Compact Sporty Car Segment
Highest Ranked: 2005 Mazda Miata
This was the last year for the most popular roadster in history before a major redesign. As in 2004, the Miata was available in Base, leather-appointed LS, and turbocharged Mazdaspeed trim levels. Base and LS models were powered by a 142-hp, 1.8-liter 4-cylinder engine driving the rear wheels through a 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission. A 6-speed manual transmission 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 transmission. Standard Miatas had a black cloth interior, the Miata LS offered black or light beige leather, and the Mazdaspeed model had a black cloth or a black leather interior. Long a driving enthusiast’s favorite, the entertaining 2005 Mazda Miata is also the most dependable compact sporty car according to the people that own them, allowing people who love to drive the ability to have their cake and eat it, too.
The 2005 Mazda Miata ranks highest among the six models in the Compact Sporty Car segment of the 2008 VDS. The Miata achieves an index score of 127 PP100, compared to the segment average of 263 PP100—a difference of 136 PP100, and an improvement of 23 PP100 from last year’s study. Additionally, the 2005 Mazda Miata performs at or above the segment average in eight of the nine problem categories in the study, including:
- Ride, handling and braking
- Features and controls
- Seats
- Sound system
- Heating, ventilation and cooling
- Vehicle exterior
- Vehicle interior
- Transmission
According to original owners of the 2005 Mazda Miata, the top three problem areas are:
- Vehicle pulling to the left or right
- Water leaks
- Vehicle is hard to start
2005 Mazda Miata NHTSA Crash Test Scores (1 to 5 Star scale; 5 being safest):
- Frontal Driver Rating: 4 Stars
- Frontal Passenger Rating: 5 Stars
- Side Driver Rating: 3 Stars
- Side Rear Passenger Rating: Not Tested (The Miata is a 2-seater and has no rear seats)
- Rollover Rating: 5 Stars
2005 Mazda Miata EPA Fuel Economy (adjusted to 2008 calculation methods):
- Miata with 5-speed manual transmission: 20 mpg city/26 mpg highway/23 mpg combined
- Miata with 4-speed automatic or 6-speed manual transmission: 20 mpg city/26 mpg highway/22 mpg combined
- Mazdaspeed Miata with 6-speed manual transmission and turbocharged engine: 18 mpg city/24 mpg highway/20 mpg combined
Ranked No. 2: 2005 Toyota Celica
Ranked No. 3: 2005 Subaru Outback Sport
Compact Premium Sporty Car Segment
Highest Ranked: 2005 Honda S2000
Premium primarily due to its price, the 2005 Honda S2000 delivers a visceral driving experience and thrilling performance combined with top-ranked dependability. It is a focused automobile, aimed at carving corners rather than coddling its occupants. In 2005, the S2000 saw no changes following significant upgrades the previous year. Under the long, low hood is a high-revving 2.2-liter 4-cylinder engine good for 240 hp, driving the rear wheels through a standard 6-speed manual transmission. An automatic was not available. 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 2005 Honda S2000.
The 2005 Honda S2000 ranks highest among the nine models in the Compact Premium Sporty Car segment of the 2008 VDS. The S2000 achieves an index score of 115 PP100, compared to the segment average of 196 PP100—a difference of 81 PP100, though the S2000 declines 16 PP100 from last year’s study. Additionally, the 2005 Honda S2000 performs at or above the segment average in eight of the nine problem categories in the study, including:
- Ride, handling and braking
- Features and controls
- Seats
- Sound system
- Heating, ventilation and cooling
- Vehicle exterior
- Vehicle interior
- Engine
According to original owners of the 2005 Honda S2000, the top three problem areas are:
- Gears grind when shifting the manual transmission
- Seat squeaks or rattles
- Excessive brake dust on the wheels
2005 Honda S2000 NHTSA Crash Test Scores (1 to 5 Star scale; 5 being safest):
- Frontal Driver Rating: 4 Stars
- Frontal Passenger Rating: 4 Stars
- Side Driver Rating: 5 Stars
- Side Rear Passenger Rating: Not Tested (The S2000 is a 2-seater and has no rear seats)
- Rollover Rating: 5 Stars
2005 Honda S2000 EPA Fuel Economy (adjusted to 2008 calculation methods):
- 17 mpg city
- 23 mpg highway
- 20 mpg combined
Ranked No. 2 (tie): 2005 BMW Z4
Ranked No. 2 (tie): 2005 Porsche Boxster
Midsize Sporty Car Segment
Highest Ranked: 2005 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
Chevy may have been racin’ ‘em on Sunday, but few people were buying the 2005 Chevrolet Monte Carlo on Monday. Those that did opt for what was essentially a 2-door coupe version of the Impala sedan wearing a costume from the 1970s received the top-ranked dependable midsize sporty car according to our most recent vehicle dependability study. The Monte Carlo was sold in LS, SS and SS Supercharged trim levels with a variety of V-6 engines generating anywhere between 180 and 240 hp, transferred to the front wheels through an automatic transmission. Big enough to seat five adults, the Monte Carlo appealed mainly to family types wanting to drive something that looked like what Dale and Dale Jr. ripped around in on the oval tracks of America. This model year marked the last before significant styling and powertrain revisions in 2006.
