Used 2010 Mazda MX-5 Miata Consumer Reviews
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Transformation in the Tires
Most of the reviews cover the important tech issues. I love my car but from day one I assumed that the rough and relatively noisy ride was related to the "sport type tuning" of the car's suspension - and I would just have to live with it. How wrong I was. This was the only thing about the car I did not truly enjoy - it was very noisy - road noise that was magnified by any road imperfections. Living in NY, I knew I had to replace the stock 17" Summer Tires (potenza) with an all weather tire. This weekend (October 2010) I put on a set of Conti Extreme Contact DSW and wow, what a difference. The car was transformed - it is now composed and a pleasure at any speed and road surface.
The Perfect Roadster!!
Having owned Corvettes and German cars for 25 years, I purchased a 2008 MX-5. Except for the radio and seats, loved it. Picked up my 2010 Grand Touring last week. Guess what? State of the art BOSE sound system, high-end seats, perfect shifter and 500 more RPM's in each gear! It cruises at 80mph and will outrun any competitors on a twisting road. Best yet, this perfectly balanced car gets 35mpg. It retains 65% of its value over three years and is inexpensive to maintain. Probably the only car on the road today where the driver is one with the car. The only problem is I want to drive it all the time.
- Grand Touring ConvertibleMSRP: $18,990143 mi away
- Grand Touring ConvertibleMSRP: $17,990In-stock online
- Grand Touring ConvertibleMSRP: $21,590In-stock online
The GT PRHT is the perfect sports car
I just love this car!! We got a '10 (identical to the '11) with Premium Pkg, Suspension Pkg, and Appearance Pkg at a tremendous discount. It is gorgeous (in Brilliant Black). The premium package eliminates any prior concern about the tawdriness of the interior -- it is almost plush, and the sound system is superb. Seats and steering wheel position is excellent. Clutch and shifter are the best of all the dozens of cars I've owned, including Porsches. Handling is unbelievable, and the optional Bilsteins do NOT make the car too harsh in normal driving. Finally, the power hard top is magical -- doesn't even intrude on trunk space. I just love this car!!
BEST THERE IS!
I bought this vehicle to drive both for fun and back and forth to work, and it is truly what I expected. It even loads my golf clubs in the trunk! The only real complaint I have is that somehow it could have a spare tire. I just feel real uneasy going out of town far without a spare, even though they do give you an air pump and sealit material. Overall, I definitely recommend this car and would buy one again sometime once i wear this one out, if that is possible.
Most Driving Fun. Period.
This car is in a league of its own. The steering wheel responds to the slightest of inputs. Its agility is amazing. Its cornering ability is amazing. Its lane change ability is amazing. Its value is amazing. It is the most nimble car I have driven, and it is the most fun-to-drive car I have ever driven - and I am a car collector.
2009 MX5 - Driven 40k in the last 1 1/2
Researched a bunch of different roasters. Drove the 350Z, Boxers, S2000 and bought a 2009 with 7k on it. A compelling factor was the PRHT which works perfectly. I just sold my Triumph motorcyce (much to my wife's delight) and I tell you, this little car is ALMOST as fun to drive. I did do a 180 spin in rain, so be cautious in wet conditions. I too would love to have about 50 more hp but you have to know how to squeeze the power out of it, mainly by shifting at higher rpms. I think the build quality is better than a couple used boxers I drove...really tight. The Honda S2000 used car prices were I think, over priced, the BMW I would hate to have to repair, as would be the Boxer. Fun!
Keeps getting better and better
I drove an '09 on a whim, didn't think I'd buy as I loved my 07 Grand Touring PRHT. I was wrong. As soon as I took the test drive I could tell the seemingly minor changes had made a great car even, well, greater. Red line is up to 7200, so less hitting the rev limiter when winding it out. Engine and tranny just seem stronger and smoother, although the published numbers are basically unchanged. 6M shifts seem even tighter and shorter if that's possible. Must have been exhaust tweaks because it sounds even better. Interior also seems roomier, the door cup holder has been redesigned and no longer protrudes into your leg. Love that! Traded my 07 on the spot and drove the 09 home.
