Overall reader verdict 5 out of 5 stars

  • What's it like to drive
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Running costs
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Quality, practicality and equipment
    4 out of 5 stars

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Mazda MX-5
34 reader reviews for Mazda MX-5 Open.

  • 2.0i 2dr

    Martin Read , West Midlands . Date: 19/12/2010
    • Overall verdict
      2 out of 5 stars
    • What's it like to drive
      2 out of 5 stars
    • Running costs
      2 out of 5 stars
    • Quality, practicality and equipment
      3 out of 5 stars

    My car

    If you wish to drive reasonably quickly along country roads with the hood down and just enjoy, then this is for you. If you wish to have fun away from the lights, forget it. A diesel van will beat you and then, no matter how well you hug the road, you have to follow him as you will not have the power to overtake! Sounds like I'm complaining. Well, having owned a Mk. 2, 2.5 (1.8s) and 3 (2.0ltr face-lift) in a way I am and feel jusstified in doing so, and there-in lies the problem. It is a great car and great fun but how you can call it a sports car when so many standard cars will show you a clean pair of heels in the traffic-light drag means this car contravenes the fit-for-use trades description act as it is definitealy NOT a sports car. I shall continue to enjoy mine for what it is but, please, oh please Mr. Mazda, bring one out with some poke and I promise I will never complain again. Don't get me wrong. Having owned 3 you probably think I am mad but I truly enjoy a lot of aspects of the car and its reliability is great and in the morning traffic run, with the hood down and heated seats on a Spring or Autumn crisp day it is a pure delight but, as I keep stressing, arrive first at the lights with an Astra diesel van on the outside, forget it unless you like being embarrassed cos it will leave you standing up to the speed limit. The 6spd box is rubbish (owned 2), get the 5spd, fabuolous.

  • 1.8i (Option Pack) 2dr

    Geoff Crawford , Flintshire . Date: 01/09/2010
    • Overall verdict
      4 out of 5 stars
    • What's it like to drive
      5 out of 5 stars
    • Running costs
      4 out of 5 stars
    • Quality, practicality and equipment
      4 out of 5 stars

    My car

    Only had this car for a couple of weeks (Mk3 on a 2007 plate), but happy with the nippy little engine. Previously had an MX5 MK2 1.8iS (140BHP on a 1998 plate) and thought that was quick - however, this MK3 1.8i version, although only pumping out 125BHP, does seem to have more torque in mid range speeds and is a lot quicker overall - but maybe not in the 0-60 dash? I had my Mk2 for 4 years and it didn't miss a beat and the only reason that I have just parted with it is the dredded 'tin worm' was starting to affect the rear wheel arches and sills (known problems with this particular model). I hope to get as many years of trouble free motoring with this little beauty. (It is finished in Galaxy Grey Mica - that's Battleship Grey with a bit of a sparkle!).

  • 1.8i 20th Anniversary 2dr

    keith allport , notts . Date: 29/07/2010
    • Overall verdict
      5 out of 5 stars
    • What's it like to drive
      5 out of 5 stars
    • Running costs
      5 out of 5 stars
    • Quality, practicality and equipment
      5 out of 5 stars
    • Average MPG
      35

    My car

    having fancied owning one of these cars for many years, i have decided to take the plunge and purchased a gleaming white 20th anniversary edition, i have only had it for one month so for now i have rated it 5 stars across the board when i have had it for six months i will up date my rating but so far so good !!!

  • 2.0i 2dr

    justin wallace , devon . Date: 20/03/2010
    • Overall verdict
      4 out of 5 stars
    • What's it like to drive
      5 out of 5 stars
    • Running costs
      4 out of 5 stars
    • Quality, practicality and equipment
      4 out of 5 stars
    • Average MPG
      32

    My car

    I have owned my mx5 for 4 years. I dont drive many miles but thought I would get this car for a bit of fun. The downsides are that most will probably need to run this as a second car due to lack of space/practicability. Its not easy to defrost on those cold winter mornings and the petrol consumption is just about ok compared to an average small family car. So should you buy one? Absolutely. Why? Because everytime you drive you will have a bigger smile on your face than if you had been out the night before and pulled Angelina Jolie. The mx5 is great fun to drive and the engine likes to be pushed. Its good on the main roads but really comes to life on country roads where you can throw the car around.

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