On this episode we share our impressions of the 2026 Mazda Miata and take a joyride through Miata history. We explain why the 2026 model remains one of the purest sports cars you can buy, and weigh its sublime manual transmission, lightweight feel, reliability, and real-world compromises. Plus, we answer an audience question about Tesla Full Self-Driving—and whether human-driven Miatas are really at risk of disappearing.

 

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SHOW NOTES

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00:00 Intro
00:15 2026 Mazda Miata: Why We're Revisiting It

02:54 History of the Miata

05:29 Why "Miata Is Always the Answer"

08:57 What Makes the Miata So Fun to Drive

17:01 Miata Reliability, Ownership, and Common Issues

19:56 Miata Stays Lightweight

24:49 The Downsides

31:30 Our Favorite Miata Generations

34:38 Audience Question: Self-Driving Cars vs. Human Drivers

 

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Test Results: Mazda Miata

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/mazda/mx-5-miata/2026/overview/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

 

Who Makes the Most Reliable New Cars?

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/car-reliability-owner-satisfaction/who-makes-the-most-reliable-cars-a7824554938/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

 

Mazda MX-5 Miata Generations

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/mazda/mx-5-miata/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

 

Find the Best Sports Cars & Convertible

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/sports-cars/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT