Latest news with #MazdaMX5
Yahoo
06-07-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
4 Japanese Cars That Will Break Down Less Than the Average Vehicle
When it comes to reliability, Japanese cars have a strong track record. Many models are built to go the distance with fewer mechanical issues and lower repair costs. Trending Now: Check Out: If you're looking for a vehicle that spends more time on the road than in the shop, these options stand out. 2025 price: $29,330 to $40,650 This lightweight, modern roadster, with its six-speed manual transmission, is as impressive as it is thrilling to drive. The Mazda MX-5 Miata has been going strong for more than three decades and is proclaimed as the best-selling roadster of all time. If maintained properly, the 2.0-liter engine can reach up to 250,000 miles without internal system repairs, and in some cases, 300,000 miles for MX-5 Miatas that were driven more frequently. The five and six-speed transmission mileage readings also lasted just as long and operated smoothly, well into the six-figure range. Mazda added more advanced features in later models but kept its focus on mechanical durability, helping the vehicle keep its reputation for being reliable and low-maintenance, per Dax Street. Consumer Reports predicted reliability for the 2025 Mazda MX-5 Miata as 83 out of 100 on the Mazda brand score. Read Next: 2025 price: $27,978 to $38,272 Honda has a reputation for building engines made to last well beyond general expectations, and the Honda CR-V is no exception. With proper maintenance, Honda CR-Vs often reach 250,000 to 300,000 miles before needing major work, and many have been known to pass 350,000 miles. Earlier versions of Honda's Real Time AWD utilize a simple mechanical setup that delivers power efficiently and needs little maintenance. Most CR-V generations use timing chains instead of belts, unlike many rivals, which removes a major maintenance concern and adds to long-term reliability. JD Power gives the Honda CR-V an 84 out of 100 on quality and reliability, according to consumers. It's no wonder that individuals and families alike who are seeking reliable, long-lasting transportation choose the CR-V. 2025 price: $29,891 to $46,612 Since debuting in 1995 as a variant of the Legacy wagon, the Subaru Outback has carved out a niche by blending SUV utility with wagon-like handling. Subaru's symmetrical all-wheel drive uses a simple mechanical setup that sends power where it's needed and holds up well with minimal maintenance. Subaru Outback is known for the kind of long-term reliability Japanese vehicles are famous for. It's built to handle harsh weather, light off-road use and high mileage. With proper maintenance, these engines often reach 200,000 to 300,000 miles before needing major work, thanks in part to the boxer layout, which offers natural balance and a lower center of gravity that helps reduce vibration and extend the life of other components. The Outback scores 80 out of 100 on quality and reliability in JD Power's Consumer Rating. 2025 price: $47,052 to $72,614 Lexus RX is a pioneer in the luxury crossover vehicle segment and is touted as one of the most dependable luxury vehicles ever produced. What sets the RX apart in terms of longevity isn't just that many examples surpass 300,000 miles, but it does so while still delivering the smooth ride and comfort features buyers look for in a luxury crossover. The systems of power accessories and electronic control modules often run without issues for hundreds of thousands of miles, showing the level of detail Toyota puts into electrical engineering across its luxury lineup. Maintenance-free timing chains, a reliable powertrain with a 3.5-liter V6 engine and automatic transmission help contribute to the Lexus RX lasting well beyond 250,000 miles without internal repairs, provided it's maintained as recommended. The JD Power's Consumer Rating gives an 85 out of 100 score for Lexus RX on quality and reliability. More From GOBankingRates The 5 Car Brands Named the Least Reliable of 2025 This article originally appeared on 4 Japanese Cars That Will Break Down Less Than the Average Vehicle
Motor Trend
27-06-2025
- Automotive
- Motor Trend
Roadster Glory: 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 2006 Pontiac Solstice
