2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata (NC) Review - The Greatest Generation 

I've owned my black 2006 2.0SE for 6 years. It's started at the touch every day, never failed me or cost anything apart from tyres, exhaust, battery and brake pads. It's the most reliable and fun car I've owned out of 80 cars over 50 years. I personally prefer the oval grille of the early NC as opposed to the cheesy grin / smiley later models.

I have daily driven a 2006 5spd since July 2020. It has 201k miles and still averages 31 mpg on the highway with no major issues. I absolutely love this reliable little car.

I have a 2007 NC, and it's gloious on the tight twisty mountain roads of Italy. It's not about going fast, it's about keeping the momentum. The driving experience is real joy. Your review is very good, thanks!

The NC used to get crapped on all the time and prices for a used one plummeted. Now,several reviewers like yourself have given it justice and prices have gone way up. I have a 2008 PRHT and thoroughly enjoy it. I appreciate the fact that I won't have to replace the top ever and it's a little quieter,but it's definitely not quiet! It is a very reliable and inexpensive car to own and there are a ton of aftermarket parts for it so that you can personalize it to your liking. It's not about going fast,it's about having fun!

I did A LOT of research when Miata shopping. For me, the only choice was an NC with the PRHT and the six speed. Found my exact spec'd car about 3 hours away, in Iowa that's no small feat. I've only had it for about 6 months, and it was in storage for the first 3. I absolutely love driving my little car as often as I can. Just a great car. Makes everything else feel heavy, tall, and superfluous.

I have a 2012 NC2. Best car I’ve ever owned. The whole “it’s a boat” thing has become a meme to the point that NCs are becoming increasingly popular and prices appear to be reflected. Regardless of generation, they are all great. 😊

"if you fu-, if you mess up a downshift" Nice save ;)

I like the oval shaped grille, I find it compliments the overall oval shape of the MX-5 itself. Personally, mine's a Galaxy Grey 2006 GX with A/C, leather wrapped steering wheel, pwr locks & keyless entry, fog lights, and automatic trans. (for the wife) . What have I added, well not much really except for an aftermarket centre consol armrest, Michelin Pilot tires, OEM rear lip spoiler and OEM front and rear splash guards. Overall, for me it's a great looking sports car (I had a Triumph TR4 in the 70's when in high school) and even though I'm in my 70's I would never sell this car and I expect it will be passed down to someone else in the family when the time comes.

I recently bought a one owner 2007 ragtop with just 65000 miles. A few scratches but over all in really good shape. At $14,000 I don't feel like I over paid for what I got. This may be the funnest car I've owned. Previously owned a few sports car and most were pretty uncomfortable excluding my 2012 WRX ST hatchback. This is really comfortable to drive but the legroom for the passenger is a bit tight. This is probably the best description I can give....feels fast when you're going slow. It handles really well and for just cruising around town with the top down, it's perfect. Inexpensive to own, insure and maintain. A great little car.

In 2012 we purchased a brand new MX-5 Grand Touring edition (the new grill arrived on the 2012, not the 2013) and after 95,000 km it just got its fourth set of tires and first new set of brakes on it last month. It’s also on its second battery. It’s been serviced regularly and has never caused us a moment’s grief. We just returned from a coast to coast 13,000 km (8,000 mi) round trip across Canada. The MX-5 performed flawlessly and we had enough, just enough, room in the trunk for our necessities. Fun to drive, pretty good gas mileage (we don’t exactly stress or test the limits of the car when driving it…ever) and bullet proof as far as we’re concerned. It’s my wife’s car to drive (three seasons only), it’s in mint condition and there are no plans to ever sell, trade or replace it.

I've had a 2006 GT since 2009. It had 23k when I bought it and is now just shy of 200k. Great car. You feel everything going on with the car and road. It is an antidepressant on wheels.

All around very good review as usual, I love that you cover every aspect of the cars you review, good progress in the quality of reviews too, I also like your attitude to the car, I have no driving experience really, but I think I understand the spirit of Miata, funny sidekick xd

7:30 Gosh I hope those white stains were a spilled drink.

I forgot to mention this in the review but that suspension package (LSD and bilstein suspension) was only available on the Touring and Grand Touring and was not available with the automatic. Also, this video talks about US spec trims, UK models and others can get the suspension pack on more trims.

