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2004 Mazda Miata Sports Car
…Continued
Mazda's sports car still brings miles of smiles
It's easy to fall in love with this car.
Why? For starters, it has a firm, road-gripping suspension that lets the driver sense the car's every move. Coupled with a low seating position and lightweight construction, this makes the Miata feel like a car you wear, not one you ride in.
Step down into the cozy cabin -- some would call it cramped -- and you'll find the Miata fits like a perfectly tailored suit. All the controls, especially the gear shifter and steering wheel, are exactly where they should be for a comfortable, natural driving feel. It's as if you sat down in an empty room, and suddenly a sports car organically grew around you.
Important controls in the Miata's cozy cockpit are arranged to feel natural and comfortable for the driver, especially the steering wheel and gear shifter. It remains the bargain-hunter's sports car with a starting price under $22,000.
Performance-wise, the Miata impresses in every area but one.
On the positive side, its transmission is among the world's best, with short, crunchy shifts that make the driver feel like he's directly connected to the engine. It's like flipping a toggle switch with a quick, precise mechanical reaction.
Steering also feels remarkably tight and responsive, giving the driver plenty of feedback through corners without feeling jittery on the highway. Similarly, brakes are firm, the clutch is easy to press, and handling is fantastic.
The only performance weakness is the Miata's engine. It makes 142 horsepower, which is plenty for spirited driving but not nearly enough to keep up with the 240-horsepower Honda S2000 in the lane next to you. It's important to note that the S2000 costs $10,000 more than a basic Miata ($21,868), but it still shows that the Miata is no screamer.
Nor does it try to be one.
Instead of focusing on straight-line speed, the Miata is all about balance. Weight distribution is near a perfect 50-50 over the front and rear axels, so it's easy to steer with the throttle by applying more or less gas as you drive through a high-speed corner.
Despite this focus on balance and handling, we're glad to see Mazda introduce a limited edition, turbocharged Miata from its Mazdaspeed division this year. We'll reserve judgment on that car until we've driven it.
Other than the lackluster power, there are only a couple of downsides. The most obvious is practicality, since it lacks both a back seat and much in the way of storage space. It's also starting to show its age in the cabin, where hard plastics and outdated control knobs haven't changed enough since 1989.