Duel N Fun
We have our MX5 8 months and it has been a blast. The little lady fell in love with it. While it's NO Corvette(we have a ZO6, also) in the power dept., it's just fun to zip around in. Just extremely well engineered and designed. However, I don't know why the 6th gear runs at such a high RPM, kills the mpg. And yes another inch or two of leg room would be great (I'm 6'2") but this is livable. We just love the pwht. When up, it fits the design and when down there's still a trunk. And the shift pattern (6M) is a delight and more fun than our Vette. Well maybe they're equal. We would strongly recommend the MX5 with the power hard top. It's dueling in the fun, top up or down.
MX-5 Happy
This is my second MX-5. I had a 2002 and traded it in in 2006 for a BMW 3 series sedan. I missed it so much, I bought a black Sport with PRHT. I love this car and can't get into it without smiling. It is fun to drive and to cruise the back roads as well as a daily commuter. The greatest improvements since 2002 is that this feels faster, less noisy with the top down and I do not miss having to put on that vinyl roof cover. It still drives like a go kart and handles like a dream. I took it to Stowe Vermont and it was great going through the Mountains with my 6 speed. To misquote Jeremy Clarkson, "The reason I gave this car 10 stars is because i could not give it fourteen."
Looking for many miles of motoring fun
This is my third Miata and it is by far the best. I had an Audi A4 cabrio for 7 years prior to this car so I'm still making the adjustment back to a smaller car. I am looking forward to less maintenance cost with the Miata. My requirement when looking this time was a retractable hardtop. I looked at the EOS but my experience with expensive German maintenance and less than reliable reviews on the EOS brought me back to the Miata. The handling and weight distribution are beyond compare in a car of this price. The fit and finish is comparable to the Audi. The interior layout is much better than my previous Miata's.
McGruber was a wise man
Had the car for 3 months now and after getting over with the shortcomings of a small convertible, I can say that I love to drive this car so much that I am no longer interested in driving any other car except the Porsche Cayman/Boxster. One of the best performance bang for your bucks deals out there!
First New MX-5 Miata, but not first MX-5
My experience with Miatas has been racing and autocrossing Spec Miatas. The legendary build quality and sheer tossability of these cars makes them so much fun. The addition of the Power Top finally made this an option as a daily driver with on street parking being my norm. So when it was time for a new car, the MX-5 Miata was it. The car has the same zoom zoom-gist that I've loved in my other Mazdas. The Suspension package and DSC system on the GT models means that with the addition of snow tires and cheap rims, this will be the daily driver unless the snow is over the lugs. And with the top down and stereo on, you can't beat it for cheap therapy after a long, hard day at work.
Like a Breeze
Fun is the word that comes to mind when thinking of this great little roadster. It's meant to be driven top down on a nice road with a view. It hugs the corners and accelerates and brakes quickly. My only negative comment is that shifting can be a bit slow in the automatic 6 speed. The premium sound system is decent for such a small car and the convertible hardtop is convenient though it adds a bit of weight to the car. Due to its size, it's probably not going to be a great fit for anyone over 6'1".
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Just got it, love it already
The ride isn't harsh with the factory upgraded suspension kit and it corners like crazy. Acceleration is brisk and it seems even more so when you're sitting so low to the ground. The engine and exhaust have a nice sound and the car begs to be revved. I absolutely love this car. The hard top is reasonably quiet and adds to the security of the car while parked. The 2009 / 2010 models no longer have a crazy wheel gap like the 2006-2008's and the front end styling is much more to my taste. The stability control isn't intrusive, the headlights are very good, especially the high beams, and visibility with the top up isn't horrible if you fix your mirrors correctly. To sum this up, drive one.
What A Car
I love this car!!! It has more power then i expected. I am averaging 21.5 mpg. It is real stylish and very zippy. Bought it in the Competition Yellow. Sure do turn some heads when i go speeding by. I recommend this car highly.
Best Miata Ever!
This car is extremely fun to drive. Grips in the corners and gives you great feedback. Would love if they put a turbo charger on it, but the 4 cyl engine still pulls nicely. I test drove both the manual and auto 6sp. I ended up with the automatic because it shifts quickly at near redline when driving spiritedly, and I do more highway driving and did not want the suspension package that was on most of the 6sp manuals.
