2000 Mazda MX-5 Miata Review
Fuel Economy
23 - 24 mpg
Summary
What Edmunds.com says
As much fun as you can have while driving with your pants on.
Pros
Fun to drive, excellent steering and handling, glass rear window.
Cons
Small trunk, drones during freeway trips, over $20,000 MSRP base price.
What's New for 2000
The Miata's option packages have been simplified. There are now two models -- Miata and Miata LS -- and three option packages. A six-speed Miata Special Edition will also be available by spring 2000.
Consumer Ratings & Reviews
Miata Equals Fun
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 8 | Fun-to-Drive: | 9 | Build Quality: | 10 |
| Comfort: | 6 | Interior Design: | 7 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 9 | Exterior Design: | 9 | ||
Vehicle
2000 Mazda MX-5 Miata 2 Dr MX-5 Convertible
Review
Miatas are pure driving enjoyment. Simple and lightweight they thrive on winding roads. My 2000 has 32000 miles on it and has been rock solid reliable. The body is rigid, with only mild cowl shake. Interior space is OK if you're under 6 feet. A tilt wheel would be nice, but otherwise, the dash layout is clean and easy to read. The manual tranny is easy to shift with short throws. One of the nicest benefits of a Miata is that you don't need to spend a fortune to have fun. I'm sorry I waited so long to get one.
Favorite Features
The folding top is a model of simplicity and is easy to use. The manual gearbox offers short, crisp throws. I can't imagine this car with an automatic. The chassis is solid and this car just eats up corners. Love the exterior styling with it's clean flowing lines and wide stance.
Suggested Improvements
More power would be nice, but the base 4cylinder is still fun. More powerful headlights and fog lights would be a big plus.
Amazing Sports Car Value
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 8 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 10 |
| Comfort: | 7 | Interior Design: | 9 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 9 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
2000 Mazda MX-5 Miata 2 Dr MX-5 Convertible
Review
It took years of saving, but the Miata was worth the wait. A pure, simple sports car, the Miata loves to be tossed around, and loves to rev. My car has 32000 miles on it and is as tight as a drum. The manual transmission is a joy to shift with it's tight, short throws. Aerodynamics are quite good as you can drive with the top down on chilly days while the heater keeps the cabin warm. As an added bonus, there are loads of support sites, clubs, and accessories available to the Miata owner. If you've been thinking of a Miata stop thinking and start driving.
Favorite Features
It's a tossup between the incredible handling capabilities of the Miata, and it's simple to use convertible top. There's nothing better than cruising top down in the Miata.
Suggested Improvements
More power (of course), more legroom and larger standard wheels & tires.
Still love my miata!
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 10 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 10 |
| Comfort: | 10 | Interior Design: | 8 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 10 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
2000 Mazda MX-5 Miata 2 Dr MX-5 Special Edition Convertible
Review
Here it is 8 years later and I still love my car. It has only 50,000 miles and lots of love. In that time I have had only a few minor repairs. One was to replace the master and slave cylinder for the clutch system and finally am putting in a new radiator. But what to expect when your summers are 115 degrees with no rain day in and day out. It still purrs like a kitten and I finally had my first brake pad replacement. All other parts still original and no major problems. In fact I think the NB is the best of the miata runs. It gained the necessary curves that made it so sweet. The NC lost some of those curves which was sad and got some fenders that were more RX in looks.
Favorite Features
Engine, gas economy, Fun to drive, easy maintenance, sticks to corners like glue! I have the 6 speed and cruise so that is great for highways!
Suggested Improvements
Can't think of any!
Fun on a shoestring budget
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 8 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 9 |
| Comfort: | 8 | Interior Design: | 8 | Reliability: | 9 |
| Fuel Economy: | 8 | Exterior Design: | 8 | ||
Vehicle
2000 Mazda MX-5 Miata 2 Dr MX-5 Convertible
Review
My wife has wanted a convertible for years so I wait until we moved from California to Iowa to get her one. Go figure. Actually, I drive it as a daily driver and except for a couple of big snowstorms it has served me well. My wife does get to drive it occasionally and we cannot wait for warm weather. My 16 year old daughter wants to learn how to drive a manual tranny so there will be some bonding (and praying) going on. Most fun car I have ever owned bar none! I have already gotten sideways on some corners.
Favorite Features
Manual trans, great cornering, good gas mileage, glass rear window, tight sealing convertible top, heater warms up really fast.
Suggested Improvements
Taller gearing for highway cruising. I am not going to comment on the cupholders as I seldom drink anything in the car.
A scalpel in a world of hammers
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 10 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 10 |
| Comfort: | 8 | Interior Design: | 9 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 9 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
2000 Mazda MX-5 Miata 2 Dr MX-5 LS Convertible
Review
This is my second Miata and the rush of endorphins that these car are capable of inducing has not waned at all in my almost ten years of Miata ownership. There's nothing on the road as inexpensive to own and reliable while being as much fun. You can't help but fall in love with these cars! Sublime handling, intuitive steering, shifting is a pleasure. Second generation (like the 2000) offers some nice improvements glass window, stiffer body, etc. while not being much (if any) heavier. I miss the pop-up lights though.
Favorite Features
Superb suspension design, giddiness inducing gearbox, classic/unpretentious exterior styling, amazing aftermarket and owner community. One of the most reliable and trouble free cars period, possibly the most reliable sports car ever.
Suggested Improvements
Bose speakers don't sound right (there may have been a recall on this), seats could use more side support for the kind of handling this car is capable of (I believe this was fixed for 2001).
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