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. Comfort levels are high, thanks to the repositioned parking brake and revised door armrests.
Visibility is excellent with the top down.
We selfishly didn't drive with the top up, so we don't know what that experience entails. We can predict, however, that 1999 Miata owners in less hospitable climates will greatly appreciate the glass rear window with defogger. And while lowering the top in one try isn't easy with the rigid new backlight, it sure beats unzipping the old car's plastic portal each time you want to drive and tan simultaneously. Once upon a time I considered the Miata to be a Barbiemobile, too. Now one is parked in my garage.