2023 Mazda Miata is still compelling after 33 years

Published 1:31 pm Monday, August 14, 2023

It seems odd to realize that Mazda has been making the Miata for a third of a century. That’s a tremendous production run by any estimation. What’s also remarkable is how little the Miata has changed in that time. There have been four generations, with four body styles, but the differences are mostly cosmetic. The Miata is still a small-displacement, low-power, momentum sports car in the classic form. The engine’s in the front, the drive wheels are in the back, and the top folds down in the blink of an eye.

The 2023 Miata still uses a 2.0-liter double-overhead cam engine. There’s no hybrid system or turbocharger in the mix, so you get 181 honest horsepower and 151 lb-ft of torque. That’s quite modest these days, but it’s enough to get the lightweight 2,341-pound Miata up to 60 mph in 5.7 seconds. You can get the Miata with your choice of a 6-speed manual or automatic transmission, and both options yield about the same performance, if not the same level of driving engagement.

From the outside, the fourth-generation Miata is the boldest design from Mazda. This little car has the swoops and flares of a 1970s Corvette or a newer Ferrari or Jaguar touring car. That’s in contrast to the fun “jelly bean” styling of the original or the more mature lines of the third generation Miata. Inside, you’ll find pretty much the same functional interior as always. The Miata has always had comfortable seats, enough room for a 6-foot driver (but not a whole lot taller than that), and a control layout that is sensible and easy to use.

The original Miatas were fairly spartan — power windows were optional — but now you can enjoy heated seats and a full tech package. Improved aerodynamics make the wind-in-your-hair situation tolerable without taking away from the experience.

On the road, there’s little to be said that hasn’t been said for the last three and a half decades. The Miata is intuitive, precise, and communicates with the driver like it was an extension of your body. There’s a good reason the Miata is the most popular car to hit amateur racing since the MGB. Whether you enjoy autocross, road rally, track days, or full-on racing, the Miata can take it all on and win.

The Miata starts at $28,050 for the base Sport trim, the track-ready Club trim costs $31,550, and the top Grand Touring trim just $33,050. By the time you add your floor mats and destination fees, you can get the Grand Touring trim into your driveway for right around $35,000. I recommend you get the Grand Touring, because at that price, you can get all the goodies to really love this car.

Plus, $35,000 is a tremendous deal on a car that will last at least 300,000 miles and 30 years, pretty much trouble-free. For most people, a Miata is a second car, so they will essentially last your lifetime.

When people ask me about getting a sports car, a Miata is always my first answer. If they say “Yes, but,” I just tell them to go and take a test drive before they say anything else. Nine times out of 10, the next message I get is “look at my new Miata!” So, if you’re daydreaming about a sports car, go take that test drive. I’m betting you’ll be wondering why you waited so long.

2023 Mazda Miata

Base price: $28,050

Price as tested: $34,510

Type: Lightweight sports car

Engine: 2.0-liter four-cylinder (181 hp, 151 lbs-ft)

Transmissions: 6-speed manual or automatic

EPA estimated mileage: 26/34

Overall length: 154.1 inches

Curb weight: 2,341 pounds

Final assembly: Hiroshima, Japan