I’ve owned three Porsches, two Corvettes, one six series BMW and now I’m driving a 2019 RF. I don’t think I have any desire to drive anything else ever again. It is sports car, Nirvana. My 911 was tickling 70 miles an hour in second gear. What was I going to do with the other four gears and stay out of jail? The Miata allows you to use virtually all of its capabilities in the service of fun driving.

I was able to get a 2017 Miata RF (Club) for 20k with only 8k miles on it about 8 or 9 months ago, and I've driven it as my daily driver for over 24k miles already, and I still love every second of it. So much so, that I come to KZfaq to watch more videos about a car I already own. It's that good.

When I watch video reviews on the Miata RF, most people can stay pretty professional while quoting specs, numbers, and other quantitative data about the car. But every reviewer once they start driving all have one thing in common: smiles and cheesy grins all around. And those smiles alone was what convinced me to buy my first Miata RF yesterday. What a great purchase!

Anyone who can fit inside and loves driving should own one (or two) of these. Superb amounts of fun to be had.

Picking mine up Tomorrow!!! Soul red.

We just completed a 4,800 mile trek that took us from Montana to Pennsylvania and back in our 2020 MX5 RF Grand Touring. The Miata was fun to drive the entire trip; a couple of 'short hauls' between MT and OR (650 miles) had confirmed that we wouldn't regret making long drives in this car. The trip computer reported that we had averaged 37.1 mpg which was a nice bonus, second only to the dozens of unsolicited compliments from strangers at rest stops and gas stations along the way. We are delighted to have this little gem, a car that makes us smile whether we drive it to the grocery store or across the country.

I have a friend who owns a Porsche Cayman. He recently drove my 2016 MX-5 GT manual and was blown away. Most people just don’t get it until they drive one.

Miata is the type of cars that one falls in love with. I hope for the 2022 model year, Mazda will add the bright yellow exterior color. When that happens, I will get one for sure.

The ND has the Miata smile with angry eyes. It’s such a beauty!

The smile tells it all. Jay Leno drove one and he smiled all the way through it. I bought one and it just makes me smile, too. What fun!

Great review! I had never driven a Miata before I test drove an RF and was immediately sold, even though I was used to much faster, more expensive performance cars. Watching your video gave me flashbacks to how I felt my first time driving it. Whether I’m driving around town or carving up mountain roads, it’s an absolute blast.

I have a 2019 Soul Red RF and love it. Just a note about storage. This Miata has another small storage compartment (non-lockable) behind the passenger seat. The soft-top version has one behind each seat. I'm guessing the motor to move the top is behind the driver's seat. Also, the kit to fill the tire if it goes flat comes with a compressor which connects to a cigarette-lighter type socket in the passenger footwell. The low-profile tires fill very quickly, unlike larger ones. Overall, it's a fun car to drive, and the first car I've ever owned where I received compliments from strangers.

I know exactly what you mean. I have a 2018 and when I drive it I find it hard not to just grin like an idiot. It just feeds you soul.

At the beginning of the month I ordered a red 2022 RF club with the Recaro/Brembo package. Mazda USA no longer imports the Club model unless a customer special orders one and you are required to buy the recaro package. But after test driving one last year I just couldn't let idea go of buying a Miata. It is literally like driving a go kart on the road. It's fun as hell and relability is fantastic as it's pretty much the same car for decades now. Dealer says around 90 days from order to delivery so late May or early June I'm finally going to get the go kart that I always wanted when I was a kid.

This car looks beautiful and fun! It will never look outdated.

This car may not be too fast but it drives and corners like a dream

52 years old and finally got my 2021 RF club fun car. Love it! Wife and I hit the Blue Ridge Parkway in Virginia. Awesome experience.

Small RWD sports car with manual transmission. Excellent handling and usable power. Almost like driving a mid 80's Porsche 911.

The best storage area of the ND Miata is the passenger seat. It fits my huge piece of luggage, skis (With the top up too!), and people. Only one at a time though. XD

I have a 2017 MX-5 GT RF. I am still hooked on this car. I ain't trading it for anything (except maybe a newer Miata?). Even though it only makes 155 HP it's still a thrill to drive. It's a beautiful machine, too. I have received at least as many compliments for my Miata as I did a Corvette I once owned, which really blew me away. Now, if someone doesn't like my car, it doesn't bother me, but getting such a positive response from so many people it's difficult to not swell with pride. I even got compliments from kids. However, I think my dad was a little disappointed I didn't get something with a V8, lol.

