Viewer Drives | 2017 Mazda MX-5 RF LE | Pilot

After our long review on the Mazda Miata MX-5 the new RF came out with a unique power retracting hard top. One of our viewers Steve and founding member was nice enough to meet me up for a quick drive in the new car and the S2000. This may become a new format with more planning.
MX-5 Review:
• Review | 2016 Mazda MX...
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[@TheDustyaman]

Dude keep going with drives like this with viewers. You are putting yourself in a whole other viewership market.

[@philpin9230]

SmokingTires???

[@ZachBux1345]

His is a little different take though, not just canyons city driving as well. He should do more!

[@wsbygt]

"I grew up with: dont beat the mechanicals up." My kind of people. Im on the verge of buying a Miata 1.5, and some of these youtube Miata-videos really helped. Thank you.

[@komentierer]

75 hp Golf driver here... I have to rev it to keep it from stalling... in neutral!

[@dannoyes4493]

I like the extra dimension. Proves you're actually a human (not a digitally created image on a blue screen) which makes your high scores even more amazing. Score: 9.1

[@Z3sty367]

Who knew Bill Gates drives a Miata

[@bcuz8998]

Madeline Monahan he drives a Ford pito

[@billiebobbienorton2556]

Pope Francis drives a Fiat 500.

[@khunopie9159]

William H. Macy was great in Fargo, but really shined in Boogie Nights. Who the fuck knew?

[@gregblack8550]

He only wishes!!!

[@Saboda53]

Daniel Bill Gates? Doesn’t at all look like Bill Gates!

[@ytechnology]

I could hear both of you clearly with the top down; that's an amazing microphone you've got there! Nice honest comparison between two great convertibles. And Steve's knowledge and enthusiasm comes across very well.

[@Gilamang]

Seems like a good guy. Appreciate the back to back comparison of the miata and s2k. Good video.

[@FireandiceAuto]

OMG HAHAH! Sooooo... That shout out at the start was to me im pretty sure. Honda CRZ... 113Hp... Twisty Backroads... $2000 ticket and a court date... Yeah.

[@CanadaLuke]

Hey man, really enjoyed this video. It's alright to put out some more of these short drives, especially if you get to have someone like Steve who can articulate how the car feels. It's a great idea to have the S2k for comparison too. It'll probably help your viewership if you can pump out videos more frequently, so definitely consider doing some of these quality short drives that takes you less time to edit!

[@ElvisVikic]

You should throw these in but keep the review style you already are doing. These are nice short clips to accompany the longer in detail reviews. Also, the owner of this Miata seems like a cool guy, and I liked how you got HIM to drive your car after and got his opinion, that was a nice touch.

[@Saboda53]

I lived in Chicago for nearly 8 years and, watching this video, I’m reminded of just how long and straight so many roads are! No wonder, really, why little sports cars aren’t more popular between the coasts; with not a lot of curves and twisties, Miatas and S2000s don’t get to do what they do best. Also explains why American muscle cars are bigger in the middle of the country; long, arrow-straight roads favor cars that go fast better than they turn.

[@Anthonyc77]

Enjoyed this video dynamic! Cool to see the cars compared back to back with the added points of view.

[@OldAssSax]

Incredible drone work. Those sunset, depth of field, wide-angle transition shots were even better than usual.

[@aprasert]

S2000 is great when you're driving pissed. For daily driving I'd take the Mazda.

[@cptkorean]

driving pissed.. with an N1 exhaust.

[@Balo657]

cptkorean ripping apart ears

[@Krakuun]

good format hope you do more

[@mattsitsback]

Steve seems cool.

[@Roger_Ramjet]

Matthew Oneill in a not so cool way

[@pchae1]

I'm glad Steve was the pick for this video because it's nice to get an opinion from a guy who isn't balls-out about performance or adrenaline. He's just a normal guy who likes to drive a small convertible that suits his needs. I daily a S2000, but I'm not a VTEC junkie so I feel like the Miata is a better fit for me. More accessible powerband, less wind-noise, and more comfort is what I'm looking for.

[@kseabaugh]

Keep em coming goose! Great quick spin video...!

[@ernieballsting]

Great input from Steve!

[@Towert7]

Dam, I thought this was going to be a full review. I was so excited!

[@berniemac6835]

I liked this video, was good seeing someone with you in the drivers seat as well.

[@aaromon43]

this has a very smoking tire feel to it--I LOVE IT. more please!

[@sportsdesigner]

Steve was great on camera, you guys should do more!

[@johnss2k434]

You should do more of this! It was cool that you let him give his thoughts on the s2000. Nice work!

