1996 Mazda Miata The one. The only. By Ray Thursby, New Car Test Drive .com

Who would dare to criticize the Mazda Miata? Not us. Say a negative word about the

world's niftiest production 2-seater and you might as well be attacking motherhood,

apple pie, or 4th of July picnics.

There's a large group of loyal--sometimes fanatical--owners out there, each of whom

selected the littlest Mazda because it's fun, each of whom is likely not to care a

whit for practical considerations. Miata's a sports car for a driver and one

passenger, pure and simple, and normal rules of evaluation simply do not apply.

The practical aspects come later, in the form of reliability, economy and everyday

usability. That the Miata scores reasonably well on each point is a bonus, a little

surprise that only becomes apparent after a year or two of ownership.

Competitors? What competitors? The best alternative is a fully restored vintage sports

car, Austin-Healey Sprite or Lotus Elan preferred. Yes, BMW is starting to offer its

excellent new Z3 roadster, but don't look for any price breaks there. Ditto for the

upcoming Porsche Boxster and Mercedes SLK. They're certain to be priced upstream of

the Z3.

One might compromise a bit and opt for a Honda Del Sol or leftover Toyota MR2, but for the real thing at a relatively modest price, it's Miata or nothing.