2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata Review
2003 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
- Tremendous fun to drive, excellent steering and handling, glass rear window with defogger.
Cons
- Small trunk, drones during freeway trips, tight cabin.
What’s new
Only minor changes are in store for the Miata this year. Base models receive standard 16-inch alloy wheels, a strut-tower brace, larger brakes and a child seat anchoring system. Cloth replaces vinyl on the top of the LS model, and tan leather gives way to a lighter parchment-colored hide. Also, the LS receives aluminum-colored interior trim and, for the first time, black leather is available as an option. New options include a cargo net, an auto-dimming mirror with an integrated compass and outside temperature display and special bezels for the headlights and taillights.
Edmunds says
It is more fun to drive a slow car fast than a fast car slow. The Miata defines the spirit of the modern roadster.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata 2dr Roadster (1.8L 4cyl 5M) 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 $3.93 per gallon for premium unleaded in Virginia.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Virginia
$216/mo for MX-5 Miata Base
MX-5 Miata Base
vs
$168/mo
Avg. Compact Car
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
5 star(88%)
4 star(12%)
3 star(0%)
2 star(0%)
1 star(0%)
91 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
4.38 out of 5 stars
Only possible car for short people
Kara, 01/11/2010
2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata LS 2dr Roadster (1.8L 4cyl 5M)
I'm five foot and have the greatest visibility I've ever had with any car in the Miata. Has strong headlights, amazing steering, quick and easy to put the top down (at a traffic light. The Miata is small, elegant and always smiling. Greatest car ever and would recommend it to anyone who is under 6'2".
4.88 out of 5 stars
Saved my life... best little car
Sherylm, 09/25/2007
2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata Shinsen 2dr Roadster (1.8L 4cyl 5M)
I have driven this sweet little car for the last few summers, and enjoyed every minute. Today, I got t-boned on the driver's side by someone running a stop sign, and I'm alive. Really sore, but alive. The outside of the car was really damaged, but the frame protected me well enough, that I can write this review. Not only was she beautiful and fun, but she turned out to be the best car in … the most important sense. Thank you.
3.88 out of 5 stars
The biggest go-kart in the world
DDR2, 04/25/2009
2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata 2dr Roadster (1.8L 4cyl 5M)
The title sums it up. Extremely agile car and light on its feet, like a go- cart. It's about as roomy as one too. But those who appreciate this car for what it can do won't be concerned about that. Acceleration isn't very strong either but again, if you want straightline acceleration, go buy a musclecar. This car belongs on roads with tight curves. It's easy to drive and own so … far. The only improvements would be bigger trunk and more grunt. Otherwise, this is a fine piece of machinery.
5 out of 5 stars
My Hobby
RLM, 12/17/2008
2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata LS 2dr Roadster (1.8L 4cyl 5M)
I am a suspension and handling addict and this car answers the call and more. I have the six speed with Bilstein shocks and limited slip differential in triple black. For me the car has just the right horse power as I enjoy using the six speed to make the car go rather than just hitting the gas. I enjoy the interaction with the car and the road especially with the top down.
2003 MX-5 Miata Highlights
Base
Base MSRP | $21,843 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 23 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $216/month |
Seating | 2 seats |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 5.1 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | rear wheel drive |
Warranty | 4 years / 50,000 miles |
Safety
NHTSA Overall Rating
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
- Frontal Barrier Crash RatingOverallNot RatedDriver4 / 5Passenger5 / 5
- Side Crash RatingOverallNot Rated
- Side Barrier RatingOverallNot RatedDriver3 / 5PassengerNot Rated
- Combined Side Barrier & Pole RatingsFront SeatNot RatedBack SeatNot Rated
- RolloverRollover5 / 5Dynamic Test ResultNo TipRisk Of RolloverNot Rated
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