Used 2005 Mazda Mazdaspeed MX-5 Miata Convertible Consumer Reviews
Used Mazdaspeed MX-5 Miata for sale
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If ever you find a MazdaSpeed for sale...BUY IT
IamtheStorm., 11/28/2015
updated 12/06/2021
2005 Mazda Mazdaspeed MX-5 Miata Grand Touring 2dr Roadster (1.8 4cyl Turbo 6M)
10 of 10 people found this review helpful
First off, I should mention that this car was purchased on a whim. I had never owned a Mazda, nor a convertible. One day I got the urge to start looking for deals on convertible Miatas. I soon learned that not all Miatas are the same. I was looking all over the internet trying to find a good deal. Fortunately I found someone selling one 05 MazdaSpeed about 1200 miles away. I did my usual research just as I would prior to any purchase and was quite intrigued with the MazdaSpeed and the limited availability due to the factory being destroyed. So I took advantage of the bargain and took the chance in buying the car without seeing it first hand. I know!!!! It was a risky move. Yet, a smart/lucky move. From the first day I took receipt of it (delivered via a car carrier truck)... I parked it at my home, went inside to get some things. I came back out and found a note under the drivers wiper blade. The note read, "I am very interested in purchasing your car. Please call....... I made the call and replied with and "Thanks... but, no thanks". I have owned the car for less than 6 weeks and have been approached two other times as well. If I ever decide on selling my MazdaSpeed, I'm positive I will easily double my investment. Now I have decided to upgrade the braking system with performance rotors, drilled and grooved, and upgrading the calipers as well. You may not win any drag races with this car, but neither will an F16 Fighter jet. Its all about being very nimble.. But neither were made to just go super fast,straight. The F16 pulls 9 gs in a turn, it feels like that when you choose to accelerate around a hairpin turn in the MazadaSpeed. This MazdaSpeed truly turns like its on rails....seriously. I have recently put top of the line Cooper performance tires on it too. As and current owner of a Porsche 928s, I have decided to sell of the 9mpg beast and keep this lil MazadaSpeed for ever. Okay...so the a/c could be a little stronger, the shift pattern could be a little tighter, and women could be a little easier to understand. But hey.... nothing is ever perfect. If you can find one....buy it! The Mazda...not the woman...that would be illegal in this state. Who Dat! Into my seventh month of owning my MAZDASPEED and I am still elated with my little roadster. I was recently stopped by the local police for speeding, ( I truly was). The officer said I was traveling 15 MPH over the posted limit. I gave him my true reason for my excessive speed. He walked around my car, walked back to his cruise, then returned back to what I thought was issue me a costly speeding ticket. To my surprise.. he hands me his cell phone to show me his Miata! We talked cars for a while, and he also wanted to look under the hood. He thanked me for showing him my car as I was trying to hold back my shock of apparently NOT being issued a speeding violation. So... I love the car even more now!
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Handling so smooth it's sublime.
Peacedog, 05/07/2010
2005 Mazda Mazdaspeed MX-5 Miata Grand Touring 2dr Roadster (1.8 4cyl Turbo 6M)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
Miata reliability meets increased performance, how can you lose? The '04-05 MS Miata was really the last of the Mohicans (RIP NB), since Mazda totally redesigned the MX-5 in 2006 to be more "user friendly" and less pure sports car. Added bonus: it seems as if the Mazda engineers left the door open for several easy speed upgrades for those wanting a little more juice. ;)
The real Roadster
bobszoom zoom, 08/12/2010
2005 Mazda Mazdaspeed MX-5 Miata Grand Touring 2dr Roadster (1.8 4cyl Turbo 6M)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
I have a 2005 mazdaspeed, the minute I test drove it I had to have it. I restored z cars and have had 260 to 300 turbos. This car came out of the box ready for the track. It was built as a roadster and that's exactly what it is. Most people don't either remember the old roadsters, mg, mga, triumph spitfires etc. I had them to the person who owns an lava mica orange one I do to. And if he does some research on Mazda's Japan site. It claims the 6000 were suppose to be produced only 1600 + were because the factory burnt down. So he has as I do 1 of 390+ that were made in 2005. To the person who owns one and wants to get rid of it in favor of his BMW. You sir are not used to a roadster.
