2014 Mazda Miata (MX-5) Drive & Review: Last of a an endangered species

[@SuperWHIZZO]

Loved Emme`s comment on the demise of hydraulic steering , glad the Miata still retains it . This is so much better than electric steering that all the automakers are going over to in most of their models.

[@Dungzoo]

One different lady. I love her.

[@kylewhisman]

Love the new opening music and Emme we love you too.

[@five_o_fever9381]

I think I'll get the automatic just so Emme will hunt me down.

[@thegr8keone]

but shes going to kill you...

[@john_c1]

love your review and gotta love your enthusiasm. I wish I could go tomorrow and buy the car straight away. Hell I would buy right now! Can't wait!

[@MikeBMW]

Loved it, Emme! The editing was great and your love of the car was ever evident ... cool. :) Keep the great reviews coming! :D

[@chuckvt5196]

I loved my 1996 M Miata in starlight mica blue. I was sad when I parted with it last summer. So now I drive a 2013 Abarth and of course, I love it to death. Still....on a nice day, I miss that little sports car!

[@lleemond]

the hell with this editing

[@aaronbehindbars]

My wife's company had an event at Circuit of the Americas yesterday (nothing to do with racing, more of an employee carnival) and there happened to be some sort of track day event going on. There were lots of Vettes, 911s, BMWs, a couple Ferraris, Lambo, and even Godzilla. It was cool seeing the little Miatas hanging with the big power cars in the tighter sections of the track.

[@wayne6008]

The editing of this review was hilarious. I knew Emmett would have been biased before the video started. Fun review anyway, keep up the work guys.

[@danlewis7641]

Really nice video. Excellent photography. Really enthusiastic presenter who captures some of the joy of driving a car like this.

[@UltimateCARNUT]

This is one of the most entertaining reviews on TFL ever. I like how Emme drives this car like its supposed to be driven. Roman usually grandfathers cars lol. She is funny too. Good job Emme. I do disagree on the 32k being worth it though . you can buy the following cars for the same money or less: Evo x Subaru sti 370z Brz Mustang gt Camaro ss

[@MegaMonkeyMotorsport]

Thanks! Yes you can buy those cars on your list but none of them compete with the Miata, ie 2 seat, RWD, convertible. The 370z is the only 2 seater on your list, and to get it in convertible with a manual you're looking at $44K.

[@markjohnson5276]

I have a 2014 Miata hardtop, automatic, 30.8 mpg. I like the smile on the front, matches my expression when I'm driving.

[@alexisledesma7109]

I think thats emme at your front door....

[@tgolembiewski]

Emmy, finally great review from you. I didn't belive it, but yes, you finally nailed it. Make more crazy reviews and I will put you in my personal buying scale as buy it ;) (you ware on forget it till now)

[@johnnybarrett7006]

This is the best review of this car I just seen the review that Richard Hammond did with this car on Top Gear. This review is way better. Good job Emme!

[@seb5945]

It cost MPG to run a hydraulic steering. That's why everybody's ditching hydraulic for electric.

[@Xenophene01]

2016 MX-5 with sky active technology and weight reduction sounds like a win win. Just worried about the steering becoming electronic though.

[@marcpasquinelli2548]

You were right.

[@alteclansing3333]

Whats with everyone complaining about the gas mileage? I drive a 2012 mazdaspeed3 and it gets horrible mileage, but its still my daily driver and and it excites the hell out of me whenever i get into it.

[@edweagle]

wish you could get your old cameraman and editor emme :(

[@scottoworn]

I am on my fourth NC MX-5 and this one is an NC2. My first two were 6 speed manuals and my last one was and this one is a 6 speed automatic. In manual mode the auto shifts much faster than the manuals do and the auto actually seems faster! Sorry but you are wrong about a Miata with an auto!

