The Mazda Miata debuted 25 years ago to unanimous praise for its charisma and simplicity. It’s grown up a tad since then, but still delivers the classic sports car experience that won over the masses in the beginning.
What's New for 2014
Aside from some new colors, the MX-5 Miata carries on as before.
Choosing Your Mazda MX-5 Miata
The rear-drive MX-5 Miata is a textbook roadster with a snug two-person interior, manual soft top and enticing shape. The base model starts out with a five-speed manual transmission, and the upper trim levels get a six-speed unit. Any Miata can be equipped with a six-speed automatic. The sole engine is a 2-liter four-cylinder with 167 horsepower, or 158 with the automatic.
The MX-5 Miata is available in three trim levels:
Sport
The base Sport has 16-inch alloy wheels, a manual black vinyl top, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, power windows and mirrors, cloth upholstery and a six-speaker sound system with CD. The Convenience Package (standard with an automatic transmission) adds keyless entry with window controls, power locks, cruise control and steering wheel-mounted controls. The Appearance Package includes a front air dam and rear underskirt.Club
The higher-spec Club includes the Sport’s option packages, plus specific 17-inch alloy wheels, a black cloth top, black exterior trim, special interior accents and offers the option of a power-retractable hardtop. An available Suspension Package equips the Miata with Bilstein shocks and (with manual transmissions) a limited-slip differential.
Grand Touring
The top-of-the-line Miata features heated leather seats, automatic climate control, a black or beige cloth top (or optional power hardtop), a seven-speaker Bose audio system with a six-CD changer, five-spoke alloy wheels and silver interior accents. The Suspension Package is available, as is a Premium Package with keyless ignition, xenon headlamps, Bluetooth phone and satellite radio.Choose Your Mazda MX-5 Miata >>
It’s refreshing that a manual transmission is offered on all trim levels. If you’re gong that route, upgrade to the Club to get the more modern six-speed unit. The standard soft top is charming, but the hardtop available on the Club and Grand Touring makes the Miata more suitable for daily driving.