Since 1980, the Mazda MX-5 Miata has been the top-selling entry-level roadster, but that could be changing. The newly-introduced Pontiac Solstice is off to a very strong start, and the updated Miata is showing signs of weakness. In December, the Solstice sold 2,746 units compared to 1,007 for the MX-5. In January, Pontiac sold 1,990 Solstices, compared to Mazda’s 1,067 units. Automotive News quoted Pontiac spokesman Jim Hopson as saying: “The Miata is an extremely strong competitor, and we thought it was going to be a really good horse race.” As it turns out, the race isn’t quite as close as expected, and for the folks at Pontiac, that’s good news.
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02/07, 5:59 PM
posted by:
madcapp
No
02/07, 6:22 PM
posted by:
jwon
Solstice may look a bit nicer and more exciting than the Miata but clearly the Miata spec sheet is more serious. I think people will realize the Solstice will be a bigger poser car in the future. What the Miata really needs is a nice body kit that screams mean. Regardless, I’m more excited about the Sky than anything else. It looks like a cheap Lotus.
02/07, 6:23 PM
posted by:
nikivee
Yes.
02/07, 7:37 PM
posted by:
Mike
to me the miata represents middle aged women trying to be cute and fun…the solstice, sky and opel gt at least show some muscle, although they are a bit to small for a large man to drive them, im 6′5″ 230.
02/07, 8:14 PM
posted by:
James
Yes
02/07, 9:09 PM
posted by:
Carlos
I personally prefer the Miata, but…
Someone looking for a cheap roadster is going to be 50/50 on the two cars, at first. They’re more likely to like the Solstice’s looks though. A slightly higher proportion will prefer how it drives (more of a cruiser).
But that’s only people looking for a cheap roadster. There are a lot more people who are basically looking to buy a second car and will only look at GM dealerships (or American cars in general), and many of them will see the Solstice and want it. They would never have considered the Miata, and it’s only coincidence that they’re buying a roadster at all.
The Miata just doesn’t have as wide an audience, only because of its brand.
02/07, 11:00 PM
posted by:
tim
“Since 1980, the Mazda MX-5 Miata…”
Uh, 1980?
02/07, 11:38 PM
posted by:
Angelo
no ****, he must have meant 1989 and had a typo, or 1990… depending on whether you’re using model or calendar year.s
02/07, 11:55 PM
posted by:
Rene Curry
Style sells… plain & simple concept the US automakers forgot.
02/08, 12:20 AM
posted by:
jim sanders
I sat in a MX-5 at the auto show. I’m only 5′9″ and it feels tight for me. I think its size is a turn off for many Americans. Otherwise it has a great soft top mechanism!
02/08, 8:02 AM
posted by:
nikivee
You did read the part where the Solstice has outsold the MX-5 right?