2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata Review - Best Drivers Car Under $50K
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- Опубліковано 28 вер 2024
- The 2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata is one of the best drivers cars. Fun per dollar, nothing comes close. The Miata is a two door roadster with 155 horsepower and 148 lb-ft of torque, delivered through a 6 speed manual transmission to the rear wheels via an optional limited slip differential. The 2016 Miata features a 2.0L SkyActiv DOHC 4-cyl engine. The Club version features Bilstein shocks, wider high performance tires, and a front shock tower brace. Options include Brembo brakes with BBS forged dark alloy wheels.
MSRP As Tested: $32,820
($3,400 brake and wheel package)
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It's cool how much weight they have saved while keeping the modern look.
plus it actually looks nice.
Hey now. Not all cars need to look aggressive and mean.
+Marcos Cruz I don't quite understand why so many newer cars have to have these angry, scowling front ends. At least Mazda still remembers the idea of just having fun.
+greg raines Its because Miatas are always happy!
+greg raines
I don't like the catfish look, and would like to see the Fiat 124 road test and durability. The Japanese have some front fascia that reduces the look, but it could be a while before someone tries to reengineer Miata slant eyes to something less slit-like. Otherwise I want one now.
+greg raines
Just check out what Toyota did with the Corolla. Dear God...
I love your reviews. They are unique from the other review videos out there because you throw in that engineer's viewpoint. I love the facts and details that have me learning new things like talking about gear ratios or weight and balance. Your reviews teach me something I didnt already know:)
+Victor Marshall very happy to hear it!
You can also read the Mazda advertising brochure...
dont even have to watch it, not missing anything but talking head lol
EE vids always give more than subjective points. I love the details and numbers. Spot on.
There is a reason why Miata has been named roadster of a year for at least 10 years in a row
+KulinBan777 Also because there are pretty much no other roadsters
+Ceazar Carr s2000 there's many of them.
Screamin Miata Not in production for 7 years
Z4? TT?
LastWonderland They are big, heavy, and expensive.
i am in love with the miata. the entire "i can have fun driving without burning fuel, spending as much as a small house and looking pretentious". it seems like the perfect car for someone like me.
I own a 99 MIATA and if it's anything like mine get one immediately xD
+ImElkay its not. There is no steering feel. Peddles are placed too far to the right and that touchscreen is low-res. The seats are nothing special but not bad. Would question their longevity.
+Murray Kitson i think its under powered it should have like 250 hp IMO if it did this car would be fantastic,
+LiveToRide it would then probably be $45-50k and the MIATA isn't really about power. To each his own but I feel like a lot of people would be pissed if they did give it that much....
what i was thinking is why didn't they just throw a turbo model out there similiar to the speed 3. I love the look of miatas but hate the small amount of horse power. my motorcycle has 155 horse power where the miata has only 167.
I guess it's just i am so accustomed to the speed and acceleration of a super-sport motorcycles
The last test was the most important. I am explainly satisfied.
I don't know why these cars get such a "girly" persona. Literally every reviewer I've seen that has gotten into a Miata has absolutely loved the experience.
It's one of those things that people are just supposed to hate at this point
Arthur Houchin cos usually u have to at least point out a few downside of a car. Being girly is the only downside (a subjective one) I see in this car LOL
I'd say it's the styling. Sleekness in an automobile can be a deterrent to men at a certain point. Also, I commented to follow the monthly trend. Happy New Years!
but then porsches are sleek too. But all the boys love porsches. i think sleek just equals a more classy design, not girly. I think its more the body general shape being really small? idk how women think,
Arthur Houchin needs a supercharger and a suspension kit! Then it's perfect!
Your review was spot on. I just drove a 2016 MX5 manual today and had the same driving impression. I've owned M3's and a C6 Corvette and the Miata was incredibly fun by comparison.
Just now watching this and it's another great Miata video! Super informational and all the things you discuss about it's different approach totally make sense. Gah I really wanna drive one!
+subaruwrxfan Man, I seriously haven't been so excited to just drive each day than when this thing was parked out front. The saying about driving a slow car fast applies perfectly to this car. It's just stupid fun. Always in control, safe limits, easy to push. I love it.
