Mazda MX-5 Miata
Lightweight, rear-drive, manual roadster. The blueprint nobody else has the discipline to ship.
13 reviewers · 50 videos · 53 press articles
Reviewers strongly agree on its handling and fun to drive, but split on performance and daily drivability.
across 13 reviewers
"immediately it is a more potent engine than that little 1.6 in the na"
Zygrene · ▶ 8:28"It doesn't have a lot of power it's 140 horsepower with 119 pound-feet of torque."
EverydayDriver · ▶ 3:26"It's actually really easy to drive once you get going with the clutch."
TheTopher · ▶ 10:43"there are no glass windows there are no glass side windows"
ShootingCars · ▶ 5:14Performance
3.5/513 of 13 reviewerssplit“immediately it is a more potent engine than that little 1.6 in the na”
positive · Zygrene · ▶ 8:28“It's one of the few Miatas that doesn't feel underpowered behind the Viper.”
positive · TheTopher · ▶ 13:29“It doesn't have a lot of power it's 140 horsepower with 119 pound-feet of torque.”
critical · EverydayDriver · ▶ 3:26Handling
4.5/513 of 13 reviewersstrong consensus“the steering is awesome I mean you get plenty of warning there whenever you know it's just starting to step out a little bit”
positive · Realistick · ▶ 21:46“the steering really came alive. I could really just feel exactly what the front tires are doing.”
positive · Zygrene · ▶ 22:05“The precision the feel the road holding the trail breaking the fact that you can try stuff you can try a different line and just see what happens the miata will hang on.”
positive · EverydayDriver · ▶ 8:22Fun to drive
4.5/513 of 13 reviewersconsensus“man is it fun. The fact that I'm not doing a million miles an hour does not affect me at all.”
positive · ShootingCars · ▶ 3:26“out of all the cars I've reviewed so far this one is the most confidence inspiring on that stretch of road”
positive · Zygrene · ▶ 16:48“these things are just so much fun there it's the best bang for buck over smiles per gallon”
positive · TheTopher · ▶ 9:15Daily drivability
3.0/513 of 13 reviewerssplit“there are no glass windows there are no glass side windows”
critical · ShootingCars · ▶ 5:14“noise levels and refinement are still low points for the NB”
mixed · Realistick · ▶ 14:09“I'm sitting in 6'1. Wish I could sit a little bit lower”
critical · Jubbal & Cars · ▶ 3:57Value
4.5/513 of 13 reviewersconsensus“that's at least $10,000 less than the base price of any of its more upscale European competitors”
positive · MotorWeek · ▶ 8:22“for any other beginning car Enthusiast out there who wants to get into track days or autocross I know this makes an awesome autocross car as well”
positive · Zygrene · ▶ 17:10“they're a little bit cheaper than an mr2 or like an s2000 and arguably just as fun”
positive · TheTopher · ▶ 37:36Hear it in the reviewer’s words
- 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 - Top Gear
Retro review: the third-gen (NC) Mazda MX-5 Reviews 2026 | Top Gear
◆Worth itPure roadster fun, and easy to live with too. An antidote to the modern world, but still contemporary.
- Best for
- enthusiasts seeking an accessible, fun, and reliable roadster for daily use and spirited driving.
- Watch out
- brittle interior plastics · lack of throttle sharpness · tyre noise with roof up
2,117 wordsOpen articleQuotes worth your time - Top Gear
Mazda MX-5 Driving, Engines & Performance | Top Gear
◆Worth itThe MX-5 remains a masterclass in accessible, lightweight fun, best enjoyed as a flowing roadster rather than a track-focused weapon.
- Best for
- drivers who value engagement and flow over raw speed and track-day focus
- Watch out
- numb steering feel · body roll at the limit · buzzy engine note
1,234 wordsOpen articleQuotes worth your time - Top Gear
Mazda MX-5 review: two-seat roadster gets a facelift Reviews 2026 | Top Gear
◆Worth itThe facelifted MX-5 is a sharper, more engaging roadster that remains true to its easy-going character.
- Best for
- drivers who want an engaging, balanced roadster that is comfortable enough for daily use.
- Watch out
- avoid the six-speed automatic · not a hardcore track car
959 wordsOpen articleQuotes worth your time