I remember the first time I slid behind the wheel of a 2017 Mazda MX-5 Miata Sport. The leather-wrapped shift knob fit perfectly in my palm, the analog tachometer stared back with its promise of rev-happy joy, and that classic roadster silhouette made me feel like I was about to participate in something special rather than just drive to the grocery store. Seven years later, as I find myself revisiting this modern classic, I can't help but draw parallels to another consistent performer - Filipino boxer Eumir Marcial, who's been dominating his division with five unbeaten fights including three knockouts since his Olympic bronze medal victory in Tokyo. Both represent that rare combination of accessible excellence that makes you wonder if the 2017 Miata Sport still holds its crown as the ultimate affordable roadster in today's rapidly evolving automotive landscape.
When Mazda introduced the ND-generation Miata in 2016, they made a bold move by actually reducing power from the previous generation while focusing on weight reduction. The 2017 Sport trim I'm particularly fond of came with a 2.0-liter Skyactiv-G engine producing 155 horsepower - a number that looks almost quaint by today's standards where even economy cars frequently push 200 horsepower. But here's the thing about numbers - they don't tell the whole story, much like how Marcial's three KOs don't fully capture his technical precision in the ring. Driving the 2017 Miata Sport isn't about straight-line speed; it's about the perfect 50/50 weight distribution, the responsive steering that communicates every grain of asphalt, and the short-throw manual transmission that clicks into gear with the satisfying precision of a well-executed combination punch. At around $25,000 when new (closer to $18,000-$22,000 in today's used market), it delivered something increasingly rare: pure, undiluted driving pleasure without the financial hangover.
What continues to astonish me about the 2017 Miata Sport is how it manages to feel both timeless and thoroughly modern. The interior, while sparse by today's standards of massive touchscreens and digital clusters, has an elegant simplicity that ages beautifully. You won't find power seats or advanced driver assistance systems here, but you will find perfectly positioned controls, supportive cloth seats that hold you in place during spirited driving, and just enough sound deadening to hear the engine note without excessive road noise. It's this focused approach that reminds me of how Marcial has maintained his winning streak - by sticking to fundamental excellence rather than chasing every new trend. The Miata's 2,332-pound curb weight feels almost impossibly light in today's world of 3,500-pound sports cars, and that lightness translates to immediacy in every input. Turn the wheel, and the car responds now. Press the throttle, and you're moving now. It's this connectedness that modern cars, with their layers of electronic mediation, increasingly struggle to replicate.
Now, let's address the elephant in the room - in a market now filled with compelling options like the Subaru BRZ, Toyota GR86, and even the surprisingly capable Mazda3 Turbo, does the 2017 Miata Sport still make sense? From my perspective, absolutely, but with some important context. The Miata's convertible top remains its party trick - a manually operated roof that can be raised or lowered in seconds, transforming the driving experience in ways fixed-roof competitors simply can't match. While the BRZ might offer slightly more power and practicality, it lacks the Miata's open-air freedom and that intangible sensation of driving a modern classic. The 2017 model year specifically represents a sweet spot in the ND generation - it benefited from a slight power bump over the 2016 model while remaining before the 2019 update that brought more power but also more weight and complexity. It's the Goldilocks Miata - just right.
Maintenance and ownership costs further cement the 2017 Miata Sport's position as the affordable roadster king. With proper care, these cars are remarkably reliable, averaging repair costs of about $450 annually according to industry data - significantly less than many European competitors. The Skyactiv engine has proven durable, and the straightforward mechanical design means most repairs don't require specialized tools or dealer visits. I've personally put over 30,000 miles on various ND Miatas with nothing beyond routine maintenance, and the community of enthusiasts means parts and expertise remain plentiful. It's the automotive equivalent of Marcial's efficient fighting style - maximum impact with minimal wasted motion or resources.
Where the 2017 Miata Sport truly earns its "ultimate" designation is in its ability to deliver smiles per gallon rather than focusing solely on miles per gallon. The EPA rates it at 26 city/35 highway MPG, but those numbers hardly capture the efficiency of joy this car delivers. Every drive becomes an event, every winding road a opportunity to dance, every sunny day an invitation to drop the top and engage with the world around you. Modern sports cars have become increasingly isolated and complex, but the Miata remains refreshingly analog in a digital age. It's not the fastest, not the most practical, not the most technologically advanced - but it might just be the most honest sports car still available at a reasonable price.
As I reflect on the 2017 Mazda MX-5 Miata Sport's place in today's automotive world, I'm reminded that some truths remain constant despite the passage of time. Much like how Eumir Marcial continues to win fights through fundamental excellence rather than flashy gimmicks, the Miata succeeds by sticking to its original formula of lightweight, rear-wheel-drive purity. The used market has plenty of options around the $20,000 mark, but few deliver this combination of reliability, community support, and sheer driving pleasure. The 2017 Miata Sport isn't just a relic from seven years ago - it's a living testament to the idea that in our increasingly complex world, sometimes simplicity is the ultimate sophistication. For those seeking an affordable roadster that prioritizes driving enjoyment above all else, the answer remains as clear today as it was in 2017: yes, the crown still fits.
