As I slide into the driver's seat of the 2017 Mazda MX-5 Miata Sport, that familiar scent of leather and gasoline takes me back to my first test drive seven years ago. I've driven countless roadsters since then, but something keeps pulling me back to this particular model year. You know, it's funny how certain machines develop a legacy - much like Olympic boxer Eumir Marcial who's been dominating his division with five unbeaten fights, including three decisive KOs. The 2017 Miata Sport has been delivering its own kind of knockout blows in the affordable roadster category since its debut, and I'm here to explore whether it still lands those punches today.
Let me be perfectly honest from the start - I've always had a soft spot for Mazda's philosophy. There's something special about how they approach driving dynamics that reminds me of a skilled athlete's precision. When Marcial connects with those perfect combinations in the ring, it's not just about power - it's about timing, positioning, and technical excellence. The 2017 Miata embodies that same principle. Its 2.0-liter SKYACTIV-G engine delivers just 155 horsepower, which sounds modest until you experience how perfectly balanced the entire package is. I've tracked this car multiple times, and each time I'm amazed by how its 2,332-pound curb weight makes every horsepower count. The six-speed manual transmission (because honestly, why would you choose anything else?) provides shifts that feel as crisp as Marcial's jabs - immediate, precise, and satisfying.
Now, I know what some enthusiasts will say - that there are faster cars for the money. But having driven everything from the Toyota 86 to the Subaru BRZ in this price range, the Miata delivers something unique. It's that intangible quality of pure joy that makes you forget about spec sheets. I remember taking one through the Angeles Crest Highway last spring, the top down, winding through those perfect curves, and realizing this is what driving should feel like. The electric power steering provides just enough feedback to make you feel connected to the road without being overly heavy. The Bilstein shock absorbers on the Club trim might get most of the attention, but the Sport's simpler suspension setup actually provides more predictable behavior at the limit - something I've appreciated during spirited drives.
Looking at the current used market, finding a clean 2017 Sport model for around $18,000-$22,000 feels like discovering hidden treasure. I recently helped a friend purchase one with 45,000 miles for $19,500, and the value proposition is incredible when you consider that a new base model starts around $28,000. The reliability factor is another winning combination - in my experience working with local Miata clubs, these ND-generation models have proven remarkably trouble-free, with most owners reporting only routine maintenance costs of about $400 annually. The fuel economy still impresses me too - I've consistently achieved 34 MPG on highway drives, which is fantastic for a car that delivers this much driving pleasure.
There are areas where the 2017 model shows its age, though. The 7-inch infotainment screen feels small by today's standards, and Mazda's connectivity system isn't as seamless as newer systems. I've found myself using my phone mounted separately more often than not. The cabin storage is practically non-existent - my usual test is whether I can comfortably store my laptop bag and a water bottle, and the Miata fails miserably here. But you know what? These compromises almost add to the charm. It forces you to focus on what matters - the driving experience.
What continues to astonish me about the 2017 Miata Sport is how it maintains that perfect balance between modern refinement and classic roadster character. It's like watching Marcial's fighting style - he respects traditional boxing fundamentals while incorporating contemporary techniques. The Miata does the same, preserving the lightweight, rear-wheel-drive formula that made the original so beloved while adding just enough modern technology to keep it relevant. The electric power steering may not have the raw feedback of older hydraulic systems, but it's tuned so well that after five minutes behind the wheel, you stop comparing and start enjoying.
I've noticed something interesting in the automotive community recently - there's growing appreciation for this particular model year as the sweet spot in the ND generation. It's old enough to have depreciated significantly but new enough to feel modern. The 2017 model specifically benefits from all the early ND teething problems being resolved while avoiding some of the complexity added in later years. From my perspective as both an enthusiast and industry observer, this creates a unique value proposition that's hard to match.
So, is the 2017 Mazda MX-5 Miata Sport still the best affordable roadster today? In my book, absolutely. It delivers that rare combination of daily usability and weekend excitement that so many cars promise but few deliver. Like Marcial's unbeaten record, the 2017 Miata Sport maintains its winning streak through technical excellence rather than brute force. The way it dances through corners, responds to steering inputs, and makes even grocery runs feel special - these qualities haven't diminished with time. If anything, they've become more valuable in an era increasingly dominated by soulless SUVs and electric vehicles that prioritize efficiency over emotion. For around twenty thousand dollars, you're not just buying transportation - you're buying driving pleasure in its purest form, and that's a combination that never goes out of style.
