Overview & Reviews

Mazda adds a Touring Package to the options list, consisting of alloy wheels, power steering, leather-wrapped steering wheel, power mirrors, power windows and door map pockets. Midyear a new M-Edition debuts, sporting Marina Green paint and chromed alloy wheels. Summertime brings the limited-production STO-Edition, of which 1,500 were produced.

• Sheer joy to drive, perfect weight distribution, zingy engine, excellent HVAC system, perfect communication from suspension and steering, forgiving at-the-limit handling

• Space inside is tight, rear window is plastic rather than glass, no passenger airbag cutoff switch, teensy trunk

User Reviews:

Showing 1 through 10 of 32.00

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  Awesome Affordable performance - 1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By dbensyl@att.net - May 21 - 10:00 am

  This is my third Miata after owning a 1990 and then a 1994 model. I have owned many cars from cheap imports to a Lexus LS 400. In my opinion the Miata is the most trouble free car on the road to own and operate, and a joy to drive. I put over 100,000 miles on the first one and only replaced an $8 headlight (excluding routine oil changes, tires, and filters). The only weakness I have seen in these cars is that the OEM spark plug wires do not last that long. Replacement spark plug wire set will last for another 100,000 miles and cost around $30-35. This car is always a blast to drive and will never leave you stranded.

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  Miata STO - 1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Bodid - December 12 - 11:56 am

  Well I bought a special edition, and I love it!!! The STO version had just enough of the right stuff and not too much of the poofy stuff, to make it attractive. It is totally reliable, totally fun, and good looking, even though I must admit its probably a chick car (sorry). I love to autocross it and beat the Ford Mustangs, and the Cameros, and the other V8s with my little four banger. It handles incredibly well. Its a bit tight, and noisy with the cloth top, so I leave mine down most of the time. Ive had MGs, Fiats, VWs, and this is the best convertible I have ever had. Would buy another in a heart beat. Life is too short to drive a mere sedan, get a convertible, and drive it

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  Fun car to drive - 1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Ceasar - November 1 - 10:00 am

  When I first walked up to the car I said, "Its so small, no way I could like this". When I got into the test drive I was sold ! The power is a bit lacking but I can not get over the handling. It is such an nice car to drive. I am planning to turbo it but stock it is GREAT.

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  Couldnt be happier. - 1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By vectorwolf - July 27 - 2:00 am

  I purchased this vehicle in July 2002 with 45,000 miles on the odomoeter. It now has nearly 70,000, and Ive yet to have any mechanical, or other, problems. Its as quick off the line as any V-6, turns heads wherever you go, and is far more roomy and comfortable than its exterior go-kart appearance lets on. Its terrific in bad weather as well. No leaks unless youre driving in horizontal rain. And, amazingly enough, with only a pair of snow tires on the rear wheels (any generic brand will do), youll be passing by other poor souls in SUVs in the dead of winter. Well worth the trouble of actually locating one for sale. Zoom, zoom. :-)

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  Update from Doug - 1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Update - July 16 - 1:16 pm

  I have now owned the car for four-plus years and have 140k on it. I had to replace the clutch this summer. I switched to premium fuel (instead of alcohol blend) and mileage went from 25 mpg in town to 28 and runs better. Still great fun and highly recommended.

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  My Life Long Dream - 1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Love My "M" - April 24 - 11:00 am

  Had a 1967 MGB and never thought I could match the experience. My 1997 "M" Edition blows away the "B". I am the original owner and only driver of my "M". Still today stopped at a traffic light people roll down their window and say what a beautiful car. The driving experience at sundown or at night with the top down and the pipes purring is indescribable if you havent experienced it. This is absolutely the most fun car to drive in the whole world. All the other two-seaters are "phonies" with their too-much power and comfort features. Yes the "B" was a classic never to be replaced, until the Miata, especially the last of the original breed, the 1997 "M" Edition.

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  Favorite Car yet - 1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Kimmyroo - April 3 - 2:00 am

  I bought my Miata in 97. My first Mazda. I researched them completely and my Miata has lived up to the reputation of being fun, quick and most of all reliable. I have never had any problems with it, only performed the normal scheduled work. 96K miles and it still has a lot of life in it! I would recommend these cars to anyone. More than that, I would buy another one in a heartbeat! Super cars!

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  Youll Get My Miata... - 1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By azcat - February 8 - 10:00 am

  ...when you pry my cold, dead fingers from the steering wheel. >102k miles, <$50 in unplanned maintenance, and a blast to drive. Plenty of room for two. Of >30 cars Ive owned, this one is by far the best built, best running, and most fun to drive. You cant go wrong with one of these.

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  Love my Miata - 1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By SUSAN - January 27 - 6:46 pm

  Last weekend we went to Panama City Beach in my Miata with our dog. It was great. Loved not putting my money in the gas tank. We have a Navigator that we use to travel in, it cost over $100.00 to fill it up now. Only about $42.00 to fill up the Miata and can go over 340 miles on one tank. What more could I ask for from an 11 year old car with 48,000 when I bought it.

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  Mood Elevator - 1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Omaha Driver - February 9 - 11:50 am

  Take an ordinary day with time in the office, add a business trip or errand, take down the top on the Miata, and presto, instant mini-vacation. What a mood elevator. I bought the car with 100K and have added 36k over three years as my daily driver. I even drove it this winter (not recommended). Throw some sand bags in the trunk, make sure the tires are good, and be careful. Goes fast enough, stops fast, very reliable, depreciates slowly. Only thing that could be better is gas mileage (about 25 in town, 30 on the highway in a very small car). But, its just the car to be in on a nice day.