It's a friggin' Adult Go-Kart, not a vehicle, it's a toy and feels like one, that's the difference between the MX-5 and everything else. You're back at 8 years old going down the nearest hill in your backyard-built Go-Kart made from 2x4s and plywood, that's the feeling one gets from it. I go flyin' through my neighborhood in my NC, whipping around corners having a blast - then I get that guilty feeling that the neighbors are probably getting P'd off - until I look down at the speedometer and *_I'm only going 27mph_* 😄 27:19

i love how this RF MX5 looks it´s like a mini 350Z or mini ferrari or something, and the color is also the best ❤ and i like how you made your video, no 30sec bullshit into, no annoying music, not 20 stupid advertising like all the others 👍👍👍 just a little to long for my taste, max. 20min are fine😁

I just bought a '17 RF touring 6spd w/ 12k on the clock. Mostly a lady's garage queen - machine gray, deep brown leather - I'm in love! Had an '05 Miata Mazdaspeed turbo that I thoroughly enjoyed for 2 yrs but sold for "practical" reasons. Last car was a '13 Focus ST & I miss its 259hp... but I enjoy the driving experience of this RF much more!

45 years ago I had a Trumph GT6. I to sell it because my girlfriend had a small kid. 🙁 Because of the Covid I appreciate that I may be gone tomorrow, and so I ordered a new RF, which hopefully I'll have this April. Perhaps I'm experiencing my second childhood? Besides which, my girlfriend / wife's dream car was and is the old Lotus Elan. That's my excuse and I think that we'll both be pleased...🙂

I just purchased a 2020 MX-5 Grand Touring and I absolutely love it! I wouldn't own any other vehicle, It's a complete joy to drive.

I bought one 2 months ago and love it. Still makes me smile every time I step in.

The RF has a storage space (cubby) behind the passenger seat, I believe. Mechanicals for the roof apparently take up the space on the other side. The soft tops have storage spaces behind each seat.

So, this spring I decided to get a used Miata RF. I learned quickly that the used market on them, at least in FL, is competitive. One thing I picked up online about what to look for was a strong bias for the manual. I drove manuals (various cars including a new then baby E36 BMW) for eleven years of my driving life so far so no problem there but while I was shopping I focused only on manual models. After a while I came across this special edition model that was automatic and drove it. I want to share that it is not at all a deal breaker in my opinion to buy an automatic Miata. I immediately put the transmission in manual mode and shifted with the paddles. I was able to go to redline, downshift and it was with me all the way just without the leg movement. The flicking of the paddle I likened to my clutch/shift engagement timing and it was just fine. I also appreciate the option to not have to hold a clutch in the common experience in FL- traffic. I wanted to post this because I am a guy, older now, but one that enjoys that manual control factor too, yet I found that the auto was a great choice in spite of what I was hearing online. If my purpose was racing and track running it might be different, heel/toe, etc. but not for street running. Nearly all racers are now autos granted dual clutch but still, where you are going to drive it matters too. I would suggest trying out any one you see if shopping in spite of the transmission type. Funny, every dealership I visited, none of the sales guys who helped me could drive a stick! So, I ended up with a 2019 Miata RF auto Soul Red with Tan. Enjoying it one week so far. I believe another way of expressing the Miata experience or, sports car vibe is that it gives a wild car feeling, like a fast go-cart with quick steering with a low profile. The quick darting nature with control is the "sports" of it. So many who like sporty LOOKING cars and drive dont get that sporty handling- just the looks or, as you mention, the 0-60 drag speed- in-line power. The overall feel of the car may be heavy or have waller around top heavy motion. If you talk to people who love to drive they always share about their driving of a Mini or a Miata per se more so that larger more powerful cars that never even see their potential on regular roads. oh, also, the heated seats are in my GT and it is not a club version.

One of the best car reviews I've seen -- and I've seen hundreds. Watching this man transition from meh to WOW is just great.

I had a 2017 Miata MX-5. Bought a Cayman S and drove it for 2 years. Just traded in the Cayman S for an MX-5 RF. The Cayman was fantastic but not anywhere near as fun in and around town. Miatas are amazing.

