Doug DeMuro gives the 2025 Mazda MX-5 Miata 35th Anniversary a strong 86/100 rating, praising its excellent driving dynamics and exceptional value. The car excels in performance with its upgraded 181-horsepower engine and improved suspension tuning, while the 35th Anniversary trim stands out with its heritage-inspired design featuring Napa leather and nostalgic color combinations, all starting around $36,000. The main drawbacks are in livability—the car is extremely compact at just 154 inches long—and cabin tech, where the infotainment system is shockingly slow and dial-controlled rather than a touchscreen. The Miata is built for enthusiasts who prioritize driving engagement and lightweight fun over practicality and modern conveniences.

Redline Reviews gives the 2025 Mazda MX-5 Miata 35th Anniversary a solidly positive 73/100 score, praising its aggressive Cotto design language, premium Artisan Red color, and exceptional value—the 35th Anniversary trim costs only $800 more than the GT model. The vehicle excels in economy (26/34 mpg city/highway) and performance, with a high-revving 181-hp naturally aspirated engine, 0-60 in 6 seconds, and exclusive six-speed manual transmission on this anniversary edition. However, prospective buyers should note some livability compromises: the cabin feels snug for taller drivers, and build quality issues emerged, including a loose door thunk and hard plastic on the upper dash. The Miata is purpose-built for driving enthusiasts who prioritize fun, efficiency, and engaging manual transmission feel over interior space and creature comforts.

SavageGeese gave the 2026 Mazda Miata a highly positive review with an OctaneScore of 92/100, praising it as one of the best vehicles under $30,000 with excellent reliability and easy maintenance. The standout strengths are its exceptional value—used examples available around $25,000—combined with driver-centric performance that requires minimal modifications for track use and lightweight construction that extends tire and brake life. The cabin tech is straightforward and won't age poorly thanks to physical HVAC controls and hybrid touchscreen/manual infotainment options. However, the Miata has serious headroom and legroom constraints for drivers over 6 feet tall and isn't suitable for larger builds, which significantly limits its livability for taller occupants. The Miata is purpose-built for enthusiasts and everyday drivers who prioritize driving joy and accessible performance over practicality and passenger accommodation.

Redline Reviews gives the 2025 Mazda MX-5 Miata RF Club a strong positive review (69/100 OctaneScore), praising its exceptional fuel economy (26/34 MPG city/highway), punchy naturally aspirated 2.0L engine with 181 horsepower, and six-speed manual transmission as the purest way to experience the car. The design scores well too, with updated LED headlights and Mazda's signature Soul Red Crystal paint complementing the lightweight 2,400-pound chassis. However, livability is a significant weakness—trunk space maxes out at 4.8 cubic feet (forcing tight packing even for weekend trips), seats lack power adjustment options, and the backup camera is rudimentary with poor integration. The Miata is ideal for enthusiasts who prioritize driving enjoyment and top-down thrills over practicality and are willing to pay around $40,000 for an affordable, fun sports car.

TheStraightPipes gives the 2025 Mazda Miata 35th Anniversary Edition a solid 75/100 rating, praising its excellent value proposition (priced reasonably at $43,700 CAD with only 300 US units), sharp design updates like the cat-eye headlights and special tan interior, and strong performance fundamentals including 181 hp and a standard limited-slip differential. However, the cabin feels cramped with tight knee room, the cup holder is impractical with a passenger, and the reviewer questions whether track-focused features like DSC race mode add unnecessary complexity to a car that shouldn't need them. This is the Miata for purists who want a straightforward, engaging convertible roadster without modern connectivity bloat—and who don't mind sacrificing interior space for the driving experience.

Redline Reviews gives the 2024 Mazda MX-5 Miata RF Grand Touring a positive 72/100 OctaneScore, praising its exceptional performance with a 181-horsepower naturally aspirated engine, updated suspension tuning, and new limited-slip differential that deliver "incredibly fun to drive" dynamics, while the economy dimension scores a perfect 100/100 with EPA ratings of 26 city/34 highway MPG and around 320-340 miles of range. The design also impresses with fresh styling, new full LED headlights with adaptive swiveling, and the exclusive Aero Gray Metallic color option that keeps the roadster "instantly recognizable" and modern-looking. However, livability is the major weakness at 33/100—the car's minuscule 4.8 cubic-foot trunk makes it impractical for two people traveling with luggage, and the cabin tech scores only 42/100 with a non-touchscreen infotainment system that requires a rotary controller and an oversized key fob. The Miata is built for driving enthusiasts who prioritize on-road fun and fuel efficiency over practicality and daily versatility.

SavageGeese gave the 2023 Mazda Miata RF Club a positive 71/100 rating, praising it as an exceptionally fun and engaging driver's car with masterful steering feel, brake feedback, and light-weight responsiveness that makes even slow speeds feel thrilling. The Miata excels in performance, design, fuel economy, and value, with the reviewer noting it achieves over 30 MPG, looks great, and offers fantastic weekend driving experiences at $20,000-$30,000 on the used market. However, the RF model's severely limited headroom, minimal interior storage, tiny trunk, and terrible infotainment system make it impractical as a primary vehicle and truly a secondary car proposition. This is the perfect choice for enthusiasts who want an affordable, nimble weekend sports car and don't mind sacrificing practicality for pure driving joy.