Used 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata Consumer Reviews
Used MX-5 Miata for sale
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Only disappointment is price of replacement key
John, 07/26/2015
updated 01/30/2017
2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata LS 2dr Roadster (1.8L 4cyl 5M)
13 of 13 people found this review helpful
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.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
A great toy and dependable car!
2005 Mazda MX5 Miata, 03/10/2008
2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata Cloth 2dr Roadster (1.8L 4cyl 5M)
5 of 5 people found this review helpful
I'm 70 years old and have owned Jaguars, X19s and many small convertibles. I LOVE MY MIATA MX5! It hates snow and so do I, so it remains in its heated garage all winter but when its ready to go so am I. I feel safe and comfortable in it. I wish I were younger, I'd be in the new 2008 with the upgrade! I take it to the mountains a lot and appreciate the way it handles and takes the upgrades with power to spare! As far as looks go? How can you beat it? Thanks Mazda.
2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata for sale near you
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A joy to drive!
Rick, 02/18/2005
2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata LS 2dr Roadster (1.8L 4cyl 5M)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
Now two years old, this is the most fun car I've had in my life (I'm 65)! I can't take the smile off my face each time I'm in it. Plenty of power, terrific handling, and great, great after-market products. Miata clubs all over the country and the world which make it a joy everywhere you go. I don't know anyone whose had one and regretted it I know at least five people who have 2 or more of these cars. It's like a small vacation each time you get in it. It appeals to ALL ages and gathers a crowd everywhere you go--even more when you travel with a club.
I Love My Miata
Tony, 05/28/2005
2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata LS 2dr Roadster (1.8L 4cyl 5M)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
Ever since the Miata first came out, I was in love with it! Now, after 10 years I finally got one and the thing most people would be surprised at is that I got rid of a 2001 Audi A6 2.7T Quattro Sport and the Miata is what I replaced it with! I have never had a car that is so much fun to drive! There are many cars that I considered to purchase; the Boxster, BMW Z4, and other more expensive cars, but when it came down to fun for the money and most importantly, reliability and not having to go to the dealer just to change a lightbulb, the Miata won the contest and I have never been happier with a car in my life! If you're thinking of buying one... do it. You won't regret it.
MX5 - there's no substitute
dklein, 04/03/2009
2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata Cloth 2dr Roadster (1.8L 4cyl 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
For the money this sports car is a 10. But if you want the top of the line best it cost over 50k easily. It is so fun to drive you look forward to doing it. When I bought it I was not fully aware of it's past but I am happy I am in it's present and future. It is a sports car so it is not the most comfortable ride but again complete fun. With the top down "forget about it"
Zoom Zoom
bking1822, 10/21/2004
2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata Cloth 2dr Roadster (1.8L 4cyl 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
This is the most fun and reliable car I've ever had! It handles so well. It's great on gas. Let me tell you, the trunk is plenty big enough. When I go grocery shopping, I can pack two weeks of groceries in there! For the cost compared to other convertibles, this is a great little car. I'm spoiled, I'll always have to have a Miata for the rest of my life!! Zoom Zoom!!!
masda miata special edition
gordon scott, 10/21/2004
2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata Cloth 2dr Roadster (1.8L 4cyl 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
it is a fun car to drive.we do a lot of road rallys. i have a yellow miata it always get good reviews from people. we never feel inferior at car shows either.reliability has been great i have 17000 miles on the car and so far only lube and oil change has been done. fuel economy on the ralleys has been great for the price of the car, finish reliability,proformance it is a winner in my book
zoom zoom = FUN
JIMMIE, 10/05/2005
2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata LS 2dr Roadster (1.8L 4cyl 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
We purchased the 2005 MX5 Mazda Speed; it's Red with 6 speeds, leather and turbo engine. The car runs like the wind, it is fun to drive and performs well on the highway. The first 3 tanks of fuel, we got an average of 30 MPG. It does require premium but its worth the additional cost when related to the FUN of driving it. I am an average size guy 5'10" 175 and it is very comfortable. Even 4-6 hour rides are comfortable. We waited for the '06's to come out but liked the '05's better, the '05 is more comfortable. The trunk fits two bags of golf clubs. With the top up it's as quiet as can be expected. This vehicle really turns heads and we get a lot of thumbs up. Bottom line, its fun to drive.
Fun 2 Drive
Babynton, 10/21/2006
2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata LS 2dr Roadster (1.8L 4cyl 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
This car has been the car of my dream ever since I was in high school. The wait was worth it. This car is so much fun to drive, especially with the top down.
Miata fan
Matt, 06/14/2005
2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata LS 2dr Roadster (1.8L 4cyl 5M)
1 of 2 people found this review helpful
It's been a fun car to own. However there was a pesky little $400 problem with the starter coil. Other than that it has been great. Power is mostly in the high RPMs. This lets the car drive more like a regular car during regular driving. The down side of that is when you have to take off from a dead stop.
Buy a Miata
Burt Lauderbaugh, 03/31/2005
2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata LS 2dr Roadster (1.8L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Great car. Had an MGB in the 60's and this is more fun, much peppier, and ,definitely more reliable. Like the style on the 2005 better than older models and better than the new one being previewed in the press now. It will definitely be a long term love affair.
Outstanding machine
Diego, 04/16/2005
2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata Cloth 2dr Roadster (1.8L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This is a car that makes you smile when you drive it. I am extremely satisfied with my Miata, I think the only thing I would improve in this car is the little trunk space.
SO MUCH FUN !!!!!!!!
Lisa, 04/28/2005
2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata Cloth 2dr Roadster (1.8L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I previously owned a larger car. Took me about a month to become comfortable in my smaller space. But, let me tell you .....It is so much fun when the top goes down!!!! I absolutely love this car!
