Few cars make the simple act of driving feel this alive. The Mazda MX-5 Miata is a lightweight roadster that trades bulk and gimmicks for balance, quick response, and the wide-open feel of dropping the top on a clear afternoon. At Ray Skillman Northeast Mazda, we love pairing drivers with a car this honest.
For more than three decades, this two-seater has proven that fun does not require a huge engine or a giant price tag. If you have been shopping for a sports car near Fortville, Indiana, that puts a smile on your face, we should talk.
Under the hood sits a 2.0-liter SKYACTIV-G four-cylinder making 181 horsepower and 151 lb-ft of torque, sent to the rear wheels the way a proper sports car should be. In a car that tips the scales at roughly 2,400 pounds, that translates into acceleration that feels eager and immediate, with an engine that loves to rev toward its 7,500-rpm redline.
The real magic is the six-speed manual, whose short, precise throws make shifting a pleasure rather than a task. The front-midship engine layout keeps the balance close to even front to rear. If you would rather let the car do the shifting, the Grand Touring adds an available six-speed automatic with paddle shifters. Either way, you get the connected feel that has made this roadster a favorite for generations.
The interior keeps its focus on the driver while still giving you the connections you rely on. An 8.8-inch Mazda Connect display sits front and center, controlled by a rotary commander so you can make adjustments without taking your eyes off the road. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard, wired on the Sport and wireless on Club and Grand Touring, with Alexa Built-in across the lineup.
Sound matters with the top down, so Club and Grand Touring add a Bose nine-speaker system with speakers built into the headrests, keeping your music clear even at highway speed. Dual USB-C ports and push-button start round out the daily-use touches that make this roadster easy to live with.
A car this engaging still looks out for you. Blind Spot Monitoring with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert and Smart Brake Support comes standard on every trim, along with a rearview camera, stability control, and Kinematic Posture Control, which helps the car feel planted through a bend. Grand Touring goes further with adaptive front lighting, automatic high beams, and traffic sign recognition.
Comfort is thoughtful, too. Heated seats arrive on Club and Grand Touring, the leather-wrapped wheel tilts and telescopes to fit your reach, and the glass rear window has a defogger for cool mornings. The Club trim adds a sport-tuned suspension with Bilstein dampers and a limited-slip differential for a sharper edge, while the RF body style brings a folding hardtop for a quieter cabin with the roof up.
Some cars are made for a commute, and others are made for the drive itself. This one is the second kind. The two-lane roads around Geist Reservoir and the country backroads of Hancock County are exactly where a lightweight roadster comes alive, carving through curves with a directness heavier cars cannot match.
It handles the everyday just as well, merging onto I-69 with ease, returning an EPA-estimated 26 mpg city and up to 35 mpg highway, and slotting into tight parking spots without a fuss. That mix of weekend thrill and weekday sense keeps drivers coming back to the MX-5 Miata, and our team can help you find the trim and top that fit your routine.
Here is a quick side-by-side look at how the Sport, Club, and Grand Touring trims compare, so you can see where each one shines.
| Feature | Sport | Club | Grand Touring |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 2.0L SKYACTIV-G, 181 hp | 2.0L SKYACTIV-G, 181 hp | 2.0L SKYACTIV-G, 181 hp |
| Transmission | 6-speed manual | 6-speed manual | 6-speed manual or available automatic |
| Alloy Wheels | 16-inch | 17-inch | 17-inch machine-cut |
| Audio System | 6-speaker | Bose 9-speaker | Bose 9-speaker |
| Apple CarPlay & Android Auto | Wired | Wireless | Wireless |
| Bilstein Sport Suspension & Limited-Slip Differential | Not available | Standard | Not available |
| Heated Seats | Not available | Heated cloth | Heated leather-trimmed |
| Climate Control | Manual A/C | Manual A/C | Automatic |
| Adaptive Front Lighting & Traffic Sign Recognition | Not available | Not available | Standard |
| Blind Spot Monitoring & Smart Brake Support | Standard | Standard | Standard |
Between two body styles and three trims, there is a version of this roadster for nearly every kind of driver, from the pure, top-down Sport to the added polish of a Grand Touring. Browse our selection online or come see the lineup in person, and our team will help you sort through the options without any pressure.
Buying a sports car should be as enjoyable as driving one. That is the standard we hold ourselves to at Ray Skillman Northeast Mazda, where we keep the process straightforward, transparent, and fun. Our team knows these cars well, and we would rather help you find the right fit than push a quick sale. From the first test drive to financing and service down the road, we are here for the long haul.
Stop by to see the MX-5 in person, feel how it fits, and hear that engine for yourself. You can also start online, estimate a payment, or apply for pre-approval whenever it suits you. Come see what makes us a trusted choice for your next Mazda, and let us get you behind the wheel of a roadster you will look forward to driving every day.
Yes. The Sport and Club trims come only with a six-speed manual, which is the heart of the MX-5 experience. The Grand Touring trim gives you a choice between that same six-speed manual and an available six-speed automatic with paddle shifters, so you can match the car to how you like to drive.
The difference is the roof. The Soft Top uses a lightweight cloth top you can raise or lower by hand in seconds, while the RF has a power retractable hardtop that folds away in about 13 seconds at the touch of a button. Both deliver the same open-air feel, so the choice comes down to the look and operation you prefer.
Absolutely. The lightweight, rear-wheel drive, and sharp steering make the two-lane routes around Geist Reservoir and the local country backroads feel like an occasion rather than a chore. It is the kind of car that turns an ordinary Saturday drive into the best part of your week.
The Mazda MX-5 Miata seats two. It is a dedicated sports car, so the cabin is built around the driver and one passenger, with a snug, connected feel and a trunk sized for a weekend bag or two. That focus is a big part of what makes it so rewarding to drive.
Yes. Our finance team works with multiple lenders to find loan or lease terms that fit your budget, and we take the time to walk through how different terms affect your monthly payment. You can even get started online with pre-approval before you visit us.
Yes, and we recommend it because the MX-5 is a car you have to feel to appreciate. Reach out to schedule a test drive at Ray Skillman Northeast Mazda, and we will have one ready for you to take out on the road. A few miles behind the wheel usually tells you everything you need to know.
