MOTORWEEK : Test drive of 2011 MAZDA 2

[rcy]

Originally Posted By: The Critic


The Mazda 2 was designed to compete in the class of the Yaris, Accent and other entry-level cars. In fact, I personally think that the people who buy these cars really cannot a new car anyway and should either consider an used car or wait until they have more money.



Wow. Just wow. I'm not even looking to buy this particular vehicle, and you've managed to offend me with what has to be the most asinine remark I've recently had the displeasure of reading.

I can't imagine what the people who are actually considering buying this car must think of you.

 

[IndyIan]

Originally Posted By: The Critic
Originally Posted By: ItsuMitsubishi
Where do you get this 'low quality' and 'poor value' nonsense from? We're not talking about a chincy Yaris here. I don't think any of cars you own utilize high tensile steel frames which may cost more, but are lighter and offer better rigidity than your standard stamped steel rails. The 2 has been very well engineered and cleverly dieted. It's won many international awards including "International Car of the Year" since it went on sale in 2007. I really doubt that was because of it's alleged low quality or poor value.


The Mazda 2 was designed to compete in the class of the Yaris, Accent and other entry-level cars. In fact, I personally think that the people who buy these cars really cannot a new car anyway and should either consider an used car or wait until they have more money.

High tensile steel frames are not something that most buyers care about. Most buyers look for features such as automatic transmissions, cruise control, bluetooth, iPod adapters, etc. When you price a Mazda 2 with these features, the MSRP is over $17k. Since entry-level cars are low margin cars to begin with, they are not discounted heavily. For the $15k you may pay for one, you can purchase a stripper mid-size sedan that will already have all of the features desired and deliver nearly the same fuel economy.

I think alot of people don't really want a midsize car even at equal pricing to some of these smaller more interesting to drive cars. Buying new I can see that the price differences can get pretty small but someone looking at a Mazda2, maybe the extra hit on mileage and insurance and even tires becomes a factor. Personally I'd rather bank even $1 or $2k and get a smaller car than get bigger boring one, for my commuting and motorsports activities.

 

[ItsuMitsubishi]

Originally Posted By: The Critic
Originally Posted By: ItsuMitsubishi
Where do you get this 'low quality' and 'poor value' nonsense from? We're not talking about a chincy Yaris here. I don't think any of cars you own utilize high tensile steel frames which may cost more, but are lighter and offer better rigidity than your standard stamped steel rails. The 2 has been very well engineered and cleverly dieted. It's won many international awards including "International Car of the Year" since it went on sale in 2007. I really doubt that was because of it's alleged low quality or poor value.


The Mazda 2 was designed to compete in the class of the Yaris, Accent and other entry-level cars. In fact, I personally think that the people who buy these cars really cannot a new car anyway and should either consider an used car or wait until they have more money.

High tensile steel frames are not something that most buyers care about. Most buyers look for features such as automatic transmissions, cruise control, bluetooth, iPod adapters, etc. When you price a Mazda 2 with these features, the MSRP is over $17k. Since entry-level cars are low margin cars to begin with, they are not discounted heavily. For the $15k you may pay for one, you can purchase a stripper mid-size sedan that will already have all of the features desired and deliver nearly the same fuel economy.


Without makiong any speculations on people's financial capacity, it has to be said that this entire vehicle class caters to exactly what distinguishes them from larger class vehicles: low mass and small dimensions. Efficiency is the name of the game and if someone is looking to drag around the least amount of non-functional weight and can benefit from the maneuverability of a smaller car, then a one class larger won't help them. What you said, though, could be more a cultural thing ie. bigger is better. A supermini is obviously not a car for those people.

 

[odie]

smaller car = gas savings ( especially when $3.50+ ) and lower car payment ( gas savings towards payment ) . We have paid low as $10,600 for an 2008 base model YARIS 3 door w/ a 5 speed manual ( includes trade of 2000 Corolla w/ 90,000+ miles , rust , large dents due to deer ) . The overall gas mileage was close to 39 miles per gallon . Never had to borrow money to fill an S.U.V. that had a monthly payment of $600+ and gas costs of nearly the same a month during spike of gasoline prices . Don't forget large vehicle owners took a bit hit in trade-in values at that time as well . So , small car trades were higher due to demand for ecomomy cars . This will occur again .

 

[KrisZ]

Originally Posted By: The Critic
Originally Posted By: ItsuMitsubishi
Where do you get this 'low quality' and 'poor value' nonsense from? We're not talking about a chincy Yaris here. I don't think any of cars you own utilize high tensile steel frames which may cost more, but are lighter and offer better rigidity than your standard stamped steel rails. The 2 has been very well engineered and cleverly dieted. It's won many international awards including "International Car of the Year" since it went on sale in 2007. I really doubt that was because of it's alleged low quality or poor value.


The Mazda 2 was designed to compete in the class of the Yaris, Accent and other entry-level cars. In fact, I personally think that the people who buy these cars really cannot a new car anyway and should either consider an used car or wait until they have more money.

High tensile steel frames are not something that most buyers care about. Most buyers look for features such as automatic transmissions, cruise control, bluetooth, iPod adapters, etc. When you price a Mazda 2 with these features, the MSRP is over $17k. Since entry-level cars are low margin cars to begin with, they are not discounted heavily. For the $15k you may pay for one, you can purchase a stripper mid-size sedan that will already have all of the features desired and deliver nearly the same fuel economy.


