Used 2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata Consumer Reviews
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Best Roadster.
I was tired of the ho hum experience of the past 40 yrs of the typical everyday cars, having grown up will cars that can lay rubber for 3 blocks and blow your mind in the quarter....family van's, company cars, rentals...yaaawwwnnn. So when the last kid was driving their own car..I bought a used Masda Mx 5 six speed roadster two years ago and absolutely love to drive again..It gets great gas mileage (much better than reported) and that is on two lane mountain roads.. Takes corners like my old Triumph cafe racer and can handle speeds over 120 without a hitch. Snow is no problem either with the M&S tires for winter driving..Went over Monarch pass last year in a blizzard. ..it has a higher ground clearance than expected, but do need to watch those big speed bumps..No mechanical issues to date. I would definitely buy another one....
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Frank's Silver Miata
Not my daily driver, a joy to drive. Can't help smiling when I'm in her and prideful when I look back at her when I walk away after a satisfying run in the sun. Even with the top up, it's fun to drive. I feel a real connection with the road and have a hard time parking her when it's time to face the real world. Never a problem. Not a powerful car but a powerful fun car.
- ClothMSRP: $10,3617 mi away
- LS ConvertibleMSRP: $5,500848 mi away
- ClothMSRP: $5,988980 mi away
Summer Car
Sold a 62 T-Bird and wanted an affordable used convertible as replacement. Tan interior and manual transmission were only requirements and purpose was for a summer car and not as a daily driver. Was not a Miata fan to start with and bought one from a friend mainly because I knew it was reliable and well taken care of. Also liked the fact that it was British Racing Green and a Special Edition fully loaded. Paid half the price I expected to pay for my original choices of z4 or boxster with same age/mileage. So far, so good. Comfort above what I expected. Acceptable motor/wind noise. Fun to drive. No rattles. Look and feel very solid.
A drivers dream
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
Couldn't Ask For More
Had it a little over 2 weeks now. It is my daily driver and I couldn't ask for more. I'm a pilot so the interior is well suited for me. Just a short reach for everything I need and the seats are very comfortable. BTW, I'm 6"1'. Yes, driving it is a pure joy. For a short time I drove it on an interstate and keeping up with everyone at 80 then 100 it was rock solid. I thought it was be shaking and moving all over the place. Mine is a 6 speed and I don't rev the engine much past 4,000 between shifts yet get 25 MPG. Kinda surprised at it being that low but it's a small price to pay for this much fun. It still looks brand new and I catch people looking at it all time. Very cool.
Fantastic Car!
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.
HS Grad. Present
I got this car for graduation, and I loved it. I have come to find that people either love it or hate it/think it's adorable or think it's a joke. Driving it with the top down makes all of the comments disappear. Also, not having to drive passengers a lot (because you can't fit ALL of your friends in) saves you gas...when you are already not putting in as much as they are in the first place!
Glistening Emerald Mica Miata
I own a 2002 Miata LS which only has 57800 pampered miles. With gas prices being so low (during this pandemic) I can fill up my Miata (93 octane) for $21 bucks. (I never let it get totally empty) I only drive the car around 3200 miles per year and it’s never seen snow! Yeah, it’s not as roomy as my 2015 Tundra Quad Cab, but what it is, is a fun RELIABLE great on gas always make me smile, vehicle. Miatas are built tough, they’ll easily go 200,000 miles if you keep up with your oil changes, transmission, use the right gas, etc etc. I plan on keeping this car till the wheels fall off of it. And when the wheels fall off, I’ll just buy some new ones. LOL For me, it’s not about speed, it’s not about how fast you can go, it’s all about enjoying the ride. I enjoy my Miata. I get a lot of looks too; the Emerald Green Mica glistens in the sunlight with soft tan leather against my back. Zoom Zoom
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Not just a girls car... Street Legal GoKart!!!
I have owned my 2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata for about a year now but have been racing miatas for about 5 years now and i would recommend these cars to anyone who wants a car you will never be bored of driving, outstanding reliability, the handling is matched with that of $100,000 cars, I have personally seen miatas smoke Z06 corvettes and Ferrari by half a mile on the road course, and by whole seconds on the Auto-X course. These little cars receive little respect from muscle car owners, but the real drivers car owners (ie. Porsche, Lotus, Aston Martin) they know whats up... As a daily driver, midlife crisis car, or a professional racecar the miata will always come through.
Glad I'm on Earth - only place with MX5
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.
I love my Miata
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!
MostFunFor$20000
I love my new miata. Sure a lot of people say that the car is for woman going through a mid life crisis, but I am none of those. For $20,000 there is no car as fun and reliable. Sure the horsepower is a little low, but I can use all the performance of my miata on the road while a porsch is not able to be pushed.
