2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata Review
Test drove: 4/02/08–4/14/08
I Drive a Mom-Mobile, But There’s a Miata in My Soul
Upon hearing that I was testing a 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata, my friend Meredith told me her Miata story. When she went to buy her first car after her daughter was born, she settled on a station wagon. After the ink dried on all the paperwork, her husband asked her if she was excited. She said that while she was content with the wagon, there was really a Miata in her soul.
This wasn’t the only story I heard from people about the deep fulfillment attained from a Miata (from driving it, that is). And I get it — oh, do I get it. On the first sunny day I had with it, I became a confirmed convertible addict. There is nothing in the world that can’t be worked out from inside the cockpit of a Miata. It’s a very small interior; there’s little room to carry your baggage, literal and otherwise. In fact, I was most comfortable ditching my purse and just bringing a small clutch. A diaper bag would have fit in the trunk. OK, fine, I know I’m not kidding anyone.
Honestly, like in any other two-seater, a car seat is not much of an option in this car. Boosters are a stretch; my test Clek booster fit best on the narrow, contoured seats. In case you’re wondering, the Miata has a hard switch to turn off the passenger-side airbag in case the little sensor fails or makes you uneasy. I have to tell you, my daughter has bought into convertible therapy as much as anyone can.
I know you’re not here to learn how a convertible might fit a kid on a day-to-day basis, and I’m not going to do you the disservice of acting like you are. The Miata is nothing more than pure indulgence after a long day. Seriously, if you are looking for a fun second car to calm your stress, this baby will cure what ails you, while carting you to the local burrito joint to pick up dinner. The retractable hardtop is so awesome; it goes up and down so quickly, you can take advantage of even a small errand with the top down.
I really do believe there’s merit to getting a little sun, some wind in your hair and a little car to help you get some perspective. My recommendation is, even if you can’t buy a new one, rent one for a day or evening. Bring your soul out to play in a Miata.
*For more information on the 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata and its safety features, visit Cars.com. With questions or comments regarding this review, write to editor@motherproof.com.
LET’S TALK NUMBERS
Latch Connectors: 1
Seating Capacity (includes driver): 2
IT’S THE LITTLE THINGS THAT COUNT
Storage Compartments (Puny, Fair, Ample, Galore): Puny
Cargo/Trunk Space (Puny, Fair, Ample, Galore): Puny
SENSE AND STYLE
Family Friendly (Not Really, Fair, Great, Excellent): Not Really
Fun Factor (None, Some, Good Times, Groove On): Groove ON!
| Specs | |
|---|---|
| 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata Grand Touring | |
| Base price: | $26,960 |
| Price as tested: | $29,535 |
| Engine: | 166-hp, 2.0-liter I-4 |
| Fuel: | 21/28 mpg |
| Length: | 157.3” |
| Width: | 67.7” |
| Ground Clearance: | n/a |
| Turning Radius: | 15.4’ |
| Cargo space: | 5.3 cu. ft. |
| NHTSA Crash-Test Ratings | |
|---|---|
| Frontal Impact | |
| Driver’s side: | Not Rated |
| Passenger’s side: | Not Rated |
| Side Impact | |
| Front occupant: | Not Rated |
| Rear occupant: | Not Rated |
| Rollover resistance: | Not Rated |
Comments
How much time did you spend driving the Miata, because most of review concerns purses, diaper bags, and car seats.
Posted by: Miata enthusiast | Apr 23, 2008 8:30:24 PM
both my wife and i work so this would be a 3rd car. now the trick is if you can email my wife to tell her *we* need this third car ... ;) too bad we live near Boston where parking our 2nd car is already a daily nightmare. :(
Posted by: DL | Apr 24, 2008 2:17:18 PM
I own a miata for two years by now, sure I don't have kids yet but there is nothing like it I know it would be very very hard for me to change into a family car when the time comes, maybe I'll keep it just for fun
Posted by: Denise | Apr 25, 2008 7:11:03 AM
I take my 3.5 year old son out for weekend errands (supermarket, cleaners, etc.) in our MX-5. He LOVES it and its great father son bonding time. Its so much easier to communicate with your child when they are next to you. He sits in a graco convertable booster which perfectly in the passenger seat. The latch anchors work perfectly. Its actually easier to out the car seat in the MX-5 than in my wife's Odyssey
Posted by: SKS | May 9, 2008 8:24:10 AM
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Just tell your kids to grow up faster so you don't have to trouble yourself with booster seats.
"Eat your veggies kids, Mommy wants a red convertable."
BTW I just bought a MR-Spyder and really you CAN live with it as a daily driver, you just have to plan ahead. You can have a practical 2nd car too. And use that for groceries, family outings, etc. But for work commutes everyday? Why not? I make all my co-workers jelous (even the execs) yet it's about the same maintenence cost as a pedestrian Corrolla.
Posted by: Infosaur | Apr 23, 2008 7:42:03 PM