The Mazda MX-5 Miata is the embodiment of driving pleasure. Its alchemical formula has been honed since 1990, with the core ingredients consistently being a pliant four-cylinder engine, rear-wheel drive, sharp handling, and light weight. The real magic is in how the machine responds to the driver. The modest power is harnessed to great effect with a slick-shifting manual transmission with closely spaced gear ratios.