In the midsize sporty car segment, the Chevrolet SSR and Ford Mustang tie for the highest ranking in the J.D. Power and Associates 2007 Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS).SM In the compact, compact premium and premium sporty car segments, the Mazda Miata, Honda S2000 and Lexus SC 430 are the J.D. Power and Associates 2007 Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS)SM award recipients.
Compact Sporty Car segment: 2004 Mazda Miata
By 2004, the Mazda Miata was ripe for replacement by a new and completely redesigned version of the best-selling roadster in the world. In the meantime, the Miata received new wheels and new colors for 2004, as well as a new performance variant with a turbocharged engine, a sport suspension, and cosmetic differences. Standard and LS models were powered by a 142-hp, 1.8-liter 4-cylinder driving the rear wheels through a 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission. A 6-speed manual was optional on the LS. The performance-tuned Mazdaspeed Miata had a turbocharged version of the same engine, rated for 178 hp and matched to the 6-speed manual. Standard Miatas had a black cloth interior, the Miata LS offered black or light beige leather, and the Mazdaspeed model had a black-and-red cloth or a black leather interior with red stitching. The Mazdaspeed version was only available in unique Velocity Red or Titanium Gray paint with mirror-finish 17-inch Racing Hart wheels. Anti-lock brakes were optional on the LS and standard on the Mazdaspeed model. Stability control, traction control, and side-impact air bags were not available.
2004 Mazda Miata NHTSA Crash Scores
(1 to 5 Star scale; 5 being safest):
- Frontal Test, Driver: 4 Stars
- Frontal Test, Passenger: 4 Stars
- Side Test, Front: 3 Stars
- Side Test, Rear: Not applicable
- Rollover Rating: 5 Stars
2004 Mazda Miata EPA Fuel Economy
(adjusted to 2008 calculation methods):
- Manual or automatic: 20 mpg city/26 mpg highway
- Mazdaspeed model: 18 mpg city/24 mpg highway
Midsize Sporty Car segment: 2004 Chevrolet SSR (tie)
Though part of the midsize sporty car segment according to J.D. Power and Associates, the Chevrolet SSR was actually built on the same foundation as the Chevrolet TrailBlazer SUV and came equipped with a pickup bed covered by a hard tonneau shell. But when the power retractable hardtop was lowered, the retro-styled SSR looked more like an inflated 1940s roadster than a truck. A 5.3-liter V-8 engine made 300 hp, and a 4-speed automatic routed power to the SSR’s huge 20-inch rear wheels. Options to look for include a package with a cargo net and tie-down rings, a trim package for the cargo area with wood rub strips and a light, heated front seats, and a Bose audio system. The SSR could also tow up to 2,500 pounds with the available towing package. Traction control, anti-lock brakes and side-impact air bags came standard, but the NHTSA did not perform crash tests on the 2004 Chevrolet SSR.
2004 Chevrolet SSR NHTSA Crash Scores
(1 to 5 Star scale; 5 being safest):
- Frontal Test, Driver: Not tested
- Frontal Test, Passenger: Not tested
- Side Test, Front: Not tested
- Side Test, Rear: Not applicable
- Rollover Rating: Not rated
2004 Chevrolet SSR EPA Fuel Economy (adjusted to 2008 calculation methods):
- 14 mpg city/18 mpg highway
Midsize Sporty Car segment: 2004 Ford Mustang (tie)
The Ford Mustang turned 40 years old in 2004, one year before a complete redesign. To keep the faithful interested, every Mustang wore special badges marking its 40th anniversary. A 40th Anniversary special edition model was also available, and a limited number of high-performance Cobras were painted in Mystichrome, which changed color depending on light and angle of view. The lineup included Base, GT, Mach 1 and SVT Cobra models, each offered in coupe or convertible format except the coupe-only Mach 1. Base models got a 193-hp, 3.8-liter V-6 engine; Mustang GTs had a 260-hp, 4.6-liter V-8 engine; the Mach 1 contained a 310-hp, 4.6-liter V-8 complete with shaker hood scoop; and the SVT Cobra made 390 hp from a supercharged 4.6-liter V-8. A 5-speed manual was standard and a 4-speed automatic was optional on all but the Cobra, which had a 6-speed manual. Anti-lock brakes with traction control came standard on Mach 1 and Cobra; they were optional on Base and GT models. Stability control and side-impact air bags were not available.
2004 Ford Mustang Coupe NHTSA Crash Scores (1 to 5 Star scale; 5 being safest):
- Frontal Test, Driver: 5 Stars
- Frontal Test, Passenger: 5 Stars
- Side Test, Front: 3 Stars
- Side Test, Rear: 3 Stars
- Rollover Rating: 5 Stars
2004 Ford Mustang EPA Fuel Economy (adjusted to 2008 calculation methods):
- V-6 Manual: 18 mpg city/27 mpg highway
- GT Automatic: 16 mpg city/21 mpg highway
- Cobra: 15 mpg city/22 mpg highway
Compact Premium Sporty Car segment: 2004 Honda S2000
To celebrate its fourth year building a high-performance two-seat roadster, Honda upgraded the S2000 sports car for 2004. A larger engine was the biggest news, increasing in displacement from 2.0 liters to 2.2 liters. Horsepower was still rated at 240, but added torque helped give the S2000 greater responsiveness at low rpm. The styling was subtly updated, larger 17-inch wheels debuted, and the suspension was recalibrated for improved ride and handling. Though minimalist in nature, the S2000 came standard with leather upholstery, a power top with a heated glass back window, Xenon headlights, and anti-lock brakes. However, side-impact air bags and stability control were not offered on the 2004 Honda S2000.
2004 Honda S2000 NHTSA Crash Scores
(1 to 5 Star scale; 5 being safest):
- Frontal Test, Driver: 4 Stars
- Frontal Test, Passenger: 4 Stars
- Side Test, Front: 5 Stars
- Side Test, Rear: Not applicable
- Rollover Rating: 5 Stars
2004 Honda S2000 EPA Fuel Economy (adjusted to 2008 calculation methods):
- 17 mpg city/23 mpg highway
Premium Sporty Car segment: 2004 Lexus SC 430
When the Lexus SC 430 debuted in 2001, it was a dramatic styling statement that was inspired by the lifestyles lived along the French Riviera, according to Lexus. Technically a four-seat convertible, the amorphous SC 430 has a power retractable hardtop to seal out the elements and isolate occupants when top-down driving is undesirable. For 2004, Lexus did not change the SC 430 except to add a very limited Pebble Beach edition with special paint, leather, badges and, of course, a leather golf bag. Safety equipment included side-impact air bags, stability control, and optional run-flat tires. Unfortunately, the NHTSA did not perform crash tests on the 2004 Lexus SC 430.
2004 Lexus SC 430 NHTSA Crash Scores
(1 to 5 Star scale; 5 being safest):
- Test, Driver: Not tested
- Frontal Test, Passenger: Not tested
- Side Test, Front: Not tested
- Side Test, Rear: Not tested
- Rollover Rating: Not rated
2004 Lexus SC 430 EPA Fuel Economy (adjusted to 2008 calculation methods):
- 16 mpg city/22 mpg highway
Learn more about the J.D. Power and Associates 2007 Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS)SM award recipients by choosing a vehicle segment below:
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