Can' get out of park
How do I get my 2001 Mazda Miata MX5 out of park with a dead battery?
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2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata Reviews, Pricing & Specs
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For the 2001 model year, Mazda made improvements to the MX-5 Miata's interior and exterior, as well as its engine. The popular roadster was available in Base, LS, and a limited number of Special Edition packages. All three were powered by a 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine, which received a boost in horsepower to 142. A five-speed manual transmission was standard for the Base and LS models, while a six-speed manual was standard on the Special Edition Miata. A four-speed automatic was optional on the Base and LS models. Exterior improvements included a redesigned front end, and updates to the brakes and chassis. In addition, new exterior colors were added, and wheels were increased in size from 14 inches to 15 inches. Inside, the Miata received new seats, console, seatbelts, and gauges. Standard equipment for the Miata included air conditioning, power windows, dual airbags, and an audio system with a CD player. The LS and Special Edition models added power door locks, cruise control, and leather seats, among other features. The Miata's handling, quickness, styling, and affordability were cited as positive points by drivers, while gas mileage and road noise were among the negatives.
Published Aug 8, 2022 by CarGurus Editorial Team
User reviews for 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata
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by Colette R
Mar 18, 2024
I think the car is very clean and well maintained but way overpriced. Would definitely pay more than average price but not twice.Mar 18, 2024
by Gregory C
Oct 21, 2021
Fabulous car to drive. Missing some modern amenities (e.g. Bluetooth), but the driving experience more than makes up for that. Best sports car experience available at the price.Oct 21, 2021
by Marc C
Aug 21, 2020
Best sports car for the money. Reliable, fun to drive, easy to modify, affordable. Aug 21, 2020
User rating:
by Colette R
Mar 18, 2024
I think the car is very clean and well maintained but way overpriced. Would definitely pay more than average price but not twice.Mar 18, 2024
by Gregory C
Oct 21, 2021
Fabulous car to drive. Missing some modern amenities (e.g. Bluetooth), but the driving experience more than makes up for that. Best sports car experience available at the price.Oct 21, 2021
by Marc C
Aug 21, 2020
Best sports car for the money. Reliable, fun to drive, easy to modify, affordable. Aug 21, 2020
by Anonymous
Feb 13, 2013
When I told someone I was selling it they said you've had it forever. I said no that's longer. But I've absolutely no regrets with this car. It's done what I asked and never let me down. We've had a mutual agreement. I keep the fluids in it and it takes me what I want to go. Feb 13, 2013
by Anonymous
Jan 04, 2013
I love the way it holds you in the seat without stressing any particular part of your anatomy. When I declare a future road trip - my wife, who has and loves a very comfortable Chrysler 300 - asks if we can take the Miata.
The paint stays shiny, the engine is easy to maintain, my mechanic almost never sees it other than oil changes.Jan 04, 2013
by Anonymous
Feb 01, 2012
These little cars are so much fun and can be had for about $7,500 in like nearly new condition. They are easy to work on and the online community is so helpful. We have two and if we had more room, we would have even more.Feb 01, 2012
by Kamera K
Dec 18, 2011
Great fun car. Always highly rated for its handling. Engine isn't overly powerful so to get the most out of the car it is finesse driving. Only oil changes and am now at 40K miles. Classic looks inside and out. Driving it puts a smile on your face. Dec 18, 2011
by Ronnie M
Sep 09, 2011
The Miata is a very fun car to drive, love to ride with the top down and feel the sun and the air! Very sporty fell, takes corners like a dream! If you are looking for a look of space, they are great weekend fun cars or econical commuter cars.Sep 09, 2011
by Matt S
Nov 17, 2010
Great little sports car...well, so everyone else says. Could be faster, could be more practical. Fun to drive, but won't beat much on the road in a race... .
