From the logbook: 2010 Mazda Miata

Jun 4, 2010 7:25 AM

Some things never go out of style, such as chocolate, an unexpected financial windfall, Converse Chuck Taylor All Stars... Add to that list the Mazda MX-5 Miata. Since its inception, the Miata has become the prototypical roadster. It's fun, affordable, fuel efficient, and reliable.

And with the weather heating up here in the Northeast, it's high time to drop the top and enjoy driving.

We tested the folding hardtop Grand Touring model. We choose a model with the Suspension Package (sports suspension, Bilstein shocks, limited-slip differential), as well as the Premium Package (Bluetooth, HID headlights, ESC, satellite radio). Bottom line: $31,150.

How does the whole package work? Well, to paraphrase the Beatles: Do we love the Miata? Yeah, yeah, yeah. Here's a look at the logbook:

"In the right set of circumstances, this car is simply wonderful."

"So much fun to drive; it's a veritable scalpel through traffic."

"Engine sounds awesome on throttle."

"Love the shifter and steering - spot-on all the way."

"Hard top is not that much quieter than the soft top version, mostly because the noise is from the road and buzzy engine."

"Not the best car for highway commuting."

"Tiny cabin has no room for even a toothpick."

"Low windshield header makes seeing traffic lights difficult."

"Not the easiest to climb out of with the top up."

"Top goes down quickly."

"Nice to have height adjustment, but the seats feel cramped as time goes by."

"Terrific fun without going fast."

"The only real sports car in production today."

Paging through the logbook to create this blog revealed one truism about the Miata: Rain or shine, we love this car. For some, it embodies the essence of what driving enjoyment is all about. Taller drivers said they didn't fit, and apart from it being a noisy bugger, we didn't have many complaints. The bottom line, though, is clearly expressed by this comment: "I'm trying very, very, very hard not to buy this car."

Read the full Mazda MX-5 Miata road test, and research other drop-tops with our guide to convertibles.

—Mike Quincy