2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata Consumer Reviews

I love my Miata

Written by: Cole on 06/25/2006

Vehicle

2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata SE 2dr Roadster (1.8L 4cyl 6M)

Review

I have to say that in the summer my Miata MX5 is the most wonderful driving experience. However, in the winter time when it's raining, I don't feel as safe driving it. With the wide tires it doesn't grip the road as well. The drive with the top down is the best and most fun that I've ever had in an automobile. It handles on a dime on dry pavement, has an excellent stereo to crank up the tunes and I feel as though I could drive forever in comfort in this car. In the winter time when the pavement is dry and the top is down the heater keeps me warm and I can travel in comfort. My only complaint is that visibility is lessened when the top is up. It is reliable, fun & well worth the price!

Favorite Features

The stereo is the best I've ever heard. Comes with a CD and a tape player. It handles like a true sports car and has high performance. If you like to drive like a race car driver you'll love it!

Suggested Improvements

Needs some improving for winter time driving on wet pavement. I've never had any trouble on the ice.

3 out 3 people found this review helpful

Report inappropriate post

Glad I'm on Earth - only place with MX5

Written by: SCAREY on 03/16/2006

Vehicle

2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata 2dr Roadster (1.8L 4cyl 5M)

Review

We have had our MX5 2000 (silver) for three days. (39,700 kms) I have run out of excuses to drive it - now I drive it in my sleep. Well almost. We were thinking buying a motorbike, and I am beginning to think this is more fun than a bike: as a past BMW bike owner I can throw this car into a corner just as fast and not worry about falling over. I was worried driving with the top up with restrict visibility a lot, but this is less of a worry than I expected. Today I drove in the rain for the first time on the freeway and there were no leaks. I am slowly getting used to the car, and the more I drive it, the more I like it.

Favorite Features

Seats. Quality of finish. Clever design of soft top: easy to use. With the roof down at 100kmh (60mph) you can talk normally to your passenger. Smooth as silk cornering: a skateboard on sticky rails. Feeling like you are in a speedy cocoon. Two separate trip meters.

Suggested Improvements

Make the ignition key easier to find in the dark. Improve the explanation of the oil pressure gauge in the manual: I am not sure if I have high oil pressure or not. Changing from 5th to 6th gear requires more thought than I think it should take. Not a straight line through.

3 out 3 people found this review helpful

Report inappropriate post

love my Miata

Written by: dbritt on 10/06/2005

Vehicle

2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata LS 2dr Roadster (1.8L 4cyl 5M)

Review

Bought my 2002 Miata second hand 8 months ago and love it! Never really enjoyed owning/driving cars, but I can honestly say that the Miata has completely changed that. The car is a blast to drive, is actually quite comfortable, and the overall quality is excellent. Two problems I've had with the car: a tiny hole in the soft top and a "chattery" clutch when the car was cold. My local Mazda dealer completely replaced the top and clutch under warranty without blinking an eye. Scheduled service performed by the dealer was inexpensive, especially compared with the VW that I owned prior. The ride is rough on poor pavement, and can be noisy/windy at high speeds, but regardless it's a GREAT car!

Favorite Features

Easy to use controls, quality of interior, fit and finish, handling on windy roads, maneuverability in the city, driving position, classic styling, fuel mileage, Mazda service.

Suggested Improvements

MINOR: Interior lights in the glove box, etc. A decent bracket for the front license plate (can't even find one aftermarket), scratches bumper.

4 out 5 people found this review helpful

Report inappropriate post

2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata (2-seat Roadster)

Written by: Wayne P. on 09/21/2005

Vehicle

2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata LS 2dr Roadster (1.8L 4cyl 5M)

Review

You don't drive this car - you pilot it. Handling is so intuitive, you rarely think about it; almost drives itself. It is so nimble, you can drive circles around anyone, anytime. You don't climb in, you strap it on & it becomes part of you. One caveat: it's not for someone over 6 feet tall. Can reach anyplace inside from the driver's seat (+ right outside mirror). Great acceleration & braking. It was made for curves & hills. OUTSTANDING! These guys thought of everything, and more. Don't expect silly/distracting gadgets - this is for those serious about driving. After 30,000 miles, not one problem. Mileage overall: 26mpg. Fuel: recommend 93 octane - 89 ok.

