The absolute personification of the word "sports car" No other car has the feel and fun value of this car. It handles like a dream and has decent power. The car also is the most beautiful thing around, and I still look back to stare at it when I walk away! And the price is exteremly reasonable.

The only real weakness is the power, but that can be solved by a few modifications which are plentiful I may mention :-)

This was my dream car and it lived up to everything I expected and more. It still surprises me day after day and is even a competant in the snow. There is no other car that allows you to drive ten tenths and have sooo much fun while maintaining a safe stable feel. If your in the market for a fun sports car conv. there is no other choice.

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BMW Z3, MR2 Spyder, EW Cabrio, BMW 328 Conv, Mercedes CLK Compressor.

FUN!
-Amazing handling. Corners were never so fun!
-Steering is perfectly weighted and accurate
-Shifter is the best I've used
-Timeless styling
-Great sound system
-Glass rear window in great top- raise and lower it from the driver's seat!
-Low sill so that you don't feel enclosed like in the other convertibles.
-Great visibility with the top down.
-Amazing variety of aftermarket parts and clubs.
-Great sounds from the engine and exhaust
-Decent storage space for such a tiny convertible
-Looks good with top up or down- unlike others which look dorky with top up(S2000, TT, Eclipse...)

-Seats could offer more support and adjustable lower seat cushion.
-Fuel economy could be better for such a small engine.
-More power wanted from engine.
-Stock brakes on 99 are a bit too mushy (2001 much better)
-Noisy on the freeway

This is a true sports car. It is designed to be lightweight and handle great. That means it is a bit loud (sound dampening is heavy) and there's not a lot of room inside. But people who complain about that are too used to their sedans. I got really lucky and found my 1999 used on a dealer lot with less than 4K miles. It is a leather package with the premium audio, etc. With the money saved from buying used I got to work immediately swapping on new go-fast parts. Now I have replaced the exhaust header/mid/rear pipes, fitted new shocks and springs, sway bars, wheels and tires, performance brake pads, added a roll bar, chassis bracing, and many interior dress-up parts like leather armrest/doorpulls and aluminum shifter and e-brake. Even with all these mods, the car costs about the same as a new Miata! I have taken the car to several track events and had no mechanical problems. The car is incredibly predictable and responsive. I was getting better lap times than M3s and older 911's! and a Boxster S! (don't know if they were the best drivers) I periodically test drive more expensive sports cars for fun, and none feel as responsive as my car! I'm always happy to get back into my Miata!
This car is great right from the factory, and dynamically an excellent starting point for modifications (50/50 weight distribution, rear drive, limited slip diff., etc.) I love it more with each day, and every time I get out I stop and admire the car for a moment. It just gets better every day!

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Audi TT- why get a convertible if it's like riding in a bathtub? More power but not as fun to drive fast. Nobody does styling as well as Audi, though.
M Roadster- Even less room inside than the Miata and an interior unacceptable for a 40K car. This is a perfect engine wrapped around dated mechanicals (but still great fun)
I drove many more expensive cars, but realized the Miata was about as fun to drive, much cheaper to insure and money saved can customize the car into something truly unique and special

convertible,
rear wheel drive,
5-speed,
nimble,
only has the things you need for fun,
no space or weight wasted on backseat/trunk space.
Lots of mods/accessories available.

I'd like a few more horseys, but who wouldn't, thats half the fun of having the car is playing with it to make it better.

The best car I have ever driven. Nothing compares, except maybe the clones made by other wannabes these days (MR2, S2000, etc.) Never tried them but its much cheaper to buy an older Miata.
Front wheel drive just plain sucks, and it seems like everybody is flocking toward it.
C'mon guys grow some cajones and get a rear wheel drive car, you can have so much fun without even driving fast. Donuts are awesome and safe.

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1986 Ford Escort - The Tank - need I say more?
1990 Mercury Cougar - sturdy, luxurious and fast - too big and not sports
car
1999 Mercury Cougar (automatic) - good power and low speed handling, not enough room to move or see, transmission is weird, front wheel drive sucks at high speeds and handles odd.

Price, quality, looks, fun-to-drive quotient are the Miata`s strong points. Most fun for the dollar. Dealers will deal on Miatas, especially base models, which are still well equipped. Nothing else can touch it in the $19,000 range. Toyota MR2s are nice, but rare, and list price is the norm ($23,000). Tons of aftermarket products make the car even more enjoyable to own.

The biggest drawback to driving a Miata is being ignored by drivers of huge SUVs and trucks. Drive defensively. Miatas should have daytime driving lights. Miata is not a car for anyone over 6ft.1in. and over 210 lbs.

I have owned my Miata for 10 months and have had no need for any service other than oil changes and wheel alignment. I have owned over 40 vehicles and it is the most gratifying car to drive of any of them. Precise handling, and it is NOT underpowered; will outrun most cars and trucks sold today, and any stock SUV!Built in Hiroshima quality, fit and finish is first rate. My only concern is crash safety. Good aftermarket roll bars are available in the $400 range. I would recommend this car to anyone who likes to drive, appreciates excellent handling, and loves cars.

