In spite of an invasion of two-seat sports cars from other manufacturers, the Mazda Miata remains the benchmark. It offers truly outstanding, classic sports car handling. Rear-wheel drive and light weight make the most of its twin-cam four-cylinder engine. Amenities are traditional elegantly designed sports car: simple and functional.
It isn't the most powerful, or the most luxurious. It isn't the most exotic or the most sophisticated. But in terms of an affordable roadster, which is what the original British sports cars were, the Miata is near perfection. And, following the classic sports car definition, in a pinch it can be raced. It is the best-selling two-seat roadster of all time, according to Guinness World Records; more than 500,000 have been sold worldwide, half of them in North America.
For 2001, Mazda has increased horsepower, enlarged the brakes, stiffened the chassis, and upgraded the interior, making this the best Miata of all time.
Two models are available: Miata ($21,180) and Miata LS ($23,930).
In previous years, the Miata models were organized as packages. The base Miata now comes standard with air conditioning. Also standard are alloy wheels, four-wheel disc brakes, a CD stereo with four speakers, and power windows and mirrors. The base model comes with black cloth and a black convertible top.
LS adds leather upholstery, a tan convertible top, 195/50VR15 tires in place of the base model's 185/60HR14s, a Torsen limited slip rear differential, power door locks, cruise control and a Bose CD/cassette stereo with six speakers.
An optional Suspension Package includes a sports suspension with strut tower brace is available for the LS ($495); this package is also available for the base model ($995) and includes the Torsen LSD and 15-inch wheels and tires. Anti-lock brakes ($550) are an option on the LS. A removable hardtop ($1,500) is available for driving in cold climates, bad neighborhoods or on race tracks.
All Miatas come with a 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine. For 2001, the Miata gets the largest horsepower increase in its 12-year history, raising the output to 155 horsepower. A 5-speed manual gearbox is standard; a 4-speed automatic ($900) is optional; and a 6-speed manual ($650) is optional on LS models.
For 2001,the Miata takes on a more aggressive look with a new front fascia, and a grille opening that adopts Mazda's five-point shape. Headlights are larger with projector beams and multi-surface reflector lights. Taillights are redesigned as well and echo the appearance of the headlights.
In spite of these changes, Miata remains a classic-looking roadster. Miata was redesigned (and re-engineered) for 1999 with exposed projector-type headlamps that replace the old pop-up units, more sculpturing along the sides, and a little raised bump at the rear of the trunk lid reminiscent of the third-generation Mazda RX-7.
For 2001, interior trim has been upgraded. Mazda has gone to the white-faced gauges that have been in vogue the past couple of years. New high-backed seats come covered in new black cloth or new leather. A new center console features covered cupholders and relocated power window switches. The driver's footrest is improved. Door trim is revised, and LS comes with new chrome inside door handles. Fancy, fancy.
This car only seats two, and the cockpit is reminiscent of the British roadsters of the 1950s and '60s. It feels snug to folks over six feet tall and those who sit tall in the saddle are likely to find the top brushing against their hair. But it's perfect for those of standard or smaller stature. The bucket seats are comfortable and supportive. The mirrors are bigger and more effective than those found in BMW's more expensive Z3. The trunk is tiny, but you can wedge in a couple of golf bags back or enough luggage for a weekend excursion.
