Mazda MX-5 Miata NC
Lightweight, rear-drive, manual roadster. The blueprint nobody else has the discipline to ship.
36 reviewers · 91 videos · 18 hours watched · 56 press articles
Reviewers agree on its fun to drive, but split on performance and handling.
across 36 reviewers
"a stock motor usually makes roughly 50 more wheel torque and about 50 more horsepower"
ThatDudeinBlue · ▶ 3:37"Now, you're not going to amaze yourself with the power in the Miata. In fact, I suspect you might be disappointed."
EverydayDriver · ▶ 3:38"the steering feel is so so good in this... the suspension... can just focus on soaking up bumps and providing phenomenal handling"
ReDriven · ▶ 2:48"suspension is a little bit wobbly it's not as sharp as the rx-8"
VANSLAM · ▶ 7:03"it's more comfortable it's more economical... it's the kind of car you feel more comfortable using for a long trip or even using it day to day"
Classics World · ▶ 7:11"so much noise from the back of this car you can hear every Rock getting thrown up into the wheel well"
Zygrene · ▶ 15:38"bang for your buck no other car can light up your life like an NC MX5"
ReDriven · ▶ 23:05"Brand new, this car is 30 grand, which for what it is, I think is too much money."
EverydayDriver · ▶ 2:50Performance
3.5/536 of 36 reviewerssplit“Now, you're not going to amaze yourself with the power in the Miata. In fact, I suspect you might be disappointed.”
critical · EverydayDriver · ▶ 3:38“this 2 litre version scarcely gets something close to 170 break which isn't really enough to set the world on fire”
critical · JayEmm on Cars · ▶ 3:38“I would say that Miata provides 70% of the engine experience at best compared to an ap2.”
mixed · Zygrene · ▶ 19:11Handling
4.5/536 of 36 reviewerssplit“the steering feel is so so good in this... the suspension... can just focus on soaking up bumps and providing phenomenal handling”
positive · ReDriven · ▶ 2:48“this is one of the few cars that I've driven where it truly can write a book to you with steering feedback feedback from everywhere too”
positive · Realistick · ▶ 14:21“50 50 weight distribution rear wheel drive simple direct steering it is brilliant”
positive · Clarksonian · ▶ 3:16Fun to drive
4.5/536 of 36 reviewersconsensus“honestly this is one of the best driving experiences you are ever going to have”
positive · ReDriven · ▶ 17:45“it just brings a smile to your face on the most mundane commutes”
positive · Realistick · ▶ 12:46“it's absolutely great little car it's super fun if you just want to go out there have a good time really enjoy the experience”
positive · Valau's Garage · ▶ 12:34Daily drivability
3.5/535 of 36 reviewerssplit“it's more comfortable it's more economical... it's the kind of car you feel more comfortable using for a long trip or even using it day to day”
positive · Classics World · ▶ 7:11“The NC is equipped to be a modern daily driver... you can do it in this car”
positive · ShootingCars · ▶ 15:20“I just find the NC Miata to be the most comfortable”
positive · The Fast Lane Car · ▶ 6:15Value
4.5/535 of 36 reviewerssplit“bang for your buck no other car can light up your life like an NC MX5”
positive · ReDriven · ▶ 23:05“There's a place in this world where the NC Miata is probably one of the best value sports cars you can buy.”
positive · Zygrene · ▶ 19:49“it costs a lot less is much more modern and you can throw that extra money you save into Mods”
positive · DriverSide · ▶ 23:41Hear 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