After almost a quarter of a century on the market, the Mazda MX-5 is still one of the finest budget-oriented sports cars out there. In fact, it's simply one of the best driver's cars one can buy regardless of how much money is in your wallet. Anyone who's ever driven or owned one needs no further convincing. With the third-generation MX-5 on its way in the near future, Motor Trend's Carlos Lago gets behind the wheel of an MX-5 Club edition for some fun driving under the Southern California sun.

The car is free from many modern electronic gizmos, remaining true to its purpose - particularly in Club trim - even if it has grown in size over the years.