Last month, I was invited to a media for California Strawberries down in Santa Cruz. How fitting that I had this red 2014 Mazda MX-5 Miata to get me there and back (it’s like a berry on wheels)! With the top down and extra time to spare, the ride was just perfect.
One-week vehicle loan was provided for review purposes. All opinions are my own.
Cruising in the 2014 Mazda MX-5 Miata
Who knew that driving a convertible could be so relaxing! With the wind your hair and the open feel of the road, there’s a certain calm that you experience which is unlike anything else. You can’t really go faster than 60 mph without feeling like you’ll blow away or have a contorted wind-blown face but that’s a-okay. With the fresh air blowing through your hair and the open feel of the road, there’s a certain calm that you experience which is unlike anything else.
Conversation with my carpool buddy, Lynda at Mommy Powers, was little difficult but it was definitely doable. There was no way were stopping to put the top back up. If you’ve never driven in a convertible, you need to try it at least once!
Simple and Pure Driving Enjoyment
The thing about the Miata is just how easy it is to drive. There’s no extensive fiddling to get used to the car – you just get in and go. The ride is smooth, visibility is more than fine , handling is impressive, control layout is simple, and it’s surprisingly roomy inside (for two people).
The shifting gears does take a little bit of effort but, as my husband noted, it really make you feel like you’re in control of the car. The friction point (stick shift) is light and I didn’t kill the car even once. That’s pretty impressive especially when you take into account the winding roads to Santa Cruz with inclines, descents, and some traffic.
On the way back, we did opt to put the top up. I did feel a bit of claustrophobia coming on but quickly got used to it. With the heat beating down on the black interior, it was just a better idea to keep it closed and enjoy the air-conditioning. The ride was still a bit noisy but at least we could take advantage of the recycled air when un-smogged cars spewed out stuff in front of us or a skunk had left its mark in the area. Personally, I don’t think the Miata is as cute with the top up though.
Control of the hard top was very easy and pretty quick. Just release the manual lock and hold down the open or close button until you hear a “beep.” It looks like a transformer when getting the top situated.
Travel Lightly
Trunk space is non-existent though. It’s oddly shaped and has an awkward dip in the middle. Only only small suitcase and a few squishable bags fit in there. On the way back, there was no way I could bring home the luggage and extra swag for two people. Fortunately, another blogger lived nearby my home and agreed to bring my stuff with her and I could pick it up later. Inside the car, there’s only a small cubby to put anything in. When the top is up, there is a bit of space behind the seats to put items in but it’s hard to access.
If I had the luxury of having a car just for play or even if I wanted to add some life to my commute, this would be it. The 2014 Mazda MX-5 Miata is zippy and a blast to drive. Sensible? Not really but that’s the exact opposite of what it’s supposed to be. It’s not family-friendly but it’s a great little car and has a starting price of $28,665 is nice! If the looks of this Miata impresses you, though, hold off for the 25th anniversary edition. It will knock your socks off!
36 comments
That is a cute little sports car. I could easily picture myself behind the wheel of one of those 🙂
That is such a cute little car! I dream of going back to a smaller sedan without lugging the kid’s stuff around.
Dang, that is one hot car! I’d definitely love to take it for a nice long drive! Oh that would make an awesome road trip!
That thing is just sexy. I love the look of the Miata, and I love that it’s a hard-top convertible. Nice.
What a cute little sports car. Love the color!!!
That would definitely be a no kids allowed car at our house. Love how it looks and bet it is a dream to drive.
Looks like a fun ride! 🙂
What a fun little car to review! Love that it is a hard top if I ever got a convertible it would be a hard top. Seems so much safer and helps keep you cooler in the summer or warmer in the winter.
Awe, that is adorable! Also, when I was 16, I wanted a Miata so bad so my nephew got me a little toy Miata diecast car – I still have it on my dresser! 😉
It’s so cute! I love big cars, but I could see myself renting one of these bad boys for a vacation!
What a GORGEOUS vehicle. I would love to drive around in it.
I can picture sailing down a country road on a weekend drive. It looks like a blast!
Oh my goodness, I had a miata years ago and it was the most fun vehicle I have ever driven. It was zippy and peppy… I couldn’t imagine how awesome it would be today.
Wow, this is such a super cool car! Totally not a family car, but more of a cruiser.
Looks like a great car! I love the hard top convertible style.
I’ve wanted a Miata since I was a little kid. My dentist had one, and I thought it was the coolest car ever!!
The Mazda looks nice and sleek! I wouldn’t mind having one for myself :D.
This looks like a sick ride! I would love cruising down the coast in this Miata! Nice photos–thanks for sharing!
It is super cute and I totally would love one for a second “fun” car.
I love everything about this car- color, interior, shape.. You name it I love it! FANCY
I love how cute and adorable that car is! I bet you had a blast cruising around in California in it!
What a cute, fun and sporty car. Definitely for the midlife splurge!
WOW, the Mazda Miata has come a long way. Looking good!
Nice! Love the sporty car! Looks fun to drive!
I didn’t know that convertibles could have hard tops, I thought they still had those fabric type covers. That’s great that they figured out how to have a hard top and your picture DOES look like a transformer, very cool! I bet it was fun riding around in a hot red sports car!
Wow you always get the best cars to review. This one is fabulous!
What a cute car. I am looking at new cars right now and this is on my list of cars to testdrive!
I love it… the new Miata looks soo stylish… my friend has a Miata that she loves, kind of a classic now that it’s almost 20 years old I sooo have to show her your post and show her the brand new model.. she will flip..thanks for sharing
Oh my, this is a cute little car. It definitely wouldn’t be economical for my whole family but it would be fun for when I am driving alone or date nights with the hubby.
What a sporty, fun car! This would be so fun to take for a spin on a date night!
Wow, I love convertibles and this one is so sexy!
What a great convertible. I love the shade of red.
So many memories! I remember my parents brought me a Miata when I graduated from high school. That car lasted over 10 years and I loved it. It was small but it got me where I needed to go lol.
This would be a cute car, just not for roadtrips with the kids. Sleek!
What a cute little sports car for my midlife crisis. My husband had one when we first started dating 23 years ago, I would love one today. Looks like you enjoyed your ride.
I really like this Mazda Miata. My dad had one when I was a teenager and I love riding in it.
Comments are closed.