[Editor's Note: This story first appeared in the December 2005 issue of MotorTrend] England invented it. America has attempted it. The Japanese perfected it. "It" being the moderately priced, front-engine roadster. How the tables have turned over the years. In little more than a decade, the Mazda Miata became the world's best-selling sports car. The prides of Britain--Triumph and MG--are long gone. And America has never really been in the game. The 2006 Mazda MX-5 and Pontiac Solstice offer different takes on affordable sports cars. The MX-5 excels with a lighter, more agile drive and a user-friendly design, while the Solstice impresses with its looks and value. Overall, the MX-5 remains the leader in the compact roadster category. This summary was generated by AI using content from this MotorTrend article Read Next The balance changes with the arrival of the Pontiac Solstice, with its fraternal twin, the Saturn Sky, not far behind. By now, you know the new General Motors entries will run headlong into a new-from-scratch Miata--sorry, MX-5. The Miata name has been dumpstered for 2006, tossing away immeasurable brand equity for reasons nobody understands. The Solstice rides on GM's new "Kappa" rear-drive chassis architecture and is powered by a 2.4-liter, 177-horsepower version of the Ecotec I-4 found in everything from Cobalts to Euro-market Opel minivans. A five-speed manual transmission is standard, and an optional five-speed automatic will be phased in as production ramps up. Suspension is via upper/lower control arms front and rear, and four-wheel disc brakes and 18-inch alloy wheels are standard. The styling is like nothing else, the hood opens clamshell style, and the folding cloth top recesses beneath the rear deck. The Solstice is GM product chieftain Bob Lutz's personal baby, and he promised it would base at less than $20 grand. Which it does, by a five-spot. In spite of the dumb name thing, Mazda knew enough not to mess with a winning formula, yet changed every nut, bolt, and grommet to arrive at this third-generation MX-5. It's two inches longer and 1.6 inches wider than the car it replaces, yet overall weight is about the same, depending upon options. The wheelbase has increased by 2.5 inches, opening up the cabin and giving the car a beefier stance. Too many American males branded the Miata a chick car, so a more macho look was important--and achieved. A fresh 2.0-liter four makes 170 horsepower over a wider powerband than the previous car's 1.8. A five-speed manual is standard, a six-speed stick is available, and the optional automatic also has six ratios. The chassis is stiffer, the convertible top design has been simplified, and safety and standard equipment levels have increased. The biggest number to crunch is 402--as in how many pounds heavier the Solstice is than the MX-5, at least based on these two test cars. Mazda's made a lot of noise about how lightness has been "engineered in" to the MX-5, but it's legit. It's this weight differential that sets the tone for this pair's relative performance and driving personas. The objective numbers are close; the subjective differences between them greater. The Solstice is just a tenth slower (6.7 seconds versus 6.6) to 60 mph than the MX-5. A seven-horsepower advantage isn't enough to erase a 400-pound weight differential. But the Solstice has 26 more pound-feet of torque: 166 compared with 140. And the Mazda's close-ratio six-speed requires a shift to third to reach 60, whereas the Pontiac gets there in second. The MX-5's slim lead widens a bit in the quarter-mile times. The MX-5 clears 1320 feet in 15.1 seconds at 91.2 mph, with the Solstice still close at 15.3 seconds at 89.6 mph. Both machines have strong, four-wheel disc brakes, so this area proved a virtual draw, the MX-5 stopping from 60 in 113 feet to the Solstice's 117. The Mazda cleared our slalom course at 66.5 mph, just nipping the Pontiac's 66.1-mph performance. How they got there, however, felt way different. The Pontiac turns in sharply and has good front-end bite, staying neutral until the limit is approached, then it fades to mild understeer. "The chassis works well and is predictable," notes test-driver Chris Walton, "but it feels like it's getting away with more because the tires are so wide." The MX-5 is more knife-edged and precise, staying neutral longer. It's also more easily provoked into oversteer. "It reminds me of a junior version of the Lotus Elise," says Walton. "There's a fair amount of body roll, but it sticks well, with communication, and is so precise that I could make mid-corner adjustments." Even though the MX-5 has less torque, the close-ratio six-speed helps keep the engine on boil. It makes a lusty combination of intake, mechanical, and exhaust noises and always feels ready to go play. The Solstice's Ecotec four isn't the smoothest lump ever born, yet it has a pleasant exhaust note and isn't too thrashy. It's not as eager to rev as the Miata motor and gets the job done with midrange torque instead of top-end power. There's considerable rpm falloff on the 2-3 shift; a six-speed would make a serious difference. Both cars ride well considering their handling-biased mission. The Solstice's wider track, longer wheelbase, greater weight, and milder springing give it the advantage here. Mid-corner bumps more easily upset the MX-5, while the Solstice stays planted with no side stepping, for the same reasons noted above. Both have well-weighted, communicative steering, and