot can be snapped into place to cover the retracted top. The soft top does a great job of keeping things warm and dry inside and the small cabin heats and cools quickly. The removable hard top is a nice option for those who face harsh winters, and also reduces interior noise, adds headroom and includes a rear window defogger. A strong, careful person can remove or install it, but it's a much easier job with two.
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