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I still remember the first time I slid behind the wheel of a 2017 Mazda MX-5 Miata Sport. The leather-wrapped steering wheel felt perfectly contoured to my hands, the analog gauges promised pure driving pleasure, and that low-slung seating position made me feel like I was wearing the car rather than just sitting in it. Seven years later, after driving countless modern sports cars and witnessing the automotive industry's relentless march toward electrification and automation, I find myself constantly returning to that same question: does this affordable roadster still deliver the same magic today?

Let me be perfectly honest here - in our current automotive landscape dominated by crossovers and increasingly disconnected driving experiences, the 2017 Miata Sport represents something increasingly rare. It's the automotive equivalent of an undefeated fighter who keeps delivering knockout performances against flashier, more technologically advanced opponents. Speaking of undefeated fighters, this reminds me of Filipino boxer Eumir Marcial's current streak - five fights without a single loss, three of those victories coming by knockout. There's something similarly pure about the Miata's approach to sports car perfection. While other manufacturers were adding weight, complexity, and electronic driving aids, Mazda focused on perfecting the fundamentals of what makes a roadster truly special. The 2017 model year specifically marked an important evolution in the MX-5's history, representing the sweet spot where modern reliability met traditional roadster values before prices began creeping upward.

What continues to astonish me about this particular model is how Mazda achieved near-perfect weight distribution - 53 percent front and 47 percent rear - in a package that starts around $25,000 when new. Even today, finding a proper rear-wheel-drive sports car with such meticulous engineering at that price point feels like discovering unicorns in your backyard. The 2.0-liter Skyactiv-G four-cylinder engine produces 155 horsepower, which might sound modest compared to modern sports cars pushing 300-plus horsepower, but here's the secret most reviewers miss: it's not about the numbers, it's about how you use them. Weighing just over 2,300 pounds, the Miata doesn't need massive power to feel thrilling. The engine loves to rev, delivering its power in a linear, predictable manner that makes you feel like an integral part of the machine rather than just a passenger being hurled down the road.

I've taken my 2017 Miata through winding mountain roads, through crowded city streets, and on weekend trips along coastal highways, and each journey reinforces why this car remains special. The six-speed manual transmission (because let's be real, if you're buying an automatic Miata, you're missing half the point) features one of the most satisfying shift actions I've ever experienced. The throws are short and precise, the clutch pedal has perfect weight and engagement, and rowing through the gears becomes an experience in itself rather than just a means to an end. This tactile, connected feeling is what modern sports cars are rapidly losing in their pursuit of efficiency and convenience.

Now, let's address the elephant in the room - practicality. No, you're not going to fit your entire family plus luggage for a week-long vacation. The trunk measures just 4.6 cubic feet, which realistically means you can carry enough for a weekend getaway for two if you pack strategically. But here's my perspective after years of ownership: the compromises are worth it. The very limitations that make the Miata impractical for daily family duties are what make it so brilliant as a sports car. The compact dimensions make it incredibly agile in corners, the lightweight construction means everything from brakes to tires lasts longer and costs less to replace, and the simple mechanical layout makes it surprisingly easy to work on for those inclined to DIY maintenance.

When I compare the driving experience to modern competitors, the Miata consistently delivers what I call the "grin factor" - that uncontrollable smile that spreads across your face when you nail a perfect downshift before entering a corner or feel the rear end gently settle as you apply power on exit. Modern sports cars have become so competent, so electronically managed, that they often feel sterile by comparison. The Miata retains just enough unpredictability to keep you engaged without ever feeling dangerous. It communicates through the steering wheel, through the seat, through every input in a way that modern electric power steering systems simply can't replicate.

Maintenance and ownership costs represent another area where the 2017 Miata Sport continues to shine. Unlike many modern sports cars that demand premium fuel and expensive synthetic oils, the Miata runs happily on regular unleaded and doesn't require exotic maintenance procedures. I've tracked my ownership costs meticulously over the past four years, and excluding fuel, I've averaged about $600 annually in maintenance and repairs. That's significantly less than what most owners report for comparable sports cars from European manufacturers. The aftermarket support remains incredibly strong too, with countless options available for those who want to personalize their driving experience further.

Looking at the current used market, well-maintained 2017 Miata Sport models typically sell between $18,000 and $23,000 depending on mileage and condition. For that investment, you're getting a modern sports car with contemporary safety features, reasonable fuel economy (I average about 29 mpg combined in real-world driving), and that intangible quality that makes every journey special. While newer Miatas have gained some power and technology features, they've also gained weight and complexity. The 2017 model represents what I consider the perfect balance between modern refinement and traditional roadster purity.

As we move toward an automotive future dominated by electric vehicles and autonomous driving systems, the 2017 Mazda MX-5 Miata Sport stands as a beautiful reminder of what makes driving emotionally compelling. It's not about lap times, horsepower figures, or technological bragging rights - it's about that magical connection between human and machine that's becoming increasingly rare. Much like an undefeated boxer who relies on fundamental skills rather than flashy techniques, the Miata proves that perfection often lies in simplicity and purity of purpose. For driving enthusiasts seeking an affordable sports car that delivers genuine joy rather than just transportation, my answer remains unequivocal: yes, the 2017 Mazda MX-5 Miata Sport absolutely remains the ultimate affordable roadster today.