Miata in the Market
The Miata's advantages in the market are that it has little competition — and none with anywhere near its two decades of refinement and evolution. There's almost a $10,000 span between the base-priced soft-top and a Grand Touring hardtop loaded with every option I could pile on — including the automatic transmission, Premium Package and run-flat tires — for a total of $32,090 with the destination charge. Even so, this is below the starting price of a Honda S2000 ($34,995), let alone luxury roadsters from Audi, BMW and Mercedes-Benz (base priced from around $35,000 to $46,000). Fortunately, the fun comes standard in the most affordable model.
If fun isn't your thing, don't drive the Miata. In fact, don't even look at one. And don't click on the thumbnails to the right. You might be tempted.
See also:
Outside the United States and Canada
Government regulations in the United States and Canada require that
automobiles meet
specific emission regulations and safety standards. Therefore, vehicles built
for use in the
United States, i ...
Ride & Handling
The Miata's low weight delivers ride and handling benefits, however. With
less mass to keep in check when cornering, the suspension doesn't have to be as
firm to limit body roll. This helps with r ...
Convertible Commentary
As mentioned, our test car had the retractable-hardtop roof, and Mazda's
implementation of this type of roof has a few advantages over those from other
manufacturers.
First of all, it's fast; it ...