[@craigfreger7958]

Honda's great achievement was that they came up with such a nice sports car... nearly twenty years ago! However, Steve is right -- it's a shame Honda gave up on it. Mazda scores points for its singular dedication to the affordable, lightweight sports car genre.

[@markbackeris7215]

Nice new format. Steve was insightful and a good match for your style. I liked that you guys switched off cars. I'm sure that brings back some old memories between you and Scott. I'll bet that you have quite a few well thought out viewers with interesting cars that could help contribute to some more great content. Who knows maybe you could meet up with some people willing to let you take a lap or two at some regional DE's. I bet the channel can afford it more easily now with the huge consumable discount (nice ap2).

[@blonderzigeuner1]

Love the 'viewer drives' format !

[@johng.4959]

Cool video! Love the Miata and love the fuel economy.

[@madpistol]

That Engine note on the Miata sounds so good!

[@stephen3164]

If you're out in SoCal sometime and want to drive something, drop me a line. Miata plus Malibu canyon roads plus Saturday afternoon = California canyon sub-culture still kickin!

[@joshuatyler3858]

This design is amazing. Mazda's designs are really nice. The look of a car is always going to be subjective but you can see the engineers for Mazda take pride in their designs. Really wish Honda continued the s2000...this was a great video!

[@ddrz09]

I wouldn't hate you if you adopted this style of videos. I know there is a very notable figure in the automotive youtube industry that does something similar, but I enjoyed this video just as much or even a little more than... Great guy, great cars, great talk!

[@edregener7018]

Awesome comparison thanks

[@mikeymouse2]

really enjoyed this

[@businessmanph]

how would the stock rf rigidity compare to a soft top with full suspension mods?

[@danielallocca7770]

The hardtop makes the car look like a really good looking coupe. I never liked the rag top variant but this is quite nice - even a little sexy which I've never said about the Miata

[@michaelw2263]

I wish I could get you to review my car too. I like this viewer drive concept

[@shuyangmusiclist122]

Great video!! We should do more of these with the viewers!

[@thomasniner001]

Like the viewer drives. Kind of like a field trip. Camera action was good,and probably easier to edit. You can tell Steve is a car person.

[@danielescobedo8460]

Great video.

[@TheReysinhell]

You guys are cool. Steve and you know your stuff.

[@dominic0313]

its awesome to see a car guy have an amazing youtube channel here in illinois.......

[@teachonlywhatiseasy]

Appreciate the videos man. i think if you somehow make your videos into short reviews and long reviews then you'll get more coverage

[@tman2damax]

Would love a regular car reviews esque series from you guys.

[@MrNewlife1968]

I wish Mazda would just make a regular hardtop version.

[@orneryduck4646]

I have a feeling this direction was chosen due to the complexities of creating an attractive retractable hardtop. The new lines of the 2016+ models is a stark departure from the previous generations; there is a strong up-sweep in the beltline/window base that is hard to design around for a parting line. This allowed them to hide the separation and integrate the hardtop lines into ythe whole car design, instead of feeling like an afterthought. From a design standpoint, the RF exceeds the softtop in many ways, most of which comes back to the change in beltline from previous Miatas.

[@MrNewlife1968]

15FG4SI And I think it would be cheaper.

[@armandojuan64]

Me too , brother .

[@youAbajajTube]

They do. It's called a Toyota 86. they even throw in a couple of extra seats. Go get yourself one, and leave this roadster alone.

[@gregblack8550]

Agree 100 percent,would run to dealership.

[@mrkeno1000]

i like the soft top much better iam a little biased since i have an ND just love the car really love the turning radius of just under 31 ft this is without a doubt the most fun car i have ever had the color is blue reflex which you dont see very often

[@ChoPi-Eww]

Good idea, Mr. Goose. I thought it might be similar to what's already out there, but it's a different format with better production quality.

[@3ducs]

I don't understand. Where is the snow? I've been driving my ND all winter here in NH, a set of Blizzaks and 100 pounds of salt in the trunk and all's good.

[@uscfroadie]

Please do more of these types of reviews! Loved it!

[@davereiland9921]

I dig the format. It's like One Take with a twist. I hope it's possible to keep doing it. Maybe we can compare our S2000's some day. lol

[@1miguelinho]

HOPE WE CAN HAVE MORE VIDEOS LIKE THIS ONE

[@aaron5222]

exciting!

[@Miatapeace91]

Awesome thanks for the post! Two of my favorite cars I've had two 91s and miss them both if you could add a 74 Dino or a 55 550 and you'd have heaven

[@mikeni1225]

This guy nailed it, when I drove the s2000, the cars around me thought I was always trying to race and be aggressive, but you had to rev it up to drive it properly. Miata is geared better for city driving.

