# Mazda MX-5 RF Review and Photo Gallery *By James Hills, mantripping.com — Updated February 2025* The Mazda mx-5 RF was never meant for a guy like me and frankly I can't drive with the top down but that doesn't stop me from enjoying it. It is one hell of a car! The engineers at Mazda did a spectacular job when they created this vehicle. It has everything that the soft top version does and really nothing more than a different top. However, it feels like a totally different car, but with everything that was great about the original. If you are in the market for an affordable roadster but live in a climate where a soft top might not be practical, this is the car for you! My biggest fear initially with the Mazda MX-5 Miata RF when I first saw photos was that it would feel cramped. After all, one of the great things about the classic Mazda Miata is that it feels so open - but now you have something right behind your head. Once you get in and start driving though you don't feel any different. However, on days where maybe it's wet outside (generally a rare occurrence here in southern California), having a real roof above your head is going to be worth the extra money and a little extra weight too. Plus, unlike everyone else's MX-5, your's is going to look special, so that's worth something too. The MX-5 handles generally the same as the classic top and trunk space (though limited) is preserved. That likely isn't a purchasing consideration for most people, but considering there is ZERO space in the cockpit to store anything larger than a cellphone and sunglasses, it's nice to have a spot large enough to store a bag of groceries and a laptop bag in the trunk. Our friends over at Hot Cars HQ have a great post that talks more about some of the things you might not know about the Mazda MX-5 too. Ultimately, the Mazda MX-5 RF (Retractable Fast Back) is best experienced in person, but here are some photos from our day spent driving it around some San Diego beach communities.  Details Written by: James Hills Published: 04 April 2017 Last Updated: 28 February 2025 ### 🚢Ready To Book A Vacation? Let us help you plan a cruise, all-inclusive resort, or tour for your next guys trip, family vacation, or romantic getaway. Click here to [**Book Your Next Vacation**](https://www.mantripping.com/vacation-planning.html). #### Alaska's Cultural Side: Why Cruising the Last Frontier Is More Than Just Scenery Feb 23, 2026 [Alaska's Cultural Side: Why Cruising the Last Frontier Is More Than Just Scenery](https://www.mantripping.com/travel/alaska-more-than-just-natural-beauty-wonder-unique-culture-traditions.html) [Plan Your Next Vacation Today!](https://www.mantripping.com/vacation-planning.html) #### From Huawei Watch 2 to COROS Pace 4: What A Decade of Reviews Taught Me About Screens Mar 23, 2026 --- {"html":""} --- [From Huawei Watch 2 to COROS Pace 4: What A Decade of Reviews Taught Me About Screens](https://www.mantripping.com/stuff/gps-watch-display-types-mip-amoled-solar-explained.html) #### Spring Cleanup Done Right: Plano Storage Trunks and Shelving Reviewed Mar 02, 2026 [Spring Cleanup Done Right: Plano Storage Trunks and Shelving Reviewed](https://www.mantripping.com/stuff/spring-cleanup-done-right-plano-storage-trunks-and-shelving-reviewed.html) #### How to Pick the Right Generator for Tailgating and Camping Feb 21, 2026 [How to Pick the Right Generator for Tailgating and Camping](https://www.mantripping.com/stuff/how-to-pick-the-perfect-generator-for-tailgating-and-camping.html) ### Related Articles #### Testing the 2026 Nissan LEAF: First Impressions of Nissan's Redesigned Electric Crossover [Testing the 2026 Nissan LEAF: First Impressions of Nissan's Redesigned Electric Crossover](https://www.mantripping.com/stuff/2026-nissan-leaf-first-impressions.html) #### 2025 Toyota Corolla FX Special Edition Review: Sporty Heritage Meets Modern Technology [2025 Toyota Corolla FX Special Edition Review: Sporty Heritage Meets Modern Technology](https://www.mantripping.com/stuff/2025-toyota-corolla-fx-special-edition-review.html) #### 2025 Chrysler Pacifica Pinnacle Review: Proven Space and Comfort for Real-World Needs [2025 Chrysler Pacifica Pinnacle Review: Proven Space and Comfort for Real-World Needs](https://www.mantripping.com/stuff/2025-chrysler-pacifica-pinnacle-review.html) #### 2025 Toyota Crown Nightshade Review: This Sophisticated Sedan Gets the Balance Right [2025 Toyota Crown Nightshade Review: This Sophisticated Sedan Gets the Balance Right](https://www.mantripping.com/stuff/2025-toyota-crown-nightshade-review.html) #### 2025 Mazda CX-30 Carbon Turbo Review: Stylish Compact SUV With Turbocharged Performance [2025 Mazda CX-30 Carbon Turbo Review: Stylish Compact SUV With Turbocharged Performance](https://www.mantripping.com/stuff/2025-mazda-cx-30-carbon-turbo-review.html) - [**](https://www.mantripping.com/search.html) - [**](https://www.mantripping.com/sitemap.html?view=html&id=1) - [** Polls](https://www.mantripping.com/polls.html) - [Community Login](https://www.mantripping.com/registration/login.html) - [Brand Engagement Newsletter](https://www.mantripping.com/pr-ops-newsletter.html) - [Gift Guides & Roundups Submission Form](https://www.mantripping.com/roundups-form.html) - [Links](https://www.mantripping.com/links.html) - [Pitch Portal](https://www.mantripping.com/pitch.html) {"html":""} --- ### Need help planning? **Heather** is a cruise and travel specialist at mantripping.com with over 15 years of experience in personalized trip planning. She helps travelers plan cruise vacations tailored to their specific needs — whether it's choosing the right ship, coordinating a group, or finding the best itinerary for your budget and interests. **Get in touch:** - [Request a personalized quote](https://mantripping.com/book-with-heather?ref=agent) - Email: heather@flowmediamarketing.com --- **About mantripping.com:** Men's travel, lifestyle, and adventure since 2010. Honest reviews from 20+ years of travel experience. *Source: [Mazda MX-5 RF Review and Photo Gallery](https://www.mantripping.com/stuff/mazda-mx-5-rf-photo-gallery.html) — mantripping.com* **Related content you may find useful:** - [Travel guides and destination reviews](https://mantripping.com/travel/) - [Men's lifestyle and gear reviews](https://mantripping.com/mens-lifestyle/)