1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata Review
1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata Review
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Sheer joy to drive, perfect weight distribution, zingy engine, excellent HVAC system, perfect communication from suspension and steering, forgiving at-the-limit handling
Cons
- Space inside is tight, rear window is plastic rather than glass, no passenger airbag cutoff switch, teensy trunk
What’s new
Mazda adds a Touring Package to the options list, consisting of alloy wheels, power steering, leather-wrapped steering wheel, power mirrors, power windows and door map pockets. Midyear a new M-Edition debuts, sporting Marina Green paint and chromed alloy wheels. Summertime brings the limited-production STO-Edition, of which 1,500 were produced.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata M-Edition 2dr Convertible 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 $3.35 per gallon for regular unleaded in Wisconsin.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Wisconsin
$184/mo for MX-5 Miata M-Edition
MX-5 Miata M-Edition
vs
$170/mo
Avg. Compact Car
Vehicle overview
After eight years, Mazda's MX-5 Miata is still the best roadster on the market today. Sure, Germany has unleashed the BMW Z3, the Mercedes SLK, and the Porsche Boxster, but none of them can match the Mazda for sheer bang for the buck. The MX-5 Miata is about simplicity in design and operation. It's about having fun behind the wheel. It's about feeling free and young on warm summer nights. Not a serious car, the Miata, but that is this Mazda's charm.
Knuckleheads driven by large quantities of testosterone will dismiss the Miata as a woman's car. They don't know what they are talking about. Purists will dismiss the Miata in favor of the German convertibles, citing bloodline and heritage as worthy attributes that the Mazda does not possess. These are people who haven't driven either car, in most cases. We've driven all but the Boxster, and while some members of our staff refuse to openly admit that the Miata is the better car, it is an unspoken understanding that Mazda builds the superior roadster.
For 1997, Mazda introduces an enticing package that eschews several unnecessary items included in the Popular Equipment Package, though we think the cost-cutters should have gone even further toward making the new Touring Package more affordable. The Touring Package contains necessities like power steering, alloy wheels, and power mirrors. It also contains unnecessary items like power windows, door map pockets and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. Continuing are the Popular Equipment Package, Leather Package, and R Package. Antilock brakes and air conditioning are stand-alone options.
Colors are limited to red, white, black and blue. Interiors can be covered with black cloth or tan leather. A premium sound system pumps bass through the seat and is perfectly audible at speeds above 80 mph. True enough, it doesn't take long for the price of a new Miata to reach the mid-20s, but the base model with the Power Steering Package remains mighty affordable and is just as much fun to drive.
M-Edition fans weren't disappointed this year. In March, a Marina Green M appeared, sporting wood interior trim, unique gauges, and chromed alloy wheels. A full compliment of standard equipment came with the M-Edition, including leather interior, premium sound system with CD player, and air conditioning.
Summertime brought a limited-production version of the Miata called the STO-Edition. Advertised only in Miata Magazine, the STO represented 1,500 units of the final run of first-generation Miatas. Painted Twilight Blue and featuring a tan leather interior and tan top, the STO had mesh-type alloy wheels, Nardi leather shift knob, the lip spoiler from the R Package, headrest speakers, and the Touring Package. Of all the production Miatas, this is the one for collectors.
Bad news for Miata fans; 1997 is shaping up to be the last year for the current design. Industry rumors indicate Mazda is readying a new Miata for 1998, though we cannot believe that product planners would stray too far from the immensely popular and successful original formula. A warning to Mazda: remember the New Coke debacle.
The MX-5 Miata is a car that every auto enthusiast should drive at least once in their lifetime. Drop by your local Mazda dealer on a warm sunny day, and see why Edmund's enthusiastically recommends the Miata without reservation.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
5 star(85%)
4 star(15%)
3 star(0%)
2 star(0%)
1 star(0%)
34 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
5 out of 5 stars
Holy Cow!
japman, 03/27/2004
1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata 2dr Convertible
This car ain't a car - it's a way of
life. How many cars have owners clubs,
millions of accessories, newsgroups,
shows, hats & T-shirts? There is a
reason. Most other Miata owners on a
sunny day will pop their lights to say
hi on a crowded freeway. No problems,
zippy engine, european pizazz with
Japanese reliability & performance.
Cheap to buy, operate & maintain. Not
much … pretention, but you can certainly
feel the jealous eyes coming from SUV's
on a warm Spring day.
4.75 out of 5 stars
Update from Doug
Update, 10/03/2008
1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata 2dr Convertible
I have now owned the car for four-plus years and have 140k on it. I had to replace the clutch this summer. I switched to premium fuel (instead of alcohol blend) and mileage went from 25 mpg in town to 28 and runs better. Still great fun and highly recommended.
4.5 out of 5 stars
A Fun Car
Daddyvet, 04/21/2002
1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata 2dr Convertible
Car was 4 years old when I bought it.
It had 5248 miles showing on the
odomenter...I believe to be correct.
Being 68 years old it is my boyhood
dream come true. I have put 4500 miles
on it in 1 year. Have had absolutely
no problems with it. with my bad
knees, I have a little trouble getting
in and out of it. But if I didn't have
that trouble it wouldn't be a … sports
car, would it? Hope you can have one
also!
5 out of 5 stars
Love My Miata
RPE, 04/21/2010
1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata 2dr Convertible
I have only owned my little red Miata for 3 weeks...but I love to drive the car with the top down. It is a blast. I also have a '79 MGB..but this car hugs the road, the curves unlike the MGB. It has 128,000 miles on it..but motor sounds great. The get-up-and go is much faster that my '10 Corolla automatic. We have had several hot days in April and have been able to drive it, top down. … Can't wait until Summertime. Will have to sell the MGB..that was the deal with my wife..but, oh well...I have owned it for 20 years..and I guess it is time to pass it on! A buddy of mine at work just bought an '03.....drive one...you'll buy one!!!
1997 MX-5 Miata Highlights
Base
Engine Type | Gas |
---|---|
Combined MPG | 22 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $184/month |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 5.1 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | rear wheel drive |
Safety
NHTSA Overall Rating
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
- Frontal Barrier Crash RatingOverallNot RatedDriver4 / 5Passenger3 / 5
- Side Crash RatingOverallNot Rated
- Side Barrier RatingOverallNot RatedDriverNot RatedPassengerNot Rated
- Combined Side Barrier & Pole RatingsFront SeatNot RatedBack SeatNot Rated
- RolloverRolloverNot RatedDynamic Test ResultNo TipRisk Of RolloverNot Rated
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
- Small Overlap Front Driver-Side TestNot Tested
- Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side TestNot Tested
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – Original0
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – OriginalNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Roof Strength TestNot Tested
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintNot Tested
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