2014 Mazda MX-5 Miata Review – Hard Top Convertible

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!