- Average user rating: 3.5 stars out of 10 reviews Back to product review
- My rating: 0 stars
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5 out of 5 people found this review helpful
4.5 stars
"About as good as cars get"
Pros: Everything relating to performance; looks; comfort; great gas mileage
Cons: slightly loud on freeway; soft springs (not problem for most though...)
Summary: I had written a review before the whole CNet article was written but apparently it had gone away. Instead of listing its praises, I will simply address the issues CNet brought up.
The first problem has to do with this whole section in general, but is really highlighted in this review. This car getting a 6.7 out of 10 is pretty pathetic. If you are going to rate cars, rate cars. But dont give cars a poor rating because it has a four-speaker sound system. Anyway, rant over.
The lack of MP3 capability should have been explained more clearly by Mazda. The only sound systems that are MP3 capable are:
1. The single slot player with "MP3" written next to the slot (this is not standard and must be ordered or installed at the dealer)
2. The Bose 6-Disc player (installed at dealer aftermarket)
Mazda did a pretty poor job explaining this but, the bright spot is that the Japanese Mazda Accessories guide clearly shows a dealer-installed AUX-input in the center console. So, MP3 players will be allowed once that is installed. And again, you can get MP3 capable CD players, they just dont come standard.
The next concern was the sound system's lack of aftermarket "friendliness". Actually, the system isnt that difficult to access. It just involves taking off the panels and pulling out the big "box". The panels will be more difficult to remove than other cheapo set-ups, but that is not to say that it cant be done. In fact, a couple of owners have already installed custom navigation systems. And for the rest of the world that doesnt care about this, it is good to have a standard system that doesnt look like a bottom-of-the-line last minute job. The whole thing looks good and thats all most people are really going to want.
The lack of a spare tire has been a concern among many owners. Fortunately, there is a good solution: the standard RX-8 space-saver spare fits perfectly inside the trunk of the MX-5. Unfortunately, it deletes about 60 percent of the trunk space. But, the standard tire repair kit isnt so bad when the Mazda comes standard with Roadside Assistance. And, lets face it, even if we had a spare, we would still be calling Roadside Assistance to get it fixed. I ordered the RFTs (run flat tires) and love them. I recommend them as they dont compromise ride quality and are still great performance tires. Only negative to look out for: the RFTs are Bridgestone RE050As which have a tread rating of 140. Do expect to replace the tires sooner than most tires. But, it is a great quality tire so it is almost worth it. And with the tire costing 178 dollars on tirerack.com, the 500-and-some charge for the RFTs is extremely reasonable keeping in mind that it comes with a tire pressure monitoring system. IF you are even considering RFTs, now is the time to get them. It will be much easier now and also cheaper.
I mentioned in my negatives, soft springs. The car has a soft suspension setup, mostly to help encourage new buyers to get into the segment. This translates to a good amount of body roll when you really start to cane it. It does not mean a lack of grip but it is discomforting for a lot of people. An aftermarket MazdaSpeed Sport Spring Kit is available for around 350 dollars if you are concerned about this.
Overall, it seems that CNet forgot that this is a sports car. People who are going to buy this car dont care about their audio quality and their MP3 capability. What they will care about is the drive and the drive is about as good as you will ever get.
- 3 replies to this review
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I own the 2007 model and it's a fantastic car to drive, brings a big smile everytime. For fun driving 10/10. The stereo though gets 2/10.
The stereo wouldn't change my decision, but it's important to realise that the stereo is the one big drawback. I have the six speaker option (not Bose) but the sound is poor compared to even a basic Ford Fiesta, mainly due to the lack of bass.
With the top down the stereo struggles from the lack of bass. ( I have bass on +6 which is the top setting and treble at -5)
Just be aware that the weak sound is a drwaback - if you listen to classical music that's probably not an issue, but for most other users it will be a niggle. No point in ducking the issue, and instead hopefully Mazda will improve on this in future models as it wouldn't be difficult to improve. Try a Mazda 3's stereo for example and compare.
Other info:
An Mazda approved ipod cable can be added by the dealer which is great, but would be worth looking into an aftermarket upgrade if you like your music for the main amplifier etc. -
I just read CNET MX5 review this morning. I was stunned that the review missed the essence of a car like this-- basically FUN & PERFORMANCE. My inital reaction was to "add on" or "replace" those features you wanted. No big deal.
For those who have owned a Miata before or those seeking a value sports car, CNET's criticisms are petty.
The 2006 MX5 is high on my next new car list. -
Good review.
I too was taken aback by the speaker/MP3 comment. Written by/for high school students?
I'm 45 an the MX-5 is on my top 3 list of cars I plan on buying in the new year.