The Same, Only Better
On a sunny day last week I just *had* to my beloved 1991 Miata for a spin. 11 years old and totally fun and reliable. Ended up at the local dealership and found remaining 2001's at $5500 off MSRP! All the fun of the last one but more refined in every way. British Racing Green with the Appearance Package for just a little over $17k new. The new generation feels a lot more solid. It's quieter, especially when the top is up. The standard AC, power windows, CD player, glass rear window, and extra 26hp are much-welcomed additions. My only ultra-trivial complaint is that the gas pedal is overly light compared to the old one, but this generation of Miata is still simply superb.
2002 Miata LS
2nd Miata I've bought new. M1 (90-97) is a classic headturner, but M2 ('99+) is more comfortable. Either way, it's maximum bang for your buck. Skip the low profile rims/tires, though. They look cool, but handling is negatively affected even if tire pressure is only off by only a pound or two. (N.B.: Recommended only as a 2nd vehicle due to small cargo capacity and 2-passenger seating.)
My 2002 Mazda Miata MX Special Edition
This special edition 2002 Miata as it was with my first a 1991 Miata---is fun to drive, great handling and the SE is a head turner. Amazing how many times I'm asked if it's a BMW, or what kind of car is it. This one came with all the lights, whistles, and bells. So it's fun, fairly practical and again like my first Miata--one of the most dependable vehicles I've ever owned. Only problems--the power antenna doesn't always go up when the radio is turned on, and the filler cap release for the gas tank doesn't release on the first pull. Very frustrating!!! Especially when it's cold here in Spokane.
True Love
I am not a car person and have never cared much about what car I drove. It was strictly functional. This yellow Miata changed that. After 4 years it is still an absolute blast to drive and people still comment about what a cool car it is. I drive it all year round with a hard top for the winter months. It looks cool like that too. My husband loves to drive it too. It is most fun on windy mountain roads. We go out driving on weekends just for the pleasure of driving it.
The quality answer to old British Roadsters
I bought a 2002 Miata with 77,000 miles. It has a couple packages that added a LSD, A/C, cruise control, keyless entry, mud guards and more. It has been flawless and I love to drive it. It is now spring time and every sunny day the top goes down and my wife and I head for a twisty country road. I have bought just about every spare part I ever read about failing at a Miata formum. Prices are very low and I have never need any.
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Miata is one smooth cruise
I previously drove a 99 Miata and really enjoyed the new model over the old 97 model.. The 2002 is an improvement also because it comes with fog lamps, a better designed interior(ie. two cup holders, storage nets),a wind blocker, an electric antenna, brighter head lights, electric windows and mirrors and much more comfortable bucket seats, all standard. The downside is that the leather interior is only available in tan. The gas mileage is down about two miles per gallon, and the performance is about the same despite claims of increased horsepower. The top can be put up or down is about fifteen seconds even though its manual.
2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata (2-seat Roadster)
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.
Best car ever.
Best car ever for the money you can afford.
Great Toy
Great little car. Don't forget it's intended purpose and you'll love it! More trunk room than before - a real plus. A little more power would be nice, but, this issue can easily addressed aftermarket. LS trim and suspension (drive both before you buy) upgrades are worth the money if you want to save yourself some aftermarket work.
Fun!
Outstanding handling and fun.
love my Miata
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!
Stylish and fun
I had a '99 Miata with a few options and was very impressed with the great handling, fun driving, and reliability it offered. To date the '99 has never seen the dealership again. Times changed and I could afford the exact Miata I wanted, a midnight blue with leather and sport suspension. It looks awesome. It feels a little more stable in bumpy turns thanks to some chasis bracing that was added this year. There is no power difference from '99 to '01 or '02 models. However, I love the car and it's many positive traits. The only negative is the driving position needs to be improved.
fun in kazoo
Great second car. Great fun for the buck. Would like a little more h.p. but not lacking much else.
Can fun cost this little?
This car is as fun as driving gets for those who want handling over power. The top is incredibly easy to opperate, steering is great, shifting is beautiful, and handling is superb. The car has bulletproof reliability and drives as solid as you can get. It's lower performance limits make this an incomparibly fun city vehicle, and it loves to be driven like it's hated!
'99 Miata
I purchased a new Miata 3 years ago and, overall, I love the car. Its a blast to drive and handles very well. I understand that they added a six speed transmission, which it badly needs. Some minor issues with the car would be loss of power when the air conditioner is on and a rattle that occurs sometimes in the gear shift. Things that should be expected with this car are a small trunk and a lot of road noise at high speeds.
2001 Mazda Miata
Fun to drive top up or down. Top is watertight. Ergonomics are good. Base stereo sound quite good.