their structures feel solid and structurally sound. Inside, the Solstice's wraparound IP is all about the driver. It's got more legroom than the MX-5 and feels wider, too. Tops up, the Pontiac has more headroom by several inches. There are, however, several ergonomic flaws. There's no easily reachable center-console storage and no door pockets, although some are at the front of the seats. The cupholders spring out of the rear bulkhead, making them tough to reach. And the window switches are mounted too far aft on the door panels, forcing you to reach back to operate them. These are curious design mistakes on a new platform planned from scratch as a two-seater. The MX5's cabin isn't as swoopy looking, but is easy to live with. The window switches are mounted just behind the shifter. The center cupholders are easy to reach, too, but the pair in the doors will bang your shins. (Why, by the way, are four cupholders required in a two-seater car--how many lattes should one juggle while driving?) The more complete gauge cluster is easy to read. Plastics and other materials are of good quality, a smidge ahead of the Solstice's. The MX-5's longer wheelbase improves cabin room compared with the previous Miata, although it's still snug for over-six-footers. Tie game in terms of seats; both have chairs bolstered well enough to keep you in place when corner carving, yet comfy enough for everyday use and long hauls. A word about pricing and equipment levels. As noted, the Solstice bases at $19,995, including destination charges; our tester had the Power, Convenience, and Premium equipment packages, plus air-conditioning, ABS, and a few other options that brought the total to $23,785. Our MX-5 was a Grand Touring model, which includes a lot of normally optional hardware in its $24,995 base price. If our Solstice were equipped with the top audio combo (Monsoon sound/CD6/MP3) at $890, roughly equaling the MX-5 Grand Touring's premium Bose system, the price difference would be less than a grand in the Pontiac's favor. General Motors can take pride in what it's accomplished. The Solstice is a real sports car and not the topless poseur enthusiasts feared. It'll sell on looks and value alone. But if the Solstice is a solid runner, the MX-5 is a fleet-footed sprinter, delivering a more athletic, lithe drive in most every respect. The MX-5's engine is smoother and happier to rev than the Solstice's. The MX-5 has a more communicative chassis, and it feels every one of those 400 pounds lighter and more responsive than the Pontiac. This Grand Touring model, as equipped with the optional Sport Suspension package (revised anti-roll bars, Bilstein shocks, limited-slip diff), won every performance contest, although the margins were small. The Solstice's top design is fussier than it needs to be; the MX-5's couldn't be simpler. The Mazda's interior is of higher quality and beautifully packaged. While the Solstice's cabin is comfy and racy looking, it suffers from a dearth of storage, a few ergonomic hiccups, and cheapoplasticity. All things considered, Mazda is still the established master of the compact, affordable roadster game. 1st Place Mazda MX-5: The driving enthusiast's winner, and still champion, is the new MX-5. 2nd Place Pontiac Solstice: Credit Pontiac for a legit, value-priced, hot-looking-entry. Top Talk Mazda and Pontiac take decidedly different approaches to going topless. The Solstice's decklid is hinged at the rear and opens via the remote fob. The top unlocks via one latch on the windshield header and folds into the cargo area. It swallows much of the trunk's 3.8-cubic-foot capacity in doing so, but it looks smooth when the rear deck is closed: The top is fully hidden, no tonneau is required, and those bulbous fairings are among the Solstice's most interesting design touches. The MX-5's top and trunk designs are more conventional, but easier to manage. Unlatch the top from the single latch on the header, and you can practically throw it over your shoulder at a stoplight. It clicks into place and was designed to look finished in the folded position without the use of a tonneau cover. It's effective, although there are still small cavities at the sides of the top. The MX-5's 5.3 cubic feet of trunk space is unaffected by the top's position and much easier to access than the Solstice's oddly shaped cargo bay, which also asks that you snap home the folding buttresses each time you close the deck. Both cars have glass rear windows with defrosters. The MX-5 has a flip-down windbocker, while the Solstice has none. Pontiac gives you a cloth top standard, while a vinyl top is standard on base and Sport MX-5s; cloth is reserved for the upmarket Grand Touring level. While the Solstice scores style points for the neat looking rear deck, the MX-5's design is easier to raise and lower and doesn't eat up the trunk in the process. Advantage, Mazda.