The 2005 Chevrolet Monte Carlo ranks highest among the seven models in the Midsize Sporty Car segment of the 2008 VDS. The Monte Carlo achieves an index score of 142 PP100, compared to the segment average of 186 PP100—a difference of 44 PP100, and an improvement of 53 PP100 from last year’s study. Additionally, the 2005 Chevrolet Monte Carlo performs at or above the segment average in eight of the nine problem categories in the study, including:
- Features and controls
- Seats
- Sound system
- Heating, ventilation and cooling
- Vehicle exterior
- Vehicle interior
- Transmission
- Engine
According to original owners of the 2005 Chevrolet Monte Carlo, the top three problem areas are:
- Seat belts that don’t retract
- Noisy brakes
- Instrument panel/dashboard problems
2005 Chevrolet Monte Carlo NHTSA Crash Test Scores (1 to 5 Star scale; 5 being safest):
- Frontal Driver Rating: 5 Stars
- Frontal Passenger Rating: 5 Stars
- Side Driver Rating: 3 Stars
- Side Rear Passenger Rating: 4 Stars
- Rollover Rating: 4 Stars
2005 Chevrolet Monte Carlo EPA Fuel Economy (adjusted to 2008 calculation methods):
- Monte Carlo with 3.4-liter, 6-cylinder engine: 19 mpg city/29 mpg highway/22 mpg combined
- Monte Carlo with 3.8-liter, 6-cylinder engine and regular unleaded gasoline: 18 mpg city/28 mpg highway/21 mpg combined
- Monte Carlo with 3.8-liter, 6-cylinder engine and premium unleaded gasoline: 17 mpg city/26 mpg highway/20 mpg combined
Find a used Chevrolet Monte Carlo
Ranked No. 2: 2005 Toyota Camry Solara Coupe/Conv.
Ranked No. 3: 2005 Mitsubishi Eclipse
Premium Sporty Car Segment
Highest Ranked: 2005 Lexus SC
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 4-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 2005, Lexus added an upgraded navigation system to its leather-lined luxury roadster but made no other substantial changes. Why bother when timeless design, sumptuous luxury and segment-leading dependability are your calling cards?
The 2005 Lexus SC ranks highest among the seven models in the Premium Sporty Car segment of the 2008 VDS. The SC achieves an index score of 89 PP100, compared to the segment average of 153 PP100—a difference of 64 PP100, and an improvement of 30 PP100 from last year’s study. Additionally, the 2005 Lexus SC performs at or above the segment average in eight of the nine problem categories in the study, including:
- Features and controls
- Seats
- Sound system
- Heating, ventilation and cooling
- Vehicle exterior
- Vehicle interior
- Transmission
- Engine
According to original owners of the 2005 Lexus SC, the top three problem areas are:
- Uneven tire wear
- Tire leaks
- Vehicle pulling to the left or right
2005 Lexus SC NHTSA Crash Test Scores (1 to 5 Star scale; 5 being safest):
- Frontal Driver Rating: Not Tested
- Frontal Passenger Rating: Not Tested
- Side Driver Rating: Not Tested
- Side Rear Passenger Rating: Not Tested
- Rollover Rating: Not Tested
2005 Lexus SC EPA Fuel Economy (adjusted to 2008 calculation methods):
- 16 mpg city
- 22 mpg highway
- 18 mpg combined
Ranked No. 2: 2005 Ford Thunderbird
Ranked No. 3: 2005 Porsche 911
More Research
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