I've had a 2003 NB from new. This car always puts a smile on my face. Never fails.

Thank you for this "clean" and smooth car review, in the sense that I very much appreciate your efforts in to describe the driving experience feeling rather than judge the car as many people does. Also, I like to add that I'm considering to buy this car, just not sure yet if RF or Soft Top... isn't easy here to find a dealer who has both available to test drive. Speaking of the RF, a lot of watched reviews did mention about having important blind spots looking back and wind buffeting... but on the other side way more enjoyable on the daily commute when driving with closed hard top. On the soft top version, I'm still concerned about weather and noises aspects. Maybe actual lucky owners can also share their opinions about these concerns. Thanks again for your well made vlog.

Beautiful. Functional. No big lcd screens. Manual. Light. It has everything

The subject of "not everyone loves the RF" - I wasn't a big "convertible" person so for me I liked the RF (I own a '17 RF) because it didn't "feel" like a regular convertible... I will say though that if I were buying new I would likely go with the non-RF in club trim - the ease of use of the convertible top is very nice and the lower cost is icing on the cake...

Thanks for this thorough and fun review. I am on my second NC. Someday I may have an ND but that won’t be anytime soon. Too much fun left in mine. You really do have to drive a Miata to understand the love owners have for it.

Bought a 2020 RF GT MX5.great car

Very nicely put together video and very entertaining as well. I have a 2019 Mazda RF in Soul Red Crystal and love to drive it everyday. What a fun car to own and drive. Thanks for posting this.

I've owned '93 and '99 ragtop Miatas, and I'm currently driving my '08 convertable hardtop, which I love. I'm so sad Mazda went to the fastback design for the RF. When the top is down, I want the whole top down. Other than that I love the look--those fenders are beautiful. The ragtops you could easily put up and down at highway speeds--the way the top folds it doesn't hit the airstream. The '08 you have to be completely stopped, in neutral, with the clutch in. I'm glad to see now at least you can be rolling down the driveway or out of the parking deck--seems like a big advantage even if you have to keep the speed slow. I really like the hard top for rain and cold weather although I have the top down most days from late February to sometimes into December. Hopefully they'll go back to the fully retractable hard top in '23.

I think you and I are the only two people on this planet that feels that the ND steering wheel diameter is a little bit on the large side.

He smiled the entire time he test drove it...lol....I love my mazda!

I have the 2014 Club 6spd. My girl and I love it. We took a round trip from Atlanta to Key West. We're planning to go to the Tail of the Dragon later this summer. I Upgraded the suspension with Progress springs/KONI Sport Shocks. I love it even more now. The ND is nice but I'm happy with my NC.

I love my newly purchased RF in the same color. Maybe should have mentioned that there is no spare tire, just an air compressor to get you to a shop. I found that it does have TPMS on it and have corrected this review. Spot on review on my perspective!

I had a 1st gen Toyota MR2 that I bought new in 1986. Driving it was very similar to the experience you describe. Such an awesome vehicle that was. I think the ease of using the clutch and brakes etc etc is all related to the light weight.

Great review! I LOVE this car! I hope to have one, one day. This is a car for people who love to drive.

What Andy is trying to say is this thing is just a ton of fun to drive, it is not super car but it’s way more fun than a super car. Just a pleasure to drive, maintain, excellent reliability and sips gas. I got a 2020 and I’m never gonna sell it. Lol 😂 I’m in love with that little car. Drive one. See why there are so many drivers that can’t get the grin off their face.

Your comment about the steering wheel size really resonated with me. My all-time favorite steering wheel is in the mk6 GTIs. It's very similar to the miata's wheel, just a smaller circumference and slightly flattened bottom.

Picking up a 2019 RF GT-S in blue. Really happy about finding a blue GT-S.

Loved this review! Appreciated your genuine joy while driving 😊

Really enjoyed seeing your genuine reaction of delight to the ND MX-5. The "specialness" of the car is something that most people simply don't understand. I have two points to add: (1) Aftermarket parts can allow the roof to operate at greater speeds, and to open the top via the remote key fob; and (2) With fitted bags, you can stow five or six bags in the trunk, so two people can travel for a week without having to do laundry.