The mid-life crisis car.
mickjo426, 03/11/2005
2005 Mazda Mazdaspeed MX-5 Miata Grand Touring 2dr Roadster (1.8 4cyl Turbo 6M)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
My husband purchased this car as his Christmas present. He had just turned 41 and wanted a change from a luxury sedan. He loves his MX5 as well as our 2 children. We have renamed Daddy's car as the Toy Car. The children fight over who gets to in the toy car and who goes in the minivan. It is a fun car but not practical for a family with small children. Great car!
My Speed
Jim Westfall, 03/15/2005
2005 Mazda Mazdaspeed MX-5 Miata 2dr Roadster (1.8 4cyl Turbo 6M)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
I am a motorcycle rider and the Speed is nearly as much fun as a good fast bike.
I Never Smiled So Much on My Way to Work
Jeff from Arizona, 08/03/2005
2005 Mazda Mazdaspeed MX-5 Miata 2dr Roadster (1.8 4cyl Turbo 6M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I've had many sports cars in my life, but none have put so many smiles on my face as this little roadster. I used to hate red lights, but now I can't wait for them as I get to run through the gears. It's not the fastest, but you will definitely be in a close second for about 20K+ less than the other guys. Lots of looks and people trying to figure out how a Miata got a hold of some steroids. I live and drive in beautiful Arizona and with this car the views don't get much better. Do yourself a favor a take one for a test drive. Go look at the S2000, Z4, Solstice (whenever it comes out; I drove one of the first Pontiac Fiero's off the line, and I won't ever do that again) -- you'll get MX-5.
The Lava Orange Rocket
Travelador, 01/12/2006
2005 Mazda Mazdaspeed MX-5 Miata Grand Touring 2dr Roadster (1.8 4cyl Turbo 6M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
This is absolutely the best sports car I have ever owned, including Porsche. The handling is superb, I just wish I had the ability to drive it to the max. It really surprises the little souped up pocket rockets and the WRX's and Z3's too. I have yet to see another orange Mazdaspeed so it's really in a class of its own. The fit and finish is first class. The performance and gas mileage really improved when I changed the air filter to a K&N. Love the sound of the turbo winding with the nice exhaust note. Highway mileage really running it is around 28MPG with in town mileage averaging 23MPG. Be careful parking head in with the concrete barriers.
Rocket Powered Go-kart!!
Mike, 04/22/2010
2005 Mazda Mazdaspeed MX-5 Miata Grand Touring 2dr Roadster (1.8 4cyl Turbo 6M)
1 of 2 people found this review helpful
I bought the car recently and it's a blast. The tires on it are pretty bad and it STILL handles like it's on rails. It's a quick car once the turbo spools up at about 3500. It's not going to beat a lot of cars on the road there are many many faster cars but that's not why I bought it. It's just plane FUN drop the top crack the Bose up and go! Yeah the comparable S2000 is faster, but you can't hear your tunes in it with that week stereo. I test drove two before I bought the mazdaspeed and i do NOT regret it one bit. It's rated to average 20mpg BULL! When I'm not getting on it I cross shift to 5th or 6th and keep the cruising revs low and get 24-26 AVERAGE. .Enjoy yours and oh yeah ZOOM ZOOM!!
If it is Miata, buy it
secil, 07/06/2008
2005 Mazda Mazdaspeed MX-5 Miata 2dr Roadster (1.8 4cyl Turbo 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
It is a rare car, turbo-charged engine powers car great. This is one still called Miata. Mazda people dropped miata name, so pity. New Mazda is not good as Mazdaspeed Miata. If you find one, buy it. It is rare car, I looked for it everywhere. It is hard to find, easy to drive.
ZOOMING Past most!
