The MX-5 Miata

I recently purchased a Mazda MX-5 Miata to replace my "totalled" ZX2. Having zero experience with rear wheel drive vehicles, and less so with one that's as well balanced as this one, it was literally like stepping into another dimension.

First thing's first. I bought a 1996, part of a series called the NA series; called such for being part of the first generation styling. I bought this for one reason and one reason alone: Pop. Up. Headlights.
I might be stuck in the 80s, but I'm going to be stuck in style. Yes, they add a collective 30lbs of weight to the front, and yes, this completely negates the cost and intricacy of fabricating an aluminum hood, but it's very worth the costs.

Never have I had a car that fit me. I've driven several cars that I fit in, sure. I worked at a dealership for GM for a while. But I had yet to get in a car that wrapped around and welcomed me. I knew this was going to be a good little car.

And it has been. Sure, it's not the fastest or has the most grip, but it's fun. Even going to the store isn't a chore, it's an experience. A paltry 110hp 4cyl 1.8L displacement engine chugs the car along, but once you hit the powerband you can seriously scoot. The only major drawback I've found so far is that this car is not designed nor intended to haul things. Which, depending on your point of view, might be good or bad. For instance, I no longer buy as much stuff at the store, due to having nowhere to put it. In a roundabout way, this helps me cut back on the stuff I use and don't need.

Of course, this presents a problem. You can have one passenger. Legally, of course. Reports have surfaced that people have managed to fit six people in one of these roadsters...however I highly recommend against this, as the rollbar only holds people in place as long as they're sober.

I also acquired the hardtop for this model, which changed the entire car's personality. In addition to reducing some in-cabin noise, wind, and general convertible-ness, it also adds some unique exterior styling. To me, it mimics the RX-8's rear with a bubbly top and a more bulbous form. Not all bad, except the bulbous part. Bulbous. Heh.

And it handles like a gokart. A really nice gokart. More information can be found at Miata.net, should you desire more insight.