Favorite Features

Driving position & instrument panel - you are seated nearly as low as an Indianapolis race car. Short-throw 5-speed manual transmission. Can drop/raise top at a traffic light. Very tight turning radius.

Suggested Improvements

Ban most SUV's & large vans. In city traffic, you'll spend a lot of time staring at license plates (or grilles larger than the rear window).

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

Report inappropriate post

A drivers dream

Written by: skpetter on 07/18/2005

Vehicle

2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata LS 2dr Roadster (1.8L 4cyl 5M)

Review

I just got my second roadster a MX5 LS and I am sorry that I waited 23 years. My first car I bought after college was a 1972 Fiat 850 Spyder that constantly made trips up and down the pacific Coast Highway. Mazda's version of the roader updates all the fun of a classic lightweight roadster with the technology of today. The transmission is fantastic and well spaced and the acceleration is fantastic. It runs well on the freeway and the only regret I have is I now live in Florida so I can't have the exprience of mountain driving up to Angelest Crest on those great winding roads to Crestline. You dont ride in his car you are one with it

Favorite Features

6 speed transmission, aceleration asy of top use and quality of the build

Suggested Improvements

I am 6'3" so I would like a tilt wheel as it is kind of hard to see the top of the instrument gage

Report inappropriate post

bset value

Written by: JD on 07/12/2005

Vehicle

2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata LS 2dr Roadster (1.8L 4cyl 5M)

Review

If your looking for fun but are on a buget, buy a miata! Its like going on vacation everytime you get in! It is truely a FUN car! The car handles like its on rails! Once you drive, you'll understand Mazda'a slogan zoom-zoom!

Favorite Features

fit and finish are terffific for a vehicle in this classs!

Suggested Improvements

A bit more shoulder room. If your 6ft or above, forget about it. A standard turbocharged version would be perfect. It will run, but you really have to wind it out.

Report inappropriate post

'02 Yellow Miata

Written by: Melissa on 03/21/2005

Vehicle

2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata SE 2dr Roadster (1.8L 4cyl 6M)

Review

Buying this car was one of the best things I've ever done for myself.

Favorite Features

Handling and tight, responsive steering.

Suggested Improvements

Tilt steering wheel.

Report inappropriate post

Fantastic Car!

Written by: Andy Brown on 08/13/2004

Vehicle

2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata LS 2dr Roadster (1.8L 4cyl 5M)

Review

I debated about buying a 2-seat convertible for many practical reasons, but now that I did, my only regret is that I didn't do it 10 years ago! I've always loved the look of the Miata, and once I test drove it, I couldn't believe how much fun it was to drive. Not only does it handle like a dream, it is actually very comfortable at highway speeds, which I didn't expect. The trunk is plenty big for any normal cargo needs, but for big things I did keep my old Mazda 626 (still reliable after 124000 miles). In addition, being in a convertible is fantastic-you really experience the world and aren't isoloted from it-exilirating.

Favorite Features

Handling, Exterior and Interior Design, Bose 6CD sound system.

Suggested Improvements

The 6 speed manual should be spread out a little more, so that you can get better mileage in 6th.nice accessory would be a strap for the top handle so you don't pull your arm out of your socket when you use it with your right arm.(it's fine w. left) works fine when you turn and use lef

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

Report inappropriate post

PUT MORE FUN IN YOUR LIFE

Written by: miatax3 on 02/10/2004

Vehicle

2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata LS 2dr Roadster (1.8L 4cyl 5M)

Review

I only need a few words to express how much I enjoy Miata’s. I have three (3), all bought new. My first a ‘92 my second ‘99 and my beautiful ‘‘02 black & tan with all the bells and whistles. I couldn’t accept the SC brown leather with metallic gray.

Favorite Features

Looks and handling on the narrow back roads to the coast.

Suggested Improvements

Add a V6

Report inappropriate post

Miata

Written by: chicagojet on 12/02/2003

Vehicle

2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata 2dr Roadster (1.8L 4cyl 5M)

Review

great, fun car to drive.buy an option spoiler & a cold air intake

Favorite Features

Suggested Improvements

Report inappropriate post