Agreed but unfortunately it doesn’t translate into more sales for Mazda which I wish it did and more people realize that Mazda while a small company builds great driving (not boring appliances) vehicles!
@@ztekz It definitely does translate into more sales. Miatas sell like hotcakes, people who aren't even enthusiasts buy them just because of how high the build quality is especially at the price point they are being sold at let alone the fact that they are fantastic driving machines.
NippyMoto, buyers of Miatas are mostly enthusiasts and while there are some who buy that aren’t enthusiasts, bottom line the Miata and Mazda as a model & brand don’t sell in huge numbers (globally) as they are niche vehicles/brand. Nothing wrong with that though my point was because the Miata is one of the best if not the best handling affordable roadster, I was hoping that more and more buyers flock to Mazda due to the heritage, driving dynamics and Japanese engineering associated with the brand...but sadly Mazda’s sales especially in NA continue to dwindle down. I am a Mazda guy having owned 3 models with currently 2 flagship vehicles...
@@ztekz I am not really sure where you are going with this but Miatas are built to well researched market numbers. Due to the fact that it is a Roadster naturally they obviously don't produce as much as if it were just an economy hatchback. At the end of the day the Miata is the world's best selling roadster, there literally isn't anything even close to it. That is the market the car is aimed at and it dominates it; you can't really ask for more than that.
Nice review. You really articulated well the emotional appeal of the Miata. A few technical points I can add from long-term ownership: 1) The LED headlights not only throw a lot of light, but in the GT, you also get automatic high-beam control, and adaptive headlights that aim where you are going as you turn the wheel. One of the best lighting systems I've ever driven. 2) The electronic gauge to the left has street sign recognition, so it shows speed limit signage and others, such as STOP signs, and gives a visual cue when you are exceeding the speed limit. 3) You can buy fitted luggage made for the ND (either soft, framed cases, or duffel-style bags), which uses all of the trunk space and lets you pack for two for a week-long trip. (After one week -- find a laundromat.) So two people can travel in this car for an indefinite period of time. Plus you get 35+ MPG highway. So it is not just a "weekend" car if you want to travel. 4) The ND suspension has more roll than the Toyota 86./ Subaru BRZ, but it also has more grip. 5) Depending on the driver's physical build, the car can accommodate people 6' 2" and under, and up to around 300 lbs. (The passenger space is smaller, though. Larger passengers may find the space a bit cramped.)
@@Austinomon : The TRS displays some traffic signs in the electronic display pod (far left gauge in the 2020 ND). owners-manual.mazda.com/gen/en/mx-5/mx-5_8gu7ee18e/contents/05280200.html
Got my ‘19 RF in August, my fourth Miata - the first three were all soft tops. I find the top down difference between the RF and the soft tops to be insignificant. When I open the top of the RF, I feel I’m getting 95% of that convertible, drug-like “rush” you get when you lower the soft top. Plus yes, the RF feels noticeably quieter and more refined with top up on the interstate. Works for me.
Only the RF GT comes in an Automatic Transmission. I had one, but ended up trading for a different color combo that happened to be a Manual Transmission. I don't think you really lose a lot, especially if you always put the AT into Sport mode... plus you can put the AT into manual mode as well; it has paddle shifters. It's a total blast to drive in either MT or AT.
@@jamesjhong9982 on the drivers side there is none. On the passenger side there is quite a large area. Having the blindspot monitor helps but doesn't solve the issue. Primarily the area not close to the car at like 4 o'clock can be troublesome. Or if you drive at the other side of the road at 8 o'clock.
I've seen all of the Miata MX5 reviews and this one by Forrest is the best! This review is what sold me on the 2020 MX5 RF GT and everything Forrest says in here is spot-on! Great review!
I just bought this exact same car with the machine grey. Great review, you know your stuff, more knowledgeable than the salesmen I dealt with. Love the car!
@@gusseisern1151 Putting a turbo in a miata is kind of like bowling with a 20 ton boulder. Yeah, you could and you'd probably strike every single time. But man, that ruins the fun.
(ole school)...Dude first the opening scene was insane!!!...you made me want to move to Cali and buy a Miata😁. Secondly, you are crushing these reviews so keep up the awesome work. I can't wait to see what's next.
@@forrestsautoreviewsofficial "Angry puppy"? I was thinking more like "pissed off cobra face". Lol. If I bought one of these, I'd immediately remove the Mazda hood ornament. They need to change that to a newer design.
The Miata is the king of 'affordable' sports cars and this generation is by far the best looking of the 4, in my opinion. Also, I'm glad they finally gave it the bump in power and red line that it needed to make it a truly special car. I love the fact that they offer all of the performance goodies from the club on the slightly more sophisticated GT trim. This would definitely be the spec for me. I've owned 2 versions of the Mazda3 and loved them both, but my Mazda thirst won't be satiated until I finally own a MX-5. Great review!
