Fantastic machine based on Mazda's superb reputation with the MX-5. 2006 MX-5 sport handles exceptionally well to driver's inputs and displays the same characteristics of more expensive sports cars (e.g., S2000, Z3/4, etc). After checking out the Solstice, before buying the MX-5, I'm an even bigger fan of the the MX-5 now. Aside from driving qualities other great features are the top, instrument cluster, and 6 speed manual transmission.
Why the sad face when you only have great comments?
Yep, Mazda's effort is very successful.
Be this as it may the Miata is not a fast car by any means. It's cute, has great handling, but that's it. If you look at some of the numbers many station wagons will outrun the Miata.
The MX-5 is not intended to be a fast car. Mazda doesn't market it that way, and no consumers claim it to be, either.
It's meant to be a fun car, which it lives up to, in almost a legendary way. The way it responds to driver input feels almost natural. That can't be said for many, many cars out there.
Speed isn't everything.
To the original reviewer: glad you like your car! Please keep us updated as time passes.
Mazda does in fact market it as a performance car.
"All the zoom zoom you demand and then some"...
http://www.mazdausa.com/MusaWeb/displayPage.action?pageParameter=modelsMain&vehicleCode=MX5&bhcp=1.
(click on performance)
High performance vehicles are best fitted with 6 speed manual transmissions. It would seem if Mazda and/or at least some of their consumers were not advocating speed the company wouldn't be attempting to install 6 gears or telling consumers about the 'liberating horsepower' of their miatas.
Nevertheless, many of us owners and former owners are well aware of the lack of power and do not advocate the vehicle's acceleration or top speed as a strong point. However, Mazda does, and the reviewer gave the performance a '10' so I can only assume he feels the same way.
And yes I agree, I've not found a car that handles like the Miata. It is one of the best if not the best handler. But this is easily accomplished by having very low weight, being very underpowered, rear-wheel drive, near 50-50 weight distribution, and being low to the ground.
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