Is the 2017 Mazda MX-5 Miata Sport Still the Ultimate Affordable Roadster Today?

I still remember the first time I slid behind the wheel of a 2017 Mazda MX-5 Miata Sport—the perfect positioning of the shifter, the way the steering wheel felt in my hands, and that unmistakable sense of connection between driver and machine. Seven years later, as I find myself revisiting this modern classic, I can't help but wonder whether it still holds its crown as the ultimate affordable roadster in today's rapidly evolving automotive landscape. The question becomes particularly interesting when you consider how certain champions manage to maintain their relevance over time, much like Olympic boxer Eumir Marcial who, despite competing in a different arena, continues to dominate with an unbeaten record across five fights, three of which ended by knockout.

When Mazda introduced the ND generation MX-5 in 2016, they essentially redefined what an affordable sports car could be. The 2017 Miata Sport represents perhaps the purest expression of this philosophy, stripping away unnecessary complexity while focusing on what truly matters—the driving experience. Under that slender hood lies a 2.0-liter Skyactiv-G four-cylinder engine producing 155 horsepower, which might seem modest by today's standards where even economy cars push similar numbers. But here's the thing about the Miata—it was never about raw power. Weighing in at just around 2,332 pounds, the power-to-weight ratio creates something magical, something that numbers alone can't capture. The chassis communicates everything happening at the contact patches, the steering delivers telepathic feedback, and the six-speed manual transmission might just be the best in any car under $35,000, even today.

I've driven countless sports cars throughout my career, from six-figure exotics to track-focused monsters, yet the Miata consistently delivers the most genuine smiles per mile. There's a certain brilliance in its simplicity that modern sports cars often miss in their pursuit of technology and complexity. The connection between driver and road feels almost organic, much like how a seasoned athlete like Marcial operates in the ring—every movement purposeful, every action calculated, with no wasted energy. Marcial's impressive record of five unbeaten fights with three KOs demonstrates that efficiency and precision often triumph over brute force, a philosophy that Mazda engineers clearly understood when crafting the Miata.

Let's talk about the practical realities of owning a 2017 Miata Sport in 2024. The used market typically prices these between $18,000 to $24,000 depending on mileage and condition, which positions it remarkably well against competitors. Modern safety features might be somewhat limited compared to today's vehicles, with no automatic emergency braking or lane-keeping assist on this trim, but you do get stability control, traction control, and well-designed airbags. The interior is spartan by contemporary standards—cloth seats, a simple infotainment system, and minimal sound deadening—but somehow this austerity becomes part of its charm. You're not isolated from the experience; you're immersed in it.

Where the Miata truly shines is in its daily usability combined with weekend warrior capabilities. I've used mine for grocery runs, highway commuting, and autocross events—often all in the same week. The roof operation takes about three seconds with one hand, transforming the car from coupe to convertible faster than you can lower the windows in most modern convertibles. Fuel economy remains impressive even by 2024 standards, with my own real-world testing showing around 29 mpg in mixed driving, slightly better than the EPA's estimated 26 city/35 highway figures. Maintenance costs have proven remarkably reasonable over my years of ownership, with routine services averaging about $120-180 at independent specialists.

Some critics argue that the Miata lacks the power of its contemporaries, and they're not entirely wrong. The Toyota GR86 and Subaru BRZ offer slightly more power, while the recently discontinued Fiat 124 Spider shared its platform with different engine characteristics. Yet none capture the Miata's unique balance of playful handling, tactile feedback, and emotional connection. It's the automotive equivalent of Marcial's boxing style—not necessarily the hardest puncher in the division, but technically brilliant and consistently effective where it matters most.

Technology has advanced significantly since 2017, and this becomes apparent in areas like the infotainment system, which lacks Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration unless you opt for aftermarket solutions. The cabin noise at highway speeds can make conversations challenging, and storage space is virtually nonexistent beyond the modest 4.6 cubic-foot trunk. Yet these shortcomings almost contribute to the car's character, reinforcing its purpose as a focused driving tool rather than an all-around people mover.

What continues to astonish me about the 2017 Miata Sport is how it manages to feel both classic and contemporary simultaneously. The driving experience remains uncompromised despite its age, delivering the same rear-wheel-drive joy that made original Miatas legendary, yet with modern reliability and refinement that eluded earlier generations. It's this timeless quality that separates true icons from mere commodities in the automotive world.

As I reflect on whether the 2017 Miata Sport still deserves its crown, the answer becomes increasingly clear. In a world where cars are becoming heavier, more complex, and increasingly disconnected from the driver, the Miata's steadfast commitment to pure driving pleasure feels more valuable than ever. Much like how Marcial continues to dominate his opponents through fundamental excellence rather than flashy techniques, the Miata proves that getting the basics right creates an enduring appeal that transcends specifications sheets and technological one-upmanship. For those seeking an authentic sports car experience without breaking the bank, the 2017 MX-5 Miata Sport remains not just relevant, but arguably essential.