[@victoroliveira3256]

The most monotone and mundane car reviewer on KZbin, and I like it keep up the awesome work.

[@aaronleang]

I approve of this format.

[@Affalterbach1967]

Most boring roads ever, I would fall asleep driving. Good format, with interview of the owner.

[@JustinKelly]

Thats Illinois for you...

[@K03sport]

Affalterbach 1967 ...that's the Midwest for you...OH is the same way...we're just a bit further to the right on the map

[@Saboda53]

Actually, there ARE a few okay roads for driving in Illinois but yeah, not many. One of the reasons I left Chicago to return to NY/NE.

[@farhan007]

@@Saboda53 love driving around Western Mass and New Hampshire.

[@kleinbottled79]

If I lived there I'd get something like a used CTS-V and just enjoy raw power. That isn't good Miata country. Feel a bit bad for those guys. I live in East County San Diego and the back roads here are a twisted dream. An ND will probably be in my driveway someday If I live here much longer.

[@zachheath3825]

Really like the hardtop ND. Saw one in person last night.

[@vwbora09tdi]

Good video buddy, when will you have the new CX-5 for review?

[@TheBikemaster94]

does it have power steering?

[@thatweirdamerican6184]

Nice video

[@JesusIsGod222]

MORE of this !!!!!

[@billiebobbienorton2556]

I own an RF and love it. BUY IT!!!!

[@Runoratsu]

LOVE the goose shirt! :D …but I'm still on the fence about the RF-I love the look when closed, but I like my NC PRHT better when open. And for *me*, the open top mode is more important, even though I need a hard roof for dailying it here.

[@davidgutwirth5053]

Really like how this turned out. A little less professional quality than the normal reviews, but I love the "real" owner aspect of these. It's good to hear a little bit from someone who drives models day-to-day, and the comparo with the S2K was interesting.It's great when an actual owner disses forum wanks for petty complaints like the top switch and the windows.

[@motopolak]

Pulling a Doug DeMuro with this release ;) Definitely like it though, adds some variety. I'm glad Steve (car's owner) was thoughtful, knowledgeable and well-spoken! Also very cool to have the S2000 for a direct comparison.

[@shiftintohigh5564]

Conversation at normal voice levels in RF. 👍 I am in the same camp: “Dont beat the mechanicals up!👍😂

[@gsxellence]

So nice:)

[@WynterK]

Start doing one takes...you'd be great at it> You're not fake and sugar coated like a lot of other youtubers. You and Mat Farah are perfect for it.

[@maninredhelm]

Love this car. Can't fit in it. An inch more legroom and headroom would have made a big difference, but Mazda just doesn't want me to have it. At least the Toyobarus are an option now. Gigantic amount of room in comparison. I just can't fall in love with them for whatever reason.

[@liormolvin]

cool guy. I liked this video.

[@spooksmagee]

I'm borderline in love with the RF. It looks so good. Gotta schedule a trip to my local dealer and convince them to let me test drive one :)

[@ZacBernasconi]

Ha back in the s2000 and a civic. I also have a 04 s2000 and 97 ek9. This is why I like your video's, great minds think alike :)

[@savagegeese]

Hell yeah, for the first time I am totally ok with both of them, don't need anything more.

[@armandojuan64]

The day they build a fastback .... I'd buy mine .

[@maximus9401]

I feel like I've seen Steve around town in his RF Miata, but I can't be too sure

[@ThePistolier]

I was hoping you could do a vid on the chrysler 300c if you could ever get your hands on one.

[@TheCTM124]

you do some amazing reviews..... and when did you buy an s2000 welcome to the crew

[@savagegeese]

+Clive Mckenzie I'm in a lot of videos about the car coming out but this is my fourth S2000 can't stay away

[@TheCTM124]

wow i didnt know that. The ap1 and ap2 platform is so great. aren't you ready to see what Honda does next

[@Dano-MX5]

Same here. I've owned 4. The S2000 is an addiction. I've owned an '03, '04, '06 and recently sold my '02 Spa Yellow. Damn I miss that car. Sold it for a profit after 3 years of ownership and 20,000 miles. I bought a '14 Lexus GS350 F Sport. Great car but I'm looking for another S2K. You'd think this 65 year old would grow up.

[@Scott-xh7wd]

How bad does that top rattle or squeak and how much weight does it add?

[@savagegeese]

+Scott P 113lbs added and no rattles yet. Only 2500 miles on it.

[@Scott-xh7wd]

savagegeese "Yet" is the key word. Not that I would ever buy a Miata pile but if I did I would take a rag top or real hard top over that retractable rubbish any day.

