It seems to us that there are more buttons, knobs and dials for the stereo and climate controls than ever before. We prefer the more minimalist design inside the first-generation Miata. Gripes aside, this is one freakin' spectacular automobile. We drove it up into the Santa Monica Mountains between Malibu and Westlake Village to have a little fun. Instead, we had lots of fun.
Third gear is perfect for a canyon run.
The Miata grips the pavement so tenaciously that minimal shifting is required, except for hairpin turns and long high-speed straights. Enter a turn properly and the Miata tracks flawlessly, otherwise the front pushes and scrubs speed. Steering and brakes are superb. So perfectly balanced is the Miata that it makes amateurs look as skilled as Denise McCluggage. Well, almost as skilled.