2000 Mazda MX-5 Miata Review
2000 Mazda MX-5 Miata Review
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Used MX-5 Miata for sale
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
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
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.
Edmunds says
As much fun as you can have while driving with your pants on.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2000 Mazda MX-5 Miata 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 $3.62 per gallon for regular unleaded in New Jersey.
Monthly estimates based on costs in New Jersey
$187/mo for MX-5 Miata Base
MX-5 Miata Base
vs
$179/mo
Avg. Compact Car
Vehicle overview
Financially, it certainly pays to buy in bulk. To own a big and bad 2000 Ford Excursion, you'll have to pay only about $5 per pound (based on MSRP for a base model). To own a lithe 2000 Mazda Miata, you'll have to pay close to $9 per pound. But hey, sometimes you just have to pay more to get the good stuff.
While it seems strange to pay over $20,000 for a Miata, the price is still considerably less than those asked for newcomers like the BMW Z3, Mercedes Benz SLK, Porsche Boxster, and Honda S2000. And while the Miata might not be able to match these cars' absolute performance numbers, it certainly equals or exceeds them in the intangibles.
The 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's part of its charm. Redesigned from the ground up in 1999, the 2000 Miata is faster, more rigid, and more functional than the previous generation. But it doesn't stray too far from the original Miata's heritage of offering reliable and fun transportation.
Though the Miata's trunk is miniscule when compared to what can be crammed into the latest SUVs, the Miata can handle daily commuting or weekend getaways. The shifter moves with quick and short precision and all of the switchgear is easy to reach and use.
The option packages have been altered for 2000, but the same basic equipment is still available. Mazda is also offering a limited production run (3,000 units) of Miata Special-Editions. The Special-Edition includes a six-speed manual transmission, a Torsen limited-slip differential, Mahogany Mica paint, 15-inch alloy wheels, a 200-watt Bose stereo, uniquely colored leather seats and top, and various interior trim upgrades.
Droning trips on American interstates are not the Miata's forte. But with a lowered top and an open road, the Miata has few equals. The 140-horsepower, 1.8-liter engine is perfectly matched to the suspension and steering. The Miata is simply a joy to pilot on curving roads. When equipped with the 15-inch wheels and the suspension package (which includes items like a Torsen limited-slip differential and upgraded shock absorbers), the Miata's performance envelope is higher, but some fun is lost in not being able to adjust the tail easily via the throttle.
In our opinion, you can utilize 90 percent of the Miata's abilities under normal driving conditions, while a BMW Z3 2.8 driver is lucky to experience 60 percent of that car's potential most of the time. From this perspective, the Miata is a better value and the reason why it continues to be on Edmunds.com's Most Wanted list.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2000 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
5 star(87%)
4 star(10%)
3 star(0%)
2 star(3%)
1 star(0%)
40 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
4.5 out of 5 stars
Miata Equals Fun
KAG Miata, 05/16/2009
2000 Mazda MX-5 Miata 2dr Convertible
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.
4.88 out of 5 stars
A scalpel in a world of hammers
MRGTX, 02/08/2008
2000 Mazda MX-5 Miata LS 2dr Convertible
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.
4.88 out of 5 stars
Lovin' it!
Miata Fan, 08/15/2006
2000 Mazda MX-5 Miata 2dr Convertible
Wonderful little car. When you get this car, you're not just getting a vehicle to get from point A to B. You're getting a lifestyle. You're getting other friends (Miata fanatics) on the road. You're getting looks from girls. You're getting an "in" to a worldwide base of Miata enthusiasts. You're getting exhilaration on your morning commute (I can't tell you how many coworkers complain … about the drive to work...but never me!). Mazda has the right to put "pure fun" in the official list of features.
5 out of 5 stars
My 3rd Miata
Rick, 01/24/2010
2000 Mazda MX-5 Miata 2dr Convertible
I live in south Florida and this is my 3rd Miata. I very rarely drive with the top up. I have been known to drop the top to drive to Publix a half mile away. I had a '93 and then a '95 which I sold with 190,000 miles on it. Bought my 2000 with 36,000 (almost brand new!). This car is much better than the type 1 cars. The trunk has finally been designed to hold something and I do not miss … the barn door headlights. In my old cars the trunk would hold my Les Paul case but not an SG case. The new trunk is redesigned to easily hold a larger guitar case. Some people laugh at a musician owning a Miata but I can pack 2 electric guitars, 1 acoustic guitar, my amp, keyboard, tenor sax and misc. stuff.
2000 MX-5 Miata Highlights
Base
Engine Type | Gas |
---|---|
Combined MPG | 24 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $187/month |
Drivetrain | rear wheel drive |
Safety
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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