Sounds like a future weekend car for you Jason!
I don't have a miata...I have a2012 Mazda 2 (Demio) but I really understand what he claims... I'm an an engineer and I am really amazed with Mazda cars: they are not the best cars in absolute terms maybe, but of you look at these cars from an engineering point of view you will notice how the come up with many trade offs giving you a reliable, fun to drive, efficient (!) well thought and practical end even well made car ( specially speaking about new mazda 2 ,3 6 and so on).
Well done Mazda!
Excellent review, again! I too have test driven a 2016 MX5, and everything that was said in this video, I do agree with. However, I am only 5'10" tall. My knees do not make contact with the steering wheel. I love the old MX5s, each and every year, but this new 2016 is definitely the best of them all!
Your analogy about the cheap wine and chemical reaction is exactly right. I had a S2000 and a Corvette. The S2000 was less than half the price and for me was more fun to drive. The corvette was all powerful and sounded great but it was overkill. My next weekend car will be the 2017 MX5-RF.
I also tested to drive Mazda MX-5. It's not high power car. But very fun to drive.
I want one as second car.
I remember the first time I drove a Miata. Realizing how fun something can be in an inexpensive package.
I also love the weight reduction philosophy for fun driving cars. Personally, I'd love to see something like the Ariel Nomad put into production at an affordable price with a daily commute / weekend off road warrior design. Maybe you could get your hands on one of those to test? :)
+engineering explained you are the only american youtuber, whose videos I like. saying that, i am rally considering buying this car after your video!!
You made me consider about this car, I love it without testing it! Every review in youtube talks about how fun this car! Soon will check on it
Do a video on the 2019 Miata with the higher redline and HP!
Very enjoyable review, articulate and not too technical, you focused on the driving experience ,which I liked, and delivered with such enthusiasm, which I completely share about this amazing exciting, beautiful car .
i agree with you, nothing will ever beat a small and light fr sports car!
I love how precise and technical you are with you specs and information. Even though I may hate to hear some of it (for instance, the 2015 sit drawback vid). However, I am a very factual person, and I want to know the exact numbers and you provide them in a very informative and educated manner. Keep it up my friend. Great vids.
"Adding power makes you faster on the straights. Subtracting weight makes you faster everywhere." Colin Chapman (Lotus)
Can't wait till turbos come out for this ND Miata.
Devonte Murray It's called Fiat 124
ive driven many, many cars in my life (yes yes including ferraris, Lotus, GTRs, M3/M4s etc)...and the Little MX5 is still my favorite..specially this new one...and ive only had it for about an hour from a Mazda dealer...love it
i drove the lastest Elise CR...dont get me wrong it was a great car, superb! the feel of it is unique and you cant really compare it to almost anything else...but then you take an mx5 for a spin a have a feel of it, and then you take a look at the price of the Lotus, and the story is over...(and the mx5 feels a LOT faster then the Lotus on the straights)
this was great lol. I liked the doppelganger part👍🚘
I learned how to drive a manual on a 98 Miata. Super fun cars.
I completely agree this is the *second* best driver's car under $50K, just below the S2000 ;-)
Haha haven't driven the S2K! But I suppose I'm referencing currently produced new cars. There's a massive used market under $50k.
+Engineering Explained Please drive an S2000... It truly is amazing.. I think if you loved the Miata, you will enjoy the S2000 much more. It's a really raw experience and you feel completely in control of what the car is doing directly rather than electrics doing it for you..
Amen! (especially the AP1, the proper one). I live in Indianapolis, so if you're ever here, I'll happily let you drive mine, Engineering Explained.
