Mazda MX5 Miata

The Mazda MX-5 Miata is a dream, especially for sports car enthusiasts on a budget. It's quick, agile, great on gas and reliable too.

Refreshed in 2009, the Miata carries into 2010 largely unchanged -- which is perfectly fine with most auto critics who pile on praise for its combination of thrilling handling, impressive build quality and long-term value. Many test drivers even assert that the Miata is the best sports car available at this price point. In fact, Edmunds describes it as "a lightweight, balanced and responsive roadster that delivers the very best in wind-in-the-hair driving at an affordable price."

The 2010 MX-5 Miata is a Consumer Reports "Top Recommendation," Consumer Guide "Best Buy" and one of Car and Driver's "10Best." It's also our pick for "Best Sports Car for the Money." Not surprsingly, few affordable sports cars measure up.

Other Sports Cars to Consider

Shoppers in the market for a two-seat convertible should also check out the Nissan 370Z. It out powers the Miata by a whopping 165 ponies and is, arguably, more comfortable to ride in. It doesn't trump the Miata in terms of handling, but most affordable sports car shoppers will still find it plenty satisfying. The deal breaker, however, may be its convertible top. It's nice and operates well, but the Miata is the only vehicle in this class that features an automatic retractable hardtop.
Details: Mazda MX-5 Miata

The soft top Miata is available in three trims: Sport, Touring and Grand Touring. The power retractable hardtop is available in two: Touring and Grand Touring.

    "Sell everything and buy a Miata. The most popular sports car in history is still lovable, and it embodies what a traditional roadster should be: light, tossable, and a continuous joy. There have been emulators of this Mazda but no real competitors."

    "The new MX-5 is just like that bubbly, blonde cheerleader you knew in high school 15 years ago. Only now she's grown up and has a college degree. She's also put on a few more pounds. But she still knows all the moves."
    "For what the car is, and what it has always been, the MX-5 Miata is essentially without peer. And whether you like the retractable hardtop or not -- and I do -- the soft top is still available for purists, and the hardtop just adds one more feature that makes the car a little more practical as a daily driver."
    "The latest generation is spectacularly good, both sweetly rewarding to drive and an excellent value."

    "This Best Buy delivers as much driving enjoyment--if not outright power--as two-seat sports cars costing thousands more."

    "Another plus for Miatas is that they have held their value over the years."