John K., 11/15/2008
2005 Mazda Mazdaspeed MX-5 Miata Grand Touring 2dr Roadster (1.8 4cyl Turbo 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I liked it so much I bought TWO! I have a Black Mica and a Lava Orange. I bought accessories for the puny intercooler and boost controls, upgraded to cross-drilled slotted rotors and intake hard pipes with K&N filter and Blow-Off valve, Autometer boost gauge. The only drawbacks are premium gas >18mpg in town and around 25 freeway. The forward cupholder. And the lack of iPod integration (sold separately $200). This car is phenom, 10.02 seconds 1/8th mile stock. Top end is around 126 mph or so, the rev limiter. But boy 0-60mph in a sub-2400 lb car with over 200 HP it is evil-quick, nothing even comes close to me except bikes.
delight to drive
Rob, 01/06/2005
2005 Mazda Mazdaspeed MX-5 Miata Grand Touring 2dr Roadster (1.8 4cyl Turbo 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This car has been a sheer joy to own since I bought it in September. Unless it's snowing I find a way to drive it. Acceleration is brisk once the turbo kicks in (3500 rpm +)and torque seems good throughout. Shifting is effortless and handling is wonderful - basically an adult go-cart (brakes great too). Gas mileage has been surprisingly good, averaging 24- 27 mpg with some hard acceleration in combined driving. It is a stiff car,which should be the case for a pure sports car. This car is not meant for quiet and well cushioned highway driving, but is a great way to commute to work and for modest shopping loads. I've been able to get several bags of groceries and gym bag to fit.
zoom-zooom
kevin, 02/17/2005
2005 Mazda Mazdaspeed MX-5 Miata 2dr Roadster (1.8 4cyl Turbo 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Before you say anything about this car, get into one and drive it. The control this car has is incredible, and it has a tiny engine that packs a wallop. I have also learned it is very easy to give this car a lot more power. This car is great.
MX5
Rafael, 02/28/2005
2005 Mazda Mazdaspeed MX-5 Miata Grand Touring 2dr Roadster (1.8 4cyl Turbo 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Excellent to drive. The turbo give it the power it needs. On gas, it's about 23 MPG, no bad considering the way I drive it. You need to be careful with the wheels, you can scratch them really easy on a sidewalk or median. The red velocity color is perfect. I like that you don't see many Mazdaspeeds MX5 on the street. Just regular Miatas.
This is my 3rd Miata - I love them!
susanjo, 05/26/2005
2005 Mazda Mazdaspeed MX-5 Miata 2dr Roadster (1.8 4cyl Turbo 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I was hooked on the Miata even before my husband said the test of our first Miata purchase was whether or not a set of golf clubs fit in the trunk. They did and now I'm on my 3rd MX-5 - the first two red and this one all black. Not only is it the most reliable car I've ever had, but it is so much fun and even though I'm 54 years old, truck drivers still honk at me (really at the car) when I'm on the highway!
Love It
george peterman, 07/09/2005
2005 Mazda Mazdaspeed MX-5 Miata Grand Touring 2dr Roadster (1.8 4cyl Turbo 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Bought it for a weekend fun car, but find myself driving it everyday around the city. Ease of handling, zip and nimble in freeway traffic; all make it a dream to zoom around in. Am 6'2 and 230 lbs. and still find it accommodating. If it's sports car handling with lots of power and cornering ability you're searching for, for the money it can't be beat.
PROBLEMS
CHRIS, 07/09/2005
2005 Mazda Mazdaspeed MX-5 Miata Grand Touring 2dr Roadster (1.8 4cyl Turbo 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Purchased for my fiance; we drove to California and back to Washington. It was a blast to drive. Power and acceleration great, it averaged about 24 mpg -- who cares anyway, you don't purchase this car for mileage only fun. Anyway at 2300 miles the check engine light comes on and left my girlfriend in rainstorm was upset. Dealerr was johnny on the spot, towed car and authorized rental. Just bothers me 3 week old car having sensor problems already. We still love car though.