Intial impressions of our new MX-5
We've had the new 09 Miata for about two weeks now. I'm an experienced technical review of video gear, so I'm trying to apply those skills here. The MX-5 is exactly what a fun roadster should be, but was lacking till the introduction of the Miata in 1989. It holds the road beautifully and has just the right amount of power for what this car is supposed to be - a fun way to travel on a nice day. The engineering design seems very well thought out and offers opportunity to the experienced driver and user- friendliness and intuitiveness to the new roadster enthusiast. It is an amazing car and I love driving it.
Grinning From Ear to Ear
This is the first car I've had in living memory that my wife actually wanted to drive whenever she goes anywhere that doesn't require a large trunk. As my son put it, it feels like you're going fast even when you're not. It's just fun to drive no matter what kind of driving you're doing. My first sports car was an MG Midget, which began to disintegrate as I left the dealership. It was great fun to drive, when it would start and it wasn't raining, but living in Baton Rouge that wasn't often. One thing I know about the Miata is that it doesn't leak. Also, it gets surprisingly good gas mileage for the kind of driving that I do. Loads of fun, and I love the design. I even like the grill changes.
09 sky vs 09 phrt mx5
Bought my first convertible in aug of 08 which was a Saturn sky, hated it! Now I have a 09 phrt mx5, love it! I have a trunk and I can put the top up & down in 12 seconds. The sky's top was very hard to get down if you are a woman. The sky is a sharp looking car, but in my opinion my miata is the bomb! Sky rated a 5. Mx5 rated 10+ with me!
Often misjudged for what it is
Anyone who has driven a Miata will come away with a smile. But often someone will come along and bash the car comparing it to cars costing $10K more (S2000) or twice as much (Boxter). It is unrealistic to expect Porsche performance at the Miata's selling price of around $25k (sport model). The MX-5 really sits by itself in the marketplace of low-price performance convertibles. Drive one. If you come away with a smile, then buy it and let the fun begin. I can't stop thinking about the next time I'll drive the car.
2009 Miata (Grand Touring w/Power Top)
This is the first non-Toyota vehicle I have owned since 1985. I have owned it for about 6 months and it continues to be a pleasure to drive. I considered a few other cars (Mini Cooper S, Nissan 370Z and the Audi TT). The Audi and Nissan were about 10 grand more and the Mini dealer was extremely arrogant). Overall, I chose the Mazda because of the styling, performance and power hard top. The reliability was also a big sell for me.
My First Miata
We have wanted a Miata ever since first pulling up behind one in Louisville 20 years ago. Really glad we waited until the 2010 since the power hardtop is great to have and much less outside noise. The Miata is beautiful in every regard and corners and drives like a dream. Naturally, being a small sports car and low to the ground, it doesn't have the ride of our LS-430 or Avalon Ltd. but it is also good to have the feel of the road. Actually, I think it rides better than a Corvette. My nephew liked it so much I arranged for them to buy the Liquid Silver from my dealer even though they live in another state. Great car and the only one that has survived in this Class.
Everyone Must Drive One
My daily drive is a 2009 Pontiac G8 GT. With 366HP is moves and handles well. When deciding on a weekend fun car my criteria was a hardtop convertible, under 30K and reliable. I always read how great the Miata was to drive and how it was tough to compete against. After the test drive, I was totally convinced. The car is a machine rapped around the drivers body. My wife had reservations about the size of the car, but now asks when we are taking it on a drive.If anyone has hesitations about this car, try to buy one 1 year old- there aren't any and I live in New York.
New Target for East Texas Pickup Drivers
Run flats are very expensive, make sure your purchase has decent tread left. Better yet...Have the dealer switch to light standard performance tires and provide an RX7 spare. Nov,2018....It was a one ton farm truck that got me. Approx. $2,000 damage to the rear end in a Home Depot parking lot. "I didn't see you". I bought a dash cam for future incidents (everyone is driving SUV's and trucks now in Texas). It is otherwise a reliable and fun toy. Jan,2020...Great for short drives. This winter is fairly cold so the hard top is usually up (better than soft top in this weather). Added backup alarm protection.
