sports car · japan · RWD · convertible

Mazda MX-5 Miata

NC · Third gen2006–2015

Lightweight, rear-drive, manual roadster. The blueprint nobody else has the discipline to ship.

Reviewer consensus · across 5 reviewers

Reviewers strongly agree on its performance and handling, but split on daily drivability and value.

Performanceconsensus

“Now, you're not going to amaze yourself with the power in the Miata. In fact, I suspect you might be disappointed.” ▶ 3:18 EverydayDriver

“I would say that Miata provides 70% of the engine experience at best compared to an ap2.” ▶ 19:08 Zygrene

“still not a lot of power but it's a good time” ▶ 2:36 TheTopher

Handlingstrong consensus

“one corner was all it took to show me that this car is the best handling out of the three so far” ▶ 13:55 Zygrene

“gotta love these NCS steering is so sweet light nimble” ▶ 2:21 TheTopher

“It does handle great. The only problem that I have with this sharp turnin on the Mazda is that it seems to want to kick the rear end a little bit too soon.” ▶ 4:59 EverydayDriver

Fun to drivestrong consensus

“It's responsive. You can just drive it out. You don't have to really worry about speeding that much and it's it's fresh that way.” ▶ 10:23 TheTopher

“But whatever speed you drive it, it just feels fun.” ▶ 5:52 EverydayDriver

“This is where that perfect 50/50 weight distribution just feels amazing. This car is just incredibly flat, incredibly secure.” ▶ 11:34 Redline Reviews

Daily drivabilitysplit

“so much noise from the back of this car you can hear every Rock getting thrown up into the wheel well” ▶ 9:38 Zygrene

“the ride quality is not very good. It's very stiff, it's very loud, even with the top up. There's lots of road noise that creeps in.” ▶ 13:00 Redline Reviews

“The folding RTOP is actually ultra refined for a Miata. It's similar to the new RFS. Um, but yeah, compared to a rag top, this is just a lot nicer to live with in here.” ▶ 13:47 TheTopher

Valuesplit

“There's a place in this world where the NC Miata is probably one of the best value sports cars you can buy.” ▶ 19:47 Zygrene

“Brand new, this car is 30 grand, which for what it is, I think is too much money.” ▶ 2:48 EverydayDriver

“you can get a good condition nc for about 4 000 pounds” ▶ 2:58 JayEmm on Cars

Where reviewers split · Daily drivability

2 say · liveable“The folding RTOP is actually ultra refined for a Miata. It's similar to the new RFS. Um, but yeah, compared to a rag top, this is just a lot nicer to live with in here.”TheTopher ▶

2 say · critical“so much noise from the back of this car you can hear every Rock getting thrown up into the wheel well”Zygrene ▶

Where reviewers split · Value

4 say · liveable“There's a place in this world where the NC Miata is probably one of the best value sports cars you can buy.”Zygrene ▶

1 say · critical“Brand new, this car is 30 grand, which for what it is, I think is too much money.”EverydayDriver ▶

On YouTube · 25 videos