+Engineering Explained You can take my AP1 out for a spin if you're ever in the bay area. I'll even help you look for one to add to your garage. ;)
Most of your commentary could have applied to every generation of the Miata thus far. They have always been about the enjoyment of driving and with a fairly compliant suspension that results in fairly high handling, but not ridiculous handling limits and more sensory experience from ease of driving than raw horsepower. 0 - 60 in 7 seconds for the NC, or mid-6 seconds for the ND is more than capable enough for a street car. With that said, the good news about any generation Miata is that there is a robust enthusiast marketplace where stiffer suspensions are only a $1,500 coilover kit away, or $4,000 for a fully sorted turbocharger/supercharger install to get acceleration on par with some very expensive machinery.
thanks for the video, glad you liked the car. I've been a fan for years, though the NC I currently have isn't anywhere near worth replacing for the ND... maybe when the ND2 comes out, invariably first gen Miatas have a few teething problems that get sorted out pretty quickly.
Man, I love Miatas! I drive a 1995 Miata and I want this car so bad!!
I have a 99 Nb and I must say the seats are AMAZING!! If I could put those seats in every car I own (I have 6) I would!! They ROCK!!
My personal experience with an NA was that it was extremely durable, too. Rotors and a clutch were the only major repairs in 140K miles. I got an ND and I expect the same.
My first car ever was a hand me down Miata. It wasn't fast but it felt fast because of its light weight. I fell in love with it. I really like the new model. I want to get one.
The most informative video on the Miata I've come across. I do own one and it's nice to hear and see what you have to say about it. Well done guys.
Make an explanation vid on SLIPSTREAMS/ovetakes please (in Formula 1...). Awesome vid as always.
I have never seen him this happy on his other videos.
i want the 1.5 liter in the us
I would maintain that this is one of the most fun cars to drive above 50K too! Great video -- thanks!
The Jaguar F-Type R says no haha. I'm in love with that car as well, but don't have a spare $125K.
Engineering Explained
The standard Jag type F is a beautiful solid car, but I'm going for the lighter and less expensive Mazda RF. Hopefully I won't regret this new vs used Boxster.
At 6'2+, I hope my experience in the soft top will bear out. The Miata has an Italian driver position, so long legs are not so much penalized as a long spine that will bring up your head height. Otherwise, sliding the seat back drops you lower.
The styling comparisons here to the old Vettes, Opal Manta and Triumph Spitfire are correct.
Do you think different grades of premium gas +/- 10% ethanol would have much effect on your speed trials?
WEIGHT REDUCTION BRO TRACK DAY BRO POUNDS OFF BRO ALUMINUM FIBER BRO
+coscorrodrift By the way, great video! Each review is better than the previous one, your editing is on point!
+coscorrodrift thank you thank you thank you!!
+Engineering Explained I was wondering what your degree is in and where you obtained it? I would like to go to Auburn for some sort of engineering but I would love it to be automobile focused like yours :) Any tips for a young 'un?
+REALSLOWWW Because the 400HP semi has 1500ft/lbs of torque or more, vs a 400HP V8 has around 400ft/lbs of torque. Unless you like slipping the clutch all the time, you need the torque to get the load moving.
That's the thing with peak power output numbers...
See, a 200HP Engine could move 50 tons, the problem is gearing. But it would be nowhere near as convienient like with the semi.
The gearbox basically divides power in Torque and logitudinal speed. Within a constant power output, the more torque you have, the less speed you get. It's only a matter of the gearing ratio.
And finally, when you compare the power curves of those engines, youll probably see less power in the high-rpm-engine than in a semi - power which could deliver the acceleration force you need, even in low rpm...
I've watched tons of the new Mazda videos but yours was the best. Thank you!!! I have finally made my mind up and this is the one!!!
Eh. 2-3 years ago people said the same thing about how game-changing the BRZ/FRS was. While it certainly lived up to that, today they're a dime a dozen on craigslist and everybody has moved on. And now a new miata with even less utility? If you're watching this and seriously consider one, wait 2 years for hype to die and buy a used one from somebody who already ate the massive depreciation (it will also be low mileage because s/he couldn't even drive it to the grocery store).
You can certainly drive it to the grocery store, I did multiple times. It has enough space for two people and a low packed weekend, but that's about it. Buying a used car is certainly a way to save money.
Yep. I'm holding out to find one of those "baby on the way", "wife is making me sell my toys" ads in a year or two. Then I'll pick me up an ND Club manual soft top for good money. Even now there are already some hitting the market for decent money.
