The 2009 Mazda Miata was Consumer Reports' "Most Fun To Drive" winner in their "Top Car Picks For 2009" awards. No surprise there ... the Miata is a well-engineered and athletic performer that just oozes "fun".
And the 2009 Miata also celebrates its 20th anniversary this year. This in itself is a tribute to the Miata's long standing appeal and success ... a feat few vehicles can match. And the 2009 version brings more of the same.
The '09 Miata has few changes and is again available in SV, Sport, Touring, and Grand Touring trims. All get a slightly revised exterior styling, a tire-pressure monitor and height adjuster for the manual driver's seat. In addition, all versions of the Touring and Grand Touring get a new 6-disc CD changer.
There's two choices of convertible tops with the Miata; a manually folding soft top with a heated-glass rear window, or a power-retractable hardtop (PRHT). The SV model offers the soft top only, while the other models offer both.
The hardtop adds 77 pounds to the car, but opens or closes in just 12 seconds. For soft top Miatas, there's an optional removable hardtop.
Standard features on the entry-level Miata SV include a 2.0 liter 4-cylinder engine with a 5-speed manual transmission (an automatic is not available on the SV), dual front airbags, side airbags, antilock 4-wheel disc brakes (ABS), tire-pressure monitor, tilt steering wheel, cloth upholstery, center console, power mirrors, power windows, AM/FM/CD/MP3 player, theft-deterrent system, tachometer, intermittent wipers, manual convertible top, rear defogger, bucket seats with height-adjustable driver seat, windblocker, and 16 inch alloy wheels.
The Miata Sport trim adds a choice of the 5-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic transmission with manual-shift capability, air conditioning, remote keyless entry, leather-wrapped steering wheel, cruise control, power door locks, steering wheel radio controls, trip computer, outside-temperature indicator, fog lights, and the power retractable hardtop (for those choosing the hardtop model).
Features added to the Touring model include a choice between a 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic transmission with manual-shift capability, AM/FM radio with in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3 player, automatic day/night rearview mirror, universal garage door opener, and 17 inch alloy wheels.
The top-of-the-line Grand Touring model adds automatic climate control, leather upholstery, heated seats, and a Bose sound system.
Option Packages:
Convenience Package: Available on the Sport at a cost of $1,160 (invoice price: $996), it adds remote keyless entry, cruise control, power door locks, steering wheel radio controls, trip computer, outside-temperature indicator, and fog lights.
Premium Package: Offered on the Grand Touring at a cost of $1,650 (invoice price: $1,417), it includes keyless access and starting, traction control, antiskid system, satellite radio, wireless cell phone link, xenon headlights, and an alarm system.
Suspension Package: Available on the Touring and Grand Touring for $500 (invoice price: $430) and includes limited-slip differential and a sport suspension. However, it's not available with the six-speed automatic transmission.
The Appearance Package for all models adds a front air dam, plus side and rear skirts for $1,145 (invoice price: $916).
Stand-alone options are also available, but you'll need to check with your dealer on specific model availability. They include an AM/FM radio with an in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3 changer, satellite radio, cargo net, rubber floormats, alarm, chrome fuel filler door, rear spoiler, run-flat tires, mud guards, and door edge guards.
The EPA gas mileage estimates for the 2009 Miata are 22 mpg city and 28 mpg on the highway for the 5-speed manual, 22 mpg city and 28 mpg highway for the 6-speed manual, and 21 mpg city and 28 highway for the 6-speed automatic.
Update: Weak Economy Leads To Lower Miata Prices:
Car sales have been on the weak side historically for close to the past two years now. And Mazda has recently been offsetting at least some of the market weakness through strong incentives and easier-to-get discounts. It remains a buyer's market right now, resulting in an excellent opportunity to get the lowest price.
The bottom line? Car dealers will "wheel and deal" bigtime right now if you know how to push their buttons to get the best price. Here's an article on the best negotiating technique to take advantage of the current sluggish car market (definitely read before ever going to a dealership): The Trick To Buying A New Mazda Miata At The Best Possible Price
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