I'm based in the Uk and have to say this is probably the best review I have watched so far. I'm 99.9% sure this is the next car for me having watched this.
Love your content on the MX-5. Your reviews helped convince me to purchase an ND1 in grey last year, and I've loved every minute of the experience. Fantastic car!
I've had 2 Miatas over the last 25 years---a '90 and a '03 and enjoyed them alot. Then I got a Mini S and w the extra space and the noticeable extra performance I assumed I'd never go back to Miata..........until the junk engine in the Mini blew out at..............54,000 miles! (No help at all from Mini). I never had any issues w my Miatas other than shortage of space so it looks like I might go back now that they've added the extra HP.
The MX-5 is iconic. A true classic. Hopefully Mazda can manage to overcome the dismal sales of practically every vehicle they produce to remain the smallest independent mainstream automotive manufacturer and not die (at least in the US) or be absorbed to become a division of another larger manufacturer. Sales of the Miata in calendar year 2019 were down 14% compared to 2018 to slightly over 7750 units in America. Sales in the first quarter of 2020 haven't been released but considering the impact of COVID-19, they're almost certainly far below the first quarter of 2019. The second quarter will be worse, much worse. And for the rest of 2020 the outlook is equally bleak if not worse. Of course, Mazda doesn't depend on MX-5 sales to remain profitable. They deserve commendation for even producing the ND generation and would not have done so if it hadn't been for the infusion of money from FCA to produce the Fiat 124 alongside the Miata. The much larger problem is the rest of the Mazda lineup. The midsize sedan segment is shrinking for most brands but the excellent Mazda6 with an aging engine and drive train is in much more serious trouble than other brands. Its sales in the 2020 Calendar year dropped 30% compared to 2019 to 21,000 units. Sales were even worse in the first quarter of 2020 with only 4500 units sold, another drop of 35%. The Mazda3's sales in 2019 were down 21% compared to 2018 to 51,000 vehicles but that was still better than the January through March of 2020 with an astounding drop of 47% compared to 2019 with only 8100 sales. Of course, the engine driving automotive sales are SUV's. But with the exception of the CX-5 Mazda's SUV sales are dismal. The strongest portion of that segment are mainstream midsize crossovers. But in the 2019 calendar year Mazda sold only 27,000 CX-9's putting it in 20th place out of 20 mainstream crossovers in the US market. It was even outsold by eight luxury midsize crossovers. The only "good" news for the CX-9 is that it managed to remain flat in sales in the first quarter of 2020 with 7200 sales but being dead last in sales is no comfort, especially when models like the more recently introduced Telluride and Palisade, each plagued by supply challenges, sold 16,000 units each from January through March. Mazda is pinning its hopes in the subcompact crossover segment with the CX-30. In the first quarter of 2020 they sold about 8300 units. As a new model that might be seen as a good sign but it was accompanied by the complete collapse of sales of the CX-3 to 2200 units. The only bright spot in the SUV segment is Mazda's CX-5. In 2019 it managed to sell about 154,000 units, up about 4% over 2018. And in the first quarter of 2020 it suffered less than most others with a drop of only 6% to 35,000 vehicles sold. But even so the CX-5 is behind 7 other mainstream compact CUV's including (amazingly) the Chevy Equinox that even with a 17% drop in sales still managed to sell 73,000 vehicles. Then there's the RAV4 with nearly 100,000 sales (a 16% increase compared to 2019's first quarter) in a down market. Of course, self-styled "enthusiasts" may not care about sales of Mazda's other models as long as the Miata remains intact. The bad news, though, is that those other models make it possible for Mazda to offer MX-5's to a tiny market segment. The bottom line may well be that Miata fans may want to snap up an MX-5 that may well be the last generation of an extraordinary vehicle.
If you're looking to make it look a little more better lighting wise pick up an LED for the interior dome light and Lasfit make some nice front corner LED turning lights for 42 dollars. Removing those 3 halogen bulbs alone is a game changer.
Nice review! A few comments some of the viewers may want to know if thinking about the soft top vs RF. While it will never be a cargo hauler (though surprised how much I can fit in mine) the soft top does have more interior storage. The center rear console is about a foot deep on the soft top vs about half or less on RF. Also, the soft top has two small cargo areas behind the seats vs one for the RF. It doesn't seem like a big deal but when storage is limited, it can make a difference. Also, the soft top allows storage behind the seats when top-up, but not the RF. Although if you open the RF just enough, you can then fit some soft items, like beach towels, down under the glass, then put the top back up. Doesn't work for RF top-down however! The one area I wish Mazda didn't skimp on was the area of the doors between arm rest and power window buttons. The fake carbon fiber doesn't look good and is hard plastic. A minor issue, but noticeable in otherwise a great interior!
