Consumer Reports recently released its annual survey of the most and least reliable car brands and models. The information on more than 300,000 vehicles, collected from owners and compiled by Consumer Reports, helps inform car shoppers on the reliability of a vehicle.

While sports cars are traditionally known for powerful performance and thrilling driving experiences, they’re often thought to be unreliable. Surprisingly, the sports cars’ category ranked second in terms of reliability, just behind the hybrid category. The sports car market appears to have put forth more reliable models in recent years. So, what was the most reliable sports car model of 2022?

2022 Mazda MX-5 Miata

Since its introduction in 1989, the eccentric British-inspired Mazda MX-5 Miata combines Japanese reliability with a classic sports car design. It’s also one of the most affordable sports cars in its class and has been a popular roadster among sports car enthusiasts.

The latest iteration of the Miata, released in 2021, features a 2.0-liter DOHC 16-valve four-cylinder engine that produces 181 horsepower and 151 lb-ft of torque. It also comes with a six-speed manual transmission or an optional automatic transmission.

The MX-5 Miata has a lighter body of slightly over 2,300 pounds, making sprinting on the highway a thrilling experience. Its deep exhaust sounds, stubby shifter, effortless clutch, and improved suspension make the driving experience even more enjoyable.

Regarding reliability, Consumer Reports revealed that the Miata easily scoots past the competition in 17 potential trouble spots, including brakes, engine, transmission, power equipment, and battery. According to Consumer Reports’ survey, this sports car’s overall owner satisfaction was five out of five stars. There were no major complaints with the driving experience, including acceleration, steering, and ride quality, earning an 85% satisfaction rate.

Looking into how comfortable the interior is, the ergonomics, seating, infotainment system, and tech convenience earned a relatively decent score of 71%. Even better, Mazda nailed it when designing and engineering the car, with a 100% satisfaction rate in styling. With an estimated EPA fuel economy of 34 mpg combined, the MX-5 Miata is a premium pick for sports car enthusiasts looking to own a reliable vehicle. In fact, 92% of owners who participated in the survey reported that they would purchase the same model again.

2023 Mini Cooper

While Japanese import brands dominate the reliability rankings, the European brand BMW’s Mini Cooper is the most reliable option under the compact sporty cars’ category. The Mini Cooper has been around since the 1950s, but modern-day Mini Coopers are built to provide a thrilling driving experience without any reliability sacrifices.

Mini Cooper provides plenty of options and flexibility to suit your needs when choosing between the two-door hardtop, convertible, or four-door hatchback. It also comes with an all-wheel drive option and a manual transmission, making it even more desirable for those who seek a sporty driving experience.

There are several powertrain options as well. The base model features a 134-hp 1.5-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine and outputs 184 lb-ft of torque. The Mini Cooper S packs a 2.0-liter four-cylinder that produces 189 hp and 207 lb-ft of torque, while the John Cooper Works model boosts it even further to 228 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque. For those who need to upgrade to electric power, the Mini Cooper SE has a 181-hp electric motor and an estimated range of 110 miles.

For its Reliability, Consumer Reports gave the Mini Cooper a five out of five rating for potential trouble spots and an overall owner satisfaction score of 89%. The comfort level of its interior, noise, and infotainment system also scored high, with a satisfaction rating of 60%. Even better, the acceleration and handling of the Mini Cooper scored an impressive 90%. Although the Mini Cooper isn’t as fuel-efficient (30 mpg combined) as the MX-5 Miata, it more than makes up for it in reliability.

It depends on whether you consider the Mini Cooper a sports car. If you do, then it beats out the MX-5 Miata in Reliability, according to a Consumer Reports survey. But if you’re looking for a lighter car with an exhilarating driving experience, the Mazda MX-5 Miata is still the top choice among sports car enthusiasts. Whichever one you choose, both models offer reliability and performance that will provide years of reliable and enjoyable driving experience.