Just got 2008 MX-5 Grand Touring with the premium package. 62,000 miles $15,000, had to put a top on it. Another $2000. From what I'm watching. I think I did pretty good. Lov the car. Stick shift is awesome and it's got decent power for a2.0 liter. Thanks for the video!!!

Initially the NC got a bad rap because it weighed 358lbs more than the first year NA, so everyone thought it was a slow pig, but what the ''Haters'' forgot to factor in was that the '06 also got a 170HP / 140lbs Tq 2.0 Liter engine which is 54 more HP and 40lbs more Torque. - So what you end up with in the 1990 NA is a power-to-weight ratio of 1HP for every 18.24lbs versus the 2006 NC at 1HP for every 14.55lbs, or around 25% *_more overall power/weight ratio_* with the 2006 NC, plus *_MUCH_* better creature comforts, AC, better soft top, glass rear window, limited slip differential, less body flex and upgraded aluminum racing suspension parts added into the 2006 redesign. The 170HP was the most powerful (non-turbo) version ever offered until 2019. - *My California-car 6-spd manual Premium Package GT has 24, 960mi on it and the color looks exactly like this one except for my (like-new) Rich-Tan interior and excellent condition Light Brown soft top, and if someone offered $15K - I'd take it.*

Nice review I bought an nc 2007 about 4 weeks ago such a great car to drive I did own a 2008 350z a few years back I wrote it off after 4 weeks I can confirm the mx5 is a lot more forgiving I have the hardtop roaster I love the simplicity of the car I was going to upgrade the insides to have a touch screen display but I really am loving the old school feel of the car, I owned an rx8 about 10 years ago also and the dash reminds me a lot of that, I find the rx8 an the 350z a lot easier to drift around corners, I haven’t felt any drift at all from the mx5, but that could be because I’m worried about writing this off also 😂😂

I have a little Japanese girl friend I named Emiko she is an Mazda mx5 NC.😆

Thank you for a complete review. Well done. I am shopping for a 2007 MX-5 and very much appreciate the amount and type of information provided. Great job.

I just bought a 2008, the gearing on the 6 speed manual is short, I can cruise at 35 mph on 6th. It revs around 3,500 RPM at 70 in top gear. The car is a blast to drive around town. It just needs to be lowered 2” with wider wheels and tires to really enhance the overall look.

Came back as I've finally found an mx-5 and I plan on going to buy it soon. I watched this review as a final refresh to make sure it's what I want before I buy it. I can't wait!

This is my car! (07 touring in black) most fun car ever, with a few suspension upgrades. I like the look of NC1. I live in an area with a lot of short twisties and super rich ppl. I can have fun for a short time with Porsches, Lamborghinis, Mercedes, Teslas, etc. A lot of guys (Porsche guys mostly) laugh and wave sometimes as they haul away on the straight. It's surprising how many 'super' cars will play with an MX5 on twisties.

Excellent Review !! As a Canadian and recent 2007 MX-5 Owner I appreciated the American Review showing the steering wheel on the left side of the cabin. Also, no worries then about the Park Brake hitting your knee :) I bought my MX-5 at a private dealer who specializes in very clean used sports cars. It was always garaged and had 62,000 original miles !! After 6 months with the car I have to say I LOVE IT !! The off-the-line performance is acceptable but where this car really shines is on the twisty and up & down mountain roads of South-Eastern Vancouver Island. For this car, tires are really important, as it can be a little scary on slick roads in tight corners :) But totally agree with the reviewer that feedback from the steering, gearing, chassis and brakes is EXCELLENT, helping you find the limits of the car very quickly. On a practical note, I wish that Mazda designers had foregone the cup holder on the driver’s side door as this just gets in the way. I echo the comment about the useless midline console cup holders, but at least you have the sliding lid which works well. The trunk space is also a pleasant surprise in a roadster of this size. More than enough room for a medium-sized suitcase or 4 generous-sized bags of groceries. The car feels very solid in & out, and I’m looking forward to several years of low-maintenance driving enjoyment. Thanks again for this Review !!

Have owned a 2006 NC for 16 years. It’s my daily driver and it’s soooo much fun. I’ve driven the NB, NC, ND and while I agree it’s marginally off the pace compared to the NB, it’s far more practical and easier to live with day to day. In my opinion, It’s slightly better than the ND, due to less body roll and that makes it the best of the crop overall.