[@amill1563]

It's nice to have a break from the regular pork-chops that host this show. Good job TFL for hiring Emme

[@samj7425]

a true mx5 lover :D

[@dumyjobby]

love this girl, she is so funny

[@neoanderson7]

It's about time you reviewed the NC. It fits you to a tee. The car is simple, but very customizable. I've had my NC1 for 6yrs now. PRHT in GS trim. If you love the stock configuration, just wait what happens when you do a few simple bolt ons. Nothing too crazy. But it really makes the car come alive! But if I were you, I would definitely wait for the 4th gen. Which is literally right around the corner. One thing is certain, the hydraulic steering will be gone in the new model. :-( I do wish you had your crew when you reviewed this. Some of the editing and the choice of music is questionable. Regardless, as long as you're reviewing it, I'm all game. :-)

[@wsc31]

The automotive exemplar of K.I.S.S. (Keep It Simple Stupid) My son has had M3s for fifteen+ years and loves them but when he wants to drive for the sheer pleasure of it he has his Miata. In the Miata he can have all the thrills (except for ungodly acceleration) of the M3 and still not be violating the traffic laws enough to warrant police attention. Love Emme's presentations but just hope she restricts her singing to the shower in future.

[@shirakawanaoya]

Its strange is has way less HP and torque than bigger cars and still gets only 24 mpg combined.

[@noaidie]

It's about the gear ratios... it's designed to be quick and responsive... constantly engaging the driver... high revs

[@oromoto]

A year old 370z convertible might be a nice rival.

[@reggiechin230]

Great review Emme. You convinced me to check out a used NC Miata.

[@BFord-ho3pq]

Late, late to the party. But damn, Emme Hall is the best automotive journalist ever. She just is.

[@antfbi]

I’m from the future and I drive a 2020 Miata RF GT

[@buildmorefarms1007]

0-60 is 6-5-6.7 seconds (depending on who you read)....it certainly isn't slow. The 2 of them I owned were very fun!

[@LETSWIM1]

I hope they'll still keep the smile for the future models.

[@jv52260p]

You guys should do a video comparing FRS/BRZ to Miata, I think there would be a lot of interest in that

[@Danwoodward100]

She's awesome 👍🏻

[@petehreid1]

Brilliant …..I live in the Isle of Man and wish you would come over here and test on our mountain ….no speed limit 😀

[@johncarder819]

What do you drive in the Winter? RWD and front engine is a blast, but gets tough in the snow.

[@paultraveler5877]

Love my NC² with Recaro seats.

[@LilMarine718]

What is this high school presentation editing

[@fundiver198]

This was good, when it came out in 2006. But even though it still dont have any direct competitors at all, now I think the replacement can not come soon enough. I want a new and more masculine styling, like what Porsche did with the Boxster, and I also want Mazdas skyactive technology in this. Even just the normal 2,0 liter skyactive engine to get much better gas mileage, and surely they could tune it for a bit more top end power also, since this is a sports car.

[@missgangsmashers737]

OMG! I love this car! I am finally going to purchase it! I am going to buy it in this COLOR: Crystal White Pearl! I am a girl so this color suits me just fine! I like the Hostess! She is a lot of fun!

[@DM-co3rh]

Just an FYI...the color choice of white doesn't make a car suitable for a female, per se. Plenty of guys drive white cars (including male police officers..lol).

[@missgangsmashers737]

David M. White happens to be one of my favorite colors/shades and I think the color of the car is in the off-white/pearl family so this suits me just fine.

[@DM-co3rh]

Miss Gang Smashers​ I hear ya, Miss G! Enjoy the MX-5 in white when you do get it!! Just traded my 2011 Red MX-5 PRHT for a beautiful white Infiniti G37x Coupe! Happy Holidays! 

[@missgangsmashers737]

David M. Thank you David! Happy Holidays to you as well!

