2017 Mazda MX-5 Miata | Consumer Guide Auto

2017 Mazda MX-5 Miata roadster

Pros: Pure sports-car personality; joyous fun to drive; lower-end models are reasonably affordable; redesign brings higher levels of refinement and new technology features

Cons: Tight cockpit for large occupants, especially with the top up; limited cargo space

CG Says: Mazda’s long-running two-seat sports roadster was redesigned last year. For 2017, Mazda MX-5 Miata adds an RF (for Retractable Fastback) coupe version. The RF has a power-retractable targa top instead of the roadster’s manual cloth top. The Club roadster gains standard blind-spot alert and rear cross-traffic alert. The all-new for 2016 Mazda Miata inaugurated the fourth generation of this iconic car. Highlights of the new design include more-aggressive styling, aluminum-intensive construction for a lighter curb weight, a new touchscreen infotainment system with available navigation, and a manually folding soft top that’s exceptionally easy to operate. Lane-departure warning, rear cross-traffic alert, blind-spot monitor, and automatic high-beam control are newly available safety features. The sole engine is a 155-horsepower 2.0-liter 4-cylinder, which can be paired with a 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic transmission. The Mazda MX-5 stays wonderfully true to the Miata’s pure-sports-car spirit while delivering significantly better fuel economy, higher levels of all-around refinement, and several welcome technology features. However, the inherent Miata compromises—namely a cramped cockpit and tiny trunk—carry over as well. Even though base prices have crept upward with the redesign, Miata still represents an excellent value in its class. For pure open-air driving fun at an affordable price, it’s pretty much in a class all its own.

The Facts

Class	Sporty/Performance Car
Body Style(s)	2-door convertible, 2-door coupe
Passenger Count	2
Drive Wheels	rear-wheel drive
Manufacturer	Mazda
Nation of Manufacture	Japan
Base Prices	Sport roadster: $24,915 Club roadster: $28,800 Club RF coupe: $31,555 Grand Touring roadster: $30,065 Grand Touring RF coupe: $32,620