2023 Mazda MX-5

By Stephen Schutz, MD

The fourth generation of the Mazda MX-5, better known as the Miata, is notable for being very dedicated to its roots. Most cars, especially sports cars, become as overweight and bloated over time as their owners (I’m looking at you Nissan 400Z). Not so the Miata, which has entered its 33rd year of production weighing just 300lbs more than it did when it debuted way back in 1989.

It’s worth mentioning what a big deal the Miata was back in 1989. All of the “great” British roadsters of old like the MGB, Triumph TR6, and Jaguar E-type had died out mostly because of reliability concerns and it seemed at the time that they wouldn't be missed. But Mazda thought that a similar car that offered a devil-may-care top-down experience might succeed in the US in the 1990s, so they created the Miata, a sorta Lotus Elan with reliable Japanese hardware. And boy did it succeed.

Supported by wonderful print ads with exhortations like, “There’s something you should do before life hits you in the knees with ten bags of groceries and the need for a garden hose,” the Miata became a home run for Mazda, creating goodwill galore that boosted sales of their otherwise fairly ordinary cars like the Protege, 626 and 929. The Miata made Mazda cool.

Anyway, according to Mazda it’s now the MX-5 so that’s what I’ll call it. Sigh...

Driving the MX-5 is a joy. The combination of light weight (2345lbs), good power (181HP from a 2.0L normally aspirated in-line four-cylinder engine), and a honed suspension results in a terrific driving experience. Naturally, the MX-5 mostly relishes twisty back roads, where its close-ratio six-speed manual transmission keeps the engine in its happy place, while the magical steering allows the driver to hit every apex. I don’t want to slobber here, but driving an MX-5 on quiet back roads is as good as it gets in a car. Like, there’s nothing better.

Of course, it should be noted that taking an MX-5 on a long trip on the interstate will get old fast thanks to a droning engine and not much sound deadening, running errands in town can get frustrating because you can’t see over any other vehicles, and it's just a two-seater.

Despite the passage of more than three decades of time, the newest MX-5 looks remarkably like the original. The proportions are about the same, as are the size and weight. Gone are the pop-up headlights from the original, regrettably, but nobody will mistake an MX-5 for any other car.

It’s worth pointing out that, while the MX-5 hasn’t gotten chubby since 1989, almost every other vehicle on the road has, so safety is an issue. The MX-5 passes every applicable crash test, of course, but I wouldn’t want to be sitting in one that gets t-boned by a Ford F-150 pickup truck.

The interior of the MX-5 is nice but not luxurious. The plastics and other materials look and feel g ood, but they do remind you to focus on driving (and that Mazda did what was necessary to keep the price low).

Naturally the MX-5’s interior is small. Tall drivers will feel cramped—I’m 6’2” and wished for more headroom—and there’s not much space for luggage or what-have-you. And as noted above, it’s a two-seater so the kids will have to Uber home.

For the record, the MX-5 starts at just over $29,000 for the Sport version, and even a loaded Club RF, the most expensive MX-5, has an MSRP under $41,000. Fuel economy is an impressive 26MPG City/34MPG Highway.

A personal note: while an automatic transmission is available in the MX-5, the glorious 6-speed manual is absolutely the way to go.

In 2021 and through most of 2022 MX-5s—and many other desirable vehicles—commanded premium pricing thanks to global supply chain SNAFUs etc, but those headaches are subsiding, thankfully. As always, a call to BCMS’ own Phil Hornbeak should be your first step whenever you’re starting to consider buying a new vehicle.

The MX-5 RF, by the way, is a hard-top with a removable roof something like a Porsche Targa. Until this the fourth generation of Mazda’s iconic roadster, all you could get was a convertible. Now the RF version is available, which is nice for cold climates or club racing. I would imagine that this option will not be popular in South Texas.

All hail the Mazda MX-5, a two-seat sports car that’s been remarkably true to its roots in order to deliver a driving experience that can’t be beat. Get one before somebody hits you in the knees with 10 bags of groceries. You won’t regret it.

As always, call Phil Hornbeak, the Auto Program Manager at BCMS (210-301-4367), for your best deal on any new car or truck brand. Phil can also connect you to preferred financing and lease rates.

Stephen Schutz, MD, is a board-certified gastroenterologist who lived in San Antonio in the 1990s when he was stationed here in the US Air Force. He has been writing auto reviews for San Antonio Medicine magazine since 1995.

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