2008 Mazda Mx-5 Review

My thoughts on the 2008 Mazda Mx-5 with a 2.0L inline 4 cylinder engine and 6 speed manual gearbox:
The Miata is a legendary car. Almost every car I drive is compared in my mind to the driving feel of the original first gen (NA) Miata. So now, eighteen years after the first miata came out, how does the NC stack up? Does it keep the driving spirit of the NA? Is it worthy of the Miata name?
The NC is packed with more features than any NA ever had. The NC has abs, airbags, a modern radio, four cup holders (yes, 4), and rather comfortable seating. The NC is equipped to be a modern daily driver, something the NA is starting to move away from. Yes you can daily a NA, but wouldn’t you rather be a little more comfortable, a little safer, and a little less worrisome? That’s where the NC outshines the NA.
With all of those additions, the NC is the heaviest Miata ever made. So what impact does that have on the signature Miata feel? Some, but it’s not a haymaker to the chin. The steering feel was surprising to say the least. Most modern cars I’ve driven have rather numb steering feel, but the NC really blew me away. It felt tight, like the go-karts at your local Fun Zone. I got excited when I was coming into a curve at high speed, because I knew I could turn my way out of any sticky situation. The acceleration was decent, but won’t set any records. But that’s the Miata way. Miatas harness the most fun you can have at the speed limit.
The NC feels grown up. If the NA was the fun loving frat boy of the Miata name, then the NC is the post-college-real-world adult of the Miata name. The NC is the responsible Miata. Fun, yes the NC is still fun, but the NC also realizes you have an hour commute each way, that you have to drive through the snow, that accidents happen, and that you have to live with the NC as your only car.
My last point is something I want to make a video of. The difference between the Rx7 and the Miata, is the Miata can adapt with the times. When the Rx7’s signature Rotary engine couldn’t keep up with emissions standards, it died. The Miata adapts. When airbags were required, it got them. When emissions standards got stricter, it’s engine got better. When people wanted more amenities, it got them. The Miata does what no RX car can, and that is adapt to our changing world.

[@fj7509]

Also known as the car that trolls you into thinking there's a parking space open.

[@stm6910]

Faheem Jamaloodeen yeah true my dad got trolled too

[@areasevenpro]

Correction on your review: The NC's engine is not a SkyActiv, but an MZR L engine with variable valve timing.

[@dennisthewalker]

Thanks for being so unbias. Really unlimited those toxic miata groups saying NC isn't a "miata". I own a NC since senior year high and I still daily drive it everyday, and I always told everyone that NC is a transitional car and without NC? ND might not even happen. I used to own a NA and since I'm almost 6'4 I traded in for a NC and I didn't look back. I love my NC

[@heavypizzas6004]

Denracer thanks for this. I’ve owned 3x NAs in the past and being 6’2.5” am very much learning towards an NC one day soonish.

[@arricammarques1955]

The ultimate affordable sports car, better milage than a porsche. 50/50 weight ratio, nicely balanced for driving!

[@josedias2585]

And widebody already on it 😅

[@tomlerch9190]

I love my 2008 MX 5 PRHT. Anyone who downplays the NC does not really know the car.

[@GMak81]

I just got my 07 hardtop about a month ago. I love it. The rear 3/4 view from the exterior, with that low roofline looks so good. The only thing I'm not so keen on is the cutesy face. It's a comfy cruiser, and can also put smiles on your face when you floor it through the twisties. I have considered forced induction in the future, but turbo kits are insane amounts of money, so I'll just keep it stock with a Flyin Miata or Cobalt backbox for a bit nicer sound, and just enjoy driving it. Enjoy your car too mate. Cheers.

[@rl1275]

I mean calling the NC a car is doing a real disservice to boats :p. Jokes aside the NC is honestly the best track car of the NA, NB, or NC generation cars. If I didn’t have an NA id get one of these, and I recommend people get an NC if they are looking for a miata because they are slept on so the cost is low

[@billycav75]

Man I had my mind set on an rx8 but now I'm thinking of getting a MX5. Thanks for the video gave me alot of information.

[@MrEvan1932]

Lmfao you'd actually consider an RX-8 with its engine that breaks down every 10k miles. If you want to spend thousands to keep it running, more power to you.

[@lostboys8297]

Great review and not annoying at all like most other car reviewers. You have a nice way about yourself in the video. And nicely edited as well. I had a 1994 M edition back in the day and LOVED it but looking to buy NC now. I'm 6' tall and NC way roomier and feels plenty lively. Not quite as flickable but I don't toss cars sideways through the corners like i used to back then either. Now I am just looking for a nice ride. I had a Boxster S and that is in a whole other league but for short money you can't beat the fun factor in any Miata aka MX5....

