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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    Cruise Control
    * Some models. With cruise control, you can set and automatically maintain any speed of more than about 30 km/h (19 mph). WARNING. Do not use the cruise control under the following conditions: ...

    Knowing Your Mazda
    Explanation of basic operations and controls; opening/closing and adjustment of various parts. ...

    Under the Hood
    The 2.3-liter four-cylinder develops 156 hp while the 3.0-liter V-6 turns out 212 hp. Both engines can team with a five-speed manual transmission. A five-speed automatic is available in models equ ...