Mazda Miata "Best Bang for the Buck"
Carol Scott, 07/07/2005
2005 Mazda Mazdaspeed MX-5 Miata 2dr Roadster (1.8 4cyl Turbo 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I own several performance cars, a Superformance 427" Cobra among them. The Miata offers the best road handling performance of all. Although not as fast as the Cobra in acceleration, it handles far better. Interior arrangements are above average for a car in this price range.The body style is perfect, and looks like a much more expensive sports car.
Miata MX-5 turbo
tim kemp, 07/10/2005
2005 Mazda Mazdaspeed MX-5 Miata 2dr Roadster (1.8 4cyl Turbo 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
PROS: fun to drive! Quick with a turbo boost you can really feel. Handles well. Dash and instrument lay-out and quality of interior is excellent. Not an automatic drop-top but so easy to do it doesn't matter. Friends take one look and say "this is not your ordinary Miata". CONS: short leg room (needs cruise control for long drive). Weak A/C in hot weather, but adequate.
Can't get any better
AtlDave, 03/09/2006
2005 Mazda Mazdaspeed MX-5 Miata Grand Touring 2dr Roadster (1.8 4cyl Turbo 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought a left over brand new '05 Mazdaspeed Miata last month. WOW. After having owned the old body style, this car is everything that the old one should have been. I find the firm suspension to be just right. My driving is 90% city and in Atlanta traffic. The car is an absolute delight to drive. I have never had cars that I've wanted to go and drive just to drive until I bought a Miata. This is my second one and definitely the best. Go buy one before they're gone. They only made about 1,500 in 2005 (the factory burned). They made 4,000 in 2004, to the '05's are special. My color, Red is the most rare (only 255).
My favorite toy
Antonio Allende, 02/05/2005
2005 Mazda Mazdaspeed MX-5 Miata 2dr Roadster (1.8 4cyl Turbo 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Lots of fun to drive! Great handling, good visibility, very good sound system. Best value in this price range.
Yeee-Hahhh!!!
Akex Brazell, 02/05/2005
2005 Mazda Mazdaspeed MX-5 Miata 2dr Roadster (1.8 4cyl Turbo 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This car is awsome. It does not seem to have a breaking point when driving on twisty mountain roads. Every part of your brain tells you to put on brakes but the car says go faster and your throttle foot just presses harder. That squealing through the curves is not your tires, it's your passenger. This much fun should be illegal. Oh wait, it is. Seriously, great car.
Most fun around $25K
jersey_emt, 02/24/2005
2005 Mazda Mazdaspeed MX-5 Miata 2dr Roadster (1.8 4cyl Turbo 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This is the most fun a $25,000 car can give. The combination of a nearly perfect chassis and handling with a fairly stout motor is sublime. Another 30-40 rear wheel HP would make a big difference and would not upset the amazing balance this car has.
Last of the red hot roadsters
Kevin, 03/11/2005
2005 Mazda Mazdaspeed MX-5 Miata 2dr Roadster (1.8 4cyl Turbo 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This car is everything that the Miata is famous for. The Mazdaspeed is the best roadster made better. It is the end of one of the greatest roadsters ever made. The next generation MX-5 has a multi-link rear supension and they have dropped the Miata name plate. The Mazdaspeed is a limited edition so get one while you can. It will become a sought after and rare car. Enjoy!
Sleeper value of the year
C. Reinhardt, 03/10/2005
2005 Mazda Mazdaspeed MX-5 Miata Grand Touring 2dr Roadster (1.8 4cyl Turbo 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Never have I had so much fun in an automobile. The chassis is lithe and responsive, the performance is remarkable for its engine size and the overall feel makes it a genuine sports car. I have never had any issues with the car's quality or overall design. It has served its purpose well. My only complaint is with the 3rd gear. During rapid upshifts into 3rd, it has a tendency to grind, leaving me to believe the synchronizer is the wink link. Everything else about the car has leaves me the impression this will be a long term relationship. The smile on my face that I get every time I walk away from the car is easily worth the meager asking price, making it truly a best buy.