[@heavypizzas6004]

Can I say how refreshing it is to hear a Miata reviewer talk about how freely the engine goes to redline and then ACTUALLY DRIVES TO REDLINE. Thank you from the bottom of my miata loving heart.

[@kenobigamer4728]

thank you so much for the review, really needed to see this

[@johnfachy393]

You have a great presentation style!! Very informative, thank you!

[@johnallred3124]

Cruise control has been installed in Miatas since the beginning. I have it in my ‘91. Only the Base models didn’t have it, I think. Great review. I just bought an ‘08, and your review pegs it.

[@chrisschneider5670]

Basic overview of nc/nd trim levels. Sport- lowest level. 5 spd. 16" rims Touring- mid level. 6 spd. 17" rims Grand touring- top level 6 spd 17" rims leather bilstein shocks and lsd Replaced touring with club package around 2010. Same as grand touring but higher red line. Cool review zack

[@jnagime]

What year the NC started?

[@chrisschneider5670]

@@jnagime 2006

[@mitondo6123]

I own both an NA and and NC. Your points about both cars are on point adn I agree with you. They're different cars with different (not radical) driving dynamics. But a Miata is a Miata, and you know you're driving one when you get behind the wheel. Amazing cars throughout the entire model line form the NA to the ND. Like how the 911evolved.

[@arricammarques1955]

Worry free motoring unlike POR$CHE.

[@DaGamingLife]

Great review. This car is underlooked

[@BoyBluRacing]

Grand touring is top level, grand touring retractable hardtop almost always has a lsd

[@PhoenixFilmTV]

Thanks, I enjoyed that upload! I just bought an 09 Sport Tech (similar to a grand touring in my region I believe) and love it, I shoot cinematic car videos and plan to feature it soon my my channel! 🤘

[@speeddemon0712]

Great review man. I've always wanted an NA, but could never find a clean one, so I've had 3 NB's. I always hated the NC pretty much like you said, and I always thought it was ugly. Well I just picked an 06 Grand Touring 6 speed and I couldn't have been more wrong! It's so comfortable and with a few small upgrades, I think it looks just as good as an NA. Coilovers is a must! Get rid of that wheel gap which completely changes the looks. Then I have a full Racing Beat exhaust (not ricey), and a Hard Dog rollbar which looks sick with the top down. I love my NC!

[@sonnycruz7032]

speeddemon0712 I felt the same about the NC as well. I had an NA and loved it. Thought I'd buy another NA but now I'm really wanting a NC, especially '09 and later.

[@PhoenixFilmTV]

Sonny Cruz I just bought an 09 sport tech which I believe similar to grand touring in my region.. It’s totally awesome! I shoot cinematic car videos so will have it featured soon! 😎

[@hannahleigh2899]

That smile said it all. I’m sold on this car

[@royalspindrift]

2008 Touring owner here, For clarification: the Limited-Slip Differential was only a part of the ‘Suspension Package’ along with Bilstein Shocks and a “sport-tuned suspension” (whatever that means), along with the shock tower brace (but the touring may have had that already). And yes, LSD does make her bum a bit of a wild animal, especially in the wet. 😎

[@toshibavoodoo]

Love my NC! I also do Love the body style, much more than the ND. Will wait for the NE to my a new MX5

[@Mr5000]

Awesome review mate

[@jamesjefferson9228]

I did 150+ miles in a 2010 retractable hardtop from Turo. Car looks much better in person - real PHAT ass with the dual exhaust. Fantastic structure and handling. Powertrain is very rev-happy (good or bad?). Interior was fine - being short I did appreciate the adjustable height seat (no longer on ND). Clutch did feel heavy compared to an ND i sat in. Mileage on 91 gas is okay but ND has it beat. Overall, I give it a 6.5/10 for my personal use.

[@ketchup5344]

Good review ✌🏽

[@OOICU812]

Good review.

[@jackleonard2088]

I could have gotten any of them but got the NC for many of the reasons you mentioned. Plus mine has the power hard top. Such a nice daily

[@GeorgeRooster]

Really nice Video Bro! Im just drinkin Tea after breakfast and I really enjoyed watching this Cuz I love the NC and going to buy one in very short time and Im also Xbox gamer 😁 Thank You! Have a Nice day Brother!

