2005 Mazda MAZDASPEED MX-5 Miata Reviews, Pricing & Specs

When MAZDASPEED, Mazda's in-house motorsports and specialty-car tuning division, set out to create a high-performance Miata, it focused on five areas -- the Miata's performance, handling, appearance, driver-vehicle connectivity, and value. As far as performance was concerned, the MAZDASPEED MX-5 Miata received a 25 percent power boost over the standard Miata, thanks to a turbocharged and intercooled 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine that pumped out 178 horsepower. It was linked to a six-speed manual transmission, with refined shift points and a strengthened clutch. Helping to improve the Miata's handling were a lower ride height, beefed-up springs and dampers, a modified double-wishbone suspension, and rack-and-pinion steering. Standard features included black cloth-trimmed upholstery, power windows, power door locks, dual second-generation airbags, a black vinyl convertible top, a glass rear window, anti-lock braking system, 17-inch alloy wheels, and a Bose six-speaker audio system with CD. A Grand Touring package added black leather bucket seats and a black cloth soft top, among other features. Drivers noted that Mazda succeeded in such areas as the value and performance factors, but some had quibbles with the vehicle, including its air conditioning, gas mileage, and seats, which some drivers felt were less then comfortable, especially over the long haul.