2024 Mazda MX-5 Miata | MotorWeek Road Test

[@bobdadruma]

In the 1970's I was in my 20's I drove a 68 MGB. Last year I reached full retirement age and I bought a Mazda MX5 roadster. I never forgot the fun that my MG was to drive. Everyone should own a true Sports Car at least once in their life.

[@mauricesoulis1590]

65 in Nov. I’ve owned alpines, so many fiats, Alfa-mg midget, jags-Audi etc -muscle cars but now on my 4th Miata-best car ever owned overall! Congrats🎉

[@ebmk96]

I agree. I ended up buying my first sports car at 51 yo. A BRZ. Loved the Miata, but no glove box and expensive compared to the Premium BRZ. I bought a 2024 Mazda3 Premium Hatchback 6spd MT for my 'adult' car. Best manual shifter EVER. No surprise, same one as used in the MX-5/Miata. Thank God for Mazda and Japanese manufacturers in general.

THIS ISN'T A SPORTS CAR....😅😅😅😅😅 ITS A SHIT BOX.😅😅😅😅

[@mauricesoulis1590]

Lemme guess- dodge owner😂😂😂😂😂🙌

[@lloydzufelt7514]

I did drive a sports car, my 530C fire trucks on the German highway

[@Charlemagne89]

We need to be thankful for every single day these cars are being produced, because probably sometime this decade people will either quit buying them or they will be legislated or business'd out of existence...

Nope, as long as there are high school girls' graduations...the Mazda will sell...lol

[@mauricesoulis1590]

Dodge owner ya?!😂😂🥴

[@czm2000]

Totally agree. I'm ordering a 2025 this December and hanging on to it!

[@mauricesoulis1590]

@@czm2000 hi what model color n tranny? I’m in sf Bay Area n sadly the only colors on lots r relegated to sand choice -

[@ag4allgood]

@@czm2000 Ordered on April 22nd 2024 Club with the BBR package. Dealer didn't get it until September 5th & bought it that day. Long wait when ordering one. Mazda no longer stocking MX-5s in my area so when they do become available its likely a Buyer changing their minds. Even the few older MX-5 s in my area were sold quickly.

[@Bonsai-Miata2020]

John, I have been watching you since the beginning. Cant tell you how much I have enjoyed all your reviews. Something the other day I thought about, imagine taking a new Miata today back to say 1983 and putting it up against a Porsche 928? Wow have you brought us a long way with your reviews. Would love to see you the first weekend of August this year at MIata's at the Gap or Tail of the Dragon. Thanks again for all you have done for the automotive world and fans! Here is to another 50 years!

[@vincentbeijing6926]

Did this comparison with the 928 happen? Two of my favorite cars, I’d love to see it!

[@Bonsai-Miata2020]

@@vincentbeijing6926 The 928 was my dream back in 1978 when I started to drive

???????? ABSOLUTELY, MAKE NO SENSE.....928 WOULD DESTROY THIS MAZDA

[@Torresmeza9]

John still has that golden voice! Love Miatas btw

[@randybiondi3218]

I absolutely love John Davis! I have been watching him since 1981.

[@Swarm509]

The MX-5 ND model is 10 years old now, and it looks like it was developed so much more recently.

[@honda116969]

Wish Honda would of kept the S2K (S2000) around like Mazda did with the Miata.

[@foxtrot685]

I still cant believe that Honda only sold just under 115k of those globally over 10 years.

[@roamingly]

Would be interesting to see 2024 version of the S2000.. luckily we have Miatas still holding the ground.

[@johnfranklin1367]

Yes, that S2000 was an awesome ride!

[@scottamy6496]

Recently purchased a 2024 ND3 Miata Club and I absolutely love it! It’s just me and the oldlady, so it’s plenty of room and we can get all the groceries we need for a couple weeks in the truck! They make a really great bag for the truck lid over in the UK so if you’re inclined to take it on longer trips or vacation you can basically double the cargo room! I’ve got mine on order and can’t wait to take a long roadtrip! It’s got plenty of power for its size and weight and in the 900 miles I’ve put on it so far I am averaging 33 mpg, but a 1000 smiles per gallon!

