Mazda MX-5 Miata NA
Lightweight, rear-drive, manual roadster. The blueprint nobody else has the discipline to ship.
30 reviewers · 126 videos · 15 hours watched · 56 press articles
Reviewers strongly agree on its handling and fun to drive, but split on performance and daily drivability.
across 30 reviewers
"I can't believe you can just go 100 in this miata"
Tedward · ▶ 7:44"it's still like 133 horsepower my s2000 is 200 horsepower so that's a hundred horsepower and there's no way to overcome that"
Zygrene · ▶ 3:37"the Miata feels like it's a sports car you can drive every day and yeah it's really easy to drive"
Touge Time · ▶ 7:13"the cabin is tight and the ride is harsh and it gets a 3 out of 10."
Doug DeMuro · ▶ 21:04"there's no denying this car provides just about the most fun per dollar imaginable it gets a rare 10 out of 10"
Doug DeMuro · ▶ 21:18"I could have bought a S2000"
Zygrene · ▶ 7:32Performance
3.0/530 of 30 reviewerssplit“I can't believe you can just go 100 in this miata”
positive · Tedward · ▶ 7:44“0-60 skipped by and a quick 7.5 seconds... almost a full second faster than the 95m Edition.”
positive · MotorWeek · ▶ 3:24“it's still like 133 horsepower my s2000 is 200 horsepower so that's a hundred horsepower and there's no way to overcome that”
critical · Zygrene · ▶ 3:37Handling
4.5/530 of 30 reviewersstrong consensus“the steerings lovely tactile you know everything that's going on with the front end there's a lovely sense of communication”
positive · Fifth Gear · ▶ 3:38“between the engagement and the balance the Miata is arguably one of the most fun and one of the most rewarding drivers cars ever made”
positive · Double Clutch Auto Reviews · ▶ 11:51“it just loves to turn corners... it's just so good the handling is amazing”
positive · Kyle Liong Cars · ▶ 17:14Fun to drive
5.0/530 of 30 reviewersstrong consensus“every day you commute with this car, it is fun.”
positive · Regular Car Reviews · ▶ 4:10“It's just such a natural way of the clutch, the throttle, the gear shift all being calibrated and working together in a way that is absolutely just phenomenally done.”
positive · Jubbal & Cars · ▶ 17:18“I have yet to drive anything that is more fun in total than than this Mazda Miata”
positive · HonJazzz · ▶ 6:49Daily drivability
3.0/530 of 30 reviewerssplit“the cabin is tight and the ride is harsh and it gets a 3 out of 10.”
critical · Doug DeMuro · ▶ 21:04“when it rains my soft top leaks and thus my seat is soaking wet when i get in in the morning”
critical · ShootingCars · ▶ 9:30“this car sucks on the highway especially going over 65 70 miles an hour between the wind Road and engine noise”
critical · Double Clutch Auto Reviews · ▶ 9:58Value
4.5/530 of 30 reviewerssplit“there's no denying this car provides just about the most fun per dollar imaginable it gets a rare 10 out of 10”
positive · Doug DeMuro · ▶ 21:18“if this cost $1 and it was drivable as a $1 car and certifiable on the road could you turn down a $1 Miata”
positive · TheStraightPipes · ▶ 18:08“The car was bought for $800... Bam you have a fun Back Road car that's kind of a fun car to beat up on”
positive · ThatDudeinBlue · ▶ 3:17Hear it in the reviewer’s words
- The Drive
Is a $45,000 Mazda Miata Still the Answer?
◆Worth it, with caveatsThe 2026 MX-5 RF is a fantastic, refined sports car, but the soft-top Club remains the superior choice for those prioritizing pure driving value.
- Best for
- Buyers who prioritize the retractable hardtop aesthetic and interior refinement over absolute weight savings.
- Watch out
- 100-pound weight penalty · Significant price premium over soft-top
Quotes worth your time - The Drive
2026 Mazda MX-5 RF Review: Is a Miata With a Heavy and Pricey Hardtop Still ‘the Answer’?
◆Worth it, with caveatsThe MX-5 RF is a fantastic, sophisticated sports car, but the hardtop is a compromise that only makes sense if you prioritize its specific aesthetic and security benefits over the purity of the soft top.
- Best for
- Enthusiasts who want a daily-drivable, stylish convertible and don't mind the weight penalty of the hardtop.
- Watch out
- Significant rear blind spot · Drive-by-wire throttle lag · Synthetic leather steering wheel · Weight penalty over soft top
Quotes worth your time - Top Gear
Mazda MX-5 1.5 review: basic roadster's UK test Reviews 2026 | Top Gear
◆Worth itThe MX-5 1.5 remains a peerlessly simple, solidly built, and feverish car to drive that proves you don't need big numbers to have a great time.
- Best for
- drivers who prioritize chassis balance and mechanical engagement over raw power.
- Watch out
- lack of smartphone mirroring · third and fourth gears feel long for the engine's power
685 wordsOpen articleQuotes worth your time - Top Gear
Mazda MX-5 review: 2.0-litre roadster driven Reviews 2026 | Top Gear
◆Worth itThe 2.0-litre MX-5 is the superior choice for those who prioritize driving engagement, though the 1.5-litre remains a fantastic entry point.
- Best for
- Enthusiasts who want a balanced, interactive roadster for public roads.
- Watch out
- electric steering lacks feel · unnecessary active safety tech
1,273 wordsOpen articleQuotes worth your time