I want yo Buy a 2008 mx5, after seeing this video; I know it Will be a great option.

Thank you. This is the absolute best RU-vid review of the NC MX-5 (and I have viewed most of them)! I purchased the NC1 (2006 Touring soft top) new and drove it for five years until a drunk driver rear-ended me and totalled the car. I am aware that feelings about design are very subjective. I had considered purchasing the newer MX-5 but the design is a bit too aggressive for my tastes - I like the style of the old British roadsters, and the NC, to my eyes, is the best of the bunch. Recently (April 2023) I had the opportunity to pick up a NC2 (2009 Touring soft top) with only 20,000 miles on it and a body that looks like new out of the showroom. I grabbed it, and paid a bit too much, but it is worth it! I have my MX-5 back. And as you described in your video, no matter the type of driving, even to a trip to the shops, is fun and engaging. Always puts a smile on your face!

I owned an NA6 and an NA8, then I acquired an ‘07 PRHT GT with a *gasp* automatic… even with the slushbox, it’s infinitely better than either of my NAs.

Good review. Would have been even better if you had cleaned the bird poo off the centre console first!

Best thing about the NC…….no damn entertainment/nav screen! I have a 2014 NC GrandTouring with Bilstein pkg and only 14k on the clock. Never been to the shop except routine. It’s a keeper.

8X Car and Driver Top 10 -- more times than any other generation.

- If you haven't already figured it out or changed out the stereo for something different, and if you have the Bose 7-spkr system like the one in my '06 GT, and if - like me - you prefer the equalization setting with the roof open, just bend the little metal tab forward just enough so the latch doesn't grab it - it's up in the slot where the roof latch catches and it only takes about a 1/2" forward bend so when you close and latch the roof it will keep the better equalization setting that you get with the roof open.

Before I bought my 2006 NC I brought my Blueridge BR-73 000 size guitar and popped it in the trunk. It fit no problem! Sold! Great car.

I have a special edition 2008. I really like the Lotus grill...The smiley face...not so much. Just installed a performance muffler..sounds and looks great, a perforance intake, better shocks. Zoom..Zoom. The NC is great looking , much safer with air bags, better brakes and handling..Safety trumps light weight. It's still under 2,500 lbs without the hardtop.

I have a 2003 MX5 only been washed 4 times , never been driven in rain or snow , 21 k miles top only been used 9 times , however I just had to replace all 4 tires Michelin all side wall cracked , love this toy great fun to drive, great car.

As an owner of a first-generation 1995 Miata and a 2007 Grand touring NC, I will tell you that I prefer the front fascia on the early NC. It does its best to look a lot like the first-generation but just puffier. It is a superior car in many ways to the first-generation and the driving experience is absolutely first-rate. I've never driven a 5-speed in the NC version but I suspect I might have appreciated it more than the six-speed given that the gearbox wouldn't be so tight between shifts and I prefer my reverse gear down and to the right rather than up and to the left. Both excellent cars. People compliment the looks on both cars but of course the first generation will be the one that is always considered the most classic if not the best driver of the 2 generations. My first generation is red and my third generation is emerald green ( a very rare color) . Get any Miata while you can

The next Dug DiManure. You are a quirk, sir. Thx for vid.

sorry I should be more focusing on that roadster but man your body shape is too good.

Love this generation of Miata Great review 👌

NC is definately most capable of all Miatas but only after suspension upgrade. I tried it on track against some very good drivers in a very good NA and NBs and it mostly ends up on top. Plus you can fit inside without any problems all the way to 6'3 and 250lbs .

The 2006-2008 "angry bass" look was far superior to the simpering smiley face of the 2009 through 2014 models. I have a Grand Touring PRHT model myself (2008). I sometimes wonder whether I should have bought the rag top. All in all, the car is lovely--and a joy to drive top-down. I still get compliments on the vehicle. (Copper Mica was really a nice colour)

Is there any significant difference between the 2007 and 2008 Special Edition models?

I’m thinking about buying one of these and this review was really helpful! I found it Easy to understand, really enjoyed that there was lots of detailed specifications and a very thorough test and review! Thanks a lot! 😀

Lovely review, I have always tried to love the MX-5, and always have been sad-faced after test drives: I miss torque too much. Would be jazzed if you could find and review a good condition Porsche 914, and then a Boxster, as a comparison.

