Average Ratings from 45 reviews
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Dan writes:
1990 Mazda MX-5 Miata 2 Dr STD Convertible Review
ProsHandling, ease of convertible top use ConsCargo space - I don't have a trunk, I have a SECOND GLOVEBOX
105
This Is Probably The Most Consistently Fun Car I've Ever Driven. — Although some minivan's could blow my doors off at a traffic light, this wasn't built for straight-line performance - it weighs in at a startling 2200lbs, has a super low CG, double wishbone suspension front and rear, and is rear wheel drive, making it scream through corners as if there were no corners to sweat. Effortless. I found out that I can push this car into corners about 15-20mph faster than I initially thought I could, which is always at LEAST twice the "curve speed limit". A lot of people still tote this to be a girl's car, but I've found that people that say that often tend to look at it differently after taking a tour around it, hearing it, seeing it move. I don't hear many jokes from them after a while - instead, I get asked for a ride or even to borrow the keys! The top is manual, requires only two latches to be unfastened, and can be folded back with one hand from the driver's seat. The engine loves to rev, and winds to a sweet sounding 7200rpm quickly. Gas mileage is generally in the low to high 20's, depending on how often your foot is in the pedal. xD These cars are very simply built; very minimalistic - but very solid. Repairs are limited to those that just tend to be needed after a while on any car - tires, timing belt, tune-up stuff. I've been very pleased with the reliability. All in all, this is one of those cars that if I HAD to sell it, I'd be impatiently waiting for another chance to own one down the road.
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Jon writes:
1990 Mazda MX-5 Miata 2 Dr STD Convertible Review
ProsHandling, looks, and value ConsLittle bit down on the power, but easily upgraded
65
1990 Miata — Turns on a dime, has just enough power for a whole lot of fun, rides reasonably smooth considering its short size. Cheap to own, gets pretty good mileage and is also easy to insure. One of the most fun cars I've ever experienced on a twisty road, hands down. I learned to drive a stickshift in this car by driving around my neighborhood for 3 hours just to get the feel of it. It's currently down due to the bad crankshaft issue that plagued the first year and a half worth of cars, but is going back together by my hands. | ||
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Casey writes:
1990 Mazda MX-5 Miata 2 Dr STD Convertible Review
ProsGreat handling, involving driving experience, good reliability, great gas mileage. ConsPaint is thin and can be expected to need a repaint after about 10 to 12 years, power is merely adequate, early models ('90-'93) had very little chassis bracing and flex quite a bit.
85
Great Little Roadster, Short On Power To Be A True Sports Car. — The early Miatas truly embodied the "jinba ittai" design philosophy that the engineers had in mind. It melds horse and rider as one. It also has the styling of a Lotus Elan and the light tossability of an MGB with the reliability of a Civic. As the Miata progressed through the years it became less roadster and more sports car, and this first Miata wasn't much of a speed demon. It's a roadster at heart, and it performs that function admirably. 116 hp demands driver involvement to keep forward motion at an entertaining level. Fortunately the ultralight curb weight of around 2200 pounds helps get the most from the 1.6 liter inline four. Handling is very solid, weight balance is 50/50, and the brakes are perfectly sufficient with fade only in the most extreme situations. The joy to drive factor is about as high as it gets. | ||
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Desmond writes:
1990 Mazda MX-5 Miata 2 Dr STD Convertible Review
ProsResponsive, efficient, pulls more weight than you'd ever expect. ConsToo small to carry stuff....unless you pull a trailer 
85
Love It, Wouldn't Part With It — I've loved this car since I got it so many years ago. It's a work horse, roadster and fun rolled into one. Mine has a trailer hitch installed and I've pulled trailers with it for as long as I've owned it. The clutch is still original as are all the parts. I've never had a bit of trouble with it mechanically. The paint is still original and looks great - a little oxidizing but after 20 years that's expected (I didn't maintain all that well in my younger days). It's a car that has to fit the person but I'd recommend to anyone that has the build or desire to get into one! Primary Use: Commuting to work | ||
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Tom writes:
1990 Mazda MX-5 Miata 2 Dr STD Convertible Review
ProsIt's a rag top! ConsToo afraid to be in a small car.
45
Great Fun! — In 20 years I've never had a problem, it just keeps on running. I'm lucky, my red paint hasn't faded. We've taken it on long trips too, before we had kids. Just pack light, like you're going to Europe. Of course it's very well maintained... Primary Use: Commuting to work | ||
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Pat writes:
1990 Mazda MX-5 Miata 2 Dr STD Convertible Review
Prosgo-cart feel with race car handling Consgo-cart feel
45
Mx-5 Cheap Thrills — fun to drive, basic construction and a light weight 2 seater convertible, Barbie would love it. tuning is easy, and upgrades can be had for little money. engine swaps are possible to v-8,s without body mods. extreme measures are a possibility with little effort and income. Primary Use: Sport/fun (spirited driving, track racing, off-roading, etc.) | ||
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Feargal writes:
1990 Mazda MX-5 Miata 2 Dr STD Convertible Review
ProsFun Fun Zoom ConsWhere's my petrol gone?
35
Eunos Roadster — Performance is reasonable from a 1.6ltr engine Biuld quality is excellent. no probs there Beautifully balanced appearance on the exterior. A bit too glum interior but plenty of after market bits to bling things up. Fun factor is .......always there Would thoroughly recommend this car to anyone who likes their driving | ||
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Gregory writes:
1990 Mazda MX-5 Miata 2 Dr STD Convertible Review
Prosdrop down top was great for the summertime Consit couldn't do snow very well, and the maintenance on it seem constant near the end of its lifespan
45
I Loved It, It Was A Great First Owned Car — great car...had some issues with the radiator, and the crankshaft went out at the end of its lifespan... but apparently that was a regular for the 90 model. the car was a blast to drive, it was governed at 180 kph but it was pretty awesome on that autobahn Primary Use: Sport/fun (spirited driving, track racing, off-roading, etc.) | ||
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Nicolas writes:
1990 Mazda MX-5 Miata 2 Dr STD Convertible Review
ProsLots of things to like or love about these cars. ConsEngine could be a bit more powerful.
35
Best Car I've Owned. — Probably the great convertible of all time, This car wrote the book on lightweight platforms. Exceptional handling and power even from the puny 1.6 liter, Put the top down and just drive the car. No cargo space but if buying a car of this type are you really worried about cargo? Beautiful cars as well! Primary Use: Sport/fun (spirited driving, track racing, off-roading, etc.) | ||
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shenk7 writes:
1990 Mazda MX-5 Miata 2 Dr STD Convertible Review
Prosgreat on gas, handles like a dream. Consnot for big people.
20
This Is A Great Little Sports Car. Drive Very Well... — it's great on gas, fill it up for 25.00 and ride for a week. Now that gas is going up up up you need a good car like this. Great for trip has a pretty big truck to be so small. Has spare tire, and jack. Primary Use: Commuting to work |
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