Review: 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata (NB2) - Affordable Fun
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- Опубликовано: 30 июл 2024
- I review this 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata Special Edition to finally see what the NB2 Miatas are like. Having never reviewed an NB Miata, I was impressed at how much fun it still is even in 2022, while also having it give me a new appreciation for the 2022 Miata and just how far Mazda has come while actually decreasing prices. What do you think about the NB Miatas? Huge thanks to Mike for providing me with his Miata and be sure to check out his new fitness brand that's coming soon: getupandgopersonaltraining.com
Time stamps:
0:00 Exterior
2:06 Interior
6:45 Initial impressions
8:54 Acceleration
11:07 Handling
16:48 Pricing and sales success
20:23 Final thoughts
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2001 mazda mx-5 miata 2001 mazda miata miata nb 
Авто/Мото
The only thing wrong with the NB is that Mazda doesn't make it anymore
Wait what?
Wow it's so awesome that you're reviewing older cars. More of these please!
Thanks, I’m glad you like them!
There is literally nothing more beautiful than the green Miata
Any color S2000 is
The wood and tan interior adds a classic elegance, I agree. My grandfather and I today picked up a 2002 silver Miata 5 speed base model.
Loving the personal enthusiast car reviews!
Love the more unique reviews like this. Well done.
Thanks William!
Love it. This is exactly the spec I'd be looking for in an NB (even the DMB CD).
I have an '01 SE like this I would look for one I love mine.
Slight correction, it's an oil pressure gauge, not temperature.
Love the review! Ive got a turbocharged 1990 and a 1999 emerald green with tan leather interior. Both cars are an absolute blast to drive. I couldnt pass on the 1999 when i found it locally for sale. I only paid $5000 for it with 18000 miles on the odometer and it was garaged most of its life.
Around when did you buy the Vehicle ? I feel like prices have skyrocketed lately
@@johnnycat1575 last year and yeah prices have went through the roof which is why I couldn't pass beying the car.
I had to double check the zeros the best deal in my area is a 2001 with 175k miles for $5500.
As much as I like the tech & comfort of the ND, I prefer the driving experience of the NC and earlier. People say the NC is bloated compared to the NA/NB, and sure, it is, and if you only want a track car it may not be the ideal choice, but in terms of a daily driver & canyon carver? The NC is that perfect mix of "true miata" and enough of the modern day tech to keep you comfortable. Kinda a sweet spot if you're not purely doing track duty with it.
I think Mazda really hit it out of the park with the ND, given how hard it is to release any sports cars now, given all the regulations they need to meet, think they did a kick-ass job. But if we're JUST talking driving experience in a weekend car, think I'd take this NC instead. Very good car, thanks for the review!
I have this exact year, model colors. Bone stock when I bought it and the driving experience was amazing. Since then, I’ve added doorbars, rollbars, wheels, tires, upgraded rotors, pads, break lines, racing seats /harness and a Sparco steering wheel and the handling is pretty surgical. Suspension is next after I get more track days and autocross in. Love this car.
So you butchered an SE that if you maintained with OEM components, you'd get a better ROI if you sell it. I get having a Miata is a perfect canvas to build a track car and your car might not have been in mint condition, but SEs, M-Editions, and MSpeeds should be kept as stock as possible.
@@TheReal_JG I didn’t buy the car for ROI. I bought it to enjoy and keep for as long as I can. Side note, it didn’t have the wood grain wheel etc, so I doubt it was an SE. Also, I always keep my OEM parts. I still have every single part I took off of it down to the the rotors, OEM seats, carpet, clock spring, steering wheel etc just in case. I wanted a Miata to build for the track and this was an NB with a 6 speed manual and LSD at an amazing price. Not gonna give up that opportunity for the sake of purism.
My wife and I bought a low mile '01 in July 2018, LS with sport package. Tan leather interior and 6 speed. I bought it for her because she wanted to learn to drive a manual and go autocrossing. The car we bought just drives wonderfully. The car ended up being too small and slow for her tastes, but I love it and we aren't selling unless someone really makes a great offer.
I have a 1999 NB, since new. We’re still enjoying it! Drives WAY better than my 2 series. Thanks for the great review.
Thanks, I'm glad you liked it!
I've got an '04 with quite a few miles on it, and I do agree with the seating position, definitely feels more like you're sitting ON the car, and it's got quite a few rattles and creaks but overall still a lot of fun :)
Hey Matf hadn't had a chance to watch you awhile now I'm catching up. Miss you buddy. Keep up the good work.
