The Enduring Appeal of the MX-5
In the early days of the Internet, when online forums dominated discussions, a common piece of advice for those seeking car recommendations was, “Just get a Miata.” For the past 35 years, the MX-5, widely recognized as the Miata, has adhered to a consistent formula: two seats, a front-mounted four-cylinder engine driving the rear wheels, all compactly packaged within a body designed to comply with global safety standards.
This formula draws inspiration from British sports cars of the 1960s, but Mazda has successfully incorporated features that those classic models often lacked—remarkable reliability and economical running costs. Given that MX-5s are also a delight to drive, it’s easy to understand why enthusiasts have consistently advocated for this particular sports car.
However, I am here to offer a slightly different perspective. My main conclusion from this review is: purchase the 2025 MX-5 Miata, but skip the RF version.
Key Features and Performance
The striking Soul Red paint, priced at $595, truly shines in natural light, enhancing the car’s aesthetic appeal.
Historically, the MX-5 was offered solely as a soft-top roadster, especially during its first couple of decades. The third generation, known as the NC, introduced a retractable hardtop. Yet, in 2017, with the launch of the fourth-generation (ND) model, Mazda created a unique variant specifically for the hardtop; this was dubbed the RF.
RF stands for Retractable Fastback, featuring distinct rear styling that reinforces its name. The design incorporates large buttresses that extend back from the cockpit, elegantly arching over the rear wheels, thus maintaining its fastback silhouette even when the roof is retracted. This motorized roof mechanism can be activated while driving at speeds up to 6 mph (10 km/h) and takes approximately 12 seconds to fully operate. Driving at higher speeds while raising or lowering the roof could leave you with a partially open cabin until you can safely stop.
