The third-generation Mazda MX-5 Miata returns without any major changes for 2008. Although the Miata's overall presentation has remained the same since its 2005 redesign, Mazda added numerous performance enhancements, including traction control, a multilink suspension, a six-speed automatic transmission, and stability control. Mazda will also offer a Special Edition Miata, which includes a premium features package and a special Icy Blue exterior finish.
The new MX-5 has earned very positive reviews for its performance. The roadster offers the ideal blend of responsive steering, sharp handling, and overall driving refinement. The Miata, now nearing its twenty-year aniversary, has built a strong reputation for combining roadster excitement with Japanese reliability. In addition to build quality, the Miata is also considerably more affordable than most European offerings in this segment.
The Miata's acceleration is reasonable, but the 7.5-second 0-60-mph time is often cited as a driver complaint. The cramped interior is another common issue for owners.
Mazda again offers four Miata variants for 2008. The base SV offers a basic standard features package, while the second-tier Sport adds a leather-wrapped steering wheel. The two upper trim levels, Touring and Grand Touring, add some upscale amenities: cruise control, keyless entry, and a CD changer on the Touring, and the Grand Touring adds leather upholstery, heated seats, and a Bose audio system. The Sport, Touring, and Grand Touring trims are all available with a powered retractable hardtop, which adds about 70 pounds of curb weight.
All four Miata trims house a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that delivers 166 horsepower and 140 pound-feet of torque. The SV and Sport models use a five-speed manual transmission, while the Touring and Grand Touring upgrade to a six-speed unit. A six-speed automatic with paddle shifters is optional on all trims except the SV, but opting for the automatic drops horsepower by 5. Fuel economy varies slightly with the transmission, but all Miata drivers can anticipate mixed-driving mileage averages in the mid-20s.
I let my Miata sit too long and the fobs are fine but I believe the batteries dead. I was able to insert the key to get into the car, but the turning implement to turn the car on is locked so I cannot turn it on to give it a rolling jumpstart.
Mazda Miata/MX5 engine turns over but won't start
Hi all, i have mazda mx5 yr 2008. It recently started intermittent starting issues. When it stops running it does not make any noise no cranking . The first time it stopped running it started on its own after playing around with the wires and hammering the starter. The second time it had the issue starting up, I replaced the starter this is the third time it stopped running after I drove back home from work to the engine was warm. I'm not sure what the problem is anymore here is a picture of the housing of the ignition and other fuses I'm about to replace the ignition fuse what else could I try? Could it be the wire harness?
I was cleaned the car this afternoon - wiped down the dashboard and instrument panel and vacuumed the seats and floorboards. Took out the floor mats, vacuumed them and put them back in the car. Then I put the key in the ignition, turned it and nothing happened. The dashboard is completely blank and even the anti-theft light that usually blinks is out. The car was running just fine the day before and my latest maintenance was performed in May which was a 30,000 mile check-up.
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: deactivation switch · Front side airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: mast · 6 disc in-dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio · Sirius Satellite Radio · Total Number of Speakers: 4
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 11.4 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 11.0 · Rear brakes: disc
Comfort Features
Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front
Convenience Features
Center console: front console with storage · Cupholders: front · Multi-function remote: trunk release · One-touch windows: 1 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable · Storage: storage organizer · Vanity mirrors: dual
Driver Seat
Manual adjustments: 6
Drivetrain
Axle ratio: 4.10
Exterior Features
Rear spoiler: lip
Headrests
Front headrests: integrated · Number of front headrests: 2
Instrumentation
Warnings and reminders: low fuel level
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Passenger Seat
Manual Adjustments: 4
Roof
Convertible rear window: glass · Convertible roof: manual
Seatbelts
Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front
Seats
Driver seat manual adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: cloth
Suspension
Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: double wishbones · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): rear
Tires
Type: performance
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Air Conditioning
Single front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: deactivation switch · Front side airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: mast · 6 disc in-dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio · Sirius Satellite Radio · Total Number of Speakers: 4
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 11.4 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 11.0 · Rear brakes: disc
Comfort Features
Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Shift knob trim: aluminum and leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Center console: front console with storage · Cupholders: front · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 1 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio · Storage: front seatback · Vanity mirrors: dual
Driver Seat
Manual adjustments: 6
Drivetrain
Axle ratio: 4.10
Exterior Features
Rear spoiler: lip
Headrests
Front headrests: integrated · Number of front headrests: 2
Instrumentation
Warnings and reminders: low fuel level
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Passenger Seat
Manual Adjustments: 4
Roof
Convertible rear window: glass · Convertible roof: manual
Seatbelts
Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front
Seats
Driver seat manual adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: cloth
Suspension
Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: strut · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): rear
Tires
Type: performance
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent · Power windows: remote operation
Air Conditioning
Single front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: deactivation switch · Front side airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: mast · 6 disc in-dash CD · AM/FM radio · Sirius Satellite Radio · Total Number of Speakers: 6
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 11.4 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 11.0 · Rear brakes: disc
Comfort Features
Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Shift knob trim: aluminum and leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Center console: front console with storage · Cupholders: front · Multi-function remote: trunk release · One-touch windows: 2 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable · Steering wheel mounted controls: cruise controls · Storage: storage organizer · Vanity mirrors: dual
Driver Seat
Manual adjustments: 6
Drivetrain
Axle ratio: 4.10
Exterior Features
Rear spoiler: lip
Headrests
Front headrests: integrated · Number of front headrests: 2
Instrumentation
Warnings and reminders: low fuel level
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Passenger Seat
Manual Adjustments: 4
Roof
Convertible rear window: glass · Convertible roof: with wind blocker
Seatbelts
Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front
Seats
Driver seat manual adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: cloth
Suspension
Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: double wishbones · Rear Shock Type: coil over shock · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): rear