Auto Express
25-06-2025
- Automotive
- Auto Express
Help! I need a £18k sporty convertible car that's fun to drive
Dear Auto Express, I'm after a sporty convertible car that's fun to drive. What does £18k buy? - Isaac Roberts, E-mail Despite the inclement climate we have here in the UK, sporty convertible cars have long been popular with car buyers, as they are great at providing top-down thrills when the sun is shining, are engaging to drive, and have low running costs which won't break the bank. Advertisement - Article continues below The Mazda MX-5 has long been the default choice for a purpose-made, affordable convertible sports car, and the fourth 'ND' generation is arguably one of the best. The four-cylinder motor is willing, the manual gearbox snappy and the rear-wheel-drive chassis makes it fun to drive. Fiat's 124 Spider shares its platform with the MX-5. The retro styling cues won't be to all tastes, but the 124 adds turbocharging to the mix, with its 1.4-litre MultiAir engine. This could give the Spider a punchier feel on the road. For a different proposition, there's the MINI Cooper S Convertible. Its front-driven chassis and hatchback silhouette may not be as exotic as its dedicated sports car rivals', but MINIs have a habit of extracting fun from humble underpinnings, and this model is no exception. With 189bhp, it's actually the most powerful of this trio, but is it the best used buy? Skip advert Advertisement - Article continues below Here's our expert pick of the three best sporty convertible cars available for a budget of £18,000, together with links to buy them through our Find a Car service… For: Sprightly engine, engaging chassis, pleasant cabin Sprightly engine, engaging chassis, pleasant cabin Against: Small boot, tight interior proportions The fourth generation Mazda MX-5 maintains a compact footprint and is lighter than its NC predecessor. It looks attractive without drawing attention, but out on the road, the MX-5 will leave an impression. Advertisement - Article continues below Rifling through the tactile manual gearbox musters enough performance from the revvy engine, and the compliant suspension means an MX-5 isn't tense or fidgety over bumps; only the worst imperfections send a jolt through the cabin. The controls are well weighted, precise and let you easily enjoy the playful chassis. For just under £18,000, you can grab a 2018 Mazda MX-5 with the 2.0-litre engine and 19,000-mile on the clock. Practicality isn't the strong suit of many two-seat convertibles, but the MX-5 is still usable. Just. Larger adults won't find the interior particularly accommodating, but it's roomy enough. What may be more of a concern is the small 130-litre boot; the MINI is a more versatile option. Nevertheless, the Mazda's cabin is well made and easy on the eye, with a stylish dash architecture and flashes of body colour on the door tops. The driving position is suitably sporty, too, with low-slung seating and a thin-rimmed steering wheel. The stubby gear lever provides a positive, mechanical shift action. Skip advert Advertisement - Article continues below Used Mazda MX-5 deals For: Fun to drive, torquey engine, rare sight on the road Fun to drive, torquey engine, rare sight on the road Against: Divisive looks, pricier to buy than the MX-5 While the Fiat 124 Spider shares many of its mechanicals with the MX-5, it draws heavily from the original 124 Spider with its cab-rear proportions, flat bonnet and wide-set headlights. Advertisement - Article continues below The Spider delivers much of what we love about the MX-5, but with a turbo twist. It's lithe and precise, but the 124 prefers a slightly more laid-back driving style. Extra torque from the 1.4-litre engine means you don't need to work the gears to go quickly, but doing so remains a joy. The ride is slightly more composed, too. A 22,000-mile 2018 car is well within the £18,000 budget. Disappointingly, Fiat didn't lavish much attention on the 124 Spider's interior. It's well built and stylish, but there's almost nothing to differentiate it from the MX-5's, save for a new steering wheel hub, altered door panels and fresh trims. The logical layout, high-quality switchgear and solid feel are at least carried over, and sat-nav is also available through the dash-mounted touchscreen on higher-spec cars. The cabin is cosy, but there's enough space for two adults and a few