Does The MK1 Mazda MX-5 Deserve Its Iconic Reputation? 

Always great to see somebody’s first impressions of an MX-5. They unequivocally deserve the iconic reputation! We’ve got two MX-5’s that are keepers; a 1991 Eunos Roadster in mariner blue awaiting restoration and a 2003 MK2.5 Trilogy Edition with the 1.8 VVT. Best kept in a garage though, or you’ll have to really stay on top of rust.

ABSOLUTELY my favourite so far! When I was 19 (25 years ago) I had a white G-Reg MX5 SE exactly like this one, right down to the wheels. I loved that car so much. It was easily one of the most reliable I’ve owned and just felt special at the time. The gear change was perfection… especially downshifting for braking. Thank you Joel 😊

On back roads in the summer they are absolutely incredible. So balanced and fun. Had one for a second car for a while and when my daily was hit by a white van and written off, I tried to daily the Mazda for a couple of weeks. Promptly fell out of love with it and sold it. They are not to be used daily 😅

Glad to see that you've enjoyed it so much, Joel! I've just bought my first from the guys over at TaylorMadeCars; its a lovely little 95' S-Special and its utterly sublime. I'd never driven one before and I dare say it was perfect, because it feels so much better than I thought! I'm only 20 so the cheap insurance is a lovely compliment to my pricier E46 330d that I have, but its always nice to see someone's first impressions because they really are just that much fun!

Always wanted one when they first came out but 10yrs later i bought one and a week later had driven it to Africa and back, roof down all the way. I did 150k in it over 7yrs. It was a 93 1.8 Eunos. Last year bought a 93 1.6 Eunos for my burd but i drive it more at the mo. Love it!

The mighty MX5, brilliant cars. I truly love mine and will never sell it... great review, liked and subscribed. John

I thought you had stolen mine 😅 I love my white NA, had it 11 years and its my 3rd. I use it almost every day, dodging ulez cameras and sliding out of car parks. I literally think the NA is the best, most fun sportscar ever made and on a Sunday morning at 6 am, the NA's keys are often the ones I pick up, even with my 675LT and 718 Spyder keys in the bowl. Of all the 35 sports cars I have owned its my absolute favourite. Pure, simple, useable fun 100% of the time, every day, every trip, never ever boring. 😎

Owned two of these last one had 60,000 miles on it brilliant little car, later ones suffered from Sheffield moth and are total rot boxes mk 1 definitely the one to go for. Check the hood drain holes!

This guy is now right up there with the reviewer with the bright shirts, and the guy with the coffee mug who references Google Glass in his channel title. These three (along with the daddy of them all, Harry Metcalfe) are the ones who manage to actually help you feel like you're sitting in the car. Joel, congratulations on nearing 100k subscribers. Your content is honest, and that's why we love it.

Nice review. The one reason I shy away from buying an NA or NB Miata is I just don’t feel like I’d survive in a crash in these cars. The doors are paper thin. And the cars are so small it must happen often that people don’t see you; much like motorcycles. I’m seeking an NC or maybe even the Fiat 124 Spider instead. NC Club would be my top choice.

One of my favorite cars and you can find a mint one for pretty cheap in the US.

The adjustable elements of the MX-5's suspension need to be kept rust-free so that castor/camber/toe adjustments are easily done. Too many Mk 1 MX-5s have their suspension set-up shot to hell by inoperable/seized adjustors. The other thing to avoid is cheap imported tyres, whose hard rubber compound is intended to give reasonable tyre life on the front wheels of fwd hatchbacks. Like Mk1 Toyota MR2s, MX-5s handle best with relatively soft compounds and give reasonable tyre life with them. A tyre durometer gauge, to measure compound hardness, is a great tool to aid the tuning of a MX-5s handling/road holding.

Think I’ve driven a couple back int the day, always remember how fun they feel!

Great video, really enjoyed it. We own a 1991 1.6 which is great fun, owned it now for 14 years and have no plans on moving it on at all. A great little car for a great bit of fun!

Best car i’ve owned and had loads. Pretty bulletproof when i had my 94 reg. The only issue i had was a loose hose and I thought my engine was on fire! Traded it in for an 02 reg that was a couple of years old. Knew i should have dropped out of the deal when they told me the chief mechanic at the main dealer was gonna buy it as it was such a good example. Miss it.

Nice review Joel! Owned one for 2 years and still regret selling it, very fun car. Shame I didn’t see you at SMMT too!

it is and i stand by this the best ever roadster built so sad i had to sell ours years ago and i have tried a few since and nothing gets close to it. not the fastest not most powerful but great in every way shame they tried to make it better

Great video Joel.

Brilliant cars loved mine

It's a 35 year old design so don't forget that....

Very simular car and underpinnings to NB.

It has pop up headlights, case closed.

The answer is always miata

While I realise you are recording in an open-top car the sound is terrible on this video. Sounds like you are at the bottom of a bucket.

Never a fan, underpowered , flat boring na engine.