The Mazda Miata NA, the first-generation Miata, has become an automotive icon loved by enthusiasts everywhere in the world. However, despite its strong cult following, the Miata often gets misunderstood. Common myths about its power, size, and image have circulated since its debut. This article debunks these misconceptions, showing why the Miata deserves its legendary status.

The Miata is Underpowered

One of the most frequent criticisms of the Miata NA is that it lacks power. With its original 1.6-liter engine producing 114 horsepower and the later 1.8-liter bumping it up to around 133 horsepower, it’s easy to see why some might think it’s underpowered. But what the Miata lacks in raw horsepower, it makes up for in its lightweight design. Weighing only about 2,100 pounds, the Miata follows the philosophy of “lightweight performance,” allowing it to deliver a thrilling driving experience despite its modest power output.

Thanks to its lightweight construction, the Miata feels agile and responsive, especially on winding roads or autocross tracks. It’s not designed for straight-line speed or drag racing its true magic is in how it handles corners with grace and precision. The Miata’s power-to-weight ratio creates an engaging experience where the driver feels directly connected to the road. You don’t need excessive horsepower to enjoy the drive, and that’s what makes the Miata stand out. It’s a car you can push to its limits without risking a speeding ticket, giving drivers the freedom to explore its full potential.

The Miata is a “Chick’s Car” or a “Hairdresser’s Car”

Another persistent stereotype is that the Miata is a “chick’s car” or a “hairdresser’s car.” This label often comes from its small size and “cute” appearance. But calling the Miata a chick’s car completely overlooks what makes it special. The Miata wasn’t designed to be flashy or aggressive like a muscle car; instead, it focuses on balance, precision, and pure driving enjoyment.

Underneath its approachable looks, the Miata boasts near-perfect 50/50 weight distribution, rear-wheel drive, and some of the best handling in its class. It’s a car for people who care about driving dynamics and the art of cornering rather than just raw power. Professional racers and track enthusiasts often praise the Miata for its nimbleness and responsiveness. The idea that it’s just for women or hairdressers comes from a shallow focus on looks rather than the car’s performance, which is where the Miata truly shines. Owners and car enthusiasts alike know that the Miata delivers a driving experience far beyond what its appearance suggests.

The Miata is Not a “Real” Sports Car

Many people argue that the Miata isn’t a “real” sports car because it doesn’t have the horsepower or aggressive stance of traditional sports cars. But defining a sports car solely by its horsepower misses the bigger picture. The Miata follows the classic roadster formula, offering rear-wheel drive, a manual transmission, and a lightweight chassis. It’s built for handling, not for straight-line speed.

While it won’t win a drag race against a high-horsepower vehicle, the Miata excels in other areas that define a true sports car. Its balance, agility, and ability to make every corner feel exciting make it one of the most rewarding cars to drive. Many car reviewers and professional drivers have praised the Miata for its engaging and responsive handling, proving that a sports car is more than just numbers on paper. It’s about the experience behind the wheel, and in that regard, the Miata delivers in spades.

The Miata is Too Small to Be Practical

The Miata’s compact size often leads people to think it’s impractical. Admittedly, the Miata isn’t a car for hauling cargo or carrying more than two people. But in reality, its small size is one of its biggest advantages. The Miata’s light weight and small footprint make it incredibly nimble and easy to maneuver, whether you’re navigating through tight city streets or carving through a mountain road.

Practicality is all about how you define it. If you’re looking for a commuter that’s fun to drive, fuel-efficient, and easy to park, the Miata is very practical. It may not offer the cargo space of an SUV, but for weekend trips or daily driving, it provides just enough room for what you need while delivering a driving experience far more exciting than most practical cars. Plus, with the top down, the interior feels open and airy, offering a sense of freedom that larger cars can’t match. Its excellent fuel economy often around 30 MPG adds to its practicality, making the Miata an ideal choice for those who want a blend of fun and efficiency.

The Miata is Only for Beginners

The Miata’s reputation as a great car for beginners is well-earned, but this doesn’t mean it’s only for new drivers. While it’s true that the Miata is an excellent vehicle for learning to drive stick or experiencing rear-wheel drive, many seasoned drivers love the Miata for its simplicity and balance. Advanced drivers appreciate the way the Miata rewards skill and precision, offering a driving experience that focuses on technique rather than brute power.

The Miata teaches drivers how to maintain momentum through corners, manage weight transfer, and refine their inputs all skills that are crucial for high-performance driving. That’s why the Miata is such a popular choice for racing enthusiasts and is featured prominently in spec racing series like the SCCA. Even in the hands of an experienced driver, the Miata can keep up with much more powerful cars on twisty tracks, thanks to its lightweight nature and sharp handling.

The Miata is Expensive to Maintain

Despite being a sports car, the Miata NA is known for its affordability when it comes to maintenance. Mazda designed the Miata to be simple and reliable, and because it’s been in production for so long, replacement parts are widely available and inexpensive. Whether you’re looking for stock components or aftermarket upgrades, there’s a massive community and plenty of options to keep costs down.

The Miata’s lightweight design also means it doesn’t wear out consumables like tires and brakes as quickly as heavier cars. Routine maintenance is straightforward, and many Miata owners even do their own work, further reducing costs. With proper care, the Miata can easily reach over 200,000 miles, making it one of the most cost-effective sports cars you can own. Its reputation for reliability, combined with affordable parts, makes it a wallet-friendly choice for driving enthusiasts.

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Even though the Miata has a strong following, it still faces ridicule from some car enthusiasts. A lot of this stems from superficial judgments and cultural stereotypes. The Miata is often labeled as “cute” or “feminine,” which doesn’t align with traditional ideas of aggressive, masculine sports car aesthetics. But this focus on looks completely misses the point of the Miata it’s about the driving experience, not appearances.

Additionally, its small size and lower horsepower have led some to underestimate it, especially in a world where bigger, faster cars often get more attention. Pop culture also hasn’t done the Miata any favors, with movies and TV shows sometimes portraying it as a car for people who aren’t serious about performance. However, within the car community, the Miata is respected for what it does best: offering a pure, enjoyable driving experience that few other cars can match.

In the end, the Mazda Miata NA stands as a modern classic, beloved for its simplicity, reliability, and unmatched driving dynamics. It may be the butt of jokes for some, but for those who understand what truly matters in a car, the Miata is a gem.