2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata Review Summaries

What reviewers liked most about the Mazda MX-5 Miata:

The steering is perfectly weighted

-- American Woman Road and Travel

The six-speed manual makes the Miata more pleasant to drive because the engine doesn't have to rev as high at freeway speeds.

-- Automobile

Best-shifting manual transmissions in the business

-- AutoWeek

Truly outstanding, classic sports car handling.

-- New Car Test Drive

Styling remains simple and timeless

-- New York Times

What reviewers liked least about the Mazda MX-5 Miata:

Ineffective windblocker

-- Edmunds.com

Practicality doesn't apply here.

-- New Car Test Drive

Its tonneau cover is a bit fiddly to install, and at best, rudimentary.

-- Road & Track

Mazda MX-5 Miata Comparisons:

The Toyota MR2's handling is less playful but more secure [than the Miata].

-- Automobile

Unless you travel solo, the Miata is more practical [than the Toyota MR2].

-- New York Times

The mirrors are bigger and more effective than those found in BMW's more expensive Z3.

-- Savvy Motoring

Best one-liner about the Mazda MX-5 Miata:

Helps you feel as if the road were created just for you and this car at this moment.

-- American Woman Road and Travel

The most fun you can have while driving with your pants on.

-- Edmunds.com

The destination is unimportant; getting there is everything. Viewed from this perspective, the Miata is just about perfect.

-- Savvy Motoring