useful storage cubbies. The longer rear overhang gives 10 litres of extra boot capacity over the MX-5, and the roof doesn't eat into that space when stowed. Skip advert Advertisement - Article continues below Used Fiat 124 Spider deals For: Punchy performance, nimble handling, practicality Punchy performance, nimble handling, practicality Against: Firm ride, not as special as rivals The MINI Cooper S Convertible might seem compromised next to purpose-built roadsters, but it packs a bigger punch than the Mazda or Fiat. While it's not as eye-catching, the Cooper S gets beefier bumpers, twin-exit exhausts and a bonnet scoop to mark it out from other MINIs. Advertisement - Article continues below Its gutsy 2.0-litre turbocharged engine, quick steering and firmer chassis make the Cooper S especially entertaining on a B-road. The trade-off is a busy ride on uneven roads, and its two-seat rivals here are more playful at the limit. You can buy a 42,000-mile, 19-plate Cooper S Convertible within budget. Being derived from a hatchback, the MINI Cooper S Convertible claws back ground in terms of practicality compared with rivals in this test. It's the only car of this trio that can seat four passengers, although the rear bench is pretty tight for anyone who actually tries to use it. It serves as a useful storage area, though, and the 215-litre boot is easily the biggest in this company. The interior quality is stand-out, too; the materials used throughout are plush and there's a smattering of quirky details, such as toggle switches and an illuminating ring in the middle of the dashboard. The infotainment system is derived from parent company BMW's iDrive software, and is one of the slickest of its kind on the market. Used MINI Cooper S convertible deals Did you know you can sell your car with Auto Express? Get the highest bid from our network of over 5,500 dealers and we'll do the rest. Click here to try Auto Express Sell My Car now ... Find a car with the experts BYD and Octopus Energy team up for 'all-inclusive' EV deal BYD and Octopus Energy team up for 'all-inclusive' EV deal Octopus' 'Power Pack Bundle' includes a leased BYD, a wallbox charger and charging all for less than £300 per month New Skoda Epiq baby SUV could be a Tardis on wheels New Skoda Epiq baby SUV could be a Tardis on wheels The new Skoda Epic will sit below the Elroq and Enyaq in the brand's ever-expanding SUV range and is set to offer plenty of space despite its compact … Car Deal of the Day: Fully loaded Vauxhall Mokka can be yours for just £175 per month Car Deal of the Day: Fully loaded Vauxhall Mokka can be yours for just £175 per month Our Deal of the Day for 21 June is this top-of-the-range version of Vauxhall's recently updated, style-focused small SUV
Wales Online
23-06-2025
- Automotive
- Wales Online
Cyclist seriously injured in Bangor crash
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info Get the latest Wales Online breaking news on WhatsApp A cyclist suffered serious injuries in a crash that closed a busy Bangor road. The incident happened on Faenol Hill on Sunday. The route was closed by police as emergency services dealt with the crash. A cyclist was taken by ambulance to nearby Ysbyty Gwynedd. A North Wales Police spokesperson said: "This RTC was reported to us at 14:09hrs yesterday (Sunday, 22nd June) and involved a pedal cyclist and a Mazda MX5 on the A487 Faenol Hill, Bangor. "Emergency services attended and the cyclist was taken to Ysbyty Gwynedd by Wales Ambulance Service Trust with serious injuries. "Vehicle was recovered and the road re-opened shortly before 4pm." Join the North Wales Live WhatsApp community group where you can get the latest stories delivered straight to your phone
North Wales Live
23-06-2025
- North Wales Live
Cyclist seriously injured in Bangor crash
A cyclist suffered serious injuries in a crash that closed a busy Bangor road. The incident happened on Faenol Hill on Sunday. The route was closed by police as emergency services dealt with the crash. A cyclist was taken by ambulance to nearby Ysbyty Gwynedd. A North Wales Police spokesperson said: "This RTC was reported to us at 14:09hrs yesterday (Sunday, 22nd June) and involved a pedal cyclist and a Mazda MX5 on the A487 Faenol Hill, Bangor. "Emergency services attended and the cyclist was taken to Ysbyty Gwynedd by Wales Ambulance Service Trust with serious injuries.
