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2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata: First Drive
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Doc 2¢
07/14/09

In reply to 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata: First Drive
My heart lies for the NA/NB still not feeling the NC's looks but the 2.0 powerplant sounds awesome. As for the whole chick car thing, I'd rather my car attract the ladies rather than dudes, plus it's a killer driver ride.
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Mobius
07/14/09

In reply to 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata: First Drive
They Sure Don't Make Basketball Shorts tiny little sports cars Like They Used To
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Mobius
07/14/09

@Mobius_1000_Club: Dammit, where' s mah strikethrough?
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reefer
07/14/09

In reply to 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata: First Drive
Almost sounds like this review was done by a non-enthusiast. I'm sorry, but put yourself through atleats a few autocross courses then review this car. You sound scared of what it can do.... feel the car and react from that.

The rear end stepping out from a RWD car is normal, control it... and you'll feel like a hero.
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Wes Siler
07/14/09

@reefer: I'm sorry, did you not read it?
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mdensch
07/13/09

In reply to 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata: First Drive
Great article, so much of it hit home.

A friend and I took my '01 SE out on a drive with a Miata club on some twisty roads in rural Wisconsin recently. We both agreed that being the passenger was more white knuckled than being the driver. I understand better, now, why.

And ever since I bought the car last fall, I've tried to nail just what makes it so satisfying to drive. Siler put just the right words to it: "it's involving and exciting at relatively low speeds . . . . [Y]ou never find yourself with more power than you can use, meaning you can use it all."

Exactly, man. Thank you.
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eggwich del fiero
07/13/09

In reply to 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata: First Drive
If they ever start producing one with a fixed top, I'll consider it.
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skitter
07/13/09

@eggwich del fierow your own:There's always the PCH Mazdaspeed Daytona Berlinetta route.
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eggwich del fiero
07/13/09

@skitter: I would love to go that route, but depending on my mechanical talents to get my acceleration fix only results in selfstaredowns in the mirror with the mantra "you're not a mechanic! nor mechanically inclined! Stop pretending!" Truth hurts.
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DoctorNine
07/13/09

In reply to 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata: First Drive
Will the body work from the second generation fit on the front end of these things? Because I can't take that smiley face. And I really, really think the forged crank, pistons and oil cooler sound like a great idea.
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Turkina
07/13/09

In reply to 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata: First Drive
Wes, I think being an avid motorcyclist doesn't help with the squirm factor when you're a passenger. Instead of "Oh, that's poor driving form!" going through your head, it probably connected with the 'If I did something that stupid on my bike, I'd be a red smear!" Bikes teach you lessons the painful way. This would explain you sensitivity to piloting errors.
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Wes Siler
07/13/09

@Turkina: That could well be it, I now associate crashes with pain.
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Turkina
07/13/09

@Wes Siler: Unfortunately, I do as well :( Although I dream for the day when I buy another two-wheeled tool of terror... (did I say terror? I meant sport/touring)
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01NB, now with less 01NB
07/13/09

In reply to 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata: First Drive
"MX-5: It's hoon-tacular"

And you probably won't go to jail if caught.
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philibuster
07/13/09

In reply to 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata: First Drive
Too bad it hasn't escaped model bloat disorder. Still, I want one.
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TimTim
07/13/09

In reply to 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata: First Drive
Sounds like you're a similar passenger to my wife, Wes. Especially if you make squeaking noises when stuff really gets to ya.

The reaction is where the similarities end though, I only wish she'd critique my turn in points, trail braking, or mid corner downshifts. She's more worried about following distances, merging, and excessive speed in corners. That's all usually at 20 under posted limits.

So, did you say anything? or get to trade seats (as the article title would suggest) at any point?
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Wes Siler
07/13/09

@TimTim [Minardi]: I couldn't have reviewed it if I hadn't driven it!
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Van Sarockin, rogue trebuchet
07/13/09

In reply to 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata: First Drive
So, will this model croak the resale value of the older one's? If so I'm all for anything that makes them more affordable. Miata's seem to hold their value ridiculously well.

Nice piece. Can't wait for the three part review.
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Novaload
07/13/09

@Van Sarockin, rogue trebuchet: I'm with you. The Miatas were just born cool and stayed cool.

Miata have one.
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Jim Topoleski
07/13/09

In reply to 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata: First Drive

Who in their right mind ever thought making your front end look like Fudgie the Whale costume would sell your car.

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smalleyxb122
07/13/09

In reply to 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata: First Drive
When I first read "...questionable looks..., I thought, "nope, I don't think I can get past the questionable looks of the new MX-5."

Then I realized what you were really talking about.

The new car may be better than the previous models in driving dynamics, but the second generation was the high water mark in styling, IMHO.
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Manacit
07/13/09

@smalleyxb122:

Popup Headlights > *:
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Edited by Manacit at 07/13/09 4:02 PM Manacit was starred Manacit was unstarred

01NB, now with less 01NB
07/13/09

@Manacit: I have love for all, but tell me this ain't sexy:

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Edited by 01NB, now with less 01NB at 07/13/09 4:49 PM

Leeeeena the Jalopchick
07/13/09

@01NB: I'm jealous of your front end. I have the '99 NB with the bigger eyes and less cool lights.
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discontinuuity has left the Jalop until further notice
07/14/09

@smalleyxb122: I prefer the first generation, but I think we can both agree that the third is not that attractive.
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sos10
07/13/09

In reply to 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata: First Drive
"Ride with me, even when I'm going fast, and you could fall asleep. The problem is, if I'm riding with you, I can't. I'll be busy spotting every little mistake, silently critiquing each and every one of your turn-in points and cringing every time you step outside the bounds of what I consider appropriate. In short, I'm anal."

How painfully familiar. I'm anal too.
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Leeeeena the Jalopchick
07/13/09

@sos10: There is only one solution for that. Find somebody who drives exactly the same way as you do and for god's sake, don't ever let them go! Trust me, this person is equally important as a passenger/critic and as a driver when you want to take a break.

It's amazing how relaxed you can feel even when you're in the middle of a really hard drive when you are in the care of a person whose driving you trust completely.
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If FromaBuick6 has to watch one more Chevy commercial, he's going to punch Howie Long in the face
07/13/09

In reply to 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata: First Drive
I always thought the question with the Miata was woman vs. man, not man vs. mouse.

Hell, I don't care if driving this car makes me an anteater, I still want one.
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