Great Fun
Greg Bottini, 05/30/2005
2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata Cloth 2dr Roadster (1.8L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
While giving a friend a ride, I decided to turn around. As I hit the brake, we came up to a gravel side road with lots of sand and gravel on the highway. I expected a slide but to my amazment we got a smooth rapid deceleration. This car holds the road like it is magnetized. I've seldom gotten less than 30 miles to the gallon reguardless of city or highway driving.
Big smile car
eric, 06/10/2005
2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata Cloth 2dr Roadster (1.8L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I think this is the most fun car I ever had. Anyone looking for a big trip to smile city will love it. Obviously if you have a family it could only be a second or (toy) car. But single folks will find no problem filling up that second seat. I can only compare it to a go kart I had as a kid. Wishing I could ride that kart all over the place. Now I can and I can put the top up when it rains. MPG is great. Now if I can keep it away from my kids. They can get their own toy. Drive one... you will be hooked
New to mazda
APERIL, 06/10/2005
2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata LS 2dr Roadster (1.8L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This is my first mazda...I was a loyal honda owner until now! This has to be the most fun car i have ever owned! It is fantastic to drive and i have had absolutely no mechanical problems at all! It may be small but if you're looking for a big car you wouldn't be looking at the mx-5 to begin with! Try one and you'll fall in love!
Great Fun Car for Guys looking for Toys
Dave, 06/10/2005
2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata Cloth 2dr Roadster (1.8L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I amways wanted a little convertable but could never afford one. This Miata is to me what the Model T Ford was to America. Affordable, Practical, Fun to Drive. My wife and I are over 50 and have a great time every week end in this Little Car...in short it's great.
Got Mine!
P.P., 06/29/2005
2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata Cloth 2dr Roadster (1.8L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
A truly fun vehicle to drive. Tight into the corners and curves, good power for the needs. Great feeling on the highway, with the top down, sun shinning. Zoom - Zoom!!
Mazda Miata
CRBACSW, 07/22/2006
2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata LS 2dr Roadster (1.8L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This car is stylish and a lot of fun to drive. Handles corners well. Turns a lot of heads and receives a lot of thumbs up from onlookers. It is not real good with bumps - but then again it is a small sports car!
mazdaspeed miata
mph110, 10/12/2004
2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata Cloth 2dr Roadster (1.8L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I recently bought a new Mazdaspeed Miata. It it great fun to drive, perhaps the best handling car I have ever driven, no doubt due to the low body wieght. It is a great looking car, with red stitched leather seats, 17" racing Hart 5 spoke alloy wheels, aluminum pedals, etc. It replaced a 4 year old boxster, and I could not be happier or more satified with the purchase. It is not an all weather car, and cannot be driven in the snow or even wet weather with the 205/40 low profile Toyo Proxes tires. However, it is a great fair weather vehicle, perfect for top down fun.
Mazda M5
Laura Bromme, 08/04/2005
2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata Cloth 2dr Roadster (1.8L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Have owned the Audi TT convertible and this is equally comparable at half the price. Fun design which separates you from all the other Miatas.
Retirement Car
Great Gramma, 08/04/2005
2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata Cloth 2dr Roadster (1.8L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I purchased my '97 Miata when I was 60 years old and newly retired - 8 yrs ago! I enjoy it as much today as when it was brand new. I had wanted one for years. We drove Lincoln's and other large cars but this was to be 'my' car. Granted, it has low mileage (65,000) but it's never had a problem other than something very minor. I love it! Just can't say that enough. Terrific MPG, great get-up-and-go, loves the mountain curves I drive and sounds wonderful - that Miata muffler just can't be beat and, it looks absolutely fantastic. It always gets comments as we drive it to church and around town all the time. Get one - you'll never regret it.
Mazdaspeed Miata
LavaOrange MSM, 02/04/2021
2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata LS 2dr Roadster (1.8L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Buy this car. This is an incredible sports car with driving dynamics, build quality and styling. Its size makes it not great for everyone but if you're less than 6' tall, love to drive and don't want to spend a fortune on an automobile, go for it. My other ride is a BMW motorcycle and while there is a world of difference between bikes and cars, Miata closes the gap. The aftermarket parts availability is extraordinary and also reasonably priced. Yes, Porsche makes superior cars but it will cost a lot more. Oh, the market is going up on the first and now second generations known as N.A and N.B. The Mazdaspeed (MSM) was a two year special edition that has many performance and appearance upgrades. Any Miata in good shape is worth buying but these rare MSMs are the best IMHO.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
beautiful
arlene h, 02/06/2023
2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata Cloth 2dr Roadster (1.8L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
i bought it new -- color razor blue. drove it for almost 19 years until i totaled it a last month. the next day i bought a 2023 miata RF grand touring
Fun, Freakin' Awesome Sports Car!
3rd Wright Brother, 08/13/2008
2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata LS 2dr Roadster (1.8L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
When I searched for a new car I wanted a convertible. I researched all the different models and within a week I ordered a Mazda Miata. It was the best convertible available and exactly what I was looking for. It had power, great handling, style, and I loved how easy it was to put the top down. It takes me less than three seconds to put the top down or put it back up. A lot of other convertibles on the market required two people to lower or raise the top. I have driven my Miata to so many places, but driving through the Rockies was my favorite. The small back road to Aspen was the most breathtaking journey ever and the Miata was a joy to drive.
Used Car Bargain
DAC989, 05/16/2007
2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata LS 2dr Roadster (1.8L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
These are the cars that make driving fun. Bought this one used with under 4K miles for my 2 or 3 commute days but has also become the date car for my wife and me. The interior was very efficiently designed and the trunk has more room than you would think. Getting a little over 27 mpg. For the price, you cannot beat this car.