I own a 2020 Mazda MX-5 RF. I put a chip that claims to add 60 hp. Put a cold flow air filter. Zero to 60 is 5.0 seconds. 35.5 mpg city and interstate drive combined. Behind the passenger seat has a glove compartment that the video didn't mention. 17 in. standard wheels with the same tires that was in the video. Zoom Zoom equals fun fun fun.

Have had 3 Vettes, a 4sp, 6sp and Auto paddle. The 03 and 08 are great cars, just a little lacking in the “fun factor” of driving a nimble smaller car around the Blue Ridge or town. Love the look of the RF and at 73 yo, May take the plunge.

note he was smiling all through the drive test says it all . the only thing that would wipe that smile of my face would be the price and where would we put the the big shop 5 asda bags hey ho it will stay on my bucket list for now good review thanks

Good professional review. Thanks. UK.

Nice review! And yes speed is not everything.. Some cars leave a smile on your face no matter how fast you go...

I think they are beautiful and as a Mazda 3 hatch owner, I'm putting this on my list of my toy car. Maybe I'll get one in a couple years, possibly used. Also, the reliability is a huge plus. But I'll get the soft top if I end up getting one.

That is the exact car I dream to own. I somethings think about giving up all but one motorcycle and getting one. Insurance on that car is way more than all my bikes though, and I would need a wider trailer to haul it to the mountains.

What a great review.

Love this review

I agree on wishing the steering wheel being smaller. It feels too big for the car.

I think the way all journalists (including yourself, no offence) fail to properly describe "fun going slow" are MEANING to say, is that it feels like a vintage car. The Car itself is an event. driving at any speed. In the same way those old 1930s british open top fuselage race cars were "slow" but driving them at all anywhere felt fast and fun. The miata feels like this due to size and being the closest thing to those old cars. like a cateram or a go kart. an old MGTD. a morgan. You can do 40mph and FEEL like 100mph, so you don't need the money it costs to run a car at 100+ for the fun it gives. Where modern cars feel like the Japanese bullet train, quiet, 200mph, and boring. The miata feels like the bicycle of cars. it's fast because it's raw. The next best feeling is a faster miata or a lotus. and then the next best feeling after that would only be found in motorcycles.

you are awesome man fantastic review I have subbed to your channel! looking forward to future content!

Nice car. 2020 club sport owner. It’s fun, and looks good, but a little tight for older and bigger guys. I had 2004 Mazdaspeed Miata it was a blast with the turbo engine. Plus I was slimmer and more limber back then. Probably trade it for and A5 or 4 series convertible, something a bit bigger for me.

Really good review but I have to stay with the soft top. I will never buy a new MX5 because I have a NC that I totally love driving and plan to keep it until I'm to old to drive. Your right about it not being a fast car but it is fairly quick and mine goes from 0-60 in 6.7 seconds that's only twice as long as Mustang with a 302 V8.

Very Cool Review!

Great and thorough review. Thanks!

Amazing review, dude. Subbed

It’s a reasonably priced and easy to install mod to get your RF to open with your key fob…. Looks super cool when done remotely too!! 👍

I like the looks of the RF but prefer the soft top. I've had my ND since October 2015, it has close to 93,000 miles on it now. When the top is down, which is most of the time, visibility is great, wind buffeting is minimal.

Great review. I'd like to get a Miata RF in the near future. How has your experience been with this car since you posted the vid 3 years ago? Thanks again!

Nice review, good job!

Great review you covered everything and it was honest! I own a 2008 GT PRHT. It’s my daily driver and it’s totally fun and practical for me. Plus itbb B only cost $10k!

Great informative video

Nice detailed review.

Love your content bro

Yes, they are indeed out of the way. I use mine to store seldom used items, like a small first aid kit, tire gauge, small tools and a few backup or emergency items. Perhaps it's the "boy scout" in me. At least the space is there.