Tires
Type: performance
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent · Power windows: remote operation
Air Conditioning
Single front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: deactivation switch · Front side airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: mast · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio · Sirius Satellite Radio · Total Number of Speakers: 4
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 11.4 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 11.0 · Rear brakes: disc
Comfort Features
Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Shift knob trim: aluminum and leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Center console: front console with storage · Cupholders: front · Multi-function remote: trunk release · One-touch windows: 2 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable · Steering wheel mounted controls: cruise controls · Storage: door pockets · Vanity mirrors: dual
Driver Seat
Manual adjustments: 6
Drivetrain
Axle ratio: 4.10
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2
Instrumentation
Warnings and reminders: low fuel level
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Passenger Seat
Manual Adjustments: 4
Roof
Convertible rear window: glass · Convertible roof: with wind blocker
Seatbelts
Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front
Seats
Driver seat manual adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: cloth
Suspension
Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: strut · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): front
Tires
Type: performance
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent · Power windows: remote operation
Air Conditioning
Single front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: deactivation switch · Front side airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: mast · 6 disc in-dash CD · Premium Brand: Bose · AM/FM radio · Sirius Satellite Radio · Total Number of Speakers: 7
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 11.4 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 11.0 · Rear brakes: disc
Comfort Features
Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Shift knob trim: aluminum and leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Center console: front console with storage · Cupholders: front · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 2 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable · Steering wheel mounted controls: paddle shifter · Storage: storage organizer · Vanity mirrors: dual
Driver Seat
Manual adjustments: 6
Drivetrain
Axle ratio: 4.10 · Limited slip differential: rear
Exterior Features
Rear spoiler: lip
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2
Instrumentation
Warnings and reminders: low fuel level
Lights
Headlights: HID
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Passenger Seat
Manual Adjustments: 4
Roof
Convertible rear window: glass · Convertible roof: manual
Seatbelts
Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front
Seats
Driver seat manual adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: leather
Suspension
Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: strut · Rear Shock Type: coil over shock · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): rear
Tires
Type: performance
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent · Power windows: remote operation
Air Conditioning
Single front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: deactivation switch · Front side airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: mast · 6 disc in-dash CD · AM/FM radio · Sirius Satellite Radio · Total Number of Speakers: 6
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 11.4 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 11.0 · Rear brakes: disc
Comfort Features
Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Shift knob trim: aluminum and leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Center console: front console with storage · Cupholders: front · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 2 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio · Storage: front seatback · Vanity mirrors: dual
Driver Seat
Manual adjustments: 6
Drivetrain
Axle ratio: 4.10
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2
Instrumentation
Warnings and reminders: low fuel level
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Passenger Seat
Manual Adjustments: 4
Roof
Convertible rear window: glass · Convertible roof: with wind blocker
Seatbelts
Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front
Seats
Driver seat manual adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: cloth
Suspension
Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: double wishbones · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): rear
Tires
Type: performance
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent · Power windows: remote operation
Air Conditioning
Single front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: deactivation switch · Front side airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: mast · 6 disc in-dash CD · Premium Brand: Bose · AM/FM radio · Sirius Satellite Radio · Total Number of Speakers: 7
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 11.4 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 11.0 · Rear brakes: disc
Comfort Features
Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Center console: front console with storage · Cupholders: front · Multi-function remote: trunk release · One-touch windows: 2 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable · Steering wheel mounted controls: paddle shifter · Storage: front seatback · Vanity mirrors: dual
Driver Seat
Manual adjustments: 6
Drivetrain
Axle ratio: 4.10 · Limited slip differential: rear
Headrests
Front headrests: integrated · Number of front headrests: 2
Instrumentation
Warnings and reminders: low fuel level
Lights
Headlights: HID
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Passenger Seat
Manual Adjustments: 4
Roof
Convertible rear window: glass · Convertible roof: with wind blocker
Seatbelts
Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front
Seats
Driver seat manual adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: leather
Suspension
Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: strut · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): rear
Tires
Type: performance
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent · Power windows: remote operation
Air Conditioning
Single front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: deactivation switch · Front side airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: mast · 6 disc in-dash CD · Premium Brand: Bose · AM/FM radio · Sirius Satellite Radio · Total Number of Speakers: 7
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 11.4 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 11.0 · Rear brakes: disc
Comfort Features
Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Center console: front console with storage · Cupholders: front · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 2 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable · Steering wheel mounted controls: cruise controls · Storage: door pockets · Vanity mirrors: dual
Driver Seat
Manual adjustments: 6
Drivetrain
Axle ratio: 4.10
Headrests
Front headrests: integrated · Number of front headrests: 2
Instrumentation
Warnings and reminders: low fuel level
Lights
Headlights: HID
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Passenger Seat
Manual Adjustments: 4
Roof
Convertible rear window: glass · Convertible roof: power retractable hard top
Seatbelts
Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front
Seats
Driver seat manual adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: leather
Suspension
Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: strut · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): front
Tires
Type: performance
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent · Power windows: remote operation