The Miata has been around since 1990, 14 years is a long time in anyone's books, but it's an eternity in automotive terms. This longevity is surpassed only by such eternal classics as the Porsche 911 and the original Volkswagen Beetle.

A light little run-about, the Miata is built for fun, bags of it. Not many cars come close to offering the driver such direct communication with the road that one feels like it's one's own fingertips clawing at the road rather than the car's tires.

The S2000 is similar in spirit to this sprite, but it's larger, has more power, and has higher limits than the Miata. Where the Miata holds its own is in the curves where its tenacious handling and wonderful communication with the driver helps to make up for its lack of ooommmppphhh.

If you had to commute to work every day in rush hour, this car would be a willing companion, its small size and maneuverability help in the point and squirt rush hour routine, and its small engine saves you money at the pumps. Early versions of this vehicle had a miserly 1.6 liter engine that sipped fuel, but the current engine has a better balance of power and fuel economy.

The Miata is still great value for the dollar and will reward its owner with endless hours of fun for very little cost.