2000 Mazda Miata

A true sports car is simple, light-weight and fun to drive. It shouldn't have any unnecessary items like seat heaters and power windows because that adds weight, and cuts power. A real sports car should feel like a skateboard, with a seat and steering wheel. But most "sports cars" violate these rules and add stuff that a real driver doesn't need. Enter the Mazda Miata. It has no unnecessary equipment, it doesn't have a 2-ton V8, and it doesn't cost as much as a house.

So what does a Mazda Miata have you ask? It has a steering wheel, two seats and an engine. No really, it has a steering wheel, two seats and an engine. ABS, leather and the 'sport package' were options. Power windows, locks and dual airbags were actually standard in later models, but why?

When these cars came out in 1990, they pre-sold for $80k in California. And really they were worth it, since no other car in its day embraced the true meaning of a 'sports car'.

1999-2005 Miatas did have more equipment however. Increased trunk space, a new instrument panel, 4-wheel disk brakes, three-spoke steering wheel, and a standard CD player rounded out standard items. Power still came from a 1.8-liter 4-cylinder, backed by either a 5-speed manual or optional 4-speed automatic transmission. It went like a bat out of heck, but its ferocity largely depended on how much the driver weighed. In an attempt at modernization, the manual-folding soft top now contained a self-defrosting glass rear window, and a removable plastic hardtop was optional.

Mazda Miata's are true sports cars, so if you want creature comforts, look somewhere else. . YEAR TO YEAR CHANGES FOR THE MAZDA MIATA: 2000: An LS model joined the lineup, it featuring leather, power locks, cruise control, 15-inch wheels, and a limited-slip differential. Some previously optional equipment became standard this year, including alloy wheels, power steering, power windows, and a leather-wrapped Nardi steering wheel. ABS was optional only on the LS edition and a lower-body aero kit was available as an option. 2001: Mazda increased the Miata's horsepower by 15, to 142 hp. Base models got 15-inch wheels and the front fascia was re styled, along with the interior. The seats were new along with the console and chrome gauge bezels, brakes and suspension. 2002: An optional in-dash 6-disc CD changer, and 6-speed manual gearbox were now available. 2003: Base models now rode on 16-inch wheels and the new Club Sport model, aimed at acing enthusiasts deleted air conditioning and power steering for less weight and more power. A Shinsen Version and new top-line SE was also introduced. 2004: The only changes were minor front and rear styling updates. 2005: The MazdaSpeed Grand Touring edition was introduced and featured standard leather upholstery. . COMMON PROBLEMS FOR THE MAZDA MIATA: Passages to the Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) Valve - This can cause the car to run rough, requiring the passages to be cleaned (1999-2000) - $230