Faults:

Overheats periodically.

Radiator failure at 69000.

General Comments:

Welcome to the world's best selling roadster of all time. The Mazda MX5 Miata is a fantastic little car to own, and an even better car to drive.

It's all due to the laws of physics. Even though the power from the 1.8L 4-cylinder leaves a lot to be desired (only 128hp and 110lb-ft of torque), in a car that weighs two-thirds of what most popular family saloons do, this eager little power plant is able to make a relatively slow car (0 to 60 in the high 8/sub 9 second range) feel very fast.

One reason it feels fast is due to the fluidity of the transmission. It is aimed toward spirited driving, and is subsequently geared to keep the little 4-banger in its relatively limited power band (power doesn't really come on until ~4500rpm and is good until redline). This, combined with the fantastic suspension and near perfect weight distribution, makes the car a joy to drive briskly through your favorite twisties.

However, this is not a car to be enjoyed in everyday driving. The Miata's practicality is severely hampered by having only two seats and somewhat limited cargo space (there is more room to be had by removing the spare tire from the trunk, but that is not particularly advisable).

Noise and ride comfort are also not very good; the soft top does not provide enough sound dampening at highway speeds, and the suspension can be jarring over harsh surfaces. I do suspect that the latter has more to do with the age of the suspension, but the car is not supposed to be a Buick to begin with.

The gearing of the transmission also means that you'll be turning at a noisy 4000rpm at 65 mph in top gear. The small size of the car also means that you need to be extremely vigilant, and wary of soccer moms in dinosaur SUVs and macho dudes in equally jacked up pickup trucks.

This is probably the absolutely cheapest sports car you can buy. Period. Since there are plenty of Miata in existence, parts are readily available from both dealers, aftermarket sources, and junk yards. If you have a moderate level of mechanical skill and a basic set of tools, you can do about 80% of all the maintenance duties.

I mentioned a failed radiator above, which was invariably linked to the overheating problem. A brand new OEM spec radiator cost 100 bucks shipped from a reputable online source and took 15 minutes to replace. That pretty much sums up the reliability and repair-ability of this little car.

In conclusion, if you're looking for an inexpensive, easy to maintain, reliable little sports car who's roof also folds down, you can't get much better than the first generation Miata.

Faults:

Battery failed.

Clutch slave cylinder failed.

General Comments:

This is absolutely the best car in the world. It bought it as a fun third car. I have taken it with me from California, to Michigan to Texas every time I have moved for work. I have sold other cars so I could keep this one. Every time I think of how impractical it is to own, I think, well I'm going to sell it... so I take it for a spin, and realize I will never sell it.

It has been my driver when my "new" cars (Mercedes and chrysler) were in for repair. Since I use it for fun only (unless my newer cars are in for repair) the battery has required replacement twice in 8 years. The clutch slave cylinder also sprung a leak, and required replacement. The headlights are the originals the car left japan with.

I was motivated to write my review by the people that complain about the trunk, and the other people that complain this isn't a real sports car; you my friends are HATERS. The Miata isn't about 0-60 times or fitting golf clubs in the trunk. The car is an absolute joy to drive. This car doesn't exist to get you somewhere, it exists to drive simply for the pleasure of driving. The shifter is perfect, the pedals are perfect, the steering is beautiful. It's also a convertible to boot.

I've taken this car on trips up and down the California coast, Angeles Crest highway, Tail of the Dragon in North Carolina, and even into Mexico as far south as Ciudad Victoria. It's a joy on short tight roads, nothing can beat it.

It is a chore to drive on the interstate, only because idiots like to tailgate you, even if you do 70mph in the slow lane.

I replaced the shocks with Tokico shocks to try to improve the handling, but frankly the stockers were better.

Besides the batteries and slave cylinder, I've only replaced brakes and tires. After 14 years and one rear window replacement, the top is due for replacement, but so what? The paint still shines like new, the interior is holding up really well, the car still feels "tight".

The only time the AC couldn't keep up with the heat was in 105f / 75% humidity in Austin Texas, in bumper to bumper traffic.

I'm a big 5' 11" guy, and I haven't had too much trouble driving it 500 miles a day. I've taken naps in it. It is a 2 seater, so there isn't space to lay the seat down and chillax like in a station wagon. On those 500 mile days, it does get monotonous to not be able to change seating positions while on those long trips, but again, it would be stupid to complain about this knowing about it going in.

I've made some modifications to the car; parts are easy to get, and the popularity of the Miata means there are lots of parts to choose from... cheap tops, better tops with glass windows, beautiful stay fast canvas tops with glass windows, wheels, tires, everything you can imagine. The car is easy to work on, I do my own maintenance on it.

My car had the noisy lifter problem, but I solved it by using Mobil 1 synthetic oil, and a Mobil 1 oil filter with a good anti-drain back valve, unlike the parts store cheap filters.

The engine is zippy and peppy, but being the first across the intersection isn't what this car is about. Girls love the way it looks, and love to ride in it, what's not to like? People that complain about this car would find faults with the Sistine Chapel.