Manual Transmission Floor Shifter problems of the 2006 Mazda MX5

: the contact stated to put the vehicle in reverse, slight downward pressure must be applied to first gear. Since the pressure is so slight, it is not possible to tell if the vehicle is in first gear or reverse until the accelerator pedal is depressed. The dealership has not been alerted.

I have a 2006 Mazda mx 5 miata. It is an excellent, solid and great handling car. The brakes are superb. Fit and finish are excellent. There is one problem that could result is accidents: the six-speed manual transmission, it is easy to accidentally engage first gear when reverse is required or to engage reverse when first is required. Driving on highways in stop and go traffic; at stop signs; traffic lights; parallel parking; exiting garage/driveways - it is too easy to engage reverse or first by mistake. First and reverse gears are too close. To engage reverse, one needs to push-down on the gear-lever, however, the distance down is too shallow. I have mistakenly engaged the wrong gear many times in the three months that I have owned the car. Although, I am aware of the problem, if I am not focused on changing gears (as most persons drive and change gears like second-nature) it is too easy to engage the wrong gears. Fortunately, I have not hit other cars or driven into my garage wall. However, it is a big concern to me. I sent a letter to Mazda and to consumer reports apprising them of the potential dangers.