 This is my 3rd Miata MX-5.  I've had a '96, a '99, and now I own a 2003 second generation Miata.  Around town it does everything a car is supposed to do.  Where it really shines is out on a twisty country road.  It is not a 0-60 car but a momentum car.  Once you're up to speed there's more than enough power to pull you out of a corner.  It's cheap to buy. cheap to own, and 100% reliable.  Though most Miatas are driven hard as a sports car should be, the Miata is I believe Mazdas most reliable model.  Check out the Miata.net forum.  And ask other owners why they like their Miata.