Comfort vs. Fun - 2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata Convertible Long-Term Road Test

Edmunds.com

Comfort vs. Fun - 2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata Convertible Long-Term Road Test

Road tripping in the Edmunds long-term 2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata.

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kirkhilles1

I have to admit that my first time driving my 2000 Miata (I bought sight unseen) and it was like "whoa" in many aspects. Tight quarters (led to sunvisor and foam seat removal) and quite a bit of volume. Its been a wonderful choice especially for my commute which involves a lot of open-top semi-country driving. That being said, its not a trip car and I was regretting taking it down for a 2 hour drive down to the airport one time. My wife hates driving it (most times) and it can be downright dangerous on anything even close to black ice (I have spun it 270 degrees one time on just a small patch of ice) and while I love it, I crave getting a more "civilized" car like your 2016 Honda Civic.

That being said, its quite fun. Buy an older, cheaper one (this is not an appropriate car for a 6 year loan for $30k) and enjoy the purity of it. Just understand what you are getting into.

daryleason

Sometimes, you have to look at the experience as a whole to determine comfort. The seats (a 40/20/40 split bench with console) in my 2013 F-150 are probably some of the most comfortable seats I've had in any vehicle I've owned. The truck is powerful (360 HP, not "great" by today's standards, but respectable), tows great, handles nicely, and is relatively fuel efficient for a pickup, with plenty of room as a SuperCrew. But it's not "fun" for me. The 1998 Buick Regal GS (3.8 Liter Supercharged) had soft, well built leather seats that didn't kill you going down the road. But my 1989 Chevy Suburban V1500 has the basic, plain, vinyl bench seat. No lumbar support, no adjustments other than sliding forwards or backwards, shot springs (in the seats), ripped cover, etc. By every measurable means, that seat should be horrible. Yet I've yet to have anyone complain about the comfort after taking the truck out to play. The fun melts any anticipated discomfort away.

desmolicious

Maybe the best photo I have seen of the car on this site.

agentorange

"Newsflash: Miatas are loud inside. Road noise ranged from an ever-present din to an intrusive rush, depending on the road surface. That's what the stereo is for, right?"

Tell us again how turning up the stereo would make it quieter.