New Miata...
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Originally Posted by bitkahuna
Just read a preview (no driving impressions yet) of the 06 Miata in AutoWeek. Looks real sweet. Any opinions?
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From: Virginia/D.C. suburbs
Name dropped, my a - -. 
In my book, a Miata will ALWAYS be a Miata.
Again, great job. Mazda resisted the temptation once more to significantly depart from the original and kept the car true to its roots. The only thing I'm not impressed with ( besides the fact that I can't get my big, heavy frame into it ) is the new steering wheel buttons....a pure sports car IMO can do without those.
In my book, a Miata will ALWAYS be a Miata.Again, great job. Mazda resisted the temptation once more to significantly depart from the original and kept the car true to its roots. The only thing I'm not impressed with ( besides the fact that I can't get my big, heavy frame into it ) is the new steering wheel buttons....a pure sports car IMO can do without those.
Originally Posted by mmarshall
Name dropped, my a - -. In my book, a Miata will ALWAYS be a Miata.
Again, great job. Mazda resisted the temptation once more to significantly depart from the original and kept the car true to its roots. The only thing I'm not impressed with ( besides the fact that I can't get my big, heavy frame into it ) is the new steering wheel buttons....a pure sports car IMO can do without those.
In my book, a Miata will ALWAYS be a Miata.Again, great job. Mazda resisted the temptation once more to significantly depart from the original and kept the car true to its roots. The only thing I'm not impressed with ( besides the fact that I can't get my big, heavy frame into it ) is the new steering wheel buttons....a pure sports car IMO can do without those.
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From: Virginia/D.C. suburbs
Originally Posted by Koma
Ok well Mazda can no longer call it a Miata.
It is foolish for the company to think otherwise.
Originally Posted by mmarshall
You're not getting my point. Mazda may no longer use the Miata name but the public WILL.
It is foolish for the company to think otherwise.
It is foolish for the company to think otherwise.
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OK, Koma...point taken. 
I just wish I could fit into one. It is a blast of a car to drive but unfortunately isn't built for anyone over about 5' 7" or 5' 8" and about 180-200 lbs. or so.
I just wish I could fit into one. It is a blast of a car to drive but unfortunately isn't built for anyone over about 5' 7" or 5' 8" and about 180-200 lbs. or so.
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I used to own a 1990 little red Miata soft top, boy did I LOVE that car. Lots of fond memories cruising around in that car with the top down. Back then I used to live close to the beach. Okay so even though Mazda made the mistake of changing the name (Acura Legend anyone?), it will always be a Miata in my heart. 
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Originally Posted by Longo Lexus
I used to own a 1990 little red Miata soft top, boy did I LOVE that car. Lots of fond memories cruising around in that car with the top down. Back then I used to live close to the beach. Okay so even though Mazda made the mistake of changing the name (Acura Legend anyone?), it will always be a Miata in my heart.
What did you think of the present-generation MR2 Spider compared to the Miata....besides the obvious differences in stability and handling from having the engine behind the driver's seat?
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From: Australia
I had a 99 Mazda MX-5 (aka Miata) for about 12 months. Man, it was a sweet little drive. If you're looking for pure driving enjoyment it is almost without peer (the NSX is probably the only car I've enjoyed driving more).
But the old one was a bit cheap inside, far too plasticky. You also felt very vulnerable with no side airbags - especially given the fact that everyone seems to be driving SUVs.
I'm am an averaged sized guy and I fit pretty well inside it. But after a while it begins to feel claustrophobic. Indeed that's why I ended up selling it....i felt like I had no room to move - not a nice feeling at all. So, you haven't missed out on too much Mmarshall.
I bought a top-of-the-range Camry and was, in fact, much happier at the end of the day.
I will be interested to see whether the new one remedies those problems.
But the old one was a bit cheap inside, far too plasticky. You also felt very vulnerable with no side airbags - especially given the fact that everyone seems to be driving SUVs.
I'm am an averaged sized guy and I fit pretty well inside it. But after a while it begins to feel claustrophobic. Indeed that's why I ended up selling it....i felt like I had no room to move - not a nice feeling at all. So, you haven't missed out on too much Mmarshall.
I bought a top-of-the-range Camry and was, in fact, much happier at the end of the day.
I will be interested to see whether the new one remedies those problems.
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While the past ones were a blast, handling-wise, they also rode too harshly for my tastes....a combination of the short wheelbase, lack of suspension travel, and firm springs and shocks. The engine was buzzy on the Interstates even in fifth gear due to short gearing. They were NOT long-distance cruisers by any means. They were at their best pretty much under the conditions Liz described.
It will be interesting to see what has been done with the new suspension, if anything.
It will be interesting to see what has been done with the new suspension, if anything.
Last edited by mmarshall; Apr 7, 2005 at 04:14 AM.
Originally Posted by mmarshall
While the past ones were a blast, handling-wise, they also rode too harshly for my tastes....a combination of the short wheelbase, lack of suspension travel, and firm springs and shocks. The engine was buzzy on the Interstates even in fifth gear due to short gearing. They were NOT long-distance cruisers by any means. They were at their best pretty much under the conditions Liz described.
It will be interesting to see what has been done with the new suspension, if anything.
It will be interesting to see what has been done with the new suspension, if anything.
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Joined: Oct 2003
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From: Virginia/D.C. suburbs
Originally Posted by bitkahuna
The new one is slightly bigger but definitely a good bit more wheelbase so the ride should be better.
Originally Posted by mmarshall
Yeah...unlike some of us, Liz.....you apparantly could FIT in one.
What did you think of the present-generation MR2 Spider compared to the Miata....besides the obvious differences in stability and handling from having the engine behind the driver's seat?
What did you think of the present-generation MR2 Spider compared to the Miata....besides the obvious differences in stability and handling from having the engine behind the driver's seat?