Well, hello there, you beautiful people! It’s your boy. At 6'6", 250 pounds, I'm basically wearing this 2022 Mazda MX-5 Miata rather than sitting in it. But here's the thing—I can't stop grinning.
This tiny roadster is pure driving joy! I’m pretty sure my knees are somewhere in the vicinity of the glove compartment, and my head is practically kissing the soft top, but the grin on my face is wider than a grand canyon. This car corners like it's on rails, and the shifting is butter-smooth, it's like a warm knife through… well, you get the idea. The 181 horsepower from that 2.0L Skyactiv-G engine feels a lot more potent when you’re practically wearing the car. It’s got that “point-and-shoot” kind of responsiveness that makes every turn feel like a perfectly executed dance move. The Miata zips along with an eagerness that’s frankly adorable.
Speaking of adorable, I’m currently on my way to a true Bremerton gem: the Rodeo Drive-In. This place is more than just a movie theater; it’s a living, breathing piece of history. Built all the way back in 1949, it’s seen more double features than I’ve seen double cheeseburgers! The current owners have been keeping the popcorn poppin’ and the reels spinnin’ since the mid-80s, which is longer than I’ve been rolling around the roads of Kitsap.
As I pull into the lot, I’m hit with a wave of nostalgia that almost makes me forget I’m folded like a pretzel in this car. The Rodeo’s got that classic vibe, you know? The big screens standing tall against the sky, the rows of speaker poles (though, thankfully, it’s all FM radio now). And for the kiddos, there’s even a playground! A playground at a drive-in! That’s just good, wholesome, old-fashioned fun right there. And the snack bar? Oh, it’s not just any snack bar. This is a great snack bar. We’re talking hot dogs, nachos, candy, all the essential cinematic fuel. And every single night, it's a double feature. Every. Single. Night. Bless their cotton socks.
I recall my favorite moments at the Rodeo (so far). A double date in high school where me and my buddy claimed we were overnighting at each other’s house. Our dates did the same. We made it about ten minutes into the first feature before the parents had it figured out and joined us to chaperone the night, LOL. More recently, bringing the whole family, me, wifey, 3 kids and 2 dogs for a wonderful, somewhat chaotic evening of picnicking and semi camping under blankets, in our PJs with lots of pillows to rest on as the movies played. It was awesome!
Could I recreate that family experience in the Miata? Not unless the dogs ride on the hood. But that's not what this car is about. The MX-5 celebrates the simple act of driving. It's a reminder that cars can be more than transportation—they can be pure fun.
The steering talks directly to your hands. The suspension stays firm without being punishing. Every input gets an immediate, playful response. Sure, I need a shoehorn to exit gracefully, but who cares when you're having this much fun?
This isn't just transportation; it's therapy on four wheels. The MX-5 encourages you to take the scenic route, downshift just to hear the engine, and find excuses to drive. It's remarkably practical too, with a usable trunk and excellent fuel economy.
So, here’s the deal: The Mazda MX-5 Miata is a brilliant, joyful, laugh-out-loud fun car. It might not be built for giants like me, but it makes every drive an adventure, even if that adventure involves a little bit of creative contortion. And the Rodeo Drive-In? It’s a true treasure. A nostalgic slice of Americana that’s still kicking, still serving up awesome entertainment, and still providing those quintessential drive-in memories, whether you’re a teenager with your best girl or a “slightly”-too-large man enjoying a double feature from the comfort of a surprisingly cool little car. Go check ‘em both out. You won't regret it!
