It's tiny, it has less than 200 horsepower, and most of its owners are going through a midlife crisis; so why are Miata's always the answer?

The Mazda MX-5, known in the States as the Miata, was first introduced in 1989. Since then, Mazda has blessed us with four generations of the MX-5. The NA, NB, NC and the current ND models. Back in the nineties, it was the nimble roadster we all got to choose when playing Gran Turismo. It wasn't flashy, but it was always a sports car.

The Miata appeals to everyone; From the Hairdresser heading to the salon to the middle-aged man driving through the canyons. Ask any enthusiast what they prefer to take to the track, and the answer always is Miata. Thirty years and counting and the MX-5 continues to dominate its class.

Related: 10 Reasons Why We Love The MX-5 Miata

An Engine You Can Turn Wrenches On

DOHC 2.0 Miata engine
Source Victor Troia

In 2019, the Miata increased its engine's output to 181 horsepower, up from 155 the previous year. The 2.0 naturally aspirated inline 4-cylinder engine boasts 151 lb-ft of torque with a curb weight less than 2,500 pounds. It now has plenty of power to pull its featherweight frame into corners, providing a thrill unmatched in its class. It comes standard with a 6 speed manual gearbox with its redline at 7500 RPMs. Combine all that linear power with its already infamous handling, and it’s enough to make you feel like you’re in a Formula 1 race car. The throttle feels extremely responsive, the gearbox shifts like butter and urges you to rev it all the way up to its redline. The Miata is certainly the most fun you can have on a budget in a modern day roadster. It’s so light that you can just throw it into turns and still trust that it will remain in control.

The dual overhead cam engine is refined and appeals to many car enthusiasts for its simplistic design. The engine doesn’t have any plastic covers over it, rather it's simply and easily accessible under the hood. Nowadays, engines come completely covered and sometimes require special tools to access. Automakers are discouraging people to work on their own cars. Not Mazda, just look at that engine, it looks like something straight from the past. As clichè as it may sound, Mazda understands, if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.

The Manual Transmission Is Still Standard

2016-mazda-mx-5-miata-steering-wheel-controls-carbuzz-752299
Source Carbuzz.com

There is nothing in this world that is more exciting than going through the gears in a sports car. Unlike Toyota with their Supra, Mazda will never offer their Miata without a standard transmission. They understand that the car is designed to operate with a manual. Going through the gears and hitting the perfect shift is what brings out the fun in an open-top roadster. When BMW introduced the new Z4, it did not offer a manual transmission. Same goes for Porsche with their 911. Dedicated fans were appalled when they found out a manual was not an option. Porsche and BMW listened to their consumers and eventually released a manual transmission for the 911 and for European spec Z4's. These automakers paid attention to the feedback and understood that there is still a large enough market for manual transmission buyers.

Now automakers don’t want to make the same mistake. Look at Ford with their new Bronco, they offer a stick shift for the 4 cylinder model with a crawling gear! These stories are a true testament to the value car enthusiasts bring to the table. Car companies are beginning to listen. Mazda however has been listening for decades and the latest Miata is the perfect example. A new and improved engine, handling that you can trust and of course the buttery smooth six speed. Everything you want in a high revving sports car.

Related: 10 Incredible Cars We Desperately Wish Had A Manual Transmission

Manufactured With Love

evolution-of-the-mazda-mx-5
Source Diseno-art.com

Yes it isn’t practical, perhaps it shouldn’t be your daily driver. But the Mazda Miata is still around because Mazda continues to put love into building their beloved roadster. Think about your mom or grandmom's cooking, you know when they make your favorite comfort food with love. You can tell when you get the same dish at a restaurant, and it’s not made with love. Mazda does the same with their Miata, they are consistent and refrain from cutting corners to cut costs. If they do find themselves not pleasing their hardcore followers, they make adjustments with the following model.

The improvements Mazda continues to make on the Miata has contributed to the roadster’s longevity. It still continues to thrive in a market that is saturated with reinvented crossovers. The Miata never intended to be a volume car, however it will always define Mazda's brand. In a world full of SUVs, props to Mazda for not neglecting their pride and joy, their roadster, the Mazda MX-5.