[@savagegeese]

+Scott P Rag top is stupid simple on it. They dont make a hard top yet.

[@IanTausch]

Great video. If you're interested I own a 2006 Outback XT 5-speed and a 2014 BMW S1000R motorcycle and would love to have you do a short review on either of them. I live north of the border in WI and would be happy to drive either down.

[@andrewreyes986]

Do you sell those shirts?!

[@Roger_Ramjet]

Andrew Reyes yes. And not just in that grape juice color.

[@losmedical]

can you store things where the top is when the top is up?

[@coachsteveTV]

bong cow Not really. Very little space and potential for interfering with the top. Shorter drivers might find some space behind the seats, but not me. There is a small cubby behind the passenger seat. Not much other storage as Mr. Goose pointed out in the ND review. There is even less in the RF. The glove box between the seats is shallower and the drivers side cubby has been deleted. Perfect car for tiny house folks.

[@Probablyshouldnthave]

why did you cut all of the open top driving of the Miata out of the video?

[@savagegeese]

+R Dixon Because I already have a review on the ND that talks about it. And more for brevity.

[@peterlewis3540]

This beautiful little RF Mazda, would not look out of place on the design board, of a certain car company from Maranello in Italy. I dont think there would be many complaints if Ferrari had come up with this design, it looks just beautiful from all angles. The fact that its Japanese, and is relatively affordable, and very reliable, is a bonus.

[@lynx800]

Ford Exploder, cracked right there :D

[@jwrx7tt01]

Who's S2000 is that?

[@lunisce]

jwrx7tt01 well he did sell the bummer so I'm speculating...

[@daaaaaannnnnn]

He always had the s2k....

[@jwrx7tt01]

Daniel H I know he had a silver 05 one. Pretty sure he sold that one

[@jasonyoung6420]

that s2k sounds sooo nice at 8k

[@Chrislee55321]

where can I buy that goose shirt.....

[@businessmanph]

the rf would be funny af if the hard top was manual like the soft top. wonder how much it weights

[@machineslave3]

Love love love my ND club. Only 1 year old and it was 11k cheaper than a new one.

[@machineslave3]

and you cant beat 34 mpg + on the highway. S2000 cant even come close to that.

[@charleshu5752]

Shame that Honda don't make cars like the S2000 anymore. I currently own a 04 S2000 and i love it, handles great and i can have legal fun. It does eat fuel though i get around 24MPG all around which is pretty high consider it is a Na 4 cylinder

[@splice247]

Gregory G you dont buy a sports car and talk about fuel economy, its an oxymoron, ny s2000 gets 30 on the hwy

[@machineslave3]

splice247 I think that Mazda proves you can have it all. and it wasnt a complaint, more just a statement of fact. I never saw higher than the stated 24mpg in my S. wasnt a big deal because I knew what I was getting into. had to sell it for other reasons.

[@savagegeese]

I don't ever get more than 24 but don't care, if I were driving daily it maybe a bigger issues. But anything is better than getting 16-19MPG on the BMW pile.

[@MistrMcGill]

...is it safe to say that the Mazda would be more of a torque steerer vs the Honda's throttle steer?

[@buildmorefarms1007]

No, since neither car is front wheel drive...

[@MistrMcGill]

buildmorefarms100 true that, I should of said in terms of feel instead of steer. cheers

[@ingalook]

Really cool guy

[@22358]

There are only a few cars I'll keep long term. Miata, S2000, Porsche Boxster/911.

[@alexpysaryev5892]

Hey Dude, I have an 04 toyota corolla I can let you drive. It might have only 100HP but it is super light like a lambo.

[@moflyboyblanquito541]

Your reviews are really good. Keep up the good work, although your goose needs to be a bit more aggressive. When I had a goose as a kid it actually would attack people who came in our yard.

[@daaaaaannnnnn]

Hey are you matt farrah? No wonder the smoking tire is on hiatus. You are here!

[@jiminkrott1569]

Think I would prefer a manual removable targa like the corvette. cheaper, lighter, stiffer, more usable storage space, and fewer moving parts to break.

[@DearMajesty]

SG, I'd really like to see you review the new Kia Niro. Hyundai is seriously making the best of the best right now. I'd also just like to hear your thoughts on the Tesla P100D.

[@jctai100]

Look out Farrah, the Geese is gonna getchya!

[@leecountyrevival1095]

Steve seems like a cool guy

[@MrMegatron85]

you should totally make Steve a regular

[@malkionx]

Would love to buy that shirt!

[@Roger_Ramjet]

malkionx thinking the same - I wonder if it's available in colors other than purple?