It's all well and good having a convertible when it's hot, but this is Britain! I must have forgotten that when I bought it in February on a grey day, 120 miles from home in Somerset from a dodgy second hand car salesman. Initially, his fur collarred, Del Boy-esque jacket didn't fill me with a reassuring amount of confidence, but I kept telling myself that as long as the car was ok, it would be a wise purchase...and it has been (phew!).
The long drive back to Hertforshire gave me ample chance to get to know my new friend intimately. Setting off in the afternoon, getting home in the late evening and having even experienced snow (not fun the first time you drive a rear wheel drive the first time you get lost in the centre of Basingstoke!) on the 5 hour 'date', I was getting the unmistakable feeling of regret that you always get after the most expensive purchase you have ever made doesn't turn out to be quite as 5-sense satisfying as you had hoped. But I have stuck with it for 9 months so far, and I still can't wait to get an S2000!Nov 17, 2010
by Gerald P
Oct 24, 2010
Pretty good looking, still in nice shape after nine years. New top installed August 2010, new clutch + trans rebuild. Fun to drive on the twisty roads of North Carolina's mountains. After driving a '93 NA (1.6 liter) Miata for five years, I was impressed by the NB's performance.Oct 24, 2010
by Sasha K
Jan 25, 2010
Amazing quality for its price, 9sec 0-100 with 1.6L is quite good. Everything i needed worked perfectly eg. audio system, a/c, interior is poor but u cant expect more from a miata. Appearence is'nt amazing, but who cares, doesnt make the car faster. For 3 years of intence driving, was no problems with the car at all. The car is great fun to drive.Jan 25, 2010
by Brian S
Nov 11, 2009
Its the funnest thing in the world to drive for the money that i paid for it the handling is awesome and it gets good gas mileage im not saying its the best car in the world just considering wat i got it for its awesomNov 11, 2009
by Peter T
Oct 22, 2009
Good handling, excellent balance, reliable, looks good, fun to drive and not too expensive. Easy to maintain and also a nice drive in rush traffic for a low 2 seater convertivle. Not the fastest drive nor very powerful, so this one is for the bends and not the straights.Oct 22, 2009
by Sarah R
Aug 16, 2009
My latest car (sort of - again, it's not exactly what it's called in the UK, but it's as near as dammit).
Absolutely love it. Beautiful, fun to drive, brilliant in the sunshine. What more could a girl want?
Not the most economical of cars, but when it's this much fun, who cares?!?Aug 16, 2009
by Mark W
Aug 07, 2009
Nice car, great handling. Good looks and topless cruising.
Very very fun car, adequate power, but could use a little more horsepower. Good gas milage, weak body frame. Fun Factor A A A A A A A A A A A!!!Aug 07, 2009
by Eva K
Jul 22, 2009
it is fabulousity,it is pretty and small and fast kind of like me!
I can not think of twenty more words so la la la la la la la la la la la la la la lala la laJul 22, 2009
by Giannis A
Jun 27, 2009
An original-fun to drive-roadster.Great built quality, good performance (with the 1.8 engine) and also an all time classic retro design with a lot of beautiful light curves..RWD is something amazing for the old style driver and this little machine can teach you a lot and make you smile all time.Jun 27, 2009
by Graciela C
Feb 20, 2009
Me encanta poder sentir lo que uso, y verdaderamente se puede sentir la fuerza, velocidad y presencia de un Miata!
Es un carro de costo moderado, pero la experiencia de conducirlo vale cada centavo.
No es un carro común, por lo que muchos ojos voltearan para apreciarlo.Feb 20, 2009
by MidnightStar S
Dec 21, 2008
A Very Nice Car To Drive If Your A Small Person A Tall Person Woldnt Fit In This Car And You Should Be Careful With The Steering Turn To Hard And You Could Roll The Car Otherwise It's A Great Car To DriveDec 21, 2008
by Cameron J
Dec 13, 2008
Acceleration: Off the line is sluggish, but once the cams
change profile, not too shabby.
Brakes: Great, no ABS, but I like that cause it makes be a
better driver.
