2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata Review

Mazda probably could have kept selling its 2000 Miata sports car without changes for another year or so because even the original 1990 Miata still is a blast to drive.

More than half a million of these small two-seaters have been sold. The 2001 version has a more responsive engine, stiffer construction, redone interior, larger brakes, new rear-combination lights and a front end with a revised grille opening and larger headlights.

While the slick Miata keeps its basic styling, Mazda felt compelled to improve the car partly because Toyota has entered the low-priced sports car market with its $23,585 MR2 Spyder.

The nicely equipped Miata comes as a base $21,180 model, with standard items such as air conditioning, power windows and mirrors, AM/FM/CD player and rear defogger. The $23,930 LS model adds leather upholstery, power door locks, cruise control, superior sound system, keyless entry, limited-slip differential and wider 16-inch (vs. 15-inch) wheels.

New for spring is a $25,715 Special Edition model with BRG (British Racing Green) paint and such sports car items such as a wood steering wheel. Only 3,000 of these models are being offered.

The 1990 Miata prompted automakers from BMW to Porsche to introduce new cars for the then-faltering U.S. sports car market. Mostly, the Miata revived the market for small, low-cost sports cars in this country, once dominated by 1950s and 1960s British sports cars such as the MG, Triumph and Austin-Healey.

With nostalgia on its side, the previous BRG Miata Special Edition sold out in 90 days--making it one of the fastest selling special models ever.

The first Miata was a clever copy of the classic 1960s British Lotus Elan, right down the appearance of its engine. The Miata's body still resembles the Elan's, although the 1999 Miata got regular headlights that replaced flip-up headlights used by the Elan.

But, while the Elan wasn't reliable, the Miata always has been a picture of reliability.

Some feel Toyota's MR2 Spyder has a leg up because of its race-style mid-engine design, with the engine nestled behind the seats. But others favor the classic sports car feel of the rear-wheel-drive Miata.

Besides the BRG paint, the Special Edition has a six-speed manual transmission (a $650 option for the LS), classy Nardi wood steering wheel and shifter knob and tan cloth-look vinyl convertible top. It also has a race-car-style chrome plated aluminum fuel door, 16-inch polished alloy wheels, wood center console trim and Special Editon badging and floormats.

The 2001 Miata's 1.8-liter, four-cylinder engine was given an extra two horsepower and more responsiveness, thanks to a new variable valve timing system. The dual-overhead-camshaft, 16-valve engine produces 142 horsepower and slightly more torque.

Both the 2000 and new Miata are quick, hitting 60 mph in about eight seconds. But the 2001 model more mid-range punch, which is handy when passing vehicles on highways or two-lane roads.

The engine loves to rev, and you must rev it a lot to get the best performance. But the shifter is delightful to use, with short, sure throws, and works with a good clutch. Still, the engine registers a high 3,100 rpm at 65 mph.

Fuel economy is an estimated 23 mpg in the city and 28 on the highway with either the five- or six-speed manual gearbox and 22 and 28 with the $900 automatic transmission offered for base and LS models.

The reinforcements, which include a race-car-style strut tower brace, give the Miata crisper handling and a more solid feel.

Interior trim has been upgraded. Most noticeable to drivers will be the white-face gauges with chrome rings that can be easily read during the day but are a bit difficult to read quickly at night. There also are sportier high-back bucket seats and a redesigned console with covered cupholders and relocated power window switches. Door trim has been revised and the LS adds chrome inside door handles.

Dual depowered air bags are more user-friendly for smaller, lighter occupants and there's a key-operated deactivation switch for the passenger bag.

The top is easy to work and has a glass rear window that won't get scratched like a plastic one. However, there are blind spots when it's raised.

The quick power steering has superb road feedback, and the car has razor-sharp handling. The standard suspension is fine, delivering a surprisingly soft, supple ride for a car with such a short (89.2-inch) wheelbase.

You can get slightly better handling with the stiffer ''suspension package,'' which costs $395 for the LS and $1,095 for the base model, but it's not really needed.

Braking is above-average, with nice pedal feel. But anti-lock brakes are $550 extra--and only offered for the LS. By now, such brakes should be standard on all Miatas.

Getting in and out of the low car calls for extra effort, and the interior is noisy. But, although the cockpit is snug, there's good room for long legs.

Seats are supportive and controls are easily reached--although radio controls are small and dual cupholders are too far back on the console.

The trunk is small, but nicely shaped and useful for weekend trips if you pack light.

The first Miata was a genine sports car bargain. Things haven't changed in that regard.

MAZDA MIATA

$21,180-$25,715.

Likes:

Loads of driving fun. Added horsepower. More solid.

Dislikes:

Snug interior. Marginal cargo room. Noisy. No standard anti-lock brakes.