Little Zoom Zoom
Roady, 03/20/2005
2005 Mazda Mazdaspeed MX-5 Miata Grand Touring 2dr Roadster (1.8 4cyl Turbo 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This little car will supply all of the Zoom-Zoom you could want! Rev the engine past 4000 rpm, and you are gone. Mazda did right here. Interior, exterior, and driving dynamics are all up to par. This car takes corners like none other, and the feel of the wind in your hair as you blast down the road cannot be duplicated. I got the velocity red, and when she is clean, she just gleams in the sun. This car gets looks from the tuner guys driving around in their Civics, as well as from execs in their BMW's. Of the 20+ vehicles I have owned, this is the most fun, hands down.
From 300zx turbo to MX-5
Bob Hoffman, 11/01/2005
2005 Mazda Mazdaspeed MX-5 Miata Grand Touring 2dr Roadster (1.8 4cyl Turbo 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I have researched the Miata line for 4 years; waited for the Mazdaspeed to come out.When it finally did the only dealership available was an hour and a half away. Decided to wait for the 2006. I went to the dealership, drove both and the body styling of the 2005 and the MX-5 Mazdaspeed won hands down. Handling, power, every aspect of a true roadster, reminded me of my Spitfire but with a lot more power and comfort. Beats my '84 300zx turbo hands down. Want a sport car, a true one, buy the MX- 5 MazdaSpeed. It's a sport car not a luxury car.
Plenty of zoom, zoom, zoom.
JDH, 05/03/2007
2005 Mazda Mazdaspeed MX-5 Miata Grand Touring 2dr Roadster (1.8 4cyl Turbo 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Weekend car. Spirited drives with local club and auto-X & track time. Tons of fun. My only negative comment is the turbo downpipe is near the driver's feet and my feet are almost always hot due to this. The added 'cool breeze zcoop' helps. Other than that I love this car.
Mazdaspeed Miata
MX-Cited, 11/29/2021
updated 06/01/2023
2005 Mazda Mazdaspeed MX-5 Miata Grand Touring 2dr Roadster (1.8 4cyl Turbo 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
If you enjoy a spirited drive buy a Mazdaspeed Miata. If you want to be a little different, get the lava orange paint that compliments the black leather interior and black canvas roof or the matching lava orange hardtop. Purchased in August 2018 with 47k miles and 39 months later have 60K on the clock (this is my daily driver). Its probably the most fun for the least amount of money in the automotive world. If you're independently wealthy, buy a Porsche; you work hard - you deserve it ;>). But if you're like me and value your money, buy a Miata. It has appreciated 80-110% in value during the pandemic like most rarer cars but still cheaper than other sports cars. This is a lightweight car that has an inordinate amount of aftermarket options that will make it perform even better. When you drive down the road and come upon another Miata owner, you will get waved at so be prepared. If you're at a stop light and another Miata owner pulls up next to you, start rolling down your window and let the mutual appreciation begin. The Miata culture is free and part of the ownership experience. The reliability has been excellent (duh, its a Mazda) and the gas mileage is easily 24 city/30 highway mpg. The engine is sublimely powerful for it's size and the transmission shifts like a bolt action rifle. Buy one that has been loved like mine and your accountant will thank you for it after he tells you "cars are depreciating assets". Update: June, 2023: Still love my Miata, now with 73k miles and almost 5 years of ownership. No mechanical issues and no new news to report. It still puts a smile on my face every single time I drive it. The only downside is practicality. With a 5 cubic foot trunk, you don't haul much of anything ever. This cuts down on purchases at Costco so it actually saves you money! Buy a Miata (with a manual transmission) and you won't regret it.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Unsatisfied
aargonaut, 11/21/2005
2005 Mazda Mazdaspeed MX-5 Miata 2dr Roadster (1.8 4cyl Turbo 6M)
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
I bought this as a replacement for a 2000 BMW Z3 2.3 w/5 speed manual. I've had the Mazda for less than a week and I want to get rid of it. It is quick, turns on a dime, has a good stereo, and is fine to run around in. However, the seats are too soft and uncomfortable, on a rough road my teeth rattle, and I find the 6 speed transmission is geared too close so that I am constantly shifting. I'm getting rid of it as fast as I can. It also gets lousy gas mileage for a small 1.8 liter engine.