Handling: excellent, according to data aquisition, higher G-
loads through all of the corners than a 911 GT3 tested
there by Road & Track. Just PERFECT balance.
Fun Factor: This car puts a smile on my face everytime I
drive it. Much more so than my GTi, or my mom''s GTO.
Cost: Everything's cheap, tires, brakes, oil changes,
everything. Even gets about 33mpg on the highway!
Appearance: I like it a lot. And I get a lot of compliments
on it wherever I go.
Issues: some weird rattles have developed in the last
year. But then again this car has almost as many track
miles on it as street miles.
Bottom Line: If you want a cheap, fun car that can be
great on the track, this is your ride. I have tons of in-car
video footage of me killing much more expensive cars
(F430 for example). It's easy to learn on, and a blast
once you're good.Dec 13, 2008
by Jacob L
Sep 15, 2008
It's one of the best convertibles ever made, and It only takes 3 sec. to get the ruff down and 4 to get it up again. The cap I manual so no electrical part I going to break down when it starts raining. It’s already a sports car and doesn’t cost a fortune to purchase, style or tune (not that it really needs styling).Sep 15, 2008
by Justin H
Aug 24, 2008
I love my car in the summer time, it is a lot of fun. I can easily take down the top with one hand while i'm at a stop light... The car has a nice pick up and looks sharp.
However I do fear for my life in the winter time.Aug 24, 2008
by Peter T
Jul 29, 2008
Not enough power. 1.8 Sport has only 146hk. The best car ever to race in corners! If the Elise is better I must own one some time but this is by far better looking. The Miata is a classic and with the right rims it can pass as a boys car :-) Jul 29, 2008
by Andy T
Jul 18, 2008
My Crystal Blue Miata is exactly what you want from a sports car. Fun to drive, RWD, 50/50 weight distribution, easy maintenance, high reliability, and I'm just now in July of '08 getting a good rip in the very, very-well-used soft top with 85,000 miles on the car. I'm just now looking into selling the car due to increasing family size (It was okay with 1 child, not 2).
I may be getting another Eunos Roadster from my Sister some day when she moves back from Japan. Right hand drive, 1st generation (with the flip-up headlights) and it is also Crystal Blue!Jul 18, 2008
by David J
Jun 23, 2008
This car has been an absolute dream to own. I've driven it very hard since brand new (7+ years now) and the only problems I've had were problems that I introduced to the car. Despite putting over 100,000 miles on the car and racing it on the track regularly, it's still an absolute blast.Jun 23, 2008
by Andrew James M
Jun 15, 2008
i got it as a 17th birthday present it never let me down an i loved everythin about itJun 15, 2008
by Jason P
May 26, 2008
From the previous owner doing many mods and keeping it tasteful. This car is a blast in the corners. Corners so well it beats a stock subaru sti over 110mph.May 26, 2008
by George V
May 21, 2008
1.6 littre engine, torsen differential...May 21, 2008
by Katy A
May 16, 2008
Lots about so find a good UK one, special edition if you can. Mine is the Mark 2.5 1.8 Sport 6 speed manual in Crystal Blue with lots of extras including chromy bits, heated seats, windblocker, style bars, spoiler....
Great fun - throw back the hood and let the wind in your hairMay 16, 2008
by Peter N
Apr 14, 2008
Ikke noget federe en sommerdag på en snoet vej med taget nede.Apr 14, 2008
by Brittany M
Apr 14, 2008
THIS IS MY BABY! BEST CAR AROUND....ask me if you wanna know more.I dont feel like wasting time telling you how sweet my car is.Apr 14, 2008
by Jordan K
Apr 06, 2008
Short shift, rear wheel drive, with a limited slip-diff, and cheap. Balance is spot on and easy to correct when it steps out. Can get a little sketchy in bad weather.Apr 06, 2008
by Anonymous
Mar 21, 2008
What a fun little car! Grreat handling and adequate performance. What amazes me, is that you can shift as much as you want. Due to adequate torque you can practice your 1st, 3rd, 5th & 6th shifts. OR perform 2nd, 4th & 6th shifts! Basically you can shift as much as you want or not, which was a surprise. I am curious as to what the rear axle ratio is.Mar 21, 2008
by Pandroulas I
Mar 19, 2008
Just perfect :PMar 19, 2008
by Vincent D
Mar 04, 2008
It handles as good as it looks. And this thing with the top down on a small country road or a big open field looks like perfection :)
This car is not only sweet on the weekends but even as a daily drivers car. Mar 04, 2008
by Jason B
Feb 07, 2008
This is really my wife's car, but I'll comment on it anyways.
