2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata Review
2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata Review

Used MX-5 Miata for sale
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Huge fun factor, precise steering and handling, low base price, economical to operate.
Cons
- Small trunk, drones on the freeway, tight cabin.
What’s new
New exterior colors -- Nordic Green and Razor Blue -- are the only changes on the Miata for 2005.
Edmunds says
Still the standard when it comes to delivering top-down thrills without breaking the bank.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata Cloth 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 Cloth
MX-5 Miata Cloth
vs
$168/mo
Avg. Compact Car
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
5 star(92%)
4 star(8%)
3 star(0%)
2 star(0%)
1 star(0%)
26 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
5 out of 5 stars
Only disappointment is price of replacement key
John, 07/26/2015
2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata LS 2dr Roadster (1.8L 4cyl 5M)
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.
4.75 out of 5 stars
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)
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.
4.75 out of 5 stars
I Love My Miata
Tony, 05/28/2005
2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata LS 2dr Roadster (1.8L 4cyl 5M)
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.
5 out of 5 stars
A joy to drive!
Rick, 02/18/2005
2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata LS 2dr Roadster (1.8L 4cyl 5M)
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.
2005 MX-5 Miata Highlights
Cloth
Base MSRP | $22,098 |
---|---|
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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