Growing up, I was surrounded by the unmistakable presence of large American cars. My earliest memories behind the wheel were in the immense Chrysler Newport convertible and the equally vast Dodge Polaris. These cars were enormous, commanding respect on the road with their size and power. As I got older, my preferences naturally gravitated towards vehicles that combined that sense of presence with refined luxury and performance. The Corvette became a favorite, embodying the perfect blend of speed and style. The Lexus LS, with its smooth ride and powerful engine, quickly joined the ranks. I always sought out cars that offered a balanced mix of luxury and raw performance.
Given this background, I never expected to have any affection for a car like the Mazda Miata. Everything about it seemed contrary to my preferences. It’s small, almost toy-like, with just enough room for two. The power it offers is modest, especially when compared to the engines I’ve grown accustomed to. At first glance, it felt like a car I should easily dismiss. After all, what could this tiny roadster offer that my more substantial, performance-driven favorites could not?
But then, I drove one.
The moment I settled into the Miata’s snug cockpit, I felt something different. This car wasn’t about sheer size or overwhelming power; it was about the purity of the driving experience. The steering was sharp, precise, giving me an immediate connection to the road. As I took the first corner, the Miata responded with agility that caught me off guard. It handled like a dream, carving through curves with ease, and for a moment, it felt like the car was an extension of me. There was simplicity in the way it moved, a kind of dance that made every twist and turn of the road feel exhilarating.
The braking was just as impressive. Where larger cars might require a careful calculation of distance and pressure, the Miata stopped on a dime, with a confidence that belied its small stature. It didn’t overpower the road; it engaged with it, making every drive feel like an event, not just a commute.
The more I drove the Miata, the more I realized why it’s beloved by so many. Despite my initial hesitation, the car’s driving dynamics won me over. It’s fun in a way that some of the larger, more powerful cars can’t quite match. Sure, it doesn’t roar like a Mustang GT or glide with the refined luxury of a Genesis G90, but it offers something just as valuable: a pure, unfiltered connection to the joy of driving.
