Mazda MX-5 (Roadster) 1998-2005 used car review

The Mazda MX-5/Roadster is a small sports car that is brilliant to drive.

Richard Edwards
Richard Edwards
Expert Reviewer | Auto Media Group
Exterior , 4 out of 5 Drive , 4 out of 5 Safety , 4 out of 5 Value , 3 out of 5 Interior , 4 out of 5

Overall score , 3.8 out of 5

The good
  • Brilliant to drive - this car loves corners
  • Well-built and very reliable
  • With the roof down headroom is unlimited
The not-so-good
  • Taller drivers will find space tight
  • Roofs can wear out - and are not cheap to replace
  • 1.6-litre automatics are sluggish

Inside and out

On the road

Safety

Reliability

Cost of ownership

Buyer's guide

Japanese models

NZ New models

Timeline

Details

Review vehicle

2003 Mazda (Roadster) MX-5 SP

Price

$8,000 to $10,000 for models which have travelled 70,000 to 120,000km

Engine

1.6-litre four-cylinder, 92kW/142Nm (claimed)

Transmission

Four-speed automatic, rear-wheel drive

Safety rating

Four-star ANCAP rating (NZ-new models)

Servicing

10,000km or six months

Spare wheel

Space saver

Fuel economy

9-litres per 100km (claimed)

Fuel type

Regular

Length

3980mm

Width

1680mm

Height

1220mm

Turning circle

9.4m

Image gallery

Richard Edwards Richard Edwards
Expert Reviewer | Auto Media Group