1 2019 Mazda MX-5 Miata

Base Price: $26,625

Since the summer of 1989, the reasonably priced Mazda MX-5 Miata has been thrilling sports-car fans with its featherweight rear-drive chassis (just over 2,000 pounds) and drop-top fun-in-the-sun persona.



The Miata’s organically responsive handling mixed with a large dollop of 1960s British roadster drew buyers by the tens of thousands to Mazda stores. But it’s no stretch to say it was Mazda’s brilliant five-speed manual transmission that seriously added to the thrill ride. The stubby little shifter was so effortless, it moved with just a modest flick of the wrist. The second-generation Miata of 1999 got one more gear in tenth anniversary models—a six-speed—that remained optional (the five-speed was standard) well into the third generation was equally great to use.

The Miata was all new for 2016, and a few years later the Mazda not only retains the easy-shifting and precise six-speed manual transmission in the Roadster model but also the even better driving retractable fastback (RF) model. Either way, 2019 MX-5s get an uprated engine that now makes 181 hp and revs to 7,500 rpm. And regardless of whether your Miata has a hard roof or a soft one, it’s one of the best manual transmissions available on any car at any price.