1999-2003 Mazda Miata 

 
 
Mazda's Miata not only revived a segment thought dead--the affordable roadster--but it managed to crush the subsequent competition while wearing a goofy (if bemused) smile. For the second-generation car, launched in 1999 (there was no 1998), Mazda kept close to the script, producing more of the same. Although the second-gen car looks bigger, it rides on the same 89.2-inch wheelbase and is just 0.3 inches longer. The bigger rump increased luggage capacity from a miniscule 3.6 cubic feet to a merely paltry 5.1. Improved chassis stiffness and uprated suspension gave the new car a heftier, more solid feel.
Mazda Miata, 1999-2003

What's Hot
•"Right-now" steering and rapid reflexes
• Plenty of convenience features for a real sports car
• Looks great, top up or down

What's Not
• Sport-suspension-equipped cars jumpy on rust-belt pavement
• Still tiny trunk and limited cockpit room
• Straining the idea of "reasonably quick" among ever-faster cars

Don't Miss
• Six-speed a real plus

Bottom Line
•Still everyone's affordable roadster

Thanks to a revised 1.8-liter, 140-horsepower I-4, the new Miata's performance held fast as its weight increased almost 100 pounds in the makeover. For 2001, the engine received variable-valve timing and a 2-horse boost. A four-speed automatic was available (if you must), but a great five-speed manual was standard, with a six-speed optional. A desirable limited-slip differential was optional on most models and standard on the up-level cars.

Mazda cultivated the car quietly with incremental upgrades over the years. For 2000, the options list was simplified. In 2001, the more powerful engine joined larger standard and optional wheels as well as new Special Edition models. The manual-folding top started with a heated glass rear window--a major improvement--in black vinyl on the base cars and tan/parchment on the upscale versions. For 2003, a cloth top appeared on the LS, SE, and Shinsen models. Suspension-package cars received bigger brakes and larger standard wheels.

Considering the punishment meted out by owners, the first Miata held up well, and the current version seems to be doing so, too. Recalls amount to little, and the technical-service bulletins indicate no widespread problems. A recall was issued for replacement of the fuel-filler parts under warranty; many owners complained their cars were hard to top off. As with any roadster, check the condition and the action of the top carefully, but don't worry much about the rest of the car--it's light, durable, and endlessly cheerful.

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