This video made me happy I think it was the beautiful nature outside with the car review it was a perfect touch that orange interior theme is actually nice thanks for reviewing
Thanks, I'm glad you liked it!
I absolutely love my 97 na Miata
Love my nb2! Thanks for the video!
Man I wish I fit in an NB2 Miata. Great review as always!
Excellent choice and beautifully maintained. I was torn between the Miata and a BRZ to autocross and generally putz around. Though I bought a BRZ I still have a Miata on my long-term gotta have one list.
Both handle wells but out of the box the Toyoburu has none of the body roll.
Should of got the miata! Lol i had the same dilema bu reliability
Made go to miata also just a nicer better built car with a higher ceiling.
Beautiful review!
such a cool car. Great video Matt!
Thanks Haris!
Legends never die!
Love this car. I have, the same one ;) Change the fuel door cover to a Monza/Cobra style and put a chromed, bolt-on luggage rack on it. Looks like a modern MGB. There are two cupholders in it. Remove the ash tray Option, it's in there. Beautiful, Wonderful little car.
I bought a 10th anniversary edition (1999 model year) about 7 years ago.
6 spd manual transmission, torsen LSD, and a hardtop = a very happy driver.
This exact spec is the most beautiful Miata ever made. Green on tan with the light wood trim *chefs kiss*
for somebody who live in los angeles, a place with lots of greens like that is heaven LOL
@Matt Maran Motoring: I bought this exact car, British racing green, suspension upgrade, limited slip differential, etc, a few days before 9/11 in 2001. The suspension upgrade apparently made the car quite a bit stiffer than the base Miata, so as a daily driver on southern California's [then] extremely crappy freeways, this car was a total disaster. I actually tried to take it back and return it a few days after I bought it. I did not know that Mazda would take them back because the horsepower number was lower than advertised. Wish I had known.
My previous car was a 1989 Mazda 323 SE with a 5-speed manual. I kept it for about another 9 months after I bought this one, and I actually found it to be way more enjoyable than the Miata. The engine felt more powerful, even though it wasn't (the torque peak probably occurred at lower revs). It had much better steering and steering feel, since it was completely unboosted, unlike this Miata, which had power steering for some idiotic reason [oh, right, it was the "Special Edition". But I'm not bitter. :D]. And the ride quality was way more liveable. I actually think the springs on the special edition Miata were stiff enough that you could use it as a track car more successfully than the base Miata.
The six speed gear box, another "upgrade" over the the base 5-speed, to me, made way too much metallic noise, and it felt like a piece of agricultural machinery. It had a design defect, where one of the metal bolts in the transmission broke. That actually happened with mine, so getting into certain gears became impossible after awhile. Fortunately, it was a recall item, so it was fixed at Mazda's expense.
I finally understood the utility of this car when I drove it on some mountainous back roads in Monterey county. It had brilliant handling on curvy mountain roads, and it had heroic levels of grip. I think the skid pad number for this car with this suspension set up was at or over 0.90 g. But you paid for that with lack of day-to-day liveability. This car was an unmitigated bitch to live with as a daily driver. I seriously felt bad about not having bought the base miata, which was MSRP $5,000 lower. Yikes!
I was so happy when I got rid of this car. The object lesson for me was to never buy the "sportiest" version of inexpensive cars as daily drivers, because that translates into worse ride quality if you are using it as a daily driver. Obviously, suspension technology has gotten better since 2001, what with the advent of adaptive dampers and such, but, still, caveat emptor.
Thanks for the review Matt, but you should also review one of the base cars from this same year or generation. My guess is that you will find it much more enjoyable than this one.
Ive got a super mint 01 LS. I wish it made 140hp but at the wheel its really closer to 115
* opens Facebook marketplace
Bought this car in 2001. Literally drove it off the showroom floor. It's a great car. I had some body work done a couple of years ago and in the process they took off the drivers side 'special edition ' badge. Anyone know how I can go about to get it replaced?
Had a sunlight silver NBFL with the same interior, but sans tupperware. Great car 😊
Wow looks great 21 years later.
4 years ago there was 2005 miata for sale in my area .....if i remember right itt has all the options....the guy was asking $5200.....inside and outside in very good condition with very minimal scratches.....but it has 155k miles that is why i was not so excited at that time .....with the price og miatas now, i really regret not buying that one :D
Cool Baracuta Harrington G9 jacket. Goes well with the NB.
