The 2021 Mazda MX-5 is Still On Top, According to Consumer Reports

by Gabrielle DeSantis on January 20, 2021

You might not look twice at a Mazda MX-5 as it drives past, but these spunky cars really have it going on. In fact, there is a whole fanbase for the car that has created a culture of customization and driving. Honestly, it seems like there is no valid reason to dislike the Mazda MX-5, and year after year, it receives high marks from owners, car reviewers, and major websites like Consumer Reports. So, it makes sense that just like previous years, the 2021 Mazda MX-5 is still on top.

Is the 2021 Mazda MX-5 a manual?

YES! We couldn’t be happier to say that this year’s Mazda MX-5 is still available with the option for a manual transmission. It’s just one of the many reasons people are still loving this car, though I’m confident it would still be popular if it didn’t. In a world where the streets are run by high horsepower monsters like the Dodge Viper and the Dodge Demon, there is something to be said about the small and agile Mazda MX-5.

A blue 2021 Mazda MX-5 Miata RF driving down a road — The 2021 Mazda MX-5 Miata RF in action | Mazda

Sporty utility

Have you ever found yourself wishing you could drive a sports car, but the reasons not to just add up so quickly? The Mazda MX-5 solves a lot of those problems — except for backseats, it still doesn’t have those. While the car itself is small, it might just be the perfect size for living in a major city. Its lightweight nature prevents it from chugging gallons of gasoline on your way to work, making it a more responsible commuter car. You might even be surprised to find that it offers a very useable amount of trunk space. Is it a perfect compromise? Of course not, but we love it anyway.

Mazda MX-5 RF compact sports car on display at Brussels Expo — The Mazda MX-5 Miata | Sjoerd van der Wal/Getty Images

Who can say no to that smile?

If you’ve ever seen the Miata fanbase, you know that they love to talk about how their car is smiling — not that we can blame them, it is pretty cute. The newest model years even have an edgy, more aggressive look that keeps on grinning, but with a little bit of sass that makes the car look sleeker and more modern. With a starting price of around $27,000 brand new, it’s hard to pass up on, making it one of the most affordable roadsters you can buy hot off the press.

A Mazda MX-5RF car is displayed at the Beijing auto show — The Mazda MX-5RF Miata | WANG ZHAO/AFP via Getty Images

Mazda truly managed to calculate out a winning roadster when it comes to the MX-5, and year after year fans continue to appreciate the car’s affordability and agile driving experience.