I also love the RF. I leaned to drive stick in my dads first gen Miata. I can’t imagine how much better this one is. One of my favorite cars I’ve ever owned was a Honda del dol SI It wasn’t particularly quick but you put the roof in the trunk and roll down the rear window and it’ transformed. Great video!
I bought a 2019 Miata GT RF a month ago and love it! I like the machine grey metallic but the color you have here is beautiful! I like the tinge of blue - and the seat color in the model you reviewed is also fantastic! Agreed on just how beautiful the RF is though. I tend to get a lot of comments from neighbors and strangers... and every once in a while a jerk who calls me out for privilege... for driving a car that costs half as much as the one the jerk is driving...
I want this car so bad, it hurts. I had an NB Miata and it was so much fun. I miss driving a manual. Thanks for this video. I really appreciate all the attention to detail in your reviews. I feel like I'm there.
Fantastic review !! Bought the exact model 2 months ago, didn't know I had a button for the truck, awesome you drove it to the RED Line .... you certainly gave me lots of perspectives on features. So much fun to drive, enjoying it for certain, my first Mazda at 60 yrs old and wish I had bought one 30 years ago. THIS CAR is my KEEPER!
Great video! I really want a mx-5 RF. It puts a smile on my face when I test drive it. However, the lack of space makes want to get an 86/BRZ instead (especially when the back seats fold down and can fit large items like golf clubs). If I'm able to afford 2 cars, I would get the mx-5 as my daily and a large, all-wheel drive, 4 seat pickup truck for when the miata will not work.
100% agree I was a numbers guy and built an 07 sti to 550whp and this car is WAY more fun to drive. I am 6'1 without shoes and I fit in my 2019 RF no issue. I guess I have longer legs and shorter torso, if you have a long torso that is where you'll run into head clearance issues.
@@carlostuitt142 all about that leg to torso RATIO! Our head engineer is probably 3-4" shorter than me and his head sits to close to the RF roof. I never wanted a ST but if you don't mind either definitely test drive both!
I am an “old” man and it is fun to drive. Mine is a ‘21 RF Blue stick with White interior. It is fun to drive even in a congested area. I bought it just for fun. I get a lot of looks form some older guys driving an suv and they know what fun I am having.
Easily a daily driver car! So much love. A couple simple mods help with top going down/up to 30+ mph and sway bars take care of that body roll. 🤓 You know I’m coming to see the 5th gen with you the moment it comes out ❤️
Have always been impressed by the Mazda line of cars, but especially the Miata (MX-5). This coming from a long time Alfista (Alfa Romeo owner) who has a '67 Duetto convertible.
Just remember body roll does not always equate to poor handling over a flat handling car. They designed the car to move with the driver and tell the driver the tire's limits, the higher amount of roll also helps grip on the street vs. a prepped track. It is very hard to get the tires to break traction even when you feel like it's about to flip.
I agree. I drove an Nc with sway bars (had lsd and TC) and prefer mine without. (Also with suspension package). Plus the drive was rougher and this is my daily driver.
The Miata needs a facelift with new LED DRLs and indicators and a design scheme like the new Mazda 3 and also pop that Skyactiv-x in there. It would be sick. The new steering wheel, infotainment, and door handles should also be put in.
I had the 1st Generation Miata stick shift and I tell you it’s one of the best car I ever owed. RWD like most sport car. The shifting was perfect. Though not a very fast car, the handling was excellent. So nimble, sporty & so much fun to drive. Rev it up to 70/80/90 or even higher then shift gear! That’s how the car engine is designed to drive & not driving it like an Accord or Camry. I could just imagine the newer model I’m sure is even so much fun to drive.
ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-md7dCidISk4.html Don't squat in the left lane and yak!!! This Miata has a thick B pillar and a door which ends like a van at the driver's shoulder if you are tall and push seat right back, so huge blind spot on the left. Have to lean forward each time to clear door and then swivel head left to check blind spot. Thick buttresses mean blind spots on right too so similar head swivel does not work. Claims is quieter than soft top but gives no dB numbers. Audi TT is a better car design, large glass house, fold down rear seats for huge luggage area, quattro but alas no m/t in current model.
If I could fit in one I would for sure get one!! When my kids are gone out of the house maybe... another great review my friend!! Keep em coming!!! 👍🏽👍🏽👍🏽
I bought my MX-5 RF in Feb 2020 and don't drive it much because the interior is so noisy. I love the look of this car and the way it handles but I will only drive it around in the city and not on the freeway because I am bothered by the noise. I have no other complaints about this car.
Great review and wonderful to get a glimpse of Dana Point where I paddled my surf ski In the 80s.Good memories.Now living in southern Spain instead of California.The roads here ideal for this car and will be getting one.Keep well.