I daily a 2008 Miata! It’s amazing!
My uncle left one to my cousin even before he could drive. 2021 Special edition brg as spec’d on your video. Unfortunately, my cousin never got into cars (he’s 23 now) so his dad is selling the car to my cousins uncle. Car’s been garage kept and only has 38k miles.
Would have been awesome to get my hands on it but I can’t quite justify it as I currently have a 21 civic type r and a 19 fiesta st 😬
Get rid of the fiesta and replace with miata :)
@@Rodmo97 I traded my old 08 NC to get the fiesta with Recaros. After running 28.5psi for 20k miles, a couple of cylinder walls cracked. I did have FBO with the S280 turbo, injectors and xdi hpfp.
It would be kind of cool to see a test drive comparison of all 4 generations of the Miata.
Looks like you're in my area! I am about 30 minutes east of pittsburgh! I am going to be looking for a Miata soon! What's the chances of finding an ok NB Miata for $5k or less? Not expecting a show car but don't want some kids beat up POS. Thanks!
Love the MX5s!!!!!
Never excepted you to review a nb2 haha
Miata gang 🤟🏼
Lovable little sports car
7 Years ago my dad bought a 2003 Miata LS with the black leather interior and the manual. It was a fun car at the time but didn't feel like it had a lot of pep. It was pretty cramped on the inside too. He ended up selling it after 1 year. Fast forward to last year and I bought our second Miata. A 2007 NC Grand Touring with the premium package and 49k original miles. It is miles ahead of that 2003 in every way. A lot more power and the interior is way larger. It makes me wonder why the NC gets so much hate. It doesn't look bad at all and its the most practical besides maybe the ND which I haven't had a chance to drive yet.
NC does not look as good as the others though.. Thus the hate
@@tonymeman9041 that’s subjective I suppose. I think the NA is the most ugly Miata. With ND being the best looking.
Miata’s got factory glass rear windows well before 01’
my 01 SE didn’t get one
Next time I would like to see your heel and toe or downshift on the pedals when you drive. Thanks
Hate it when they say “account for inflation its cheaper” problem is our salaries stop growing early 2000 and now were at a negative last time i checked..
Do all Nb Miata’s have a lsd?
Love the car! Hate that factory body kit though. That generation Miata looks a million times better in it’s natural state.
Hear hear the only one that looks good with the tack-on accessories is the Mazdaspeed, and only then if you don't add the side-skirts and gaudy head/taillight covers.
@@bosneb Not sure what was standard on the MazdaSpeed. But you are correct those side skirts are ghastly. As are the headlamp covers. Bad boy racer stuff.
The glass rear window first came with the NB1 in ‘99, not the NB2 in ‘01 (as mentioned around 6:07)
Ah okay, thank you for the correction, I must have gotten some bad info.
@@MattMaranMotoring No problem. Great video btw. You’ve got a new subscriber.
@@anybleepinusername Thanks for subscribing Ted!
I own a 2001 LS model 5 speed. Great car. Not the best for highway driving. But great on back roads
how was it on the highways?
@@GrandmasMallCrawler loud from the soft top and revs at about 4k at 75mp. Suspension is ok. Just blast your music if you don’t like wind noise. Get about 28 mpg highway driving.
Looks nice and looks like my 2000 what's the difference
Divine Content
I have a 2003 Supercharged
That is an oil PRESSURE gauge. And I am also pretty sure it's not actually a real gauge. About halfway through the run of the NA Miata, the legitimate oil pressure gauge was replaced with a so-called "gauge" that was really just a glorified Idiot Light. Instead of displaying an accurate graduated read out of the oil pressure, its needle just had two positions - about three quarters of the way up the scale when there was adequate oil pressure, or all the way at the bottom of the scale if the oil pressure dropped below some arbitrary (actual) pressure.
Correct
I wish all cars had gauges backlit in red, it is the easiest on the eyes (I am sensitive to lights at night).
I agree 👍💯
Like the video, but I suspect you have never been in a NB1.
The NB1 does have window switches in the center console, covered cup holder (not the same as in the NB2 though), and the NB1 had a glass rear window.
Those were just the changes that I read about when I did my research, my apologies for the errors.
@@MattMaranMotoring no need to apologize, just wanted you to have the correct info.
love that jelly bean face
The ashtray lifts out, and reveals another cup holder. Fyi.
Just a heads up, the description says 2011. Great review though!
