Few vehicles manage to balance driving fun, affordability, and reliability quite like the classic roadster. In a world increasingly dominated by high-horsepower machines and sky-high price tags, this timeless formula continues to win hearts.
Affordable sports cars are more than just budget-friendly thrills; they’re a gateway to pure, unfiltered driving joy. They strip away excess, prioritize driver engagement, and offer performance that is accessible and exciting. For enthusiasts on a budget, these cars prove that you don’t need to spend a fortune to experience the road in its most visceral form. They represent the spirit of motoring at its best.
We explore why one particular roadster continues to set the standard for budget sports cars in 2025. From its lightweight design and balanced handling to its enduring value and community support, this car has cemented its reputation over decades. We’ll look at what makes it so special today and why, despite an ever-changing automotive landscape, it remains the ultimate choice for drivers seeking genuine fun without breaking the bank.
In order to give you the most up-to-date and accurate information possible, the data used to compile this article was sourced from Mazda websites and other authoritative sources, including TopSpeed and the EPA.
Related
The Sports Sedan Redefining Luxury Without Breaking the Bank
This luxury sedan is turning heads with its upscale features, surprisingly accessible price point, and impressive performance capabilities.
Mazda’s MX-5 Miata Is Still the Budget Sports Car King
The first MX-5 was introduced to the world in 1989 and, ever since, it has been the car of choice for driving enthusiasts. While there is debate over which generation is the best, just about everyone can agree that the current ND is fantastic, with very few tangible things to complain about. Even with the rise of competition in its segment, we still think the Miata is always the answer.
2025 Trims and Pricing
|
Models |
Starting MSRP |
|---|---|
|
Sport |
$29,530 |
|
Club |
$33,030 |
|
Grand Touring |
$34,830 |
|
35th Anniversary Edition |
$36,250 |
|
Grand Touring RF |
$37,550 |
|
Club RF |
$40,850 |
For 2025, the Mazda MX-5 is the only sports car in the United States with a starting MSRP under $30,000, which is phenomenal. It exists in tight company at this price point, with the Toyota GR 86, the Subaru BRZ, and the Ford Mustang being your only options. The Mazda, though, is the only car that comes standard with a roof that folds neatly away so you can feel the breeze as you cruise.
Last year, Mazda introduced a light styling refresh for the MX-5. The grille was tweaked slightly and the roadster was given new lighting elements and wheel designs. On the inside, a new 8.8-inch touchscreen replaced the seven-inch unit that it used to have. Mazda also made tweaks to the suspension system and gave manual models a limited-slip differential. This is why the Japanese brand changed very few things going into the 2025 model year.
The only real change has been the introduction of the 35th Anniversary Edition model. All 300 units that will hit U.S. roads will be painted the same exclusive Artisan Red Metallic and feature a tan nappa leather interior. Other than that, it’s essentially based on the Grand Touring model, with the same list of standard features.
Best Value Trim
The Miata is designed to be a cheap and cheerful sports car, aiming to be as simple and as light as possible. The base model is fantastic, but we think that the soft-top Club model gives you the best bang for your buck. It adds a suspension upgrade as well as some nice amenities like a nine-speaker Bose system. You can also upgrade to the targa-style RF model instead, which gets a track-focused drive mode, some aero elements, and a limited-slip differential.
Honestly, though, you can’t really go wrong no matter what model you choose. The MX-5 offers exceptional value in every trim level and it’s really up to you to decide what pieces of kit are important to you and which aren’t. We can also see the unique 35th Anniversary Edition being a nice little collectible piece of automotive history, that is absolutely worth picking up.
Related
10 Family Friendly Sedans That Drive Like Sports Cars
These family sedans offer sporty handling, strong acceleration, and everyday practicality, making them perfect for driving enthusiasts with families.
The Miata Isn’t Particularly Quick, but It Is a Ton of Fun
Mazda designed the MX-5 with certain things in mind. Every generation of the sports car has been lightweight, agile, and focused on driver engagement. The current generation of the roadster certainly kicks all of these elements up a notch. It won’t beat many fully-fledged sports cars in a drag race, but it is one of the most rewarding cars to drive in the world.
Performance Specifications
|
Engine |
2.0-Liter Naturally Aspirated Inline-Four |
|---|---|
|
Transmission |
6-Speed Automatic or 6-Speed Manual |
|
Horsepower |
181 HP |
|
Torque |
151 LB-FT |
|
Driveline |
RWD |
|
0-60 MPH |
5.5 Seconds |
|
Top Speed |
139 MPH |
When you look at the spec sheet of the Miata, you’re not likely to be blown away. An engine producing 181 horsepower is pretty pedestrian by modern standards. However, it is more than enough power to make the 2,500-pound sports car feel like a mini rocket ship. Making the zero to 60 mile per hour run in 5.5 seconds makes it the fastest MX-5 we’ve had so far.
Despite not offering tons of power, the little four-cylinder is rev-happy and very responsive, sending power to the wheels as soon as you tell it to. It teaches you a lot about driving, especially when you opt for the manual transmission, with the ceiling for skill expression being pretty high. At the same time, it never feels like it gets away from you, making it the perfect first sports car.
The best thing about the MX-5 is how well it handles. When you turn the wheel, you get plenty of feedback from the car. It is tight around corners and plenty playful as well. The ride isn’t bad by any means, allowing it to be driven on the daily without any issue, but it is still a low-riding sports car and you will feel bumps in the road.
Fuel Economy
|
Model |
City |
Highway |
Combined |
|---|---|---|---|
|
MX-5 |
26 MPG |
35 MPG |
29 MPG |
Part of what makes the Miata so great is that you don’t have to save it for special occasions. It is built to be driven; it is affordable to buy and affordable to own. A combined rating of 29 miles per gallon is exceptional for a car that is designed to be fun to drive, yet another way that it is easy on your wallet.
Related
Fast and Affordable: 10 Sports Cars Under $30K Worth Buying
You don’t need to blow your budget to find a fun, fast car—these 10 sports cars under $30k deliver serious style, power, and driving fun.
A Hallmark of Any Mazda Is a Classy Interior
Mazda has been developing a reputation in the current market as being one of the more luxurious mainstream brands you can buy right now. A big part of this is to do with their finely crafted cabins. While the MX-5 isn’t going to win any awards for practicality, it is comfortable enough for two and comes fitted with all the modern amenities that you could need in a car.
Interior Design and Comfort
The Miata is small and lightweight, meaning that its interior isn’t exactly the most spacious. While only the essentials are kept around, the dashboard, steering wheel, and shifter are covered in high-quality leather. The driver is clearly the priority, with the passenger side almost looking a little sparse. This only adds to the charm of the roadster, though, rather than detracting from it. The seats are also exceptionally, with heated Reccaro seats being available on a couple of models as well.
The only thing that prevents it from truly being the perfect daily driving sports car is the fact that there isn’t all that much storage. Cubbies are small and the trunk can only fit a weekend’s worth of luggage at most.
Infotainment and Technology
- 8.8-Inch Mazda Connect Display
- Wireless Smartphone Integration
- Bose 9-Speaker Audio System
- Amazon Alexa Built-In
- Dual USB-C Ports
As mentioned, the MX-5 keeps gimmicks to a minimum, only including the most essential features. That being said, the infotainment system is crisp and responsive, and you can connect wirelessly via Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. The optional Bose sound system is also pretty good, with speakers inbedded in the headrests for crisp and clear audio.
Mazda’s connected services, an optional subscription service, are also pretty impressive. You can get in-car Wi-Fi, remote engine start, and vehicle status alerts all from your smartphone.