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Toyota MR2 is the only real competition as far as quality, fun, handling is concerned. Honda S2000, BMW Z3, M-B SLK are many thoudands of dollars more.

Dollar for dollar, unbeatable

could use more power

It's not just a car, it's an experience! There are local Miata clubs everywhere. There are good deals available like 0 percent financing for 48 months.
I drove many similar cars and none where as fun as the Miata. It's light and nimble with the 6-speed and suspension package it is on par with anything under $40,000.
The new leather interior and white gauges are very nice, new 16 inch wheels also. I hate having to write a specific numberof words in a review I advocate short ant to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to the point.

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MR2, The miata has a much better fit and finish

extremely fluid and classy design, convertible, handling of a race car, interior, balance (sliding), rear wheel drive, fun to drive!

would use more power (turbos available for 2$k), suspension/comfort

All the reviews I have read focus on the same thing and it is because it is true: THERE IS NO OTHER CAR AS FUN TO DRIVE AS THE MIATA!

If you want to double the fun: put better shock absorbers that stock (Illumina gas adjustables for example), put a strut brace (it really adds some rigidity to the front), mount 195/60 R14 tires instead of stocks 185s, or upgrade wheels to 15''... they make the car look good too!

For power, the best bang for the buck in a cold air intake (+15 to 20 horses!) that replaces the stock air filter (exaust pipes are a waste of (a lot) of money and you loose all of the low end power which is already not much!).

I would love to have at least 185 horses and this is easily achievable with after market turbos that are really affordable and reliable (Hey, they have been tested for 11 years now!)...Necessary if you carry a passenger!
God, I wish Texas wasn't as flat as it is!, if you live in california..... just rent one and go to the mountains twisties, you will understand why this is the most sold sport car in the world (550,000 and counting)!!

Can't get enough of it!

This car is a toy to drive sidesway as well, it is so light you always stay in control (unlike all the big fat American V8s that might kick asses at the light but can't take a turn!). I recommend anybody to drive it hard on a wet road!

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Peugeo 405 MI16, Fiero V6, all pontiacs on teh market.... None bring the
fun of a Miata.... This car is just two well balanced!

The car is well balanced and tight. It corners extremely well. It's a thrill to drive and made well. The seats are very gripping and comfortable. It looks great!

Although plenty of power, I would like even more at times. The '01 has 15 additional HP over previous models.

I never thought driving could be so enjoyable until I purchased my '01 Miata. The driver becomes one with the road and the driving experience is greatly increased. There are cars that will go faster and cars that have more options, but for the money, the Miata is the best value (fun/dollar). I love this car!

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MR2
The Miata has more trunk space. Both handle very well.

Handling, balance, rear-wheel-drive, light weight, overall feel.

I get a little wet when it rains. Wait, there's a soft-top of some kind, but I forgot how to use it!

The miata is a pure sports car, and it's the most balanced car I've ever driven (power, handling, brakes, control efforts are all in synch). It is extremely fun to drive, and that is why I got it!

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Honda del Sol - '93 Si was quicker than the Miata, but lacked steering feel, and FWD handling leaves few handling options at the apex.

Handling, Handing, oh did I mention Handing? I have owned scores of cars that claim to have had great handing. This is the best handing car from the showroom I have owned. I love the sound of the motor at redline. I love the mileage compared to the American V8 sports cars I have owned. Reliabilty, I have only 13,000 miles on mine. You won't find my car at the Mazda dealer for a long time. I have had more complents on this Miata then on the 87 Corvette I had. Go figure.

More stock low end torque. (what do you expect from a 1.8) A stock glass window for the first generation models. Glass windows available through aftermarket suppliers. 99 and newer have glass standard. I wish the cops would stop staring at me :)

It is not an everyday car if you live in snowy areas. I have heard of fellow owners driving thier's in snow. I don't. Here's why. Why would you subject this beautiful car to those harsh elements? But if I lived in a warm climate, I would drive it everyday. It's also not a family car. It's perfect for a single guy like myself, as a second car, or your only car if you don't need room. Reliablity, heh, I don't think I will have to put a new engine in my Miata at 60,000 like I did with my last IROC. I feel it has the best fun factor you can get for the money. A V8 sports car would blow it away off the line, but when I pass the gas station, I'll give him a wave while he is filling up. Plus it crushes cars worth twice the money in the turns. Just drive one and you will understand what we mean.

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I had an 89 MR2 a few years back. That was a fun car. The Miata has a better fun factor, hands down.

Fun, Small, Good gas milage, quick, fun, 2-seats (i don't like to drive 1000 people around)

Needs a little more umph behind it. It is quick, but could be faster

I would recommend getting one now. Fun to drive, never get tired of it. reliable, and doesn't drink a lot of gas.

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I haven't road in other roadsters, but for a 4-cylinder engine beats all the ones i've been in