[@DM-co3rh]

Miss Gang Smashers Joshua Pai I checked it out and confirmed that Joshua is correct, Miss G. Assuming you want a new or late model used PRHT model (as in the video), The closest you can come to that would be the Club PRHT in White, but it has contrasting black side mirrors, folding hardtop is also black AND there is black & red pinstripe with the MX-5 logo on the bottom of both door..take a look here: www.mazdausa.com/MusaWeb/selectConfigColors.action?buttonAction=config.options&vehicleCode=MX5&modelYear=2015&modelCode=MXR++CL+6P++&exteriorCode=41K&interiorCode=C_NH0

[@Victic005]

You can get a module to retract and raise the top while moving. Mine has that.

[@shiftintohigh5564]

SCCA Autocross...they are everywhere!!! Great review!👍👍👍

[@cadsux]

If you live in hilly areas like the San Francisco peninsula coast, and have zero-arches/flat feet like me, then you'll understand why some need to drive automatics. Ever been in an uphill rearward collision by a car in front? Brian Cooley of CNET on Cars is a "manual" guy too, but notice his car reviews never show him driving up a serious hill. I welcome a lovely lady hunting me down as long as she's not psycho.

[@76carmel]

The only case for automatics in the Miata, Emme -- what if you have foot or leg problems? Then, you might need the 6-sp. auto; and you can use the paddle shifters. However, most Miatas are manuals anyway.

[@sydjaguar]

Emme knows her cars!

[@kokobeatz7222]

It’s wider. But it only weighs 100 lbs more in the soft top version. And I think the wheel base is like 1 inch or something. Plus it has like 30 some more ponies. Mo powa baby!

[@superbug1977]

Best looking version by far

[@swinglow33]

Forget the Laundry Basket Rating Test. If the trunk can hold 1 Emme Hall, put it on your test drive list! This review wasn't biased AT ALL :)

[@Dankcatvacs]

Better. Than rx8 Also tflcar shoud do a match up with genesis coupe,miata,brz.

[@FEETLE]

She can get it 😎

[@christiansharron8421]

good review but the sound effects and animations were pretty annoying. I also expected them to touch on the argument that the miata is the last of an endangered species (didn't know if someone would catch the typo in the title)

[@ParkerHarless]

This review was definitely too distracting compared to previous reviews. No offense, but I'm rather disappointed.

[@aardvarkansaw]

Too bad that I am 6'2" tall and would be looking over the top of the windshield when sitting in this Miata. Emme is almost too tall for the car. The 2014 Mazda 3 and Mazda 6 work just fine for me ergonomically--as long as they don't have a sunroof. I leased a 2014 Mazda 3i Touring and am very happy with it. I am a great fan of the current direction of Mazda. (Mazdarotti ?)

[@308_Negra_Arroyo_Lane]

How come a 2.0L engine in a tiny car gets worst gas mileage than a Forester XT with a 2.0L turbocharged engine and full time all wheel drive?

[@Ara198826]

exactly ....my avenger R/T gets better mileage while it has 283 hp and 1300 pounds more weight

[@Ara198826]

***** well I rarely get on highway due to all my work ,uni , gym ...etc are in city so I'm mostly 100% in city ....I got like 34 mpg on highway once and near 23-26 in city

[@classikz]

Your Forester doesn't rev to 7200 RPM.

[@Ara198826]

shin888 dude I had a 2013 ford mustang V6 with 6 speed automatic ....I was getting over 35 mpgs on highway ...and it has 7000 rpm ....305 hp , 280 torque ...and still 1200 pounds heavier than Miata

[@classikz]

More importantly, you owned an AUTOMATIC mustang...

[@ahmedp800]

Guys, what's the big deal about this Mazda? Every automobile website keeps praising this car! Is it really THAT good? Because for the same price ~30K, I could get a WRX/STI 2015! How does it compare to BRZ for example?

