MotorWeek Road Test: 2011 Mazda 2

[@Hello-gi7fj]

I love my little manual Mazda2 2011! Second owner, over 440,000 miles (you read right). Have driven in city and interstate. Even in NYC multiple times, great on the FDR. Heat, rain, and snow, it drives well. I get an average of 30-32mpg because I live in a highway filled city. Have replaced a tie rod, need to replace another. Catalytic converter causes the check engine light to go on and off. Kinda kicks when first driving and going from first to second, especially in the cold. Got the car at 381k and was told it would last a year. Going on two years as of this week! We removed the back seat rest and transport clothes. Lived in the car on and off for 10 months and made a bed in the back. The car is bigger than you think! I have a roof rack, too, which has come in handy. The car can be slow to get to speed but I am not in a rush, it handles well and I have avoided crashes because of it. Anywho, I am clearly not a car expert but if you treat her okay, she will last. I can see my green go lasting to half a mill!

[@icemanroyal]

i can t believe John Davis is still doing this show, i remeber being 10 years old in the late 80's and seeing Motor Week whenever i could on PBS!

[@davidaubin3902]

Yes I’ve been watching John when I was 5. He’s still a great host and narrator for the road and comparison tests

[@seanmcgivney7631]

No, he is not dead yet ! Believe it.

[@noahbossier1131]

Intresting

[@89turbo]

This is the best budget daily driver for any car enthusiast. Excellent handling in the canyons, insanely reliable.

[@buildmorefarms100]

I love my Mazda 2! Fun to drive, 38mpg average, amazing handling, miata-like shifter with crisp short throws, and its great in snow!

[@pete5534]

My mother’s had her Mazda2 for ten years. These are great little cars! Because it’s a “world car,” it is very easy and inexpensive to maintain. Keeping up with oil changes, coolant, and all other fluids will see this little gem on the road for years to come. My weekend car is an MX-5, and though the “2” is front wheel drive, its driving dynamics compare well.

[@turbo311]

Love how you're the only reviewer on Earth to say not only the 5spd has long throws and feels rubbery, but the automatic is good.

[@michaeldillon1027]

, No kidding. I had a 2012 and the manual transmission was not rubbery and it had short throws. He must have been thinking about another car.

[@helloish12321]

I bought my 2011 on a whim after my 94 Miata was totaled. I needed a car and it was cheap. I was shocked at how similarly fun to drive this thing is! Sure the throttle and shifter are nowhere near as direct and responsive, but throwing this thing into a corner feels just as fun. Light, cheap, easy to drive, and doesn't turn any heads when you fling it around. Already one of my favorite cars I have owned.

[@andrewdelatorre602]

They should have a gt model with the 2.5. .. this light wt fucker would fly.

[@AlexCohick]

I currently own one of these and have springs intake, exhaust and a couple other mods that have made it pretty awesome to drive. Sure its pretty darn slow and its not equipped all that well but you cant be the driving dynamics.

[@navysteel]

This is going to be my first car. Its so awesome

[@jonyjjo]

Ford Fiesta is a clear winner in Paper Specs and Marketing Strategies. But Mazda 2 is cheaper, quicker, better handling, better interior, really fun to drive, more leg room than Ford Fiesta. I live in a place where city traffic is very terrible, where Ford Fiesta consumes 8km/liter while Mazda 2 10km+/liter. Mazda 2 is a clear winner in Actual driving experience.. that's why I bought this instead of Ford Fiesta. Test drive a Mazda 2 before you say anything stupid about this Amazing car

[@Yormsane]

I miss little hatchbacks. So much fun to drive, cheap to own, practical, good on gas, park 'em in the tiniest space. Bigger really isn't better, ya know.

[@trancedsailor]

Mazda is the best Japanese carmaker right now. Miata and 2 are the only cars I ever need.

[@42luke93]

5:22 Damn what a burn. “If you need more check out the Honda Fit”!

[@RatBürgerSk8]

I've got a 2012 2 with 115k miles and auto transmission. Can't say I enjoy it much really, does poorly in snow, transmission feels lethargic and the suspension tends to be pretty fragile with a needlessly rough ride. The paint is also pretty poor quality, with rock chips being a big issue and rust developing in the sheet metal seams. The auto trans also is terrible for fuel economy past 65mph, since the overdrive gear is still too short and it sits at high RPM.

[@42luke93]

The reason smaller cars have better leg room is because they don’t put knee intruding counsols in middle of driver and passenger seats. Bigger cars used to be roomy back when front split bench seating was offered. I miss it.

[@42luke93]

The counsols today really intrude knees.

[@AE6YT-Glenn]

My wife bought hers brand new and still it's her favorite ever car and the most reliable we've ever owned. We'd buy another if they ever brought them back.

[@pedrof830]

in other reviews, they've praised the manual for how good it is, compared to the auto, here it's the other way, what's up with that?

[@NB-qr2rt]

I have a blue 2010 Mazda 2 Sport. It's a neat little car.

[@john5389]

Do you still have your Mazda 2?How many miles? I'm looking at one for my daughter. It has 197k miles, extremely clean though. Just wondering if it'll go a few more years. Thanks!

