2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata Reviews, Pricing & Specs
Overview
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...
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.
What owners say
"Drivers love the 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata for its fun and engaging driving experience, highlighted by excellent handling and balance. It’s praised for being economical, easy to maintain, and not too expensive, making it a great choice for those looking for a sporty car. However, some owners expressed dissatisfaction with the limited power and small cargo space, noting it can be impractical for daily family use."
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.
February 7, 2008Perfect 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.
January 5, 2008Acceleration: 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.
December 13, 2008What owners say
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.
February 7, 2008Perfect 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.
January 5, 2008Acceleration: 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.
December 13, 2008Fabulous 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.
October 21, 2021Good 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.
October 22, 2009Best sports car for the money. Reliable, fun to drive, easy to modify, affordable.
August 21, 2020It 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.
March 4, 2008Great 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.
December 18, 2011Short 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.
April 6, 2008This is just as funny as motoring gets. Perfect balance allows for easy control and lots of slides.
January 8, 2008Trims & specs
Base MSRP $26,255 | Seating 2 |
Engine 1.8L 142 hp I4 | Cargo Capacity 5.1 cu ft |
Combined MPG 23 | Drivetrain RWD |
Base MSRP $24,470 | Seating 2 |
Engine 1.8L 142 hp I4 | Cargo Capacity 5.1 cu ft |
Combined MPG 23 | Drivetrain RWD |
Base MSRP $21,720 | Seating 2 |
Engine 1.8L 142 hp I4 | Cargo Capacity 5.1 cu ft |
Combined MPG 23 | Drivetrain RWD |