I have always been thankful I'm the runt in the family at 6'3 (Bros are 6'5" & 6'7") I got to enjoy cars sometimes just barely fitting in that my brother's would have found excruciating 😏 So appreciate Tyler's reviews of the Miatas such fun cars even if it's a bit tight for me on some models. (like Tyler at 6:09 😏)

The Nissian 350 z STAYS IN THE SHOP..............the Mazda does not !

I just swapped RX8 sway bars into my 2006 . You can swap the brakes , and windscreen stalk too .

We’ve had a NC Launch (fully loaded) model for over 8 years and it’s now covered 107,000 miles. Terrific fun, great handling and the only MX5 that fits me comfortably, I’m 6’2”

I’ll take the blank Pokémon stare over the goofy grin versions. I like how the original NC pays homage to the NA where the headlights look like the indicator lights on the NA.

2012 sport. 54K Repairs: 1 thermostat. Period. I'm 6' and have to move the seat forward a few inches.

Very good and fun review! Looking at an nc model and was in doubt, however, not anymore! 😀

Does anyone know of a luggage/trunk external rack that’ll fit properly without damaging the trunk, paint? Cheers ! 🎉

I love my 2014 silver bullet! The Gran Touring model like to fly like a little Zero with no armor. Fun in every gear, no doubt.

Lower the car on coilovers and add lower offset wheels. NC1, add an MazdaSpeed body kit, black out those headlight, red tint tail light and a more expressive exhaust and voilà! For power catless header with a tune or slap a turbo for 300WHP!

Great review! Just bought one! (mid life crisis...lol!) No regrets!

Think you proved the trunk may be a little small for a daily if your last name happens to be Soprano, just make sure your "friends" are under 6' tall.

smiles will be had with any generation Miata NA is my personal favorite. It doesn't come close to other roadsters in any performance aspects but is just a blast to drive from 0 - 30 - 0.

I’m not sure why the styling for the NC Miata is so often thrashed. It’s a good looking car. I like the looks better than the NB.

I have a 2006, automatic with paddle shifters, I'm 52 so I drive it as an automatic anyway (my shifting days are over, mines in that same color, the copper mica red, it looks just like this one except I have the small spoiler on the trunk....I actually love this as my nice weather car, I drive it everyday in the summer months, it's fun factor is unbeatable for the price (I got mine for around 7,000 at the beginning of the pandemic, and I couldn't be happier with it, I've had absolutely no problems with it since I bought it... I'm one happy Mazda owner...

I have a 2007 SV and it does indeed have a leather wrapped steering wheel. However, there are no audio controls on it and the car does not have cruise control either. I'm fine with both of those. I happen to prefer the look of the front end vs. the goofy "smiley face" design on later years.

I know the NC2s are an improvement in most areas but I can't help but love and want a NC1

I own the 2012 GT Hardtop, same color and agree 100%!! Love to hear my feelings and thoughts expressed by someone else! This is my favorite Car EVER!! I use it for 24hr National Park Drives, it is a lazy man's hiking machine! Plus cutting through the mountains is so FUN!!

Great review! Lots of good info. I have a 2014 that I love. Great fun to drive, I love the look, uber-reliable and very cheap on gas and tires.

What are some good sticky tires you’d recommend for an NC Miata?

This is a great review! Definitely one of the best I've seen for the NC, I'm 6'3 and looking for my first car. I really want a miata, but was afraid of being able to fit in the NA and NB (as well as a lack of safety, considering I'm going to daily it), so I think that the NC will be the best fit for me.

I got my 2006 in 2016, with 72k on the clock and I paid 8k for it. It is the touring but not grand touring and has the sport goodies on it, t was a special order,1 owner.2l enignf 6sp auto with a factory installed touch screen..The engine destroyed itself in in 2021 so I put a crate 205 ford in it. AND THAT MADE IT PERFECT!!! much better low end and way better on the freeway, not nearly as buzzy.

I'm buying a Miata this week as well. I have to say, I like the look of the NB the best.

If you’re going to buy one, do it. Cloth seats, no traction control, PRHT, and the suspension package are the way to go.