Love this car. Great review. Really hope more sports cars cut weight like this although Mazda over engineered this car which is why i love them. They have a torque tube on the drivetrain and forged aluminum on all the suspension. Just amazing and deserves praise. Wish they would build a rwd sedan as i need a back seat.
I've driven 400hp BMW's, bmw 325i, mercedes, escort cosworth, escort RS, currently my own ride is just a 2002 s60 2l Turbo, but eventually, ...
the car I had most fun in, was my tiny little fiat seicento
A VERY TINY car, with only a 1100cc 55hp engine, but what a blast to drive it!!
you could race it all the time and have so much fun in it, while not going too fast.
I mean, to have as much sence of speed in a bigger car, you ALWAYS have to drive way too fast.
The lighter, the smaller the car, the simpler the car, the more fun it is.
Wish they made a coupe
Anthony C They have. The Miata RF.
Great little car right there, I think shaving the weight off this Car by Mazda was the Best thing they've done with this vehicle.
Fantastic review and amazing car! I'm very happy with my new Mazda 3 too, they're doing a good job.
I absolutely miss my 99 Miata! Your review is awesome!
What's a good used alternative for someone on a budget?
a used car.
A used Miata, a brz/frs/gt86 (starting to pop up under ten grand commonly now), an e36/46 325i coupe. You could get an awd dsm but I had tons of reliability issues with both my Eclipses.
+FerpiliciousProducts Consider is300
+Robert Trujillo good one there. Always forget the Lexus'. Also if you're okay with fwd Jarl Ballin' then a nissan altima seR is an alright car.
I bought a Pontiac Solstice several years ago for 10k, it's not an every day car but it's great for weekend drives and autocross
I love the Miata's "laughing" grill.
Jason, as usual I really appreciate your videos here. Thanks for posting.
Well, as the old saying goes: Miata Is Always The Answer ;)
I can't afford the new one, but early next year I'm getting a NB one, and all it took for me to make that decision was a couple of minutes in my friends' car. Literally I was wondering what car should I buy for 3-4 months and couple of minutes after jumping into a miata I was like "NOPE, disregard all previous options". That's how fun this car is.
+Maciej Szlachta - Pomianowski I have loved both NBs that I've owned. After 6 years, they can still make me laugh out loud. Go to Miata.net and start reading up on all the valuable info there. Look for LSD equipped ones with 5 or 6 spd manual.
i miss my 1990 miata now sitting at home while im off at college
thank you for bringing back the old style with a twist
More fun than a Fiesta?
+Carlos Way more, take a look under the car you would know. RWD beats FWD thats common sense, and Japanese beats American.
+es3502012 Fiesta is a European car brought to America. Not American... though the brand may be.
FWD is like go-kart responsive steering which can be just as fun. What I mean by that is you turn the wheel and you are going that direction instantly.
On very tight roads with many turns you can easily have just as much if not more fun in a FWD.
It doesn't have to drift to be fun. I don't know who/what put that in peoples heads. It's why hot-hatchbacks are so popular.
+Tiny Turbo On really tight turns, understeer kicks in for a FWD car vs oversteer for RWD car. Understeer isn't as much fun as oversteer IMO.
Tiny Turbo bro plz, the car was brought into America in the 70s, sure. But are you trying to tell me that a bunch of Europeans developed the current gen car? Americans puts no engineering into the car's suspension, chassis or whatever. There is just no way the Fiesta could match the Miata interms of engineering/fun. The Miata's 50/50 weight distribution provides the balance that could kill
the Fiesta
+Tiny Turbo turn the wheel and the miata instantly turns. thats what made me fall in love with my NA. more than my rx7s or other cars.
Great review. Kudos. Only problem is deciding between that modern excellence and the vintage charm of a Miata with pop-up headlights...
Overpriced
+Anthony C Compared to ...?
+Anthony C price hasnt changed at all in 25 years if you adjust for inflation
+Anthony C where do you get more fun for less money?
Just like everything ever, if you looked up the cost to make everything then look at the sales price you will no longer want to pay full price for anything lol
In my opinion it's the best performance car for that money.
