2023 Mazda MX-5 Miata

"Why mess with perfection?" This seems to be the motto when it comes to the 2023 Mazda MX-5 Miata. This Hall of Famer stands alongside giants such as the Jeep Wrangler and Mini Cooper, which are instantly recognizable and hallowed for a specific reason. And, just like these cars, the MX-5 may not be perfect, but it's amazing at what it does. In this case, it's all about delivering one of the most enjoyable driving experiences for the driver.

The Miata experience isn't about going fast or doing lighting-quick take-offs, as the MX-5 only has a 181-horsepower naturally aspirated four-pot under the hood. Instead, the focus is on perfect balance, immersive engagement, and a splash of wind-in-the-hair fun. Other cars in the USA that focus more on the actual experience rather than going fast or burning tires include the Toyota GR 86 and even more premium drop-tops like the Audi TT Roadster, but the MX-5 has upheld its reputation for a reason: it's affordable, easy to drive, and supremely rewarding. Though nothing has really changed for the little car, we can't help but take this review of the Mazda MX-5 Miata as an opportunity to tout what makes it so special.

Starting with the Sport trim at $28,050, it becomes clear that the price of a new Mazda MX-5 Miata is eminently reasonable. After all, fun shouldn't bankrupt you. The Club trim remains affordable at $31,500, while the top-tier Grand Touring will cost you just $33,050. These are MSRP figures for the Mazda MX-5 Miata and do not include tax, registration, or the $1,165 destination fee.

Though it is made with driving pleasure in mind, the 2023 Miata can be a comfortable everyday car, too. The suspensions and chassis need to provide a certain amount of feedback and feeling, but the little Mazda takes bumps in the road in its stride. However, road and wind noise can be an issue with the soft-top, and the suspension can feel a little taut.

But this bias towards sportiness definitely has its appeal, and while the suspension sees the convertible lean into corners, this doesn't detract from the driving experience. In fact, it actually enhances it. This visceral feedback to what the car is doing helps ensure you always have a firm grip on the situation, and you can react quickly with the responsive steering. Experienced drivers can get some sideways action if they know how. Luckily, even inexperienced ones won't be putting themselves at risk because the Miata is not breakneck fast - all of its enjoyment can be accessed at reasonable traveling speeds. And, if push comes to shove, there are available Brembo brakes to ensure you come to a stop quickly and safely. The Club and Grand Touring add a limited-slip differential when you opt for the manual gearbox, promising even more fun for those that know how to coax out this roadster's playful nature.

The Mazda MX-5 Miata is a masterpiece, plain and simple. It doesn't fall into the common trap of believing that power equals fun, because drawing on the 600+ horsepower of modern performance will only land you in jail. In this case, knowing how to drive a manual unlocks the MX-5's ability to feel like an extension of you. The lightweight roadster focuses on what really matters to those who have a love for driving, and that's how it feels to have a car that responds to your inputs with eagerness. It may be a little light on features, but it is presented in enough trim levels to appeal to a variety of buyers, and even the top-of-the-range Grand Tourer is remarkably affordable. There really is no reason not to own one of these pieces of automotive perfection.

There really is no wrong choice here, and it mostly comes down to your budget. However, true enthusiasts will opt for a model with a manual transmission, as we believe that is the only way to truly enjoy everything this car has to offer. The Club trim definitely has some appeal, though, since it adds a limited-slip differential, and the Brembo brakes might be worth considering if you intend to spend any amount of time on the track. But even if you tick almost all the boxes, you should still end up with a package under $40k.