The MX-5 is the bonsai tree of sports cars: a perfectly formed thrashmobile writ small. All the roadster s major controls work with infinite precision and perfect linearity. There s so much intimate feedback through the wheel, pedals and seat that the Moroni Monroney [window sticker] should include a XXX rating. For people who drive for driving s sake, it doesn t get much better than this — at any price.

If you have a history of run-ins with solid objects, or bad luck, we suggest something a bit larger and more robust.

· Speed Merchants:

· Fashion Victims:

· Treehuggers:

· Mack Daddies: No

· Tuner Crowd:

· Hairdressers:

· Penny Pinchers:

· Euro Snobs: No

· Working Stiffs: No

· Technogeeks: No

· Poseurs:

· Soccer Moms:

· Nascar Dads:

· Golfing Grandparents:

· Manufacturer: Mazda

· Model tested: MX5

· Model year: 2006

· Price as Tested: $27,330

· Engine type: 2.0-liter in-line four

· Horsepower: 170 hp @ 6700 rpm

· Torque: 140 lb-ft @ 5000 rpm

· Redline: 6750 rpm

· Wheels and Tires: Michelin Pilot Preceda, 205/45R-17 84W

· Drive type: rear wheel drive

· 0 - 60: 6.5 secs.

· 1/4 mile: 15.0 sec @ 91 mph

· Top speed: 131 mph

· Fuel economy city/highway: 25/30

· NHTSA crash test rating front/side/rollover: Not yet rated

[by ]

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