Vehicle Overview
Ever since Mazda introduced the Miata as an early 1990 model, it's officially been known as the MX-5 Miata. Anyone who has known the model, however, has known it as the Miata. Mazda discarded the Miata designation upon the model's 2006 redesign. Officially, the two-seater is dubbed MX-5, but if you refer to it that way, expect a blank stare.
Changes for 2008 include the car's first-ever driver's seat height adjustment, a standard tire pressure monitoring system and, in the Touring and Grand Touring trim levels, a six-CD changer.
Now in its second year, the optional power-retractable hardtop gives the car greater four-season appeal, though it wouldn't be our first choice for winter driving (or even our 100th). A manual vinyl top is standard, and a cloth soft-top comes in the higher trim levels. The retractable hardtop takes up no trunk space.
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Performance
When the Mazda6 debuted last year, I drove a powerful V-6 version called the
''s.'' That car handled like a true sport sedan, with relatively heavy steering
and a pretty rough ride. It was fun, bu ...
Safety
Standard safety features include all-disc antilock brakes with electronic
brake-force distribution, side-impact airbags for the front seats, side curtain
airbags for all three rows of seats and an ...
Under the Hood
The MX-5's 2.0-liter four-cylinder develops 166 horsepower at 6,700 rpm. The
engine has dual overhead camshafts and variable valve timing. Torque output is
140 pounds-feet at 5,000 rpm.
Three tr ...