Lots of Great Used Miatas on the Road
When I was younger, I owned a Triumph and was recently considering buying a restored one for kicks. In the end, common sense won and I bought a six year old '02 Miata with about 45,000 km. Best decision, I ever made. Truly a fun, fun car to drive. Reminds me of the old British sports cars, but with updated power, engineering and reliability. You really do feel like part of the car when you drive. The engine is not big, but it has great torque. The power is in the right places when you shift and you get a great sense of acceleration and speed throughout every gear. You control the Miata; the car does not control you.
Just keeps getting better
Had a Gen 1 blk/tan and reluctantly gave her up when i fell in love with the titanium/chocolate SE. Better ride, better seats, great car.
What an awesome car!!!!!!!!!!!
Always wanted one. First miata came out my senior year of high school. everybody wanted one. 12 years later the dream is real. I want to drive it everywhere
They just keep getting better!
In 96 got a black and tan, and fell in love with it. When I sold it recently my wife claimed I almost fell in to a depressed state. Somewhat true, until I got my NEW love - a 02 Titanium SE. Talk about beautfiully done, from the metal flake paint job to the luscious chocolate brown/black interior. Beautiful and a real head turner. And the performance is just as improved.
I used to own a Vette!
Because of finacial reasons I sold my 2000 Corvette that I loved! I was in the market for an affordable convertible. I liked the styling of the Miata but I was concerned about going from a V8 to a 4cyl.All I can say is this is the most fun car to drive. I look forward to driving it every day. I really love it, even if some people say it is a girls car!
This Car ROCKS!!
I LOVE my Miata! It's so much fun to drive and surprisingly roomy and comfortable. Best of all it handles well - just hugs the road. For a single person like me it's perfect, but if I had to drive someone else all the time it would get a bit cramped. For now, however, it works.
Zoom Zoom
Great fun litle car, for the money you can't beat it. Top up top down it's enjoyment all the way.
So far so good
I've only had my new Blazing Yellow Special Edition Miata for a month, but so far so good. It's quite the headturner. I also bought the detachable hard-top and it really completes the look. People are constantly asking me "What kind of car is that?" Or one fellow said, "That's the best-looking Miata I've ever seen." That's nice to hear!
Miata
great, fun car to drive.buy an option spoiler & a cold air intake
“Brand New” 2002 Miata
The leather seats still smelled new, the car looked like new, and I couldn’t be more satisfied.
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Fun Fun Fun
It's a small, but great car in which to be a kid again, but you'd better have the flexibility of a kid or else you'll never get in and out of the cockpit! Ha!
Most Fun for the Money
The MX-5 is fun, fast, relaible and economical. It's also the best handling car I've ever driven. It reminds me of my 1969 Triumph GT-6, except I don't have to worry about it not starting after a rain storm. The bottom line is that the Miata = Fun!!
PUT MORE FUN IN YOUR LIFE
I only need a few words to express how much I enjoy Miatas. 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 couldnt accept the SC brown leather with metallic gray.
Most fun I have had ever driving a car!
To all considering buying this car and worried about hp or interior comfortability, need not worry! My wife and I were considering a BMW Z3 but decided to go with this hot little #. It handles great, bose system is fantastic, and very peppy. I drive the car everyday to work and watch others driving into work with boring looks on their face and find myself smiling and thinking if they would have only bought a Miata! I am 6ft tall and I have ample room when driving. I go through the gears very fast and you get .4 cut off the 0-60mph with a 6 spd. I previously owned a Mustang GT conv. and love this car more by 10 fold.
'02 Yellow Miata
Buying this car was one of the best things I've ever done for myself.
The perfect beach toy
Love our Miata - exceeding expectations for a 16 year old vehicle - cute - sharp - fun to drive
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2001 SE Edition (the "BRG" model)
I just purchased a 2001 MX-5 SE Edition Miata and all I can say is "wow". This little gem turns heads at every stoplight and if past reliability history proves true, I should have plenty of fun years ahead of me. The wood trim and faux cloth tan top are real eye catchers as is the gorgeous British racing green paint job. No matter how bad a day I've had at work, all it takes is a few blocks in this lovely lady and I've got a grin on my face. Wonderful car.
fun car
great preformance and fun for the bucks
Dx: Boring commute; Tx: Miata
A blast to drive...have you ever seen a Miata driver who didn't have a smile on his/her face? Impractical but who cares! My favorite game (in Florida it often rains daily) is to gamble and beat the weatherman by driving with the top down. Said by a co-worker after a ride..."In the long run, I bet this is alot cheaper than therapy".
bset value
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!
Ilove this car
I love this car
You can't beat it!
You can get a car that is more fun, faster and merginally better handling. But only if you're willing to pay another $8000 at least!