As Mazda enters Grasso’s Garage for a slice review pie, they bring their long-time, consumer loving convertible to soak up the sun as this 3-season small but fun 2-seater is here to stay.

Powered by a 181 horsepower naturally aspirated 2.0-liter 4-cylinder, our 35th anniversary edition boasted a 6-speed manual transmission which was all the craze as the gears were fun to fly through our rear-wheel drive version.

Coming in with a base price of $37,485 on their top model and boasting 7-exterior color options, the MX-5 delivered nicely with 5 interior color options. Easy to use infotainment system, powerful engine, swiftly usable convertible top makes the MX-5 fit for many consumers.

On its 4th generation, and most recent refresh in 2016, the MX-5 Miata has a long lasting following that has kept consumers in play mode since 1989. Originally, with pop-up headlights and British inspired styling, then onto a more aerodynamic design but with more power. In 2006, the optional retractable hardtop and lengthier chassis, while in 2016 the Skyactiv-2.0 and even more aggressive design.

Although exceptionally tiny on the inside, and very cockpit-like for the driver, this fun in the sun convertible boasts what every speed racer raves about; low to the ground, tight but smooth handling and 2-passenger thrill riding fun. While similar to the discontinued Honda S2000 in its day, this is a force to mess with. It had a lot of qualities that consumers demanded while still maintaining good sales in the fleet for many years.

Although as a full-framed 6’1″ male, I had a hard time fitting in the MX-5 comfortably. Clearly designed for thinner and/or shorter people, the MX-5 was fun and certainly its best generation to date and most deserving for compact convertible accolades.

2025 Mazda MX-5 35th Anniversary

MSRP: $37,485

MPG: 26 city / 34 highway / 29.7 as tested

As Tested: $37,485

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