1994 Mazda MX5 1.8L from North America

Summary:

Great value: Fun and Reliable

Faults:

Clutch slave cylinder failed at 75k.

Soft top billows at highway speed. Trim to be re-glued.

Soft top sometimes leaks in rain. Water goes into the trunk. Rain rail needs replacing.

Climate control venting hotter at the feet than the panel/defroster - fixable, but I never got around to it.

Air conditioning caused water to drip into passenger foot-well - cleared drain with pipe-cleaner and dripping gone. Also, refrigerant could be recharged after 12 years. 8)

General Comments:

Other than the clutch, this car has been very reliable as a daily driver. Never failed to start - even in the middle of winter.

Truly an adult go-cart. OEM shifter throws pretty short. Springs could be stiffer/replaced, but body roll is minimal in turns. Slight under-steer in turns, but rear end is toss-able with appropriate throttle. RWD! Steering ratio requires more attention on the highway, but provides great response in the city. Characteristics customizable with quality alignment.

Larger brakes introduced in 1994 - works great. Anti-lock effective.

Fuel economy could be better: I got 24-26mpg mixed city-hwy conservatively driven. 30mpg hwy. May be improved if timing advanced.

The spare tire takes up significant space in the trunk, but I was able to fit a small golf bag with clubs.

Ultimately a great second vehicle. Keep the shiny side up!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 7th February, 2007

1994 Mazda MX5 1.8L from North America

Summary:

Simply a fantastic car for the money

Faults:

Last year, one of the pistons wasn't firing at low RPM's. After some checking, it turns out the spark plug wire had gone bad. That's the only problem this car has had in 11 years!

General Comments:

This car is quick and nimble and wonderful to drive around town or on winding country roads. Dropping the top simply adds to the fun. Think of it as an adult go-kart.

The car has everything it needs, but a cup holder, even at the base model.

You can't ask for better reliability than this!

This car has little to no storage. You can get a laptop bag in the back or a small suitcase but generally not both.

Good, but not great mileage. It is a sports car after all.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 15th December, 2005

27th Feb 2006, 01:29

About the Drink holder.

This car actually does have a drink holder! If you take out the ashtray from the center console and reverse the bracket on it, with the ashtray open a can or bottle of pop fits in snug and perfectly!

If you smoke it may not be that convenient, however if you do not, it's a great way to use everything in the car!

1994 Mazda MX5 a pkg 1.8 from North America

Summary:

A low priced,seat of the pants roadster

General Comments:

This car is a blast to drive, not fast, but handles like a slot car.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 27th May, 2004

1994 Mazda MX5 1.8 gas from North America

Summary:

Total fun at a great price!

Faults:

I haven't had to do anything so far!

General Comments:

Found this at low, low mileage! Before I got married, I had a Triumph TR6, had to give that up. Now, kids are grown and Dad is back on track!!! This is the most fun I've ever had driving a car. It could use a little more power, but hey, I'm no speed lover. Great pick-up off the line and really maintains on tight country roads. Love it, would recommend it to anyone!! Cabin is dark and small but purchased after-market rear-view with down lights.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 2nd September, 2001

15th May 2008, 13:28

A soul mate in the ex TR6 owner. I gave up mine in 1981 and have now - after kids grown up - found a gorgeous MX5 which is much better than the old TR6 and approaches the ghost of my long, long lost TR3. Another generation altogether but in every way very reminiscent.

1994 Mazda MX5 C 1.8 L4 from North America

Summary:

Fun, fun, fun!

Faults:

Clutch throwout bearing at 80,000.

Water pump and timing belt at 87,000.

General Comments:

This car is seriously quick and handles like it's on rails; however, the cabin is very tight and the seats are uncomfortable for the 6' and above crowd.

This car needs more power!

Make sure that you change the timing belt and water pump every 60K miles!

You will love this car!!!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 9th August, 2001