[@tonyireland2234]

After a few 1000 miles in my 2021 2.0 I averaged exactly 50 mpg on mostly UK motorways during a 400 mile round trip.This included getting it upto 120mph briefly.Sadly it had to go.I replaced it with a 2024 Homura RF.....

[@darcyscott2406]

Hey! I’m getting 38.6 mpg on my 2022 grand touring 6 speed manual. It will be my third summer with it and tons of Smileage for this 68 year old! You only live once!

[@tygermind]

If you want to compare inflation, a 2024 MX-5 is actually CHEAPER than it was in 1989 when it cost $13,800. As a business model, the Miata saw success because a survey saw people were willing to pay more for this type of roadster experience. Don't believe me? Do your own research!

[@mauricesoulis1590]

CPA in me says yes all the way🎉🎉

[@Thomasaddesso]

I already did. I bought a 2019 certified Miata with only 9000 miles on it…Love It!!!!!

[@mauricesoulis1590]

I wonder why the solstice/skye gm variants weren’t the hits? You can get a Fiat way back of book $$ but that 1.5 motor is not a mechanics’ choice.

[@mauricesoulis1590]

@@Thomasaddesso Good choice on the nd2- I drove a 2017 car max unit for a week free n stepped back & got a pristine, 1 owner Cali car 13’ prht in copper red mica. More looks & compliments than all my Audis, Vettes, & other cool stuff. The only!! car I owned that was more complimentary was my 86’ xjs v12 jag in champagne w/black leather. I coulda bought a new Miata for just the $$ I blew on maintenance & repairs tho😂 Enjoy! Ps- what color & trim did u get?

[@mauricesoulis1590]

Btw they were faster and quicker on tracks-Same prices I recall too. Even Motorweek did comparisons back in the day.

[@robertsise7898]

I have watched MotorWeek since 1982. Jim Davis is the best host and car journalist, IMHO. Many more years to you, sir .

[@lukerinderknecht2982]

You can never go wrong with a Miata. (or any Mazda for that matter)

[@GabeBridges]

Miata Is Always The Answer

[@ag4allgood]

Every year Mazda engineers improve this car in this ND form. Nothing ground breaking but really appreciated after Buying a 2024 Club with the Brembo brakes / BBS wheels & Recaro seats. The Alexa integration in the new system is outstanding. I struggled entering the destination on the quirky navigation system on my 2016 Club. Now I talk to Alexa giving the details of the destination - 20 seconds later Google maps has it routed. It even displays the text of your voice commands in the far right. Never expected AI to come so soon in my Miata ! Alexa even warned of objects in the road 1/2 mile before I saw them ! When I was researching this new model I never found any information on the new capabilities of this new infotainment system. For older drivers like me going to places I've not been to this system knocks the confusion out ! In my 2016 Club I would be a driving hazard in the outdated navigation system that no longer got updates. Every review I've seen skips over the great improvements made into the new infotainment system. I never saw AI coming in my Miata !

[@volnutt1609]

I got a 2014 mx5 nc2.5 the best money I ever spent was on some adjustable shocks, bumpstops, springs they use at laguna raceway and some adjustable swaybars. I wasn't the biggest believer that handling is as fun as power. But I'm a believer now.

[@Hackspear214]

Where do you keep it tied up? jk

[@tygermind]

7 seconds?? My 2021 RF clocked 6.1 seconds

[@allentoyokawa9068]

They almost always get worse times on here

[@jameswillard1]

Yeah if you’ve ever seen a track test on MW you can tell they are amateurs by the way the scramble to catch oversteer and typically stay well below the cars limits

[@jssw3618]

Yes. MW way off.😊

[@mlee6136]

5.7 no way…..without a turbo, it’s only a 2 litre. Give me one example of a 2 litre that can do 5.7…maybe Toyota brz.

[@soulerflare7]

​@@mlee6136the car weighs 2300 lbs durrrr hurrrrr hurrrrr

[@vunley]

30 years later and this dude still looks and sounds the same.

[@williamdarico2369]

He needs a blond wig with a man bun!!!

