2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata Review

Name: 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata Review
Brand: Mazda
Price: 765 USD
Rating: 4.9 (91 reviews)

Price Estimate: $765 - $1,195

2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata LS 2dr Convertible

+83

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Edmunds' Expert Review

by the Edmunds Experts

Pros

Tremendous fun to drive, excellent steering and handling, glass rear window with defogger.

Cons

Small trunk, drones during freeway trips, tight cabin.

What’s new

Only minor changes are in store for the Miata this year. Base models receive standard 16-inch alloy wheels, a strut-tower brace, larger brakes and a child seat anchoring system. Cloth replaces vinyl on the top of the LS model, and tan leather gives way to a lighter parchment-colored hide. Also, the LS receives aluminum-colored interior trim and, for the first time, black leather is available as an option. New options include a cargo net, an auto-dimming mirror with an integrated compass and outside temperature display and special bezels for the headlights and taillights.

Edmunds says

It is more fun to drive a slow car fast than a fast car slow. The Miata defines the spirit of the modern roadster.

Cost to Drive^{Cost to drive estimates for the 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata 2dr Roadster (1.8L 4cyl 5M) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $4.45 per gallon for premium unleaded in Ohio.}

Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio

$245/mo

$180/mo

Avg. Compact Car

Calculate my fuel costs

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Consumer reviews

Read what other owners think about the Used 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata.

5 (88%)

4 (12%)

3 (0%)

2 (0%)

1 (0%)

4.9

91 reviews

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Most helpful consumer reviews

Only possible car for short people

Kara, 01/11/2010

2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata LS 2dr Roadster (1.8L 4cyl 5M)

I'm five foot and have the greatest visibility I've ever had with any car in the Miata. Has strong headlights, amazing steering, quick and easy to put the top down (at a traffic light. The Miata is small, elegant and always smiling. Greatest car ever and would recommend it to anyone who is under 6'2".

Saved my life... best little car

Sherylm, 09/25/2007

2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata Shinsen 2dr Roadster (1.8L 4cyl 5M)

I have driven this sweet little car for the last few summers, and enjoyed every minute. Today, I got t-boned on the driver's side by someone running a stop sign, and I'm alive. Really sore, but alive. The outside of the car was really damaged, but the frame protected me well enough, that I can write this review. Not only was she beautiful and fun, but she turned out to be the best car in …

The biggest go-kart in the world

DDR2, 04/25/2009

2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata 2dr Roadster (1.8L 4cyl 5M)

The title sums it up. Extremely agile car and light on its feet, like a go- cart. It's about as roomy as one too. But those who appreciate this car for what it can do won't be concerned about that. Acceleration isn't very strong either but again, if you want straightline acceleration, go buy a musclecar. This car belongs on roads with tight curves. It's easy to drive and own so …

My Hobby

RLM, 12/17/2008

2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata LS 2dr Roadster (1.8L 4cyl 5M)

I am a suspension and handling addict and this car answers the call and more. I have the six speed with Bilstein shocks and limited slip differential in triple black. For me the car has just the right horse power as I enjoy using the six speed to make the car go rather than just hitting the gas. I enjoy the interaction with the car and the road especially with the top down.

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2003 MX-5 Miata Highlights

Trim:

Base

Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee	$21,843
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	23 MPG
Cost to Drive	$245/month
Seating	2 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	5.1 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	rear wheel drive
Warranty	4 years / 50,000 miles

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Safety

NHTSA Overall Rating

The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.

Frontal Barrier Crash Rating
OverallNot Rated
Driver4 / 5
Passenger5 / 5
Side Crash Rating
OverallNot Rated
Side Barrier Rating
OverallNot Rated
Driver3 / 5
PassengerNot Rated
Combined Side Barrier & Pole Ratings
Front SeatNot Rated
Back SeatNot Rated
Rollover
Rollover5 / 5
Dynamic Test ResultNo Tip
Risk Of RolloverNot Rated

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2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata Review

Price & Payment

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Edmunds' Expert Review

Pros

Cons

What’s new

Edmunds says

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata 2dr Roadster (1.8L 4cyl 5M) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $4.45 per gallon for premium unleaded in Ohio.

Most helpful consumer reviews

Only possible car for short people

Saved my life... best little car

The biggest go-kart in the world

My Hobby

2003 MX-5 Miata Highlights

Safety

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Cost to Drive^{Cost to drive estimates for the 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata 2dr Roadster (1.8L 4cyl 5M) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $4.45 per gallon for premium unleaded in Ohio.}