2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata

Lots of sun and lots of fun at a very reasonable price.

Larger photos: Front - rear - interior - all photos

For well over two decades, the Mazda MX-5 Miata has been a perennial favorite of automotive writers like me. Why do we love Mazda's little roadster? Because it's back-to-basics motoring at its best: Cheap to buy, cheap to run, and a lot of fun to drive.

Mazda hasn't changed the Miata much since they first introduced it 1989. Sure, it's been through a few redesigns, and like most of us it's gotten bigger and heavier over the past two decades. The last major change came in 2009, when the Miata grafted on the big smiley grille you see on my test car. But the basic format remains the same: Two seats, an open top, and a chassis designed to make the driver feel connected to the road. The Miata is a great choice for amateur racers: Its light weight and rear-wheel-drive setup make it great for entry-level autocrossing, and there are enough aftermarket parts that the Miata can grow with your skill level. But even if you never break the speed limit, it's difficult not to have fun in the Miata.

One of the things I like best about the Miata is that Mazda knows what convertible owners need. Top operation is simple: Open the manual latch (one of the few I've seen that won't break nails or bruise knuckles), give the top a firm shove, and the sky is all yours. Closing it is simply a matter of reaching over your shoulder. The glovebox is lockable, as is the bin between the seats, so you can park with the top down and keep your stuff secure. But the sun visors don't swing out to the side, so it's best to take along a hat.

My tester had an optional ($1,700) power-operated retractable hardtop. Most hardtop convertibles are as quiet as a regular coupe with the top up, but the Miata isn't -- the well for the top, just behind the seats, serves as an echo chamber. But unlike most retractable hardtops, the Miata's roof doesn't eat into trunk space when it's folded, and it only adds about 80 lbs to the Miata's curb weight. I'd say it's a worthwhile option, if only because thieves can't knife through the top to steal your stuff.

Pricing for the Miata start just shy of $24,000; that buys you an MX-5 Sport with a 5-speed manual transmission, cloth seats, air conditioning, and manually-operated cloth top -- everything you need for fun-in-the-sun motoring. But if you want an automatic transmission, you'll also have to buy cruise control, power locks, and remote keyless entry, all for $2,260 -- ouch! Still, you can top up your Miata with options like heated leather seats, Bluetooth, an upgraded stereo, and keep the price around $33k -- very reasonable by convertible standards.

Of course, the Miata does have its limitations, beyond the obvious fact that it's only got two seats. The trunk is pretty small, and while it's fine for groceries or a couple of soft-sided suitcases, big valises are out of the question -- remember, there's no back seat to use for extra storage. And the Miata isn't very good in the snow, so if you live in the Rust Belt, you'll need a set of winter tires -- or perhaps a front-wheel-drive MINI Cooper Convertible.

But my biggest complaint is that electronic stability control (ESC -- Mazda calls it Dynamic Stability Control, or DSC) isn't standard; it's only available on the top-of-the-line Grand Touring model, and then only as part of a $2,150 option package. ESC is an important safety feature that can help prevent a driver from losing control on slick roads or in a panic swerve -- and it's especially important for the hot-rodders-in-training who are likely to buy the Miata. ESC will be required in all new cars by government mandate starting in 2012; shame on Mazda for limiting its availability in the 2011 Miata.

Even so, I feel guilty for complaining. I've yet to find the perfect car, and in all other respects, the Miata is a gift to car enthusiasts -- no other vehicle I can think of offers open-top sports-car thrills for such a cheap price.

If all you want is a cheap convertible, the Smart Fortwo Cabriolet undercuts the Miata by a well over 5 grand. It's a bit awkward to drive, but nice enough if you can live with its foibles. The Miata's best rival is the MINI Cooper; its starting price is $1,645 more than the Miata, but it has the advantage of a back seat (which is no good for humans but fine for luggage). It's good fun to drive, but if you want Miata-class thrills, you'll have to shell out for the Cooper S, $29k plus options.

So at the end of the day, the Miata remains a bargain -- as well as a journalist's favorite. Shame that its one glaring flaw is safety-related, but that will change with the law in 2012. Would I buy an MX-5 Miata? To be honest, I'm not sure why I haven't bought one already. -- Aaron Gold