[@warrenny]

They should give him shoulder length dreads

[@James-pl2oy]

Chances are if you’re a Mazda guy you’re also a car guy

[@pc248m]

And vice versa

[@DQSpider]

I love that the Miata is still holding the torch for people who love to drive. It's so rare these days...

[@Hackspear214]

0-60 in 7 seconds? Huh? My stock 2023 manual GT does it in 5.9. Mazda’s official time is 5.7. How in the world did you get 7? Also, I love the Miata, but “No body roll”? Just look at the footage. How did they get this so wrong?

[@mokann7453]

5.7 sec to 60km , Maybe !

[@layne4376]

5.9? lol

[@Hackspear214]

@@layne4376 Sorry you don’t know how to drive a stick…

[@layne4376]

@@Hackspear214 Ha Ha. 7 second manual cars don't excite me.

[@Hackspear214]

@@layne4376 Too bad you’ll never learn what most of the motoring world knows…

[@malcolmar]

I love the MX-5 Miata and respect the fact Mazda has fought to not change the formula. I hope to get an RF version soon. Keep up the great work Mazda and keep up the great work MotorWeek.

[@bobreno4042]

I have the manual but, let’s not deprive those with physical limitations the joy of driving this awesome vehicle.

[@dcf8978]

It's available with an automatic also, just jot on the base trim.

[@bobreno4042]

Yes, there was another comment stating an automatic should not be offered on this car at all.

[@dcf8978]

@@bobreno4042 Ah, okay. Thank you for the clarification!

[@jerrysedars8097]

I’m in love with my RF 6-speed manual. It truly does put a smile on my face every time I drive it. There is NOTHING like a Miata for the money!

[@blue04mx53]

GIVE US THE COLOURS BACK !!!! I love my Blue 2004 NB. Other than Red Miata has dropped all the colours from the 2024 line :( Going to pout and whine now. ;()

[@jssw3618]

Lots of other car reviews have 0 60 in the 5.7 to 5.8 seconds and quarter mile in low 14's.

[@nats50]

Right. A 6.0 second time would have been more believable, but 7.0? Nah.

[@marial8235]

I love the raised fenders on my ND1. It’s red and reminds me of a little vintage Ferrari, like a 166, from behind the wheel. I wish mine had that kight interior.😢

[@alphabeta8403]

*Dear Honda, please BRING BACK the S2000!*

[@shawnbauman5463]

Something is wrong with that car or the track. My 2010 NC miata would run 14.7 at 92. Most NDs are in the 14.4ish area. Something wrong.

[@mikeb9569]

I wonder if those numbers are for the 1.5 liter variant. I've seen that mistake before in reviews. My 2020 Club is nearly 6 seconds to 60 with my clunky shifting.

[@roberthoyt7921]

When will the next-gen Miata be revealed?

[@hs1296]

John! Just the best, most straight forward reviews ever! Thank you for all the great videos!! ♥

[@kavalere]

7 seconds 0-60? Car and driver rated it 5.7

[@RoyalDudeness]

so what?

[@itsabigchungus]

​@@RoyalDudenessso it's a pretty big difference 😐

[@georgewilkinson1068]

Tailwind.

[@Zero4Champ]

Yeah MotorWeek is usually slower but not this much slower I expected a 6.0-6.2. My MR2 Spyder is faster than 7.0 seconds. The quarter mile time seems way off as well. Edit: 2022 model tested by Motortrend 0-60mph 5.9 seconds 1/4 mile 14.5 seconds. 2024 tested by Car and Driver 0-60mph 5.7 seconds 1/4 mile 14.5 seconds.

[@J.W.W.]

MotorWeek is more typical of what you’ll actually get. The other car mags use trickery (like rollout numbers)

[@dtruth5769]

2002 MIATA RAN 7.4 TO 60MPH AND THE SAME 1/4 MILE AS 2024. NOT TO IMPRESSIVE.

[@Thomasaddesso]

Yeah, Miata is the only way to go, but only in the total droptop version don’t want no freaking RF for the top without a T that’s not a true convertible

[@chemjam92]

The Miata is great but almost undrivable for those of us taller drivers. It's just too small

[@J.W.W.]