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Poor Bose radio
I have had this little gem forever a year now but I am very disappointed with the quality of the Bose radio-- volume has to be tuned up to 24 where other Mazda owners have their radio set at 14 or 15--local dealer says it is normal--I figured with the Bose name on the radio it would be good--not so--can barely hear the radio when top is down--I think the radio is a factory defect but no one wants to admit it--would like a new radio but I don't think it is going to happen as dealer thinks it is a good one
Great Car
This is a great car. It exhibits the critical balance between performance, style and comfort, while maintaining a true sports car feel. This car invites you to drive it - it is so much at home on a winding road with the top down - it delivers just what the car was designed to do - a oneness with the road and a fun factor that is off scale. The 6 speed transmission is a joy, the audio system sounds great, the top up / down operation is effortless and the car has great visual appeal. Test drive one - you will love it!
Adult sports car
I recently purchased a 2009 MX5 Grand Touring PRHT with the optional suspension & premium package, and I love it.The top goes down in 12 seconds and the 6M with limited slip differential makes it a true driver sports car.When it comes to interior it stands alone in its class,the exterior has 20 years of evolution making it one of the best looking roadsters on the road.
apotheosis of a dream
Bottom line: this car is in undeniably fun to drive. Top down, wind in the hair, and a pure feeling of freedom. Hell, why was I not doing this years ago? Not sure about every convertible out there, but this sure seems like the best damn one out there. And how do you beat the price--or the numerous accolades the Miata has one. To be succinct: I love this car!
If it was more fun it would be illegal
In a word this car is FUN! and you can't beat the price or the fuel economy 25MPG (Measured over a year). It drives like a dream, it's fun to watch people look at the car and smile, it's fun to take corners at high speed, it's fun to listen to the great stereo with the top down and the wind in your hair while singing at the top of your voice. Zoom-Zoom!
Top Down Fun!
We bought the car as a weekend fun car and what fun it is! It is getting colder in the North East now, but I intend to squeeze out every last day of top down driving that I can. Love the way the engine growls and how it handles overall. Not nearly as much fun with the top up. Would love to take a really long top down drive but alas I may have to wait until next spring to do so. If you live in a year round warm climate, buy this car! If you don't no worries, cover it up in the winter and you will enjoy it that much more come spring time. b/t/w I am 6 feet tall with long legs and I don't find the car to be uncomfortable at all. I truly love my MX-5.
Fun
What more do you want in a car, fair price, fun to drive, quality is outstanding and it's a convertible.
The best selling sports car, EVER!
It'll get good mileage but, if you're like me, you won't let it. You'll have your foot to the firewall at every stoplight and want to power through every corner. Unfortunately, I recently was forced to sell the car. Because of leg and back problems it became too difficult to get in and out of. I still stand by my rating and was thnking about getting a newer model when my back problems cancelled that thought.
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Excellent vehicle for fun, value...and FUN!
Still loving it and stand by my review. I've had to change a battery - very typical maintenance where I live - but other than typical maintenance I have had zero issues. LOVE IT!!! This car is made for fun and the thrill of the ride. It is pure enjoyment and a bit hedonistic, which is why I love it. For others, I would suggest ensuring comfort of getting in / out of vehicle. I am 5'9" and am comfortable in the driver's seat, but I find the passenger's seat to be more confining. Also, do not expect to make any major hauls; even grocery hauls are a bit difficult. But this is not the reason to buy this kind of car. You buy it because you love the feel of openness and you want to feel free. It has excellent steering and acceleration with the ability to take any turn very comfortably. This is the best car I have yet to drive and subsequently purchase.
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Great Fun and Always Meet New People
Keeps you young everyday
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Love My 2010 Mazda MX-5 Sport
This is my second Miata. I love it even more than my 1990 Miata, which I ordered before they were even available on the car lots. My 2010 Miata MX-5 is very stylish and has a chrome gas cap, and very sporty wheels, which adds appeal. It has been pretty maintenance free. I bought it with 80,000 miles on it. It came from Florida and was rust free. The only repair I have made in the 6 yrs I’ve owned it was an emission control valve, and a replacement part for the A/C. I love how it handles and it’s fun to drive. I love the reliability of it. I only drive it 2,000 miles a year and it always starts even in the coldest Winters. The only maintenance other than A/C and Emission Control has been Oil/Filter Changes, new Tires, and Battery. It has 92,000 miles on it and I haven’t even needed a tuneup in the 6 years I’ve owned it.
