There’s something poetic about driving a car that’s been part of your family’s story. My week with the Mazda MX‑5 Miata Club wasn’t just about curves and gear shifts—it was about heritage. My family owns a Mazda dealership in Riverhead, NY, and I had the chance to visit them recently, see what they’ve been building, and talk about how Mazda’s philosophy—lightweight, driver‑focused, soulful—still resonates in 2025.
The Miata I drove came in Aero Gray, accented by metallic black wheels that looked ready for a photo shoot. From the first notch of the 6‑speed manual, the car felt alive. I threaded through the Washington, D.C. metro, then aimed west on I‑270, rode the rhythm of I‑70 into Western Maryland, and wound up in the northeastern edge of West Virginia. Those Appalachian hills? Pure Miata territory.
Every downshift was a verse; every apex, a rhyme.
Under the hood, the 2.0‑liter SKYACTIV‑G engine delivers 181 hp and 151 lb‑ft of torque. On paper, modest. In practice, magic, because the Miata weighs less than some EV battery packs. It’s rear‑wheel drive, perfectly balanced, and tuned for joy. Even in rush hour, the car felt like a secret—something only you and the road understood.
Comfort? Surprisingly solid. I’m 6 feet tall, 200+ pounds, and the cabin worked for me. Spec the Brembo/BBS/Recaro package if you want sharper edges and track‑day cred; the Recaros hug without pinching, and the Brembos stop like they mean it. Music? The Bose 9‑speaker system turned my DahVarsity tracks into a private concert, with headrest speakers filling the space you didn’t think a roadster had.
Fuel economy is another flex: EPA‑rated 26/34/29 mpg, but I averaged 37.5 mpg over nearly 500 miles. That’s efficiency and emotion in one sentence. Pricing starts around $33,330 for the Club, and my tester—with dark alloys and extras—came in at $39,365 delivered.
Why it stuck with me: The Miata remains the simplest answer to the question, “Why do we love to drive?” It’s not about horsepower; it’s about harmony. And the Club spec nails it. For more information, visit www.mazdausa.com also, make sure to visit my family’s Mazda store in Riverhead, www.riverheadmazda.com, and ask for Mike.