I've absolutely fallen in love with the ND Miata. Hopefully will be able to get my hands on one in the next few years, once the Evo VI has taken its toll on me.
I have a 3rd gen automatic touring model and this new one is really attractive. Sat in a new one at a car show and it's got more leg room (I'm 6'2"), a nicer top that's probably going to be quieter and last longer, the seats are more comfy and the view out the front is better with the sliced off nose. The current car has pretty poor fuel economy for such a small light car. I average less than 30 in my normal driving which is a lot of highway even though the auto's pretty aggressive at short shifting so the fact that you're getting so much more is interesting. All in all it's a better car.
BTW it's my sole car and I live in Cincinnati. Tip: don't get the 17" wheels the tires are $$$ (although that's getting better)and you get mad curb rash and I've had 2 flats (destroyed tires from from banging potholes on the highway (thanks crappy Ohio roads). I now carry a space saver spare from an RX7/8 (and have AAA). I had the Yokos originally but those tires don't even last 20K miles. I replaced with Continental 4 season tires and while the grip's less the car understeers less and slides more which is funner (yay!) and the tires have so far lasted 40K miles with tons of tread left and you can drive in snow, rain, mud etc.
I would not bother getting anything but the base model. The touring model gets you a nicer sound system and the 17" wheels and the infotainment system and the Sport model gets you fancy shocks and brakes but I reckon the brakes will be pretty nice on the base. Also I *think* you can't get cloth seats and seat warmers (huge plus) but there's no heated steering wheel (boo!) as those two things make for a ton more top down driving.
Also you can pull mad coogers in a Miata...
+Clifford Bradford and oh yeah, $24k USD for a base model is CHEAP.
Great review. Actually the trunk is about .5 cubic ft SMALLER than the previous version.
This is probably your best video yet.
Keep up the good work. :)
Thank you!!
+1 for the windshield washer test
i fell in love driving this miata at work
Taking nothing away from the iconic miata, but buy a used Honda S2000. Light weight, rwd, more power, good on gas also, looks great even by todays standards, leather interior, and use the $15,000 you save to pay bills. :) just my two cents. Great videos, keep up the good work!!!
+Slade Renegade As much as I like the S2000, it's hard to remove 500lbs from it and keep it somewhat usable. Still a forged engine and 9000rpm is hard to beat.
Not a car for tall people. The Miata goes to 6'3".
Great video, Jason! I've been a long time subscriber on your channel and I really mean it when I say that your enthusiasm for this car made for a great video. Keep up the great work!
Sun visors and the glove box are top of most drivers must have list!
I really wish they'd offer an option with a decent amount of power even if it was only 200ish BHP. Everyone complains about the GT86 and that at least has that. I wish it had an LSD as standard. I was really amazed of the v6 Miata video - that sound - it really does look like the most fun car in the world.
Limited slip differentials need to be on way more vehicles. Once you've experienced one, it's hard to go without.Nice review. Sounds like a decent fair weather vehicle. Problem for me is that without a garage it's almost useless.
It's weird to think that in 20 years, kids are going to making beater drift cars out of these gems.
As I own a Mazda 2, I can say that the mpg figure is correct, probably your car does better than what it says. It says 12.6 km/l on the figure, but most of the time I get more than that, around 13 km/l
Phenomenal review.
(Note: contrary to what he said, the ND has a smaller trunk by less than a cubic foot albeit apparently it has more usable space.)
roads you are driving are always lovely. where are you testing these cars? oregon?
Yes, this channel is based out of Portland, OR, and his test loop is through the Columbia River Gorge.
So I really disliked the last generation Miata. My friend convinced me to take the new one for a test drive and the car was a riot. I would never buy one honestly, but I totally agree with all your points in the video. The stock clutch is noticeably nicer than the last generation.
you are getting really good at this !
I thought I recognized that river, I know it was true when I saw "The Dallas" sign. I'm in Eugene and Own a 16 Miata GT. If you want to have a BLAST with this car, take it to The McKenzie Pass-Santiam Pass Scenic Byway. That is a BLAST of a road to drive it on.
Would be interesting to compare it with the Fiat 124 Spider, since they're built on the same platform
Jason, do I see this being your new fun car?