Great review, thanks. I bought the NC from new with the hard top back in 2011 and I'm still loving it ten years later with 120k miles on it. I had one major issue a year ago with two cracked cylinder rings which cost $3000 to repair involving a partial engine rebuild. I was extremely disappointed with Mazda as I believe (but could not prove) the issue was a manufacturing defect. I have been driving stick shift for 45 years and certainly did not abuse the car. Anyway, Mazda were kind enough to offer me a discount on a new vehicle which I can use at any time once I'm ready to buy a new one. The thing is that with the engine rebuild and with a paint job on the bodywork damaged by the California sun, the car drives and looks like new, so I have no incentive to buy the ND. I'm going to drive my NC for at least another 80k miles or until it breaks! As for the driving experience of my NC, like all Miatas, it's almost as if the car itself is begging you to drive it. I hate to anthropomorphize it but it really does feel like it's alive, and of course it makes the driver feel engaged, alive, and more like I imagine it would be like riding a race horse: it responds and feeds back so well. Anyway, when I'm ready, I'll buy the ND hard top and will just have to cope with even less storage space than my NC; I understand that Mazda needed to reduce the weight, but in that process they forgot that the car serves two purposes for most: as a way to just have driving fun (which it excells at obviously), and as a weekend getaway vehicle for two people driven top down at a more leisurely pace. The fact that side pockets, glove box are missing compared with the NC and that the trunk opening is smaller than the NC is a big disappointment given that this is not just a car for solo drivers having fun or on the track, it's also a car that ought to be usable for a couple to go away for the weekend. My NC has just enough storage space for the lazy weekend getaway and the ND does not. So, I'll stick with my 2011 NC until either I or the car pass on to the scrapyard in the sky: who knows, maybe we will both meet our end as a result of a 'senior moment' as we accidentally take a curve in the road too fast and drive exhilaratingly over a cliff!

He said magical, gotta love it.

When is the model changeover from this model? Will it be 2022 or 2023..? , Asking out of curiosity because you convinced me to buy one. Please and thank you, excellent review

The Miata RF is my dream car (I have a 2017 CX3).

I LOVE my Evo 9 RS but my miata is unbelievably fun to drive.

This will be my next ride, my current is a 2010 PHT GT. Daily driver, used year round.

My next car 🤤

Enjoyed your review. The car seems to have covered a lot of miles, judging by what the engine looks like. It's a pity the car wasn't as clean as you see in the majority of videos, especially the close up of the wheels. The two aerials don't exist here in Australia, just the normal old school aerial. In terms how many see the performance of the Miata, many describe it quick, rather than fast. Also, not sure if you made it clear that the Brembo brakes are only on the front, the rear brakes are standard Mazda brakes painted red. I'm not sure if that package is worth the money, the GT is my preference.

My brother is picking this up today

Great car and a nice review. However nearly all reviewers of the MX-5 as well as the Fiat 124 Spider miss the fact that there are also two storage pockets/spaces behind each of the seat backs. Plenty of extra space for more "goodies".

why am i watching th is when i have one lol

Got 2022 rf machine grey and love it.

Just bought my second one and if I have a choice will drive nothing but. Well made, not cost prohibitive. Most fun you can have while driving. Want to haul stuff.? Buy or rent a truck. This car is for fun.

I really love the way this car looks and drives. So lightweight, really puts a smile on my face. However, I'm one of the few people that still believes it can still be more fun with more power. I disagree with the "too much power that can't be used" mentality. As of right now, I can only have fun on twisty mountain roads. What's wrong with having ~250hp and also being able to have fun in a straight line? I've seen a lot of videos and people in real life dropping a supercharger in, dropping a turbo in, replacing the engine and getting into 300, 400, 600hp and it sure as hell looks like they're having fun! The Exige makes more power and is even 500lbs lighter than the Miata. Just because Mazda can't do it or won't do it doesn't mean that everyone has to listen to or justify their reasons.

Great video! I am test driving one on Monday, RED RF. I may be in trouble after watching your reaction.

this looks like so much fun to drive

I've got one soft top GT RS, very very accurate review, every fine detail.

I love your videos!

Hello and congratulations for the very comprehensive and professional videos. I wanted to ask you, since I would like to buy a mazda mx5 nd, which engine (1,5 or 2,0) and which color works best on this splendid convertible. Thanks and good luck

I had a 2014 Porsche Boxster I now have a 2021 MX 5 rf If you love to drive get the mx5 I love mine .

Imagine if the car had a 2.5L engine with 232hp 180ft lb tq and the car weights the same sub 2500lb weight.

I'm getting the pearl white one

I love it! ❤ It’s aged remarkably well. It’ll be evermore popular in the coming years. 👍

I prefer the softtop ones.. Just looks better IMO.

Hi im from México , I dont have enough money to have two cars, i mostly drive lonely, barely two persons, what do you think?’ Its ok? I drive 20 miles in the city