My friend bought one of the very first Generation back in 1990. I use to make fun of his car until I rode in it, needless to say I have the 2018 RF Touring and I love it. I had two Corvettes before 1987 and 2003 50th edition. My MX5 doesn't have the power my Corvettes but for the price and maintenance I love my Miata. I may get the newer Miata. Love it!
I own an MX5 since 2013 and in my opinion, it is the best sports car on the road today anywhere on the planet...It is Ferrari Red and a beige soft top... It is my pride and JOY... I also own a Mazda 2 for the Winter time....!!!!! It is a beautiful TOY.....!!!!.
I've got a machine grey RHD RF Sat Nav in the UK and this is the best car I have ever owned ....Just wished we had your weather....but when we do get the sun this car absolutely kills it....If you can afford one guys, get it ....Best convertible / smiles per miles car on the road ...
Those downshifts earned you a subscriber today.... Too many damn people in the car scene do not know driving stick properly and tout the manual as the ultimate thing God sent us .... Good video!
I really think Mazda should modify the button for the roof function...should be press button down for the roof down and push up for the roof up😏 its little touches like that matters and makes sense
I wholeheartedly agree with you, but Mazda did this on purpose, with a sorta, kinda logical reason. It's supposed to mimic the act of how you lower the soft top... you reach up and throw it over your head. I'd still rather they reversed it though, lol.
Great video mate! Best wishes from Florida. I want an mx5 ND, have watched any videos I can find on them, so thank you for this up to date one! Ocean looks awesome too. Thank!
You can fit, they make seat lowering brackets for another 1.75 inch drop- I'm 6'2 and 240lbs, even with the regular seat brackets, I fit. Just don't get the recaro seats, you won't fit.
That red interior looks so sick! Nice review. Really want one now. May go for the Club as a track/date night car ; ) Edit: Also heck yes, Joe Satriani!
I just subscribed to your channel after watching this review this morning (Thurs, 8/27/20) at 3:50am. Loved your review! At first glance, I thought you were going to be too tall to fit in the Miata, but you seemed to fit without any or too much of a problem. That color combo of Polymetal Grey with Red interior looks sooo good together. Is it possible to get that red interior with their beautiful Soul Red exterior? Also, you picked a nice place to do some targa & top up driving, and what a beautiful, sunny day it was, too!
Love the review! Great content and a great car :) I currently own a Mustang GT, am thinking about an MX-5 as my next daily. Hard to let go of all that HP, but I don't really use it all.
You won't miss it. I used to have a Challenger R/T, but this car is 1000X more fun, and this new engine can pull a 5.6-5.8 0-60, which more than enough to have fun, especially when you get 35MPG.
Always love it whenever you post a ND MX-5 video Forrest! Regarding your point about the 86/BRZ having better handling than the ND MX-5 at 18:45 , do you reckon if both of the ND and Toyobarus were fitted with high-end suspension kits by brands like Ohlins, KW, MCS, JRZ etc, they would both perform at a near equal standard? Thanks.
I don't agree that the 86/ BRZ handles "better" than the ND. IMO, the two cars represent different approaches. The ND has the better ride quality. Handling-wise, the 86 corners flatter, but the ND has more grip, especially with each car on OEM tires. (It feels weird sometimes to be at the angle the ND can take through a turn, but you just have to keep your foot in it and trust the car.) The biggest difference is in fast transitions: the 86 reacts faster and more predictably; the ND takes longer to "set." I also found the LSD and TC in the ND each worked a bit better than on the 86, but both cars are very good. Modified, all bets are off. Both cars have big aftermarkets, and you can change tires, wheels, sway bars, dampers, springs... go with coilovers... add chassis bracing, etc., to make either handle like a slot car.
I'm really loving this color combo! I want to get a 2019 or 2020 next year when i have the money. But now idk which color to get. I'm torn between the red w/tan interior or this one
Thanks for the review, confirmed everything I have heard, seen and read. Just signed the contract for an RF GT Black Roof in Machine Grey...might have to wait until Christmas at the earliest for delivery though :-(
I've decided polymetal is second only to soul red when it comes to Mazda paint color, and it looks fantastic on the Miata. As mentioned, there is no competition for the Miata other than itself in an Italian suit. (Fiata😅) Having said that, I prefer the looks of the Mazda version, and the n/a engine vs a turbo Fiat engine. (For long term reliability at least)
I'm buying one for my 37 birthday this December, even though I live in north Dakota I'm gonna drive it year round ! I'm just gonna get it washed 2 times a week
I completely agree it's for sure the best looking and feeling Miata (especially the RF) I drove the 18 (manual) and it felt amazing but thought it needed a little more power and then drove the 19 (automatic sadly) and the power felt right for such a little car
He totally forgot to mention how the Miata competes with itself, the Fiat 124 Spider I mean. It's different enough that I think he should've mentioned it as competition.