100%. If only they offered an L version instead of the RF

[@codincoman9019]

I am 6'3" (thus above average) and I fit very well - actually my 2019 Miata ND2 RF Recaro seats are the best (comfort, durability, bolsters, anti-sweating, headrest speakers etc.) I have ever had, better than in my Lexus. A friend at 6'5" installed some lowering parts for the driver's seat in his NBFL Miata and now he's fine with the space he got.

[@Spiritcr1jsher]

That's just a thing people say . I'm 6ft tall and 220lbs and never had a problem in the drivers seat. Average height of a grown man is about 5'8 .

[@zteburner5882]

Wished they didn't change the wheels... hate the new Grand Touring black wheels. Also, limited options for getting the beige/tan interior, with only the white and flat grey exterior colours. I would have loved the red or metalic gray with tan interior, along with some existing or new wheels that were silver in colour.

[@jamesstuart3346]

92mph in the 1/4 mile? Run that test again, John

[@moejr1974]

They use a computer that sticks to the window so I never bother with the mph because they aren't very accurate

[@TomasORZ]

I got 14.6 sec. 1/4. 🤔

[@williamdarico2369]

12;80 with nitrous on mine.

[@Trigger-xw9gq]

Yes, I absolutely love my '23. More smiles per miles than any other car. After a five hour drive, I don't want to stop. Mazda blew it though on the wheels for '24, they are ugly! My wish list includes: A dual-clutch AT; stiffer sway bars, and about 210 HP. I swapped out the stock 205 tires with 215 Conti Extreme Contact Sport 02 (worth every penny), and added 9mm wheel spacers all 'round, as they're just too skinny and inboard in stock form. The stock muffler should also have a little bit of sport note to it - it's far too quiet (I changed that too).

[@mlee6136]

7s not too long ago was considered good for 0-60.

[@roamingly]

This seems like a review from the early 2000s in good way 😄 like going back in time.. suitable for a Miata review.

[@TrailBlazerSS502]

Mazda sure did put on a happy face on an an icon.

[@Aurora-sz1bc]

Classic review on a classic car

[@wdc_nathan]

The base Sport doesn't get the LSD, according to Mazda's website

[@vicente816]

Front looks like a smile and rear a frown.

[@danw9520]

'Cause oncoming traffic is excited to see one, and sad when they sigh longingly as it fades from the rearview mirror.

[@67tomcat]

Mazda should just keep the "ND" MX-5 around, even when a new MX-5 is eventually introduced. It's literally the perfect sports car. And 181 hp seems perfect for this car.

[@codincoman9019]

184HP (the name includes G-184 for mine) for Europe (at least).

[@Spiritcr1jsher]

Not perfect. The body roll and lack of grip for such a light car kills it and that was with summer tires. I traded a 2019 mustang gt for a 2021 rf and was disappointed. Open top was the best feature. It wasn't even that great on gas for a 2400lb car with a 2.0l

[@know916bound]

​@@Spiritcr1jsherMany people have fixed that by adding a rear roll bar. Not very expensive or hard.

[@Spiritcr1jsher]

@know916bound Roll bar ? Are you talking about a sway bar ? It not expensive but then you need an alignment and different springs . Been there . Should just cone from that factory that way.

[@know916bound]

@@Spiritcr1jsher yes the sway. And a better suspension is already offered on their "club" package for years that have the option. Other mx5 trims are meant to be comfy on suspension for normal drivers. If you don't have a club, then well those are your options for upgrades. Maybe more worth it once you're ready to replace rear shocks.

[@JoeO.]

Not that the stock MX5 doesn’t live up to its stated purpose, but you can still get a properly fitted LS3 version from Sarasota Supersport Performance (after Flyin’ Miata sold off that portion of their business to them) if you’re in need of a quicker 0-60 time…

[@z32luvr]

And pay $100k for it.

[@JoeO.]

@@z32luvr you can get them to install a Flyin’ Miata turbo setup for a lot less tho…

[@tonyireland2234]

If you want to go faster get a yank V8.If you want to fly round corners with a smile on your face get a MX5.

