Have you ever wondered what it’s like to drive a sports car through a Michigan winter? I wanted to find out how a small roadster would handle eight inches of snow, so I spent a week with the 2016 Mazda Miata and put it to the test.
Me, Myself & the Mazda Miata {Winter Experience}
Admittedly, a compact, two-seater convertible isn’t the most practical car for a married parent with young kids and a dog. Still, there’s something irresistible about a little roadster, and I was excited when the Miata arrived. It sat in the driveway like it was already in motion, painted in quicksilver with sporty tires and a low, aggressive stance. Seeing it brought back memories of my younger days driving manuals and chasing curves.
Dreams versus reality
Sliding into the Miata felt like putting on a snug glove. The leather interior is intentionally compact, with chrome details and a modern infotainment system. The clutch and stick felt familiar, and on the open road the car is eager and responsive—quick to accelerate and surprisingly fun, even when I reminded myself to obey speed limits. The Miata delivers the kind of grin-inducing driving experience its reputation promises.
Nostalgia is a dangerous emotion
That enthusiasm was tempered on a longer trip to Chicago for the International Home and Houseware Show. The Miata’s low-slung chassis means you feel every bump, pothole and road imperfection on long drives. At 5’11”, I needed more legroom than this car comfortably offers, and the small 11-gallon fuel tank made frequent gas stops unavoidable. I even spent time searching for the fuel door release—turns out the vehicle must be off and the fuel door double-tapped to open, a quirky detail worth knowing.
The open road and the Windy City
In Chicago, the Miata was ideal for zipping around the city and squeezing into tight parking spots. The show was overwhelming but fun, and driving the Miata through the metropolis felt fitting for a sporty little car. However, the trip confirmed my belief that the Miata is best enjoyed on short outings or spirited drives, not long-haul comfort. Blind spots behind the driver and on the rear right side suggest that additional safety features like side sensors would be welcome.
Home and Houseware Show
The International Home and Houseware Show is massive, and I only had a day and a half to explore. I enjoyed seeing new products from brands like KitchenAid and Corelle and checking out upcoming items from Meyer. The show reinforced that the Miata is a perfect city companion but less suited to long, bumpy interstate stretches.
I admired new tableware from Corelle and enjoyed sampling cookware and small appliances across the show floor. It was both inspiring and exhausting.
There and back again
Driving home, I concluded the Miata excels as a sporty, fun-to-drive car for shorter trips and urban cruising. Tall drivers may find it cramped, and the firm suspension means you’ll feel rough roads. The compact trunk, good sound and navigation system, and excellent maneuverability are definite pluses.
Pros
- Sporty handling and style
- Surprisingly roomy trunk for its class
- Quick acceleration and lively response
- Easy to park in tight city spots
- Attractive, attention-grabbing design
- Good audio and navigation system
Cons
- Small 11-gallon fuel tank
- Could use additional safety features like side sensors
- Best suited for smaller body types—taller drivers may feel cramped
- Stiff suspension transmits bumps on uneven roads
Oh, the Michigan weather
Most people enjoy convertibles in summer, but I wanted to know how the Miata fares in winter. With Bridgestone Blizzak winter tires, the Miata performed well in a few inches of snow. Winter tires are essential if you plan to drive a small sports car in harsh conditions; without them, you won’t get far. I wouldn’t push it beyond light to moderate snow, but with the right tires the Miata is manageable in winter weather.
Perfect for date night
The Miata is ideal for a fun date night—top down when the weather cooperates and a cozy two-seater for a romantic evening. During my time with the car, we also enjoyed local dining and relaxed, taking time off work to connect. Food highlights included beignets, crab cake benedict and gumbo at a new local spot—flavors worth remembering.
In short, the 2016 Mazda Miata Club is a fun, sporty car that excels on weekend drives and in urban settings. With winter tires it can handle light snow, but it remains a car best enjoyed for short, spirited outings rather than long-distance comfort.
Thank you to Mazda and DriveShop for loaning the Miata for this experience.