

Fleet Update: 2006 Mazda MX-5

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It was a blast! We used our MX-5 as a pursuit vehicle in our recent police car story; those poor cop cars didn't stand a chance. With the MX-5's potent driving dynamics, perfect power-to-weight ratio, engaging engine response, and short-throw shifter; this car is a delight to play with. Toss in the added benefit of a convertible, and you double the fun factor-although we're chomping at the bit to get our hands on the new hardtop. One editor summed up the little Mazda best: "Fantastically fun car that makes even a short 1.5-mile commute like mine enjoyable and thrilling."
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MORE VOICES: One of my favorite little joys re: this Miata (call it what you will, it'll always be a Miata to me and most others) are the door mounted cupholders. By designing a deep cupholder into each door, Mazda has shown that they are serious about not getting in the way of the driver's shifting space. Sure, there are also cupholders just aft of the shifter, and putting a cup in here forces the driver to change his/her reach to the shifter, but the additional cupholders on the door allow the driver to skip the center console mounted holders, and stash their bottle of water, coffee to-go cup, or fountain drink, in the deep, secure wells on the doors. It's a clever design and it works well. The Miata is a sports car, and sports cars need cupholders just like any other car. But, a sportscar's cupholder should never get in the way of an aggressive driver. Apparently Mazda is perfectly aware of that. -Brian Vance I'm with Brian - it's a Miata, no matter what they call it. Still the perfect, pint-sized sports car, in the tradition of the great British roadsters of the past, sans the crap electronics, oil leaks, drafty tops, side curtains, and rust on demand. But Mazda peeps, you have six gears to work with. Can't you give us a sixth gear that doesn't scream so hard on the freeway at 70-75? I know you want to keep the ratios close so the engine stays on boil. But you have plenty to spare, so give us just one cruising gear, or move fifth and sixth up a bit. The rest can stay where they are. -Matt Stone
2006 Mazda MX-5
Total Mileage 11,729
Average fuel econ 23.9 mpg
Unresolved problem areas None
Maintenance cost $29.56
Normal-wear cost $9 (three quarts oil)

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