[@666gnarlsbad]

God bless John Davis❤

[@fortheloveofnoise]

This man is a national treasure.

[@jaydibernardo4320]

If you can, buy the RF model with the Brembo brakes, Recaro seats and BBS wheels. You won't regret spending the extra cash.

[@CuongNguyen-kz4lv]

I got this exact spec but 2017 model for 27k cad with 14900km

[@moddude101]

Exactly true. Although I wish I had the Recaro seats, but I have the BBS and Brembo.

[@djumps2455]

Why does this video appear as if it comes straight from the 90's even though it's new?

[@mikeb9569]

I think parts of it were recorded when the ND generation was revealed.

[@michael007ish]

I'd love something other than black for interior colour in Canada. Ugh.

[@williamdarico2369]

I like red or green

[@dlg5485]

Who did that 0-60 test? Even the worst manual driver can get to 60 mph in 6 sec with this car. I just got a 2024 Grand Touring soft top manual, my 2nd Miata, and it's much quicker than 7 sec, and is plenty quick enough. This car is not about speed. It's about the way it makes you feel, the overall engagement. I loved my previous Miata, but I decided to get a new one before the 4th generation life cycle ends. The 5th gen is going to be a hybrid, which will probably be just fine, but it's not what I want in a car like this. The current ND3 model may be the last hurrah for the Miata in its purest form.

[@aperson5062]

Agree. Had an ND1 and traded it in for an ND2, pre-KPC. Probably will trade that in for an ND3 at some point before the NE comes out.

[@ManuelFresh100]

Nice thumbnail 👍

[@93remix]

Why is MAZDA so afraid to have a 210hp MIATA??

[@mikeb9569]

Now that they have traction control, they should. However, I like what power my 2020 offers. It's enough to get the rear out with throttle but allows you to row through most of the gears within speed limits.

[@robertlewis9419]

Love the style. But it’s tiny. Had to sell it. After 30 minutes it’s just uncomfortable. Recaro seats pinch your sides. Unable to recline seat. 5’11”. 210 lbs. make it bigger.

[@jcat96]

MIATA: Motorweek Is Always The Answer

[@mrporsche4236]

It doesnt do 7 seconds to 60 its much quicker then that

[@anibalbabilonia1867]

I always loved that little bugger!👌🥰👉❤️👍

[@GABRIEL_CRAFT]

The Miata musr be protected at all costs. Save the manuals

[@magmag1059]

“Minimal body roll”??????? The Miata has MORE body roll (intentionally) than any other car on sale today! Do you guys even read your copy before recording the narration?!

[@michaelmancini5773]

Drove it, awesome car, great fun, BUT too underpowered, needs 200 HP ( in my opinion),

[@kennethanway7979]

Wish I could afford one!

[@williamdarico2369]

You can finance it like most Americans do!

[@kennethanway7979]

@@williamdarico2369 it's a want... not a need! I prefer to save up to buy stuff. Haven't used credit since 1996!

[@philliprumans753]

7 secs to 60 ???? Thats not right.

[@1127csk]

Great car

[@The_R-n-I_Guy]

I would love to have a first gen Miata. But I don't want anything to do with the new one. Too much unnecessary technology. Just like every other vehicle made in the 2000's and on

[@MrSilus2000]

F horsepower.

[@slottedpig2253]

The guy on the intro said I couldn't make it on the news channels so I'm taking it to KZbin 😂

[@Motorweek]

Guy on the intro has been doing this same thing since 1981...aka before the internet even existed.

[@fhowland]

Those acceleration times are way off…

[@williamdarico2369]

John is on the weed now

[@blindfoldedmissile]

If only it was as affordable as it is adorable

[@thatoneotherotherguy]

The Sport model is fairly well-equipped and starts at $29,000. That's reasonably affordable to me. No other car under $50,000 has this much aluminum under it.

[@cptndave1]

Compared to what other roadster? There are none in the price range.

[@codincoman9019]

If the budget is a problem then buy used. But the price is more than fair given what this tech marvel is offering.