I dont like the nc not because its heavier, then the rest but how it looks like in the front . I dont like how it looks like it

It looks like a newborn baby, excited to see the world for the first time.

The only mx5 for big people..lol

Great review on my car 😁

I have the same ecsaxt car.. With the retractable hard top...

I own the best NC ever made a 2007 5 speed Sport with the extremely rare MS-R option package. It currently has 55k on the clock, mostly weekends with a few long trips to Kansas or Nebraska for Solo Nationals (231 events, just under 1700 autocross runs).

this is a terrific car! Still have it (2009 sport). And if you've ever owned a German, British, Italian sports car, you'll know that this car is a keeper!

Mine to.

I genuinely don't understand how people can look at that car and go "man that's ugly" or "that's not a miata" It's so obviously just an re-imagining of the NB design (and the NB was ugly compared to the NA, so it was a worthy glow up).

Funny you put a 350Z in here. I currently own a Nismo350Z and am picking up a 2008 Miata today so I can have the best of both worlds.

Owned all 4 variants- my beloved 2003 shinsen went 228k w/orig clutch- love n hate affairs with Audis but! Just h got a stunning 13’ red mica prht- I forgot what Heaven felt like in Earth

Totally love my 2008 GT Hard Top. I'd drive it every day if it wasn't for the f'n snow we get in Canada. Best bang for the buck for fun and reliability.. My wife says I smile all the time driving it!

They are wheels, NOT rims. The rim is the outer “rim” of the wheel.

I own a 2007 Grand Touring. I bought it in 2016 for $17K. It had less than 15,000 miles on the clock. It had been garage kept, one owner, full documentation, right down to the window sticker and dealer key tag. Was that a lot of money? Yes. Do I think about that when I drop the top and drive it... NO! Mine was loaded, right down to run flat tires. I think it's still worth every penny. And so will whomever inherits it from in years from now... Probably with less than 30,000 miles on the clock.

I’m 6’2” tall, and the NC 2 has been my daily driver for 4 years. It’s not bloated,for me. 👍👍👍👍

I had a 2004 Grand Touring with a retractable hard top. I really enjoyed that car. The ONLY thing I would change would be those door mounted cup holders! Thank you for the video

Thanks for video I subbed you….looking at a 2009…

hey man i imported my mx5 nc from japan and they didnt state the engine i try to check and no information do you know how to differentiate the engine whethers it 1.8 or 2.0?

I just recently got a 2015 sport with less than 30000 miles on it for about 18000$ used all I gotta really say about it is that in my opinion it's a fast lil car I'm not lining up mustangs or challengers by any means but it is quick besides that I live in Texas I'm very happy with the stiffness of the suspension if it were any stiffer I'd be miserable on any Texas back road I absolutely love the car it's a 10/10 BTW it did seem a bit droney on the highway at first for me but overtime I started to like the exhaust notes 🎶

I've owned Three one NA two NC like the extra room of NC. Not a muscle car it is a sports car and at 6ft tall 185 I fit. Have taken long road trips it's fine. I've owned Three what's not to like.

I think the facelift to the NC2 really REALLY saves the look of the car and makes it look ALOT better

The way Americans mispronounce everything 😂 Maaaaaazda miaaaaaaaata 😂

Oh dear, another seven foot guy tests the mx5 and reports lack of headroom in the cabin. 😁

I actually really like the front, much more simplistic and less gimmicky in my view. I got an '06 PRHT

I do alot of high speed cruising. I'm looking at an auto. Bad. Bike accident. Will the NC. Do 90. Comfortable?

i just bought my 2014 nc GT hard top with 17kmi for 19k and no regrets

Dude... In Greece the nc goes for about 5-10k, with about 100-150k km on them. Mainly because they sold like crazy here and are everywhere, but still. 15k? That's way too much.

In all the places that matter like suspension and steering the NC1 is closer to the NB than it is to the NC2 and the ND is essentially just an NC2.

if you have an NC and need more "umph" make sure to get suspension and fatter wheels and tires. Makes the world of difference

Smiles per miles. Great review. I have the last year (2015) of the NC and love it.

Really good job guy. Made me laugh hard when you climbed in that trunk good stuff

Great review!! Is this a Grand Touring trim in the video? It’s not mentioned.

Looking at you next to the NC, I guessed height correct. Great Car, I'm 6 foot and fit like a glove.