Just bought a 2012 Mazda 2

[bustednutz]

We just bought a new 12' Mazda 2. Very impressed for what it is. Very smooth. Taught ride. Lots of headroom and space. Zippy 1.5L and really good fuel economy. We like Mazda anyway, but for a small econobox, I highly recommend it. At 2300 lbs its fun to toss around and handles the on and off ramps flawlessly. Under $16k as well. All around great deal.
I'd recommend looking at one if anyone is looking for a small car.

 

[daves87rs]

Congrats! Pics?

 

[Quattro Pete]

Nice! Is it a stick shift?

 

[stephen9666]

We need pics and more specifics. Manual or automatic?

There's one in my town that's this color:

 

[Spazdog]

They are all either green or blue here.

 

[rationull]

I see a gray one driving around from time to time around my office.

Congrats on the purchase! I haven't driven one yet but like the idea of the car. Seems like Mazda has built a no-nonsense car with larger fun factor than the numbers would suggest.

 

[dwcopple]

pics of cargo area too please???

 

[MarkM66]

Looks like a nice car. Keep up posted on mpg.

It seems like it should do better then it's rating.

 

[addyguy]

'IF' I was in the market for a small econo-car, this one would be what I'd buy w/o hesitating.

Small, simple, 1.5L/5-speed econo-car...no hybrid, no turbo...just a simple car, like an old 80's Civic, Tercel, or Swift.

Good job Mazda....

 

[Cutehumor]

isn't this a rebadged ford fiesta?

 

[rpn453]

Originally Posted By: Cutehumor
isn't this a rebadged ford fiesta?


Same platform, but otherwise quite different.

Almost nothing is the same on this spec sheet:

Fiesta Fit Mazda2 Spec Sheet

 

[Spazdog]

Originally Posted By: Cutehumor
isn't this a rebadged ford fiesta?


The Fiesta and Mazda2 were co-developed by Ford and Mazda. So it's neither a rebadged Fiesta nor is the Fiesta a rebadged Mazda2.

Same platform but the cars do have some differences

The Mazda is lighter, somehow manages around a cubic foot more interior volume, handles and shifts like it thinks it's a Miata but it has a less powerful engine.

I didn't spend as much time with the Fiesta but it is better isolated and better appointed than the Mazda (and Yaris and Fit...it's up there with the Koreans on content)

 

[IndyIan]

Originally Posted By: Spazdog
Originally Posted By: Cutehumor
isn't this a rebadged ford fiesta?


The Fiesta and Mazda2 were co-developed by Ford and Mazda. So it's neither a rebadged Fiesta nor is the Fiesta a rebadged Mazda2.

Same platform but the cars do have some differences

The Mazda is lighter, somehow manages around a cubic foot more interior volume, handles and shifts like it thinks it's a Miata but it has a less powerful engine.

I didn't spend as much time with the Fiesta but it is better isolated and better appointed than the Mazda (and Yaris and Fit...it's up there with the Koreans on content)

Hmmm, I think it was the C&D or R&T review I read had the Mazda having a simpler but higher quality interior than the Fiesta. They drove the Fiesta, Mazda2, Fit, and Yaris to Montreal from somewhere in the states.
I have to say its a bit disappointing that Mazda didn't put some sort of VVT in it, which would give it a bit of a peak hp boost, some more low end torque and a bit better mileage. I liked the 1.5 VVT Echo my buddy had, it had some zip and great mileage too.
I actually haven't driven the Mazda2 so maybe its fine as well.

 

[bustednutz]

As the O.P. of this thread here is a weekly update. So far we've (she) has owned it a week.
The car is an automatic. She refuses to drive stick in this traffic we have. Does that take away a little "zest"? Yes, but not a lot. The mileage is great. The feel and fit and finish are very good and it doesn't feel like a small death trap. Its very sure footed and solid feeling for 2300 lbs. It handles on ramps and off ramps extremely well and gets up to highway speed just as well. Being an auto, it could use just a touch more power, but not much.
I really have to say I am impressed with it. For what it is, of course. She bought the lower end Sport model. But it still comes with the things that she wanted. The AC is ice cold too. Stereo is good. Seats are comfortable. Back seat is a touch cramped, but OK for short trips with smaller people.
The color...........Kermit green!!! She loves it, I tolerate it.
But hey, its her car, her money, her financing. She did good. Proud of her.

 

[Spazdog]

Originally Posted By: IndyIan
Originally Posted By: Spazdog
Originally Posted By: Cutehumor
isn't this a rebadged ford fiesta?


The Fiesta and Mazda2 were co-developed by Ford and Mazda. So it's neither a rebadged Fiesta nor is the Fiesta a rebadged Mazda2.

Same platform but the cars do have some differences

The Mazda is lighter, somehow manages around a cubic foot more interior volume, handles and shifts like it thinks it's a Miata but it has a less powerful engine.

I didn't spend as much time with the Fiesta but it is better isolated and better appointed than the Mazda (and Yaris and Fit...it's up there with the Koreans on content)

Hmmm, I think it was the C&D or R&T review I read had the Mazda having a simpler but higher quality interior than the Fiesta. They drove the Fiesta, Mazda2, Fit, and Yaris to Montreal from somewhere in the states.
I have to say its a bit disappointing that Mazda didn't put some sort of VVT in it, which would give it a bit of a peak hp boost, some more low end torque and a bit better mileage. I liked the 1.5 VVT Echo my buddy had, it had some zip and great mileage too.
I actually haven't driven the Mazda2 so maybe its fine as well.


It's hard to admit, but I actually liked the 1.5 VVT-i in the xB. Maybe it just felt sportier than it actually is because of the seating position. You won't confuse it for quick, but it was a willing little engine.

The Mazda2 is slated to get a SkyActiv engine, but it will probably wait until the first refresh for North America.

 

[CBR.worm]

That's cool. I like seeing more of the smaller cars. My dad just bought a Fiat 500 Abarth. It is a little heavier than the 2 and a bit smaller. Great motor though. Blast to drive around.

It makes the Mini Cooper feel big.

 

[Gene K]

I found both the Fiesta and the 2 to both be pretty nice cars. Each with a flavor that fits its brand.

 

[bustednutz]

Almost forgot, it requires a 0w20 oil to maintain the warranty.

And being that its a brand new car, it comes with the full warranty. BUT....my insurance company also gives me an automatic bumper to bumper 7yr/100mi Bumper to bumper with a 250 ded.
So I thought that was cool.

 

[ls1mike]

The picture makes it look really low to ground. I am usually not a green (well unless it is money) kind of guy, but I kind of like the Kermit green. Not sure why. Enjoy!

 

[MarkM66]

I rented one over the weekend. I liked it. I thought it had a nice ride for a small car, road noise seemed hushed, and the steering had a nice feel to it.

My complaints; it had no center console, so I kept trying to rest my arm on nothing. The sun visor doesn't slide, so side sun kept getting me. And the back seat wouldn't work for someone very big. Not much take off power, but I think one could get use to it.