The venerable Mazda Miata has been delivering fun as one of the standard bearers in the convertible category for nearly four decades.
The lightweight roadster made its U.S. debut in 1989 and is the top-selling, two-passenger convertible of all time. It reached the 1 million sales milestone globally in April 2016 and 10 years later that number resides at approximately 1,256,100 vehicles.
Although not the ideal ride for all situations, when it comes to delivering an enjoyable experience, the diminutive 2026 Mazda Miata ranks near the top on the list of choices. And that’s high praise for a convertible one can drive off the lot for just over $30,000.
Reminiscent of the British roadsters of the 1950s and 1960s, the Miata is a two-door, rear-wheel drive convertible that delivers precise handling. The driver has a tremendous feel for the road because at times it seems like one is sitting on it, the low-to-the ground height making the steering immediate and extremely accurate.
However, the lovable Miata isn’t the most practical purchase for everyone – it’s tiny, has virtually no trunk space, and can sound rather noisy at freeway speeds. Yet it remains a guideline for folks who like the top down, wind blowing slightly in their face, and taking drives for pure pleasure.
We drove the base model Miata with a soft-top roof that folds down quickly by hand. The other option is the Miata RF, a power-retractable hardtop that opens or closes in about 13 seconds. The RF weighs more and costs significantly more, starting at around $38,500.
Any version of the Miata has the same engine – a 2.0-liter, four-cylinder that produces 181 horsepower and 151 pound-feet of torque. Both the standard Miata and the RF are available with a six-speed manual transmission or automatic transmission.
If one prefers shifting gears and having a more responsive sports car, the choice should be the manual transmission that travels roughly 0-60 mph in around 5.5 seconds. The automatic transmission is around a second slower, going from 0-60 in 6.4 seconds. Fuel economy is virtually the same at 26-35 mpg.
Light and nimble, the Miata delivers a smooth ride with a terrific feel for the road. Standard driver safety features include blind spot monitoring; rear cross traffic alert; smart brake support; lane departure warning; vehicle exit warning; and driver attention alert.
AT A GLANCE – 2026 MAZDA MIATA
Performance: 2.0-liter, four-cylinder, 181 horsepower
Mileage estimate: 26-35 mpg
Price estimate: $30,400 to $36,600
Warranty: 3 years/36,000 miles; drivetrain: 5 years/60,000 miles; roadside assistance: 3 years/36,000; corrosion: 5 years/unlimited
The interior features a standard 8.8-inch infotainment display that functions as a touchscreen and has both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. We’re not big fans of the menu system being controlled via the console rotary knob. We also didn’t like there was no wireless phone charger.
The Miata cabin layout remains basic and is devoid of practically any storage space. There’s no glove compartment and the trunk is so miniscule (4.6-cubic-foot) it may discourage any lengthy traveling for two, due to lack of luggage space. The two bucket seats require manual slide and recline functions.
For convertible sports car enthusiasts, purchasing the 2026 Mazda Miata will probably not be a regrettable choice. If driving a relatively inexpensive convertible for fun is the desired goal, the Miata is a wise choice.
Jeffrey Weidel is an award-winning journalist from the Sacramento region who has written automotive reviews for nearly three decades and now appears in the Folsom Times. He can be reached at skiweidel@gmail.com
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