New Car Price Quotes:

Invoice Dealers - New Car Prices and Information

2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata Grand Touring Review

Springtime Plaything

A three-quarter front view of a dark blue 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata

In short: An entertaining and feature-packed convertible roadster.

For 2009, the sleek Mazda MX-5 Miata shows off mildly refreshed styling and performance, although it remains practically the same model from previous years. Wrapped in dynamic and rounded contours, this lightweight convertible’s primary characteristic is its fun-loving drivability, making it the right automobile for cruising around town or visiting your local wine country. Our spirited two-seater test vehicle, the Grand Touring, came with an easy-to-use two-shape manual cloth top (a swift-moving power-retractable hardtop is also available), and showed off precise handling, helped in part by some of the car’s optional features: a sport-tuned suspension, Bilstein shock absorbers, limited slip differential, and dynamic stability control with traction control.

Along with a sticky hold on the pavement, the MX-5 Miata has a 167-horsepower four-cylinder engine that delivers an entertaining purr when revved. Our tester came standard with a glass rear window with a defogger; heated leather-trimmed bucket seats; an auto-dimming rearview mirror with Homelink; steering wheel-mounted audio and cruise controls; a lockable glove compartment; and a seven-speaker Bose audio system with an in-dash six-disc CD changer.

Read a review of the 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata

Warranty/Service: 3-year/36,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty; 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty; 3-year/36,000-mile 24/7 roadside assistance.

QUICK SHEET

Base Price: $26,350 / As tested: $29,170

Technical Specifications

Vehicle type: front engine, rear-wheel drive, 2-passenger, 2-door convertible

Engine: 2.0-liter, 16-valve DOHC inline 4-cylinder with VVT
Horsepower: 167 hp @ 7,000 rpm
Torque: 140 lb-ft @ 5,000 rpm
Transmission: 6-speed manual

Curb weight: 2,511 lbs
Wheelbase: 91.7 in
Length/Width/Height: 157.3/67.7/49 in
Turning circle: 30.8 ft

Brakes: all-wheel power-assisted disc with electronic brakeforce distribution and ABS
Suspension: double wishbone in front; multi-link in rear; stabilizer bars and Bilstein shock absorbers in front and rear

Traction: dynamic stability control with traction control and limited slip differential

0-60 mph: 6.9 seconds (est.)
Top Speed: n/a

EPA City: 21 mpg
EPA Highway: 28 mpg

Safety: tire pressure monitoring system; dual front airbags with passenger-side deactivation switch; side-impact airbags and door beams

Likes: road-holding capabilities; fun to drive; value

Dislikes: limited use; not for tall people

Check out other Mazda models
See all of our Automobile Reviews
Visit the Mazda website

Photography: AlphaMedia

PSV042209

(Updated 06/16/10 NW)

TOP 10 COMEDIES

Need a dose of comic relief? Check out our favorite comedies, from silent films and classics to silly sidesplitters and naughty newcomers.

TOP 10 VALUE SPAS

Whether you're looking for an urban day spa, rural retreat or exotic island oasis, each one of our value spa selections is right on the money.