Over the past 30 years, Mazda has continued to improve the MX-5 Miata. The sports car has gone through a series of redesigns but always managed to keep its distinctive style. Mazda recently rolled out the 2020 version of the Mazda MX-5 Miata, and it’s one of the best offerings they’ve ever taken to market.

In the car world of 2020, it’s tougher than ever to define what category a car falls into. Crossovers, sport sedans, hatchbacks for every model possible — many manufacturers try to cover multiple lanes when rolling out a new model. But not Mazda and the MX-5 Miata. The MX-5 clearly falls into the Sports Car category, and it does it at a surprisingly reasonable price.

What you’ll pay for the Mazda MX-5 Miata

Certain car models manage to feel expensive, even when they don’t actually cost that much. On the other hand, some manufacturers keep real prices high and don’t deliver what the buyer is paying for. With the MX-5 Miata, Mazda has managed to produce a vehicle that seems like it should be more expensive than it is.

Mazda celebrated the MX-5 Miata’s 30th birthday by making one of the best versions ever available for well under $30,000. Starting at only $27,525, the Sport model is a smooth ride that feels as powerful as plenty of other sports cars.

For consumers who want to go a little bigger without breaking the bank, Mazda also offers two additional trim levels at slightly higher prices (but still far less than what other manufacturers would charge for an equivalent driving experience). 

Why this year’s MX-5 is one of Mazda’s best

The 2020 Mazda MX-5 Miata Sport comes in at the base price of $27,525 while the Club is just over $31,000 and the Grand Touring tops the list at $32,590. Interestingly, even loading the top-level trim with as many aftermarkets as possible will barely get a Mazda MX-5 Miata buyer to $40,000. Plenty of other sports car manufacturers don’t even have their lowest prices in the $40k range.

What makes the Mazda MX-5 Miata so successful at its reasonable price point is that it’s simply fun. Car and Driver recently reviewed the vehicle and called it the “best and most affordable four-wheeled thrill ride this side of a go-kart”.

A go-kart is a great comparison for the Mazda MX-5 Miata — they both accelerate quickly, give the driver full control, and cost less than it might appear.

What to expect for this year’s models

During the last half of the 2010s, Mazda managed to hit a hot streak, producing car after car that not only sold a huge number of models new but also maintained great value in the secondary market. We still have to wait a little while to get the final verdict on the 2020 Mazda MX-5 Miata.

However, early reports indicate that not only is the new Miata fun to drive and a great price, but it will likely keep its value just like the 2019 Mazda 3.

It’s impossible to predict how any particular vehicle will be seen five years into the future. While the 2019 Mazda 3 is a great buy right now, the 2010 version of the vehicle received a massive number of complaints over the years.

But the future looks bright for Mazda and the MX-5. It’s not too expensive, it feels great to drive, and reviews from outlets like Car and Driver already rave at every imaginable spec. If you’re in the market for a sports car and want to stay below six figures, the 2020 Mazda MX-5 Miata deserves consideration on your list.