[@uhoRn36]

It's different, bud. You need to drive it to know.. I can't explain it to you. You just feel like you're ONE with the car when you drive it. The STi couldn't do that for me, neither does the BRZ or S2000. Mazda got it right in terms of cockpit.Go test drive the STi and then this :)

[@jonmalone71]

***** ...says the person who's never driven one.

[@wildside50]

As the owner and driver of a 2011 Subaru WRX, I can whole heartedly say that the MX-5 is as good if not better of a car to drive. Yes it is way down on power. Yes it is going to put it slower lap times. But when you drive it you get the same rush as when you drive a Go-Kart. Is a Go-Kart fast in a straight line? What's the top speed; 35 mph? But when you hit those corners, you better have your lines right, and know how to power out of it. It is, as uhoRn36 says, totally different. Which car is going to get your pulse pounding more often on daily roads? Probably the WRX because every on-ramp becomes an opportunity to just floor it. But which is more fun to drive on a race track or canyon road? Depends on your preferences really, but I think in general it is going to be the Mazda. And that's coming from someone who loves torque. Every car can be fun in the right hands.

[@uhoRn36]

Scott Anderson well said, and you're totally right. Enjoy each car based on their strengths. If you know it has power, take advantage of it. If it can corner, rip the crap out of those local roads! Lol

[@nerad1994]

Scott Anderson what do you mean have your line right ?

[@omarleus]

good review.... I need to know one important thing .... ground clearance.... how low is the mx-5??? There are a lot of humps around my city.... Thanks a lot!

[@M67v]

This Miata does have bluetooth......

[@noaidie]

I think it is direct injection as well?

[@LlyleHunter]

I love the MX5 but I wish the Honda would make a successor to the S2000. That was a true masterpiece!

[@Kinguto]

i waiting on a revived rwd version of the prelude. my pants are getting moist just thinking about it

[@Boombah49]

Put your soda in the door cup holder! The center ones are useless and get in the way of the shifter.

[@kcroz5319]

In todays time, and for such a small car , you'd think mazda by now would come up with an engine on this that would get WAY Better gas mileage ! Seriously , i get 27 mpgs on the hwy in my 97 lincoln towncar & 34 mpgs with my 2003 hyundai sonata . Id love another little sports car , possibly a miata, if the mpgs were better..

[@quacktac]

I'm looking at leasing one of these, I'm only 20 so money is a concern (I initially wanted an Elise but didn't realise how expensive they were), is the 1.8 sports venture worth the extra money over the standard 1.8 soft top? I couldn't afford the 2.0 as insurance becomes a bit more of an issue. I'm currently driving a Nissan Navara, which I adore, so I'm not fussed about all the comfort features of the MX5 as my pick up is decently enough spec'ed.

[@jchawkjr2]

Have you ever driven the 6 speed automatic? Don't dis it till you've tried it.

[@lightbulbisbright]

There are so many cars that I wish would just stay naturally aspirated... This is not one of them. Ask BMW/Mini for their inline 4 turbo and I think this would be incredible

[@jadamian75]

Emmy forgot the Nissan 370zx convertible.

[@Mickyadzz92]

Still cant say I like Emme....but good review either way

[@nicolasgalindo9446]

How about putting the damn soda on the other cup holder??

[@alessiovigna7865]

The best solution in the NC-FL is actually putting your bottle in the holder placed in the doors. Both holes in the center tunnel are useless: you can't shift properly if you put any bottle in there. That's why the bottle holder in the NC-FL is removable: most part of the original NC owners simply removed the old fixed holder swapping it with an aftermarket plain box that could actually fit you wallet or mobile phone (at least in EU)

[@charlesmcgehee3227]

Just found a pair of black New Old Stock seats for my 2001. Brand new-not re-skinned. Soon she will look factory new inside. Being that is a brilliant black paint color, it needs some color correction work. btw So sorry for you with that 6 speed. More than 5 speeds? That would be for a bicycle rider.

[@TheYellowSchoolBusDude]

I love watching Emme review cars and this video was rather entertaining but the camera work was absolutely dreadful!

