Is the 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata a good car?
Edmunds experts have compiled a robust series of ratings and reviews for the 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata and all model years in our database. Our rich content includes expert reviews and recommendations for the 2005 MX-5 Miata featuring deep dives into trim levels and features, performance, mpg, safety, interior, and driving. Edmunds also offers expert ratings, road test and performance data, long-term road tests, first-drive reviews, video reviews and more.
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How do people like the 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata?
Consumer ratings and reviews are also available for the 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata and all its trim types. Overall, Edmunds users rate the 2005 MX-5 Miata 4.8 on a scale of 1 to 5 stars. Edmunds consumer reviews allow users to sift through aggregated consumer reviews to understand what other drivers are saying about any vehicle in our database. Detailed rating breakdowns (including performance, comfort, value, interior, exterior design, build quality, and reliability) are available as well to provide shoppers with a comprehensive understanding of why customers like the 2005 MX-5 Miata.
Vehicle
LS 2dr Roadster (1.8L 4cyl 5M)
Review
All things about this car are super, except the coded flip-key. Just make sure you never lose even one of the two flip keys supplied when the car was purchased new. All coded Miata replacement keys are expensive, but for some reason replacement keys for 2003-2005 Miatas are especially so. Dealers get as much as $600-$700 for a replacement key; even more if all keys are lost. One would think that antitrust/monopoly rules would come into play here. Best advice: Have a non-accessory spare key made while both factory keys are still available. Put that key and/or the second factory flip-key in a very safe place for emergencies (loss of, or damage to factory key). A list of locksmiths and various places that tried to make electronic keys that I have tried would fill a couple of pages. Finally had to bite the bullet and go to dealer to have key cut and programed for my Miata. Key was $350 at dealer (had to order), programming was $135. Dealer said that an identical key I purchased on-line ($120) was not formatted, could not be recognized by my car's computer, and thus dealer said they could not program it (already cut by one of the many locksmiths i tried, so could not be returned). Total invested, at least $605. Cost of a year's worth of headaches looking for a key and a locksmith who could program it, inestimable. Warning: Include the price of a second key in any negotiations for any used Miata that only comes with one key. Don't lose that spare key. Driving around with only one key (knowing that no locksmith seems able to replace it, if damaged or lost) can be unnerving. If the key is lost or damaged (by say, rain, dropped in water, driven over), you would have to have the car towed to the nearest Mazda dealer. And remember, key replacement and programming cost when you don't have any key is even higher. Technology and reliability markdowns are for this reason.
See all consumer reviews and retings for the 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata
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What options are available on the 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata?
Available Mazda MX-5 Miata 2005 Submodel Types: Convertible
Available Trims: Grand Touring, Club, Sport, Touring, LS, Base, Cloth, Special Edition, 3rd Generation Limited, M-Edition, Limited, SE, Shinsen
Exterior Colors: Jet Black Mica, Soul Red Metallic, Ceramic Metallic, Crystal White Pearl Mica, Liquid Silver Metallic, True Red, Meteor Gray Mica, Copper Red Mica, Stormy Blue Mica, Sunlight Silver Metallic, Brilliant Black, Marble White, Brilliant Black Clearcoat, Blue Reflex Mica, Galaxy Gray Metallic, Arctic White, Galaxy Gray Mica, Garnet Red Mica, Jet Black, Midnight Blue Mica, Black Cherry Mica, Classic Red, Zeal Red, Crystal Blue Metallic, Dolphin Gray Mica , Highland Green, Highlight Silver Metallic, Mariner Blue, Meteor Gray, Nordic Green, Strato Blue, Velocity Red Mica, White
Interior Colors: Black leather, Black cloth, Black w/Red Stitch cloth, Sport Tan leather, Tan leather, Black, Tan, Spicy Mocha leather, Dune Beige leather, Parchment, Blue, Gray
Popular Features: Soft Top, Audio and cruise controls on steering wheel, Tire Pressure Warning, Aux Audio Inputs, Trip Computer, Stability Control, Upgraded Headlights, Bluetooth, Leather Seats, USB Inputs, Heated seats, Alarm, Keyless Entry/Start, Hardtop, Blind Spot Monitoring, Auto Climate Control, Lane Departure Warning, Navigation
Engine/Mechanics: 4 cylinders
Transmission: MANUAL, AUTOMATIC
Fuel Types: premium unleaded (recommended), premium unleaded (required), regular unleaded
Drivetrains: rear wheel drive
