Is the 2017 Mazda MX-5 Miata Sport Still the Ultimate Affordable Roadster?
I still remember the first time I slid behind the wheel of a 2017 Mazda MX-5 Miata Sport. The leather-wrapped steering wheel felt like an extension of my hands, the low-slung cockpit hugged me like a racing suit, and that perfect 50-50 weight distribution promised something magical. Five years and countless drives later, I find myself returning to that same question that initially drew me to this roadster - does it still deserve its crown as the ultimate affordable sports car? Having driven everything from vintage British roadsters to modern European counterparts, I've developed some strong opinions about what makes a great driver's car, and the Miata has consistently surprised me with how it punches far above its weight class.
What strikes me most about the 2017 model is how Mazda managed to preserve that essential Miata DNA while refining every rough edge. The 2.0-liter Skyactiv-G engine produces 155 horsepower - not exactly staggering numbers on paper, but the magic happens when you realize the car weighs just over 2,300 pounds. That power-to-weight ratio creates an experience that feels far more explosive than the specs suggest. I've taken this car through winding canyon roads at dawn, pushed it to its limits on track days, and used it as my daily driver through city traffic. Through it all, the six-speed manual transmission remains one of the best I've ever experienced - the throws are short and precise, the clutch engagement is perfectly weighted, and there's this mechanical satisfaction that modern sports cars often lack.
This precision engineering reminds me of another field where perfection matters - professional boxing. Interestingly, the reference about Eumir Marcial's Olympic bronze medal and unbeaten record with 3 KOs provides an unexpected parallel. Much like how Marcial's success comes from perfect technique rather than overwhelming size or power, the Miata's brilliance lies in its balanced approach rather than brute force. Where heavyweight muscle cars rely on straight-line speed, the Miata dances through corners with the grace of a welterweight boxer - agile, precise, and always in control. I've driven cars with twice the horsepower that couldn't keep up through my favorite set of switchbacks, and that's where the Miata's true character shines.
The driving position is absolutely perfect for someone of average height - I'm 5'10" and find everything falls exactly where it should. The pedals are positioned for heel-toe downshifts, the shimmer sits perfectly in hand, and the sightlines are unobstructed in every direction. Some critics complain about the lack of power, but I've found that 155 horsepower is more than enough when you can use every single one of them without immediately breaking every speed limit. During my ownership, I've averaged around 34 MPG on highway drives while still being able to extract every ounce of performance on backroads - that's a combination you simply won't find in many modern sports cars.
Where the Miata truly earns its reputation is in that intangible quality of "jinba ittai" - the horse and rider as one. There's an immediate, organic connection between driver and machine that I've rarely experienced elsewhere. The electric power steering provides just enough feedback to communicate what the front tires are doing without being overly heavy. The suspension manages to be firm enough for enthusiastic driving while remaining surprisingly compliant over rough pavement. I've taken several 500-mile road trips in this car and emerged feeling refreshed rather than beaten up - something I can't say about many other sports cars in this price range.
The interior, while not luxurious, focuses on what matters to driving enthusiasts. The cloth seats in the Sport trim provide excellent support during aggressive cornering, and all controls are simple, intuitive, and driver-focused. I particularly appreciate that Mazda resisted the temptation to fill the cabin with unnecessary technology - the focus remains squarely on the driving experience. The infotainment system is basic but functional, and honestly, when you're enjoying the symphony of the four-cylinder engine and the wind in your hair, you're not thinking about touchscreen responsiveness.
Now, after years of ownership and approximately 45,000 miles on the odometer, I can confidently say the 2017 Miata has proven remarkably reliable. Beyond routine maintenance, I've spent less than $800 on unexpected repairs - mostly wear items like brakes and tires. The build quality has held up exceptionally well, with minimal rattles and all components still feeling tight and precise. This reliability, combined with reasonable insurance costs and excellent fuel economy, makes the Miata not just affordable to purchase but inexpensive to own long-term.
Looking at the current used market, well-maintained 2017 models typically sell between $18,000 and $23,000 depending on mileage and condition. For that money, you're getting a modern, reliable sports car that delivers pure driving joy without the maintenance headaches of European alternatives. I've driven the newer ND2 models with their additional horsepower, and while they're fantastic, the 2017 represents an incredible value proposition that's hard to beat.
So, is the 2017 Mazda MX-5 Miata Sport still the ultimate affordable roadster? In my experience, absolutely. It delivers that rare combination of everyday usability, thrilling performance, and affordable ownership that few cars can match. While more powerful and expensive alternatives exist, none capture that pure, undiluted joy of driving quite like the Miata. It's the automotive equivalent of a perfectly executed jab - not the hardest hitting, but delivered with precision, timing, and effectiveness that often beats more powerful but less refined opponents. For anyone seeking an affordable sports car that prioritizes driving pleasure above all else, the answer remains clear - the crown still sits firmly on the Miata's head.