[@MonteiroM]

Automatic in the Mazda Mx-5? No thanks :)

[@Benini352]

I would have thought the mileage would have been way better.

[@ronellington6246]

Except its NOT much bigger and much wider. We are talking about inch and a half and less than 100lbs and for that you get air bags and power retractable hard top. Well worth it.

[@somabalogh5135]

You are just adorable, thank you for the great review.

[@tonyiacona9060]

Emme's opinion on this car cannot be taken seriously, as she owns one and has a positive loyal opinion of it. In my opinion, the review of this model would have been better conducted had Roman or Nathan reviewed it......as we also could have had a better idea of how a larger guy fit's in the car.

[@thegr8keone]

she threatened us like liam neeson on youtube, now someone has to teach me so i can refreshen my manual driving skills.

[@rickyguti]

what happened to the front bumper skirt? seems like the miata met the curb

[@ethanoyamawang]

I know it it has to be Emme to review it!

[@turbo311]

pretty sure the Grand Touring trim has bluetooth...

[@Victic005]

No, mine doesn't have blue tooth.

[@gaivoron]

It does, but its not obvious. Its actually not marked on the radio with a "bluetooth" button.

[@islandgirl103]

Love Emme's reviews, especially for a car like this! The guy who decided to crap up the video with all the cutesy sounds? Not so much. That stuff was annoying and unnecessary.

[@ianbradley2153]

Have to get one to go with my R3

[@infamousnachi]

what about the mini cooper s convertible? that competes, its not rear wheel but just as fun to drive and great handling

[@mitchlindgren]

Emme is great as always, but man, who produced/edited this? What's up with all the weird sound effects and music, and abrupt, unnecessary cuts?

[@Darthreloy]

32000! No way in hell. If it were 18000, yeah it would be a great car.

[@InfoumusMOBB]

Agree

[@TehOcst]

If it were 18k I would already own one.

[@AtomicBlueJay]

Get the 2013 for 20k

[@henrycruz1620]

you are so good..I love my Mx5

[@christopherknight6398]

This car is making her sing :)

[@raypage839]

Mine 2011 gt special edition has Bluetooth , but for the phone only. No streaming music...

[@darwandoo]

It's only 150 lbs more this car has alot of new engineering

[@HUMC5]

Emme, always funny :)

[@samson1380]

Nice Review but PLEASE take down the music volume PLEASE.

[@danno321s]

Surprised Mazda can't get more power from a 2.0. Not DI? Nice shifting by Emme.

[@RyGuyTheAVGuy]

I was excited for this video, then this lady showed up. god damn

[@tph777]

Why not just drive in manual mode with the automatic and get the best of both worlds?

[@kopfschuss881]

i miss her. where'd she go?

[@PorcelainLeigh]

No bluetooth in a 2014?? How did they get away with that?

[@stfwes]

Wait ! Next generation arrive september 3rd !!

[@garyschatz3718]

Getting in the trunk was funny.

[@WEIMYBIMMER]

She is the one with more experience of the bunch....

[@kevman949]

What are the songs used in the video? (minus the Blue Danube one of course)

[@ShiningTimeStacking]

im going to buy the automatic

[@deltafan909]

370z roadster is obviously a competitor

[@s7efan90]

WOW for 35000$ you can order the 2015 Ford Mustang GT =)) Don`t get me wrong i like the little Miata, it`s a fun little car but for that money ... 2015 Ford Mustand 2.3 is 25000$ ...

[@Dungzoo]

As a turbo Miata owner, I would also rather have a Mustang GT for that money. A low mile, second hand soft top Miata is the way to go.

[@classikz]

Mustang for the straight line speed, Miata for the corner handling.

[@buildmorefarms1007]

You can get a base Miata with all the pure driving goodness for mid/low 20's ...this is the top model. P.S. why are you cross shopping a Mustang GT with a Miata?