[@ketchup5344]

You wont regret it!!👍

[@GeorgeRooster]

I allready have my sexy NC bro check my instagram "gold_n_green" profile

[@tomlerch9190]

Oh, and it is my daily driver. I am &0 years old and find it quite comfortable

[@hdzhdz-xm2cp]

wow im so glad i found this review im a bit of a heavy set guy and 2 days ago i got in a 2008 nc and i had one problem my legs are to beefy now im 5"6 but i got some short fat legs. i raised the steering wheel and i still had a hard time putting my legs under maybe i wasnt sitting right but any advice on how to make the steering wheel a little higher ?

[@mikeb9569]

Make the seat a little lower.

[@althor5550]

How is the radio entertainment system? I know Miatas are all about the drive but how about the sound system in the NC Grand Touring with Bose?

[@rembo183]

AlThor55 - Bose audio in the GT is a great sound system and better then my Porsche Boxster factory radio in 2012 base model.

[@lull2988]

9:25. Come to Wisconsin! I want to see your miata!

[@giorgosberkis8330]

Is the dashboard soft or plastic? Sorry for my English language

[@xStr8UPDoPex]

2006 NC Touring owner 5spd, no lsd, 16in wheels The cup holders behind the shifter are useless. It sucks shifting when there is a drink in the way. The ones on the door was a great design. Only holds bottled drinks, but they don't bother you when driving. The car without a lsd is still tail happy in some situations. I have pilot sports and they don't help that much. I would not enjoy driving this car for more then 3 hours. The seats are not that comfy. They do have good bolstering for anyone that has a medium build. Being a miata, the interior is mostly shity plastic. The 5 speed trans doesn't seem to strong. I would still prefer the 5spd over the 6spd. I have a hardtop on mine, but oddly the rag top isn't that much louder when up. The braking power is actually ridiculously good for stock. Millions times better the my brothers NA felt lol. I would recommend someone to buy a well taken care of NA, or NB instead. Really all those cars need is a lsd, updated suspension, and good tires to perform well. Also, the NA gives me a more nostalgic feel.

[@dylantedlock6271]

2008 PRHT Copper Red 6spd 118k so far. I love my car. Best curves on a small car i've seen in a looong time. Looks great

[@dylantedlock6271]

GT. The lsd works amazing

[@bakashinji]

probably getting this car in the next week or 2. gonna be automatic bc i dont know how to drive manual yet but going from a 2001 lincoln continental i think this car is gonna be badass, love that its a hard top convertible, hoping the sound system is nice

[@josephfacey2596]

Get the manual!!!!!

[@mmartinez3619]

Sure, when you can, get a manual transmission. Meanwhile, you’ll enjoy the heck out of an automatic. Cheers

[@josedias2585]

See this is a review. I didnt know about the compartments and such

[@hagbard72]

The GT in Canada has the LSD.

[@marktomasko7863]

not quite...the top o the line is the grand touring...which you know you have because of the leather seats and HEATED seats for both buckets...

[@weeb121]

Whats top speed?

[@hectorortiz2689]

does this car have an aux cord ? (im not a car expert )

[@chrisschneider5670]

i bought a simple $10 part on amazon to connect to the back of the stock mazda headunit

[@coastalbeer]

I get compliments on how beautiful my 2008 Mazda Miata Grand Touring PRHT IN Highland Green looks every day I take it out! It's kinda nuts! Everyone loves the paint and sitting next to a beautiful Corvette, they liked my car more. Sorry...not sorry vet te owners.

[@Victic005]

It's not a Sky Activ engine.

[@saian2381]

Wrong,you also have 1.8 engin on that one

[@yankee2yankee216]

It's because the NC suddenly put on weight, and so did not improve racers' prospects! People who wanted more speed weren't likely to get it from the NC. That's why TUNERS in particular don't like the NC. The rest of us have many good reasons to like it!

[@adrianjames7143]

I just subscribed

[@jessedinoia8836]

It’s not a skyactiv engine. Too early

[@nortiusraskalius1]

Did anyone else notice the lip movement when he revved and went through the gears? Creepy AF!

[@ixevaztyan]

I stopped watching when he said is an skyactive engine.

[@benstevenz]

No no good sir not over an rx8

[@thatwideangle9781]

lol halo analogies

[@AquaStevae]

ANOTHER CORRECTION TO YOUR REVIEW: IT'S NOT A MIATA. Why do you say that name fifty thousand times in this review??? Mazda DROPPED THE NAME MIATA in the early 2000's. So why do so many of you YT'ers keep calling it a Miata??? That's just wrong. It's a MX5. So please get the name correct. It's almost as bad as your generation continually saying your filming, when you just aren't. You are videoing. Film has been gone for a long time now. Lastly, the NA sucks. I would NEVER buy the NA. The NC is just so much better, and has many better features and functions.