[@HyperCarnivore666]

This little car wouldn't want to get hit by a large truck

[@Xolition]

Minimal body roll, yeah no.

[@alanradtke6048]

My thought too, as you see the car pitching over.

[@The_R-n-I_Guy]

'Infotainment' screens are nothing but an annoying distraction and should be BANNED!!! Buttons, switches and knobs are the only thing that should be on a dash. You should be able to reach over and use the HVAC, radio or whatever without taking your eyes off the road! Also, backup cameras have made people lazier. Nobody even looks around them. If it's not on the screen, it doesn't exist. The technology that was supposed to make vehicles safer. Has done the exact opposite

[@senseicorey9979]

Seems like this thing is dying for a revamp

[@allentoyokawa9068]

Will sell like hotcakes

[@beegchunguz7425]

MOTORWEEK4EVA

[@z32luvr]

The rear end is just so ugly.

[@georgeschindt1685]

To each their own. I own one and think it's great.

[@z32luvr]

@@ghrtt7 it’s more the shape of the lower valence than the taillights.

[@alexandergraham6912]

Someone has no taste.

[@z32luvr]

@@alexandergraham6912 maybe that’s you

[@scotturich]

I’ve determined that the only people who buy these anymore are Autocrossers 😆

[@codincoman9019]

Those are a minority, just look at the sales numbers.

[@pmayo7894]

The MX-5 Cup say otherwise.

[@smokefast90606]

He brags on handling as the car is plowing the life out of the front wheels

[@eddieg6436]

An automatic shouldn’t even be offered (I understand it’s offered to help sales). It’s like a person working out at the gym, then chowing down at McDonald’s…..just WRONG.

[@SurlyriderBilly]

Driving an automatic Miata is like swimming with your shirt on

[@georgeschindt1685]

I am not an automatic fan and own a 6-speed myself. However there are people with physical limitations or just really do not want to shift. So what? It is still a great car to drive and anything they do to keep this wonderful platform alive is okay by me.

[@alexandergraham6912]

​@@SurlyriderBillyDriving a stick shift in 2024 is like being an arrested adolescent who plays video games with his joy stick all day long because he's never been able to get laid for the vast majority of his adult life.

[@faheemabbas3965]

I understand that automatics can kill manual sales, but please don’t belittle those who can’t drive a manual.

[@Thomasaddesso]

I have a 2019 is sport mode without the clutch same thing man if you know how to work it

[@Mantisman6233]

"You'll want to keep the revs up at 6000 rpms..." Well yeah, so the minivans don't run your slow car over. I'm glad Miata owners are so happy. I really am. They're too oblivious to know that 90% of us are laughing at your string back driving gloves, shirts opened to the navel and gold chains dangling around your neck like it's 1981 and you're on your way to the disco.

[@alexandergraham6912]

Someone is a jealous and bitter incel...

[@codincoman9019]

Your rant says more about you and very little about Miata owners - most are not at all how you described them, even though I have to admit to using leather gloves when driving any of my cars, Miata included.

[@aperson5062]

I see you have never driven one. Seen lots of Miata drivers and not one has fit that description.

[@codincoman9019]

@@aperson5062, I guess his neighbourhood is full of such drivers, but I would bet they do not drive Miatas. Just as he has never been in a Miata.

[@nats50]

So, a Miata just beat your car and now you're bitter enough to say this? 🤭

[@darrellhorner500]

I'LL TAKE THE AUTOMATIC.... YOU CAN HAVE FUN SHIFTING GEARS IN TRAFFIC!..... SHIFTING GEARS.. NO BIG WHOOP!!

[@aperson5062]

Drove my manual MX-5 in bumper to bumper traffic in Boston daily for years. If you can't drive a manual for any reason, get an auto and enjoy the car still. But if you want the full engagement of the car, a manual expands the dynamics of the driving experience putting you in sync with the engine shifting. And yes, even in traffic the shifting of the gears manually is more involving, which is the point of a sportscar.

[@whiterabbitt2002]

Give me a Mustang GT Convertible with that Powerful Aamerican V8 !

[@NoPrivateProperty]

hairdresser car