Mazda MX-5 (2005 – 2015) Review

Mazda MX-5 (2005 – 2015) At A Glance

5/5
Honest John Overall Rating
The ultimate real-world enthusiasts’ car, the third-generation Mazda MX-5 walked a tidy line between more comfort and refinement, plus added weight. It’s not quick by today’s standards, but it remains a brilliant drivers’ car.

+Outstanding handling. Outrageous fun.

-Cramped cabin. Engine note hardly thrilling.

Insurance Groups are between 21–27
On average it achieves 93% of the official MPG figure

Revealed to the public at the 1989 Chicago Auto Show, the first Mazda MX-5 caused a sensation. Mazda’s engineers and designers had created a lightweight, compact, open-topped two-seater with a front-engine, rear-wheel-drive format, front and rear double wishbone suspension, perfect 50:50 weight distribution, a low moment of inertia for maximum agility and an affordable price. 

Mazda had the two-seater roadster market pretty much all to itself for two generations of the car, but other manufacturers finally woke up to the sales possibilities, and the third-generation Mazda MX-5 found itself in competition with numerous ‘affordable’ sports car rivals.

These included Toyota’s MR2, the stylish BMW Z4, the desirable Audi TT and – some years after the Mk3 Mazda MX-5 broke cover – the Toyota GT86 and its twin, the Subaru BRZ

None of them, however, could match the Mazda MX-5 on price, and very few on driving entertainment, which is why, as our Mazda MX-5 review will explain, we believe it to still be one of the very best two-seater convertibles out there.

Initially, the secret of the Mazda MX-5’s success was in effortlessly bridging the generation gap.

On the one hand, its appeal to those who had first-hand experience of the famous European sports cars in the 1950s and 1960s was instantaneous.

On the other, it quickly won over a new generation of younger drivers who simply could not believe how much fun could be found in a small, 955kg, modestly-powered yet phenomenally agile machine.

So the Mazda MX-5’s core principles were preserved thereafter, and it was even ordained that, with the introduction of the second (1998), third (2005) and fourth (2015) generation models, the car’s unmistakable silhouette should remain instantly recognisable from a distance of 100 metres.

When production reached 531,890 units in May 2000, the little Mazda was certified by the Guinness World Records as the world's best-selling two-seat roadster in history. Total production passed the 1,000,000 mark in April 2016, and the MX-5’s Guinness certification was updated. 

The Mk3 Mazda MX-5 was larger and heavier than the Mk 2, but it offered more comfort and refinement. It was also more powerful; you could choose between a 127PS 1.8 litre or 160PS 2.0 litre in-line four, the latter with variable valve timing and a limited-slip differential.

A slick, quick five-speed gearbox was standard on both, but hunt down a 2.0-litre in Sport trim and it will have a six-speed ’box, as well as 17-inch alloy wheels, stiffer suspension, traction control and heated leather seats.

Unlike the previous Mazda MX-5s, this model was also available in two guises: the traditional soft-top roadster and a coupe-cabriolet with an electrically powered folding hard-top that combined properly roofed refinement with no loss of luggage space over its soft-topped sibling.

For most, the 1.8 litre model will prove fast enough, and be slightly cheaper to run. But if you want to make the most of the Mazda MX-5’s wonderfully agile chassis, the 2.0-litre car is a hoot. Truth be told, though, neither engine sounds especially thrilling anywhere in the rev range.

However, straight-line speed was never what the Mazda MX-5 is about. What cost you as little as £15,420 in 2005 remains one of the best-driving cars out there, regardless of budget.

Both hard and soft-top variants are wonderfully agile. The steering, by now mercifully power-assisted, is precision personified and the chassis delivers fluid handling with plenty of grip.

The ride is comfortable and controlled even over poor surfaces, most notably in the coupe, which has slightly softer suspension.

The range was facelifted in 2009, when it gained a revvier 2.0 litre engine and tweaked suspension, and said goodbye to the elliptical front grille of the old car. For the 2013 update, Mazda focused on the throttle and brake systems to further enhance the driving experience.

Ask Honest John

Is a 10 year old Mazda MX-5 a good buy?

"My local BMW dealer has a 2014 Mazda MX-5 1.8i SE manual for sale at £7990. Mileage is 60,000. It comes with 12 month warranty. Do you think this is a good buy?"
An MX-5 is always a good buy! I think I've found the car in question (at Lloyd Select Blackpool). It looks pretty good to me, albeit slightly low specification. Personally, I'd be looking for one with heated leather seats (they make a big difference on chilly days with the roof dropped) and metallic paint. The 2.0-litre petrol is more desirable, too, although I owned a 1.8 and enjoyed it... it depends whether you really want the extra power and the six-speed manual gearbox. The pictures suggest it's in very good condition, although do have a close inspection - particularly around the wheel arches and the sills where they like to rust. Its MOT history looks pretty good but have a look through the service history - it's important that it's been well maintained with annual services. A good MX-5 will be a very reliable and enjoyable sports car but don't feel pressured into buying the first one you look at. There are loads around and many have been very well cared for and often only used as weekend cars.
Answered by Andrew Brady

What is a pensioners racing car?

"My wife and I - both pensioners - are car enthusiasts. We recently bought a Kia Sorento KX3 automatic for towing the caravan and now would like a car for local journeys. We want either a car very good to look at or a performance car. Our budget is less than £10k. What do you suggest?"
In your position, I'd be tempted by a Mazda MX-5. Your budget will get you a third-generation model (https://www.honestjohn.co.uk/carbycar/mazda/mx5-2005/) with the 2.0-litre engine, producing 160PS and hitting 62mph in 7.9 seconds. It's not the most powerful car you could buy for the money, but it's a lot of fun and will also be cheap to run. If you'd prefer a bit more practicality, consider a hot hatch like the Volkswagen Golf GTI.
Answered by Andrew Brady

What fun convertibles are good for under £10k?

"I came to the world of driving in my late 30s and while learning I bought a Daihatsu Copen. I'd like another convertible - are there any other relatively recent convertibles for under £10k that will give great fun? Ideally with a hard top. "
Take a look at the Mazda MX-5. They lack the rarity appeal of the Daihatsu Copen but there's a reason they're so popular. £10,000 will get you a late third-generation model - you'll want the Roadster Coupe for the folding hard top roof. Alternatively, the Honda S2000 is a more serious sports car, but you might have to shop around a bit more to find a good one.
Answered by Andrew Brady

Apart from rust - is there anything to look out for on the older Mazda MX5 models?

"I'm looking to buy a Mazda MX5 and don't want to spend more than £4000. I'm aware some early models are prone to rusty sills, are there any other things to look out for? I'm also torn between a Mk1 with pop up headlights (appeals to the 6 year old in me) and a mid 2000's version - what would you recommend? Will an older car hold its value and potentially appreciate slightly?"
Rust is the main enemy particularly in the area between the seats and the rear wheelarches because the drains get blocked. See the entries in http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/carbycar/ The older the car is, the more rusty it is likely to be. Avoid the gutless Mk II 1.6.
Answered by Honest John
More Questions

What does a Mazda MX-5 (2005 – 2015) cost?