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 11 through 20 of 32.00-
Love my Miata - 1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata
By SUSAN - January 27 - 6:46 pmLast 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 amTake 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.
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Holy Cow! - 1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata
By japman - September 14 - 2:00 amThis car aint a car - its a way of life. How many cars have owners clubs, millions of accessories, newsgroups, shows, hats & T-shirts? There is a reason. Most other Miata owners on a sunny day will pop their lights to say hi on a crowded freeway. No problems, zippy engine, european pizazz with Japanese reliability & performance. Cheap to buy, operate & maintain. Not much pretention, but you can certainly feel the jealous eyes coming from SUVs on a warm Spring day.
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BEST DEAL EVER - 1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata
By MM - July 28 - 11:06 amThe 97 model year marked the end of the "M1" style Miata which was first introduced in 89 as a 90 model. The 1.8L engine that this year includes provides more than enough thrust. The car shines in the curves. I have yet to drive (and Ive driven a lot) a car that out handles the Miata. As the Miata grows bigger and more powerful, it loses some of its charm that the M1 style had. The 90-93 model with the 1.6L engine and the 94-97 model with the 1.8L engine are far and away the best value and most fun you can have on four wheels. Three features missing on post 97 models are headrest speakers, pop-up head lights and chrome "finger pull" door handles. Drive it and you will never want to get out.
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Keeps On Tickin - 1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata
By damdelion12 - July 18 - 3:46 amThis vehicle requires gasoline & synthetic oil & thats about all - I dont even wash it/last wash job was April 06. Four sets of tires. Two sets of brakes - 235,000 miles and going strong. Oh, my back windshield plastic yellowed up.
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Pretty cool little car!!! - 1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata
By Shaun C - November 12 - 10:00 amI just bought a 97 Miata and I have to be honest and say I am hooked - hook, line and sinker! I have had other two seaters before (76 Fiat Spyder and 90 Fiero) but none of the have had the ride this little car gives. I have been very impressed with Juniors (what, you havent named yours???) handling and top end pick up. It doesnt seem to have as much pick up on the lower end as I had expected, but it more than makes up for it in pick up at speeds over 50 mph. I drive with the top down as much as possible as this is how the car feels at its best.
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Fun in the Sun - 1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata
By Doug - October 22 - 7:00 pmI bought this car for a daily driver one year ago with 100k miles. Now Im at 115K and the only expenses have been a tuneup, new tires, and oil changes. It handles great, is fun to drive with the top down, and gets 25-30 m.p.g. Though small, it is solidly built. My son borrowed it for his Jr.-Sr. Prom, so my three kids (two teenagers and one married) like it too and occasionally ask to borrow it.
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STO2GO - 1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata
By roknrol - June 7 - 10:00 amThis is a great car. Ill echo the other review about being careful of the special editions. Its too easy to become so paranoid of getting the car dinged up that youll just keep it in the garage and admire it. However, the car must be driven to truly admire it. I had wanted a true, classic convertible for a long time, but didnt want the maintenance issues of an MG or Triumph. The Miata is the perfect answer.
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Capability Review - 1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata
By The Fudder - June 1 - 2:00 amI had a Corvette before buying the Miata and honestly enjoy driving the Miata much more. The only problem is long distance. Cannot sit in the Miata much more than a couple of hours. Great handling on tight curves. Performance a little weak but expected. A fun sports car.
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Second Childhood!! - 1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata
By grannycraft - October 3 - 12:29 pmBought my "97 in 2006. Have had more fun than I thought possible driving this car. Call it my "GrannyMobile." I use non-ethanol gas and get 32-38 mpg. It is my everyday car. Over 200,000 m and still going strong. I will probably keep her until she goes to Mazda heaven. Had professional rollbars installed, gives her more solidity. Uses about 1/2 quart oil monthly, my mechanic cant find out where it is going. Chk. it weekly. Add an airscoop and a windblocker to the windshield, (when the top is down), and it keeps the low floor transm. heat out and my hat on. My granddaughters just love to ride with Granny with the top down. Luv it! Luv it! Luv it!!!! ZOOM>ZOOm>ZOOM