Thanks! Just changed it!
Love this car. I picked one up 5 years ago with 18k miles on it for only $5500.
Damn....
@@tuomasheikkinen9251 ya it was a steel. Even for back then
@@jjchockey i just sold my car today and wondering if I could buy an MX-5 after summer job earnings. Cheapest MX-5 on my country is a 2006 model with around 90k miles/145k km for 8800€. That's so salty :(
6:07: Wrong. Even our 1993 NA Miata has a heated glass window in its soft top (and a heated glass window in its optional factory hardtop as well). Heated glass rear windows were an available option long before the NB2 came out.
That's an oil pressure gauge. They didn't come with an oil temp gauge
More classic cars matt!
That is not oil temperatur, but preasure.
0:50 NB1 had a hood bump too fyi
Hearing him say it’s drives smooth makes me sad for our roads over Here I hate driving our Miata cause of the roads here daily drive a e350 so big difference. the roads be feeling like moon craters in the yata
Is "here" the new "like"?
Likes still help but yeah it appears that comments help more these days. Thanks!
The oil gauge is just a switch. It's not actually a gradual, or gradient, scale. That was that one ripoff. Miata is great, nonetheless.
Smiles for miles
To get a GOOD Miata is anything but affordable.
Kids abuse them
Adult don't do maintenance on them "because they last for ever".
Was affordable. Used to be $5000 all day. Now I’m sure they’re pushing $20k+
More like 10k
@@ciello___8307 yeah, with 100k+ miles and rust.
Picked up an 80k clean title a few weeks ago for 7. Took lots of patience with the market.
@@Dude_its_Dan That is a bargain. I bought my 2005 NC1 with 70,000km a few months ago for 12.5k USD here in Australia by being patient too. Love it, so much fun to drive.
Only 3k here in the UK. Every other person seems to have one so they are as cheap as a fart in a jar
I thought it was a 1.6L
These are the rarest Miata’s made
Nope.
And it’s not a oil temperature gauge it’s a oil pressure gauge !
Doh, dumb mistake, thanks!
@@MattMaranMotoring no worries man love the vids ! 🦾
To add, it’s not even a real pressure gauge. It’s a dummy gauge that sets the need to middle if the oil pressure is 7psi or greater, or needle is set all the way to the left if oil pressure is anything less than approx 7psi.
Early NA Miatas had true oil pressure gauges, as did NCs, but the NB just has an oil pressure dummy light, but with a needle instead of light.
i drive #1880 of this
The NA and NB Miatas feel like toys. They're small, you sit sort of out of it, and there's little things like the rear suspension not really having enough travel. They're...kind of fun. However, I've always leaned much more towards the RX8 (a practical NC Maita that seats 4 adults and has +100HP and fun character) or the ND. I quite enjoy the RX8, really under appreciated. The ND is also a really great design, and I particularly like Mazda's choice in the gearing decision with 6th at 1:1. Part of the manual driving experience is actually rowing through the gears, and the ND gives you a great close ratio gearbox. Even putting around, you actually use the gears for once. The ND also has a little more power available, and the low gearing gets it up to speed well. The interior is much better than previous generations, and it's a really good total package. I can't fathom owning a NA or NB. I've driven them, but other stuff is better. The NC starts to get roomy enough to fit better, and the suspension is a moderate improvement. But I was never a fan until the ND. The gearing and engine choices made really evolved the product.
The hard part these days is the Miata, even old ones, are remarkably expensive. This puts a lot of other products into the same realm for buying options. And the real hard part is you can pretty much buy a Z4 for nearly the same price. The Z4 is the big boy Miata, classic roadster feel and similar proportions, but more premium and with a really enjoyable engine with the 3.0L. And you'll actually fit in a Z4 because it was designed for a wider range of people in leg and torso length and even body width. Most people can fit. And the Z4 doesn't compromise you for it. The car doesn't get oddly bulky or weird. It just feels really well thought out and with very good ergonomics. Having something like the Z4 on the market makes something like the Miata a really hard buy in the used car space. It really is just a better version of the idea in almost every way. My only gripe, my one gripe, is that I'm not a fan of BMW suspension of this era. I think their approach is dumb. And one thing Mazda does really well is suspension, especially from the RX8/NC Maita up, NA and NB not so much. I've gotten to drive a wide array of cars, and race quite a few too in autocross and rallycross. I'm familiar with the S2000, the FT86, the Solstice GPX/Sky Redline, RX7 (2nd gen), RX8, Mustang GT, and even the Viper (3rd gen). I've driven one of the first NA Miatas sold in my state. I've driven the ND2 Miata with the Club package upgrades. I modify and race my own Subaru stuff with all the boost and gobs of power. I appreciate good cars and enjoy the driving experience. Miatas, to me, really only matured by NC, but even then it was still the adolescent phase. The ND is where it really grew up and got good. Although I really do hate the dead steering. Other brands can get tactile feel from an electric rack. Why not the Miata? But, back on topic.