This is a great car to drive, and nothing beats putting top down and going for a cruise down to the beach on a cool summer night. The handling is responsive, and there is enough power to get up and go. After 80k miles, the car is still is great shape as well. There are some small paint problems on the top of the trunk, but the paint is still in good shape. The interior still looks brand new as well.
The car has also held up fairly well. The only major problems at this point at the fact that the power windows are on the fritz. Also, the O2 sensor went out a few months ago. Then I realized that most replacement parts for Miatas are only made by Mazda, and they are expensive. Other than that, the car still runs great.
The car is a great commuter car as it is easy to maneuver on the freeways and parking lots and gets good gas mileage. It is also a great car to take on a Sunday drive. However, it is horrible if you want to go play golf or go to the in-laws for the weekend. Even if you pack light, it is hard to fit everything into the trunk. Also, it is very impractical for families as it does not hold a car seat and it is hard to go on a full grocery run with it.Feb 07, 2008
by Truman Lucia T
Jan 14, 2008
Need I say more? The best selling cheap roadster of all time!Jan 14, 2008
by Lars O
Jan 08, 2008
This is just as funny as motoring gets. Perfect balance allows for easy control and lots of slides.Jan 08, 2008
by Fernando O
Jan 05, 2008
Perfect weight distribution added to the limited-slip diff and sport suspension with Bilstein shocks, made the handling absolutely perfect. A very economical 1.8L engine with variable cam and enless amounts of torque. Low driving position makes it feel faster than what it really is, so all the fun with less chances of getting a speeding ticket.Jan 05, 2008
What users have asked
How to deal in good faith?
I have an offer from someone to buy my car under the asking price. The car has only been on CG for two days so I'd like to wait a bit longer to see if more bids come in. My options for a response is yes, no, or counter. Do I get to explain my reasoning if I say no?
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Towing a Miata on a trailer
I want to tow my 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata on a trailer behind my Class B motor home (2013 Pleasure Way XL, Ford E350, 20 ft). Any advice or recommendations on trailer brands, models and specs to consider?
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Drained batteries on 2001 Mazda Miata
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My 2001 Mazda miatas engine just froze up, due to lack of oil,
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Top Comparisons
Have you driven a 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata?Compare this car
2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata Pricing
Original MSRP
$21,720 to $26,255Price range
N/AAverage price on CG
N/AYoY price change
N/ATrims & specs
Airbags
Dual front airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: power · Single disc in-Dash CD · AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel
Comfort Features
Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Multi-function remote: keyless entry
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Roof
Convertible roof: hard top
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: cloth
Suspension
Front Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Spring Type: coil springs
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Airbags
Dual front airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: power · Single disc in-Dash CD · Premium Brand: Bose · AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel
Comfort Features
Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Multi-function remote: keyless entry
Drivetrain
Limited slip differential: rear
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Roof
Convertible roof: hard top
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: leather
Suspension
Front Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Spring Type: coil springs
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Airbags
Dual front airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: power · Single disc in-Dash CD · Premium Brand: Bose · AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel
Comfort Features
Shift knob trim: wood · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Multi-function remote: keyless entry
Drivetrain
Limited slip differential: rear
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Roof
Convertible roof: hard top
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: leather
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent