2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata

The MX-5 is Mazda's 166 horsepower drop-top roadster. Known as the Miata in North America and simply called "Roadster" in Japan, the MX-5 sets a new standard for the affordable two-seater sports car market. Car and Driver magazine proclaimed the MX-5 as "the best roadster" and included it in its "10 best cars of 2008". The MX-5 is powered by an all aluminum, 2.0 liter, four cylinder motor which is good for 140 foot pounds of torque, and as previously mentioned, 166 horsepower (158 when equipped with an automatic gearbox). Being a performance minded product, premium fuel is of course recommended for optimal performance and fuel economy.

The MX-5 starts at $21,200 and has lengthy list of standard equipment. Exterior standard features include 16" alloy wheels, color-keyed mirrors and door handles, and your choice of a black or tan cloth top. Anti-lock brakes with brake assist and front and side airbags are standard on all MX-5s as well. On the interior power windows are standard while cruise control, power locks, keyless entry, fog lamps, and steering wheel audio controls come via the convenience package on Sport models and come standard on Touring models. The entry level MX-5 is called a "SV" trim, which comes with a five-speed transmission and has no options available.

Air conditioning and a leather wrapped steering wheel are standard on "Sport" trim MX-5s. Those individuals who still desire options such as power locks and keyless entry will want to opt for the convenience package on this trim level. However the sport trim does makes available an automatic transmission with paddle shifters or a six-speed manual transmission (5-speed without the convenience package). Sport models also make available a sport-tuned suspension package which provides blistein shocks and a limited slip differential. Moving to the "Touring" model will make all power equipment standard as well as provide 17" wheels. Run flat tires are also an option available on these two trims.

The top of the line MX-5 is dubbed "Grand Touring". Equipped with Leather seats, a seven-speaker Bose radio, and silver accents the Grand Touring is the most luxurious MX-5 money can buy. As if the Grand Touring model wasn't already loaded to the hilt Mazda has two premium packages available. Premium package #1 includes Xenon headlamps, an anti-theft alarm, traction control, advanced keyless entry and a limited slip differential. For those who wouldn't enjoy the limited slip differential package #2 provides all of the features listed above but with a standard differential.