2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata

Pros: Handling, fun, affordability, surprising practicality

Cons: Loud, tight fit for people over 6', fussy boot cover

The Bottom Line: Anyone looking for a sports car needs to benchmark a Miata. At this price its closest rival is the Toyota MR2 Spyder, but the Miata is the complete package.

Review: When I first decided to drive the Miata, I wrongly had the preconceived notion that it's a limp, poseur of a sports car. A 'girly' car. In hindsight, I'm not sure why I felt so bigoted towards it. Perhaps it was the small size? Or the name. The irony is ...

Pros: Mazda, and part owner Ford, keeps listening and improving the Miata for the owner.

Cons: Must space progeny by 16 years. Replace the 16 year old with baby. KEEP CAR.

The Bottom Line: Mazda listened to the owners of the previous generation Miata and successfully improved one of the greatest roadsters of all time. The 2001 only gets better.

Review: I am a Miataholic and I am powerless to change. The purpose of this opinion is to alert prospective convertible shoppers about the dramatic changes for the 2001 Miata. There is more power on tap, an optional 6 speed transmission, and an options package...

Pros: Fun, Fast, Excellent Handling, Sweet Exhaust note.

Cons: Interior noise and lack of storage space.

The Bottom Line: Pure fun and more grip than flypaper, this is an excellent sports car.

Review: Mazda has got to be one of the best kept secrets in the automotive world. Mazda makes great cars. Sure they may be a little niche-y but given the choice, I’d rather have a Protégé than a Civic, or a Millenia S rather than an Accord. And so it goes...

Pros: Best buy, great looks, sharp handling, easy to use top

Cons: No heated seats, needs more amenities

The Bottom Line: I miss my own Miata! I've actually dreamt of owning this car again. Now, I've been renting it as much as I can whenever I travel.

Review: I've been missing my 1999 Miata for quite some time now. I sold it a while back and have regretted it every since. So, whenever I get the chance, I rent Miata's as much as possible. As a consultant, we rent cars every time we are located outside of our...

Pros: world class handling and shifter, reliability, lots of fun per $

Cons: may not be fast enough for some, noise, small cockpit, jittery ride, no tilt steering

The Bottom Line: If you're looking for a ear-to-ear smile and value a true driver oriented experience that will encourage a better driver out of you, look no further.

Review: The Mazda MX-5 Miata is enjoying its twelfth year of production as a modern rejuvenation of the classic British sports car. After all these years, it's stayed true to its mission, offer a lightweight two seat roadster with modern reliability and back to...

Pros: Great looks, handling , and reliability.

Cons: Cup holder in the console is right where your elbow rests.

The Bottom Line: A great car for those who love to drive a good handling, open top roadster.

Review: Deciding to treat ourselves to a sports car to celebrate our 30th anniversary and also turning 50 this year, my wife and I drove each other crazy till we agreed on the 2001 Mazda Miata Special Edition.

We drove several cars in various...

Pros: Great handling, performance, reliability, comfort and resale value

Cons: Needs at least 89 octane fuel

The Bottom Line: If you haven't driven one you should at least try it to experience how well a fine car can handle.

Review: When my partner decided to replace her 17 yr old Civic hatch owned since new she orded a new Honda Fit but cancelled 3 days later. 2 months later she decided to look at Miatas! Within 48 hrs she had checked out 4, the last one a private sale featuring ...

Pros: Great handling, Great Torque, beautiful body, Tons of Fun

Cons: Missing HP :(

The Bottom Line: If your looking for that car that will make you feel forever young, this is the one for you!

Review: For 6 long years I've obsessed over this car. This small, two-seater roadster perfected by Mazda. Those Zoom Zoom campaigns just about killed me.... Before I begin, let me just warn you that I'm very biased about my new car. She's perfect. I've...

Pros: Great handling, very responsive. Reliable. Easy maintenance. FUN!

Cons: Insufficient firewall insulation - passenger compartment gets hot from engine.

The Bottom Line: I would buy this car all over again. In fact, I like it better than the current Miata.

Review: After more than 20 years of wanting a sporty car without the means. After suffering through a Ford Pinto and a Chevy Citation, one of which was prone to exploding and the other of which did. After my poor Datsun B210 that had too many accidents for me to ...

Pros: FUN! FUN! FUN! Great shifter and fantastic handling

Cons: little short on power, but still incredibly fun

The Bottom Line: Best Buy on any sports car out there....Nothing is as exhilarating for anywhere close to the same money...and its build quality and reliability is second to none.

Review: This car is absolutely amazing. Nothing puts a grin on your face that is even close to this price. I have owned a 2000 Corvette, a 1995 NSX, a 2001 Jag XKR conv. and a host of others...the most pure fun I get is when I climb into my little Miata....