2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata New Car Buyer's Guide

What's New for the 2004 Mazda Miata?
New split-spoke alloy wheels freshen the 2004 Mazda Miata on the outside, while the interiors of base models get silver trim on the center stack and vent rings for an updated look. A revised windblocker now has auxiliary audio speakers for better stereo listening with the top down, and the optional six-speed manual transmission has a taller final drive ratio. Leather continues to wrap the steering wheel and shift knob of the 2004 Mazda Miata, but it’s no longer sourced from Nardi. Two new colors – Black Cherry Mica and Strato Blue Mica – have been added for 2004.

Advantages of the 2004 Mazda Miata:

• One of the best manual shifters on the market
• Telepathic and razor sharp steering
• Go-cart handling characteristics
• Impressive brakes
• Top drops in a matter of seconds and can be easily raised from the driver’s seat
• Glass rear window with defroster
• Surprising comfort levels

Objections to the 2004 Mazda Miata:

• Standard engine could use more power
• Limited stowage in the cabin and trunk
• Raucous cabin even with the top up
• Hard for people with big feet to heel-and-toe

Editor's Advice:
Elemental sports cars don’t get much better than the 2004 Mazda Miata. Its 142-horsepower, 1.8-liter inline four-cylinder engine may lack outright engine power, but beyond that, the Mazda Miata is pure performance bliss. Steering, braking, and shifting are nearly faultless. The Miata handles like a go-cart, and is equally entertaining when you flick the tail out in a tight hairpin. Perhaps surprisingly, it’s comfortable for most folks shorter than six feet with inseams measuring 32 inches or less. Downsides to Mazda Miata ownership include interior noise when the thin top is raised and a paltry amount of storage and cargo space, but these are things people expect when shopping for a sports car. Not only is the 2004 Mazda Miata a blast to drive, it’s stone cold reliable. Sales of this iconic roadster, the best selling in the world according to the Guinness Book of World Records, have disappointed lately, and dealers are selling them for well below sticker price. If you’re looking for inexpensive therapy, the 2004 Mazda Miata is one way to paste a big, fat, sloppy grin on your face every time you get behind the wheel.