Typical "bigger is better" thinking

. Why cook your own meal when you can order for the same price, then why eat at a restaurant when cheap junk food will fill you up just the same, and finally why eat a burger when you can have a full All You Can Eat Buffet for the same price. We all know how that is working out with obesity problems starting as low as 3-4 years of age.
And we all now how people, that thought exactly the way you think and bought beyond their means, had the knee jerk reactions when gas prices were over $4 a gallon. Also, way to go on insulting every single sub-compact driver

 

[garlicbreadman]

the EPA is not very impressive especially for a 100hp 100 torque car that weighs 2300 pounds...


some 200+hp cars that weigh 3400+ pounds can easily attain 34mpg

 

[mjoekingz28]

Bigger is better huh The Critic. Not everyone wants a Camry. Some people (myself included) enjoy lightweight cars with little amenities. The gas mileage needs to be in the lower 40s for me to consider it (or 35mpg with the AC is ok). But like ItsuMitsubishi said, some new cars just need a break in, long after EPA would get a hold of them.

What I think Mazda did mess up on was spending too much on the car. they could have probably lose the power steering and save the consumer a few dollars.

Also whats really killing me is that it looks like the end of the DIN radio. Even an econobox uses a impossible to replace, half-the-dashboard radio. I miss the days of having a DIN and replacing it for $200 with a high powered unit thats ready to accept amplifiers and large speakers. GUess we'll all have to settle for what the factory feels is adequate in a few years when all the old cars (80-00) are dead and off the road.

Hopefully they can come out with some pretty colors and leave the Lime Green to Kawasaki for their bikes. It looks good on the ZX.

Oh yeah, why don't you go ahead and send that Saturn to the junk heap?

 

[odie]

test drove a base model with 5 speed manual yesterday . The window sticker is $14,730 . We found it to handle and ride quite well . The clutch is the easiest thus far , compared to a FIESTA sedan and SX-4 A.W.D. wagon w/ 6 speed ($17,764 M.S.R.P. ) . The shifting is precise . Plenty of head room / leg room for the front . The rear has good leg room , but anyone over 5'9" will hit the roof . There was plenty of pep when needed . Would definitely consider this car . Plan to test drive the 4 speed auto . That would be her choice

.

 

[SLCraig]

Quote:


Was looking at one of these, so I thank you for your personal opinion regarding my inability to afford one of these, and to just save my money till I acquire more funds. I'll now continue to drive my 2001 escort which is paid for and runs fine, thank you.

BTW My last car payment was in 1972 when I made my 2nd payment on my 1972 Corvette, yup I paid cash, and have for every auto, P/U, Van since.


Word. Car payments are dumb.

 

[odie]

Test drove an 4 speed automatic Lquid Metallic Silver MAZDA 2 with the TOURING package and had plenty of zip . Very good A/C . Soaked up bumps quite well . Smooth shifting transmission . Not willing to pay $17,075 for it . Might as well get a 2010 FOCUS SE , FIESTA , YARIS or COROLLA for less . There's a $76 discount

.

 

[kkreit01]

I haven't driven neither, but based on numbers I think Fiesta > 2. I've heard they aren't discounting Fiestas much either.

 

[odie]

Originally Posted By: kkreit01
I haven't driven neither, but based on numbers I think Fiesta > 2. I've heard they aren't discounting Fiestas much either.
That they're not . Will wait little while . The small car market will get more competitve in few months with weaker economy and introduction of more economy cars such as the FIAT , CRUZE , IQ , COLT (?) , SUZUKI Swift (?) etc.. Something has got to give .

 

[Pesca]

Here, they were part of the rebates of the pay-what-employee-pay we had in August, which I found odd for such a brand new and in-demand car.

But yes, like with every new cars, if you can wait a bit, you will probably get a better deal.

 

[Vizzy]

Patience...

Car sales are only going to get slower over the next year ...so I would wait prices will be coming down even further perhaps buy in Feb of 2011.

 

[Rockford Fosgate Fan]

I would go with a Fiesta or Scion xD. The cost savings you are getting with the Mazda cannot justify the poor performance of the 1.5L engine.

 

[odie]

Another positive review for the 5 speed manual . Got 32 m.p.g. without trying . Consisted of 60% city driving . Here's the review , www.cbsnews.com/stories/2010/10/06/ap/national/main6932533.shtml?tag=mncol;lst;1. Maybe I can talk the other 1/2 into getting the 4 speed automatic which we also test drove . Would trade in the 3 door YARIS if the trade was fair .

 

[kkreit01]

^ I get 30-31 MPG in my auto Focus w/o trying (60% city). I would expect more from 1/2L less, 40hp less, 4-500lbs less, and having to row my own gears.

 

[FXjohn]

30 mpg. not worth it when you get close to the same in a V8 or V6.

 

[CBR.worm]

If you personally can get 30 in a V8, you will be able to get 40+ in a 2.

Most people get real world mileage of less than 20 with the most efficient V8's

 

[KrisZ]

Exactly, It's easy to look at someone else's mileage and say "... gee, my big [censored] V8 gets almost the same, what POS those think cans are", and totally ignore the driving style and conditions.

I said it before and I'll say it again, people in NA are spoiled by low gas prices and ridicule other nations for driving small cars all the time.
But if the last gas price spike is any indication, all those proud Americans, that would never be seen in these [censored] boxes just a couple of years ago, will be falling over themselves to dump their SUV's and pick up a small car when the gas prices shoot up again.