Great review! I like the whole Twins thing you did. That car looks fun and i'm consdering it for purchase.
once again. another great video
The rear fenders are steel, very thin steel though judging by the way they flex. The car has double wishbones up front, not struts. I really like my new Sport, I've got over 1500 miles so far, perfect on tight NH backroads.
I’m really stuck on wether or not a Miata is going to be my next toy. I love everything about it except for the power. I can’t for the life of me figure out how in modern times they’re only squeezing 150hp out of these 2.0’s. Honda has been making 60 more out of the same displacement for nearly 2 decades. 13:1 is really high for a street car and should make considerably more power, it also makes it almost a dangerous candidate for boost….for the same money I can buy a c6, I just don’t know.
HAHAHA I like the twin effect! nice video sir.
OKOK, you convinced me. Buying it next week
loving the video man. great work
That 0-60 was the on ramp of I90 at lake cda
great editing jason!
Cars these days do much more with much less. 150hp in a 2016 MX5 could be like 200hp in an earlier MX5.
The drivetrains have gotten so much better at putting the power to the road in modern times, not to mention the lighter build materials.
Very nicely done. Never thought of how the wiper fluid can get into the car through the side window while moving.
I am looking forward your take on all new 2016 Civic especially the mechanical part of things. All the reviews from redline and fast lane cars are customer oriented. I wonder what has been changed under the hood and to the suspension. And if the change affects the reliability.
this is one of the reason why i prefer jdm over muscle
Great edition. Awesome review. Congrats.
the glove box is actually that little cubby in between the two seats
Ino Torres that's called a console
I think you messed up with the title of the video, but great video regardless.
Since we're talking under $50k here, have you ever considered the BMW 228i to be a better driver's car than the ND Miata? Since those start at over $30k out the door.
You should show how roof closing looks like
Are you able to review the Fiesta ST? I've watched multiple reviews where people have almost nothing negative to say about it and praise it for how amazing the driving dynamics and handling is. I own one myself, and having driven an FRS before, I must say that I prefer the Fiesta ST.
Most fun fwd car I've ever driven honestly. They did both the Focus and Fiesta ST right.
I haven't driven it unfortunately, though I've heard great things about it and the Focus. There just hasn't been any availability in my area.
+Engineering Explained I'd let you review mine but I'm not sure where you are located. I'm in south-east Virginia. Hampton roads area.
Good that Jason's S2000 shifts good. My Honda shifts like an Italian car. My Honda have eps and it is a bit to racy.
My parents have a Honda Civic from 2002 with eps, steers like rubber.
It is a great car. I hate the leather seats though, really cheap and uncomfortable. You need the Recarro's which are a fantastic upgrade.
I'd like to consider one down the road in hardtop version. hopefully they make one. softops look bad and somebody will slash, or it wears down.
Hahaha nice little windshield wiper add on at the end :D
It's gonna be a tough choice when the 2017/2018 Honda Civic type R releases in the U. S.
Great editing and a well paced review that is dense and fun. Best reviewer out there! Also, how does the steering ratio translates to feel? By reducing ratio doesn't you need more assistance thus less feel? Maybe that's why they have gone this route on the miata. Correct me if I am going nonsense here.
Higher ratios will have less steering effort (assuming power assist remains equal), and makes the steering more controllable as far as sensitivity (the steering requires you to turn the wheel more). But you can of course adapt your driving to a sensitive wheel (ex: anything in racing).
Thanks for clarifying that for me!
I agree everything about this review . Giving an optional engine adding variable valve/cam timing for the exhaust valves/camshaft would be perfect . . . but even without it , I still would one :) unfortunately , there are no Mazda Miata dealerships from where I am :( . I do miss simple & lightweight mid engine rear wheel drives ; such as the Toyota MR-S
.
+Andy Zhuo The skyactive has Variable valve lift on the exhaust side, is that not the same?
Source: www.caranddriver.com/news/mazda-skyactiv-g-and-skyactiv-d-engines-news
8:40 con-traction control. The acceleration is so intense, you'll lose bowel control!