Other than a few updates in interior and exterior colors and options, the Mazda MX-5 Miata was virtually unchanged from the previous year. Power was provided by a 128-horsepower, 1.8-liter, double-overhead-cam four-cylinder engine that was installed longitudinally. It was linked to a five-speed manual transmission. A four-speed automatic was optional.
The MX-5 Miata was available in both a Base model and an upscale M Edition. Standard features for the Base model included a manually operated soft top, power brakes, a driver's-side airbag, remote fuel and trunk releases, and 14-inch wheels. Options included a removable hardtop, air conditioning, power windows, anti-lock brakes, cruise control, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, aluminum alloy wheels, and leather seats.
The M Edition received such upgrades as air conditioning, power windows, anti-lock brakes, and leather seats, as well as special interior and exterior colors.
Most drivers noted that the MX-5 Miata was a fun car to drive (its main selling point) as well as a good value. The car's handling, styling, and drop-top were also among drivers' favorites features. On the downside, trunk space was limited and the interior could be noisy at road speeds, drivers noted.
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I got this car little over 15 years ago and immediately fell in love. There have not been any mechanical breakdowns on this high mileage machine (151, 000 so far). I have added a few inexpensive handling improvements (lowered shocks/springs, strut bar, sway bars front and rear, and new performance tires). These have brought the car alive! There have been a few more reconditioning items that I have added to make the ride more enjoyable but this car although not fast handles the mountains around California like nothing else! Lots of fun to be had while still doing less than jail worthy speeds. I love the first generation Miata. Jun 21, 2014
by Michael K
Aug 22, 2013
Even though this Miata was a base model, I still really enjoyed the car. It was a basic car but it actually added to the driving experiance making it a simplestic joy to drive. It had great handling and was so easy to drive hard or just cruise with the top down. Aug 22, 2013
by Michael E
Nov 18, 2011
Had this car almost seven years. I loved every minute of it, did several key
modifications and style upgrades. Always preformed well and looked right smart
doing it. She was the perfect mid life crisis car. Alas, She is no more. She gave
her life valiantly protecting my Daughter and her Boy Friend from the ravages of
a STUPID Soccer Mom in a Mini van who pulled out from a side street onto the
state highway my Daughter was driving on.Nov 18, 2011
User rating:
by German G
Jun 21, 2014
I got this car little over 15 years ago and immediately fell in love. There have not been any mechanical breakdowns on this high mileage machine (151, 000 so far). I have added a few inexpensive handling improvements (lowered shocks/springs, strut bar, sway bars front and rear, and new performance tires). These have brought the car alive! There have been a few more reconditioning items that I have added to make the ride more enjoyable but this car although not fast handles the mountains around California like nothing else! Lots of fun to be had while still doing less than jail worthy speeds. I love the first generation Miata. Jun 21, 2014
by Michael K
Aug 22, 2013
Even though this Miata was a base model, I still really enjoyed the car. It was a basic car but it actually added to the driving experiance making it a simplestic joy to drive. It had great handling and was so easy to drive hard or just cruise with the top down. Aug 22, 2013
by Michael E
Nov 18, 2011
Had this car almost seven years. I loved every minute of it, did several key
modifications and style upgrades. Always preformed well and looked right smart
doing it. She was the perfect mid life crisis car. Alas, She is no more. She gave
her life valiantly protecting my Daughter and her Boy Friend from the ravages of
a STUPID Soccer Mom in a Mini van who pulled out from a side street onto the
state highway my Daughter was driving on.Nov 18, 2011
by Dennis D
Nov 20, 2009
I love this car. I have not owned it long but i can totally unserstand why people deal with being made fun of in them. Its the greatest car i have owned to date and plan on doing many extreme yet subtle modifications to it in the near future.Nov 20, 2009
by Josh B
Oct 28, 2009
Great start for drifting, since the 240's have been sucked up from the face of the earth already. Plenty of power to the wheels, and sticks to the road like glue. A very fun car to drive, any day, anywhere.Oct 28, 2009
by Anonymous
Oct 19, 2009
Great car. My second Miata and like the first it has never let me down. Fun to drive--except in heavy rain. Feels faster than it is, beautiful to look at,fun to drive and cheap to maintain. Perfect carOct 19, 2009
by Jessica R
Oct 16, 2009
I miss this car terribly! It was a gorgeous wine color with gold accents and dorve amazginly! Once the kids are older, I will have another car like this! This is definetely a fun summer car to own and show off at car shows!Oct 16, 2009
by John K
Feb 18, 2009
Perfectly weight-balanced, double wishbones front/rear, 4-wheel discs, incredible handling and a drop-top. I look for any excuse to drive mine.
Add a high-performance suspension, grippy tires and an aggressive alignment and you've got a track monster.
Add forced induction or a V8 and you've got a street/race track monster.Feb 18, 2009
by Steven M
Oct 02, 2008
It handles great. No annoying little build quality problems. If you push it it won't scare you, slides are easy to do without spinning out. I autocross it and it is a cheap way to get into motorsports. Just gas, oil, and new tires twice a year. It takes the abuse in stride i've repaired nothing in a year of ownership. i need to replace the timing belt but that is ok after 85000 miles.
It isn't bad on fuel economy either. 28 in town and 29 at 70 mph, my only complaint is that at 70 you are around 3500 rpm. It could do 30+ mpg if i could lower the revs.
It even rides pretty well and fits my 6'1" 200+lbs brother with leg room to spare.Oct 02, 2008
by Alain P
Jun 12, 2008
This car is fun to drive. I Enjoyed to drive it with top down and have fun going in and out corners.Jun 12, 2008
by Anonymous
Apr 28, 2008
this is my second 95 miata. they've both been great cars. the miata is what the mgb should have been. ( the b is more fun to drive though)Apr 28, 2008
by Anonymous
Apr 17, 2008
I bought the car because of its proported reliability and ease of obtaining parts. Have owned it for about a year and have enjoyed driving it ever since. I use it as a stress relief for my wife and myself. Truely a great car and destined to become a classicApr 17, 2008
by Robin B
Apr 14, 2008
Nicknamed Buffy (the Volvo Slayer) after many reliable Swedish tanks, the MX5 changed my life. I loved driving it, met great people with it, had top holidays driving it about, just a great fun car to have.Apr 14, 2008
by Kenny C
Jan 17, 2008
just drive with top down always and have fun going in and out corners
being powerless makes it a safer rwd to drive too
add a rollbar if possibleJan 17, 2008
1995 Mazda Miata MX5 has been sitting for 2 years. Was parked because it needed a fuel pump. Recently replaced the fuel pump and has a new battery as well. Is it Okay to attempt to start the car or does it need to be turned over by hand ? or ????
I was just told that the only diffrence between the batery in my miata and my lawn tractor are the posts is this true the price for a miata battery is $120 and the tractor bat is $25 seems like a rip to me if this is true