In recent years, despite getting to drive a variety of fun cars, and having the financial freedom to what whatever I wanted, I have only picked two cars in the recent years.
The first was the RX8, and to this day, it still puts a smile on my face every time I drive it. It's just electric with personality. However, it was still those adolescent years and has some awkwardness Mazda didn't quite figure out, like the stupidly tall gearing where you can go highway speeds...in 2nd gear...in a 10k rpm revving, low torque setup. Why? I have no idea. I really, REALLY want to put a ND gearbox in the thing and make the gearing feel right for the engine for the first time ever. But beyond that, awesome car, and Mazda did a lot of work with the suspension during development so it drives wonderfully.
The second was the Z4, specifically the older generations with the naturally aspirated 3.0L inline 6. You don't really have to compromise anything. You fit. You have power, like actual torque for once. Like wow, you can actually accelerate at 2k rpm or in 6th gear on the highway. You don't have to downshift to go. As much as I like the RX8 and driving it more like a sport bike, actual torque is rather convenient. But you still can wind it out if you want. You have great styling and construction materials, fancier tech too like auto climate control, auto wipers, and auto headlights, auto dimming mirrors (both rear and sides), power roof (if you want it), and more electronic monitoring/info. You get great roadster proportions and feel. You get a lively experience that engages you. It's very well balanced and competent when pushed. It can be quiet and reserved or you can romp on it, and it likes both. And you get all of this...basically at the same price as a Miata.
And that's kind of the rub. Why ever by an old Miata? I get it. Small, light, nothing quite feels like it. Yes, that's all true. A NA/NB Miata feels and drives like a toy car, and not much feels like that. But Mazda also has talent and basically can't build a car you can't but smile while driving. I don't care which car. They're all fun, Miata included. But...there's always less there. And that's kind of the problem for the price. If it was half the price, great. But they float on the market at pricing that competes with a bunch of other stuff. Heck, I bought my RX8 for less than half of the going rate of any Miata on the market, any of them, any year, any mileage, and I was basically buying a 4 door, 4 seat more practical NC Miata sedan with 100 more HP. However, the Miata is priced at a point where a lot more interesting cars play. Unfortunately, something like the Z4 is a very strong Miata competitor in spirit and feel, and offers significantly more stuff for the money.
Jesus. This comment is too long fam
Nooo lol do the first generation lol
Already did!
ruclips.net/video/9khJEpE8DFo/видео.html
Love the car, color combo....LOATHE that body kit🤮🤮🤮
that body kit is super rare and sought after
@@aidanergenbright6381 looks very bolted on, ruins the looks of the car but just my .03 cents worth.
@@klasseact6663 I have an 01 SE (this car) without that body kit and I 100% agree with you.
Annoying, saying the same thing over and over,he thinks he reviewing Porsche! What do you expect? You get what you pay. For god’s sake it is a Miata and always looks great no matter what. There is reason why it is ranked number 1 in selling sports cars
I'm going to be an absolute killjoy here and say to avoid the Mk2 (NB) and Mk2.5 (NBFL) Miatas at all cost if you live in an area where corrosion is a consideration. They are great to drive, truly magnificent, but the rot kills them every time. The reason I don't suggest the MK2 and MK2.5 is that compared to the MK1, the front rails also rot as they made them double-skinned. Very expensive to fix and very specialised. The seats are also worse than the MK1 due to the extra padding which reduces head room by a good inch or 2.
I'd much rather have an NC Miata.
Said no one ever... 😜
@@bandosz3218 NC2 is a way better car than any NB
NC=Not Cool
@@bosneb If you've driven all of the various Miata generations you could admit the NC is a much better performing, more refined and rigid car. Primarily talking about the NC2 or NC3.
@@bubbie1983 I'm just kidding around. I can't get over Mazda slapping that **** eating grin on the front with the redesigns, but I hear they are nice to drive. Only driven NB's and ND's myself, so I wouldn't know.