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not too good
bought mx5 grand touring 2010 37000 miles ,at 41000 miles have to put in new automatic transmission $4600,cd player stopped working ,need new one $1200. car was driven 2800 miles per yr. i am 80 yrs old ,,my last car ever......ran great first 90 days,then suddenly have these problems,...i baby it ,also am the only driver ever!happy with everything else......very disappointed in the transmission problem.
Love it
I too had a 2007 PHT Miata, when I saw the 2009's I thought ok dont know about the smiley face look but I will go look at one. Well I went to the dealer and test drove one and wow big improvement over my 2007, tighter suspension, the seats are great, the stereo with MP3, Bluetooth, seat adjuster, my husband fit in it and more, I loved it. My husband has an S2000 and mustang and he loved this car too, it may not be as fast or sporty as his, but then it was not made to compete with those cars in that class, but I find it more fun then his, this car was made for pure fun and enjoyment and that is what it is. I have it now for 3 weeks and that smiley face is now on my face everyday.
The Most Fun You Can Have With Your Top Down
It never has needed any repairs, ever. Most dependable vehicle I have ever owned. Just don't have enough room in my garage to keep it.
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Porsche or Mazda + Diamond?
The last time I owned a mazda miata was when I was in college. After college I drove Porsche. Now I'm back to the Mazda miata and I love it! Performance has improved tremendously. It is a super fun car to drive. A car with this type of handling for 30k is a value. I could have purchased a USED Porsche 911 for over 60k. Instead, I got this brand new cute fast little car plus a bigger diamond ring AND I never have to worry about maintenance issues all for under 60k. A smarter and more fun decision by far! My husband ended up getting a porsche so we would have one in the family. It is a better drive no doubt. But I am thrilled with my decision to go with Mazda.
Buy a real sports car not this one
Have owned real sports cars (vetts, S2000, porsches) downsized to this, with such great reviews got this thought my wife would also like it, terrible ride not even closed to the handling of an S2000. I not talking about raw power, but handling, how can anyone call this a sports car WHAT A DISAPPOINTMENT will sell as soon as I can. If you want to save a few dollars buy a used S2000 or Boxster you will be driving a real sports car.
Economical fun!
I bought Mt 09 PRHT GT with 21k km (13k miles) six years ago, and I put another 27 k km (16k miles) on it. It's my summer toy, I love it. Reliable, cheap to maintain. I really look forward to taking it out of storage every spring; it's like the fun starts all over again...
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Garage Queen?
An eight year old car with 20,000 miles. No repairs or quality issues at all. I was SO happy to finally wear out the poor Bridgestone OEM tires and replaced with Michelin Pilots, it was like a new car. The power hardtop looks very fine from the side. Wish I had more time to play in it.
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Love it!
My first Miata was 2006 Grand Touring with all the bells and whistles. At the time I was living in New Jersey and owned it for about a year and sold it to a friend of mine who bought it for his wife and love it! I now live in sunny Florida and just bought me a 2010 Mazda Miata Sport which I like better than my 2006. This has the cloth seats which I like better than the leather seats I had in my 2006. This 2010 was a one owner vehicle with only 17, 958 miles. This vehicle is practically new. I love and really enjoy my Miata 😎. I love the Miata so much that I bought a second Miata. I’m the proud owner of a 1997 Mazda Miata 😎.
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2010 miata
Bought new, loved it, looking to buy a new one, this one has 210,000 mile and needs a little work, not much, drives well,
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Miata Fun
My MX-5 has been a joy to own. , no mechanical problems at all.
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Always wanted one
I spend each Saturday driving about 100-150 miles just for the fun of it. Many friends are jealous and I expect to see some buying their own in the near future. the only problem it seems to have is an unreliable exterior temperature reading.