[@NB-qr2rt]

@@john5389 It has done 79k miles. It still drives really well. I had an MOT done on mine a few weeks ago and it failed due to one of the lightbulbs not working and a snapped rear spring, but these were easily fixed. You should be fine with one that has done 197k miles, just do your due diligence.

[@john5389]

@@NB-qr2rt I appreciate the response, take care.

[@muhammadilhamilham92]

me too 2010 blue mazda 2

[@pcsc1097]

okay so the fuel economy isn't the greatest. But with this small of a car it takes $40 bucks to top off the tank. I was suprised to hear the shifter was rubbery and had long throws when it was named car and drivers 10 best manual transmissions. Only review I have seen that doesn't like the manual.

[@matthewmclelland2953]

Can anyone tell me how the Mazda 2 does in the winter? Specifically, if it's like -20 C at 5am in the morning, can I expect it to start and then be ok at highway speeds? I read some reviews warning this car doesn't like the cold?

[@nychan8958]

Matt McLelland I tried the lot and loved the Mazda . Better handling and feel on road than other small cars .my one is automatic I love it

[@cotewill99]

I own one of these, the clutch is very hard. But like any other cars under 20, its very difficult for a car to heat up. But yeah, compared to a Elantra 2013, the Mazda 2 doesn't like freezing weather. Hopefully I have a remote starter.. but at -20 its not good at all for the batterie Beside that, above -10 the car work just fine

[@4lemer]

Good review but I feel like I'm in the 90's watching this.

[@lauradahlus]

I heard they have issues with struts going out all the time.. it's that true? How much does it cost to replace them? 🤔

[@TheCarArchives96]

the 2007-present Mazda 2 is assembled in Hiroshima/Hofu, Japan; Nanjing, China Rayong, Thailand (2009-) Bogotá, Colombia, Tehran Iran (2011)

[@gmracing15]

@raulecalderon I just drove the mazda 2 AND the fiesta. My best friend owns an accent (so ive driven that too!) Their is no comparison the Mazda 2 IS argueble the best driving car in it's class (with the argue being the fiesta itself) bettering in my opinion even the fit. The accent looks good on paper but that's where it ends! other than being cheep I really can't say anything good about it when comparing it to the competition (maybe the aveo)

[@thimble288]

the Mazda 2 looks so much better than the US Fiesta! Too bad they changed the Fiesta's face for the American market. Oh well, the 2 drives better too.

[@SUV7777777]

thats my son. he always uses my laptop because he wants an account but i dont want him to have one. that might have also been my daughter (shes 9). she is obsest with leaving comments for things.

[@repsforjesus6720]

SUV7777777 no one cares

[@robtech341]

This car is bulit in Hiroshima, Japan, and uses 99% Japanese parts. It has 2 springs in common with the Fiesta, that's it. The Ford is built in Mexico. I don't know where these idiots get their information.

[@HeCute_]

Mazda and Ford both worked on the platform. So the Mazda 2 and fiesta share the same platform Mazda and Ford have a history of sharing platforms

[@RotaryLover]

Wait! MotorWeek were in Montreal!? :(

[@UInACrash]

@dm919 This is exactly the problem I have with this car. Styling looks pretty decent to me compared to the class but how does it only get those mpg numbers when cars with more hp and torque get the same.

[@khunopie]

IT LOOKS SO HAPPY AND CUTE! LIKE A GREEN CARTOON BUNNY. I WANNA PWN ONE. FUCK YEAH!

[@arcxer]

Mazda2 is small for a family - so don't buy it as a family car. I bought one for daily driving to/from work. But it is 5 doors and has two rows of seats, so (unlike, say, Miata) it can ferry my family of 4 if need to (when the other car breaks, for example).

[@posro1988]

it must be that american and european mazda 2 are very different cause the one i've driven had an excellent manual transmission

[@Beest1977]

@andhuy Thank God for no daytime running lights!

[@letsgonow5641]

Im looking to get one buy they are still running a bit pricey an the GT in stick is hard to find. If they could of got this car at a better price point an a bit more advertising it wouldve sold better. The new one now a Yaris is much more refined and improved overall. Mazda should of sold their own version along w the version they built for Toyota.

[@avlisk]

We had our synchros failing around 10K miles and had to have the accelerator and brake pedals cut off and reattached at a different, comfortable angle on our Protege, just so our legs didn't cramp up during long drives. New motor mounts after 2 years, too. My 2002 Kia is sooooooo much better. I won't be burned again by Mazda. Or Chrysler, but that's another story.

[@mcatlow8]

You know for a cheap car these are pretty reliable.

[@raulecalderon]

hyundai accent se, is a better idea in my opinion than this new mazda 2. hyundai comes with 16in rims, sport suspension, short trow shifter, xm radio, sunroof,abs,power windows and locks, 110hp and i cant remember what else.

[@datsunmadman]

I want one

[@dm919]

@twittertwat08 The window sticker on my '99 SL1 shows 29 city/40 hwy...

[@metroperson]

I am getting 34-36 around town....out on the Highway....I am getting 37-39 and on the one road trip I went on ...I averaged 42.75

[@tinleo333]

they are fun ,nice sporty good price cars but they leak oil

[@kuruptzZz]

why not just buy a barely-used mazda3 for the same price? i don't get it...yes it's bigger but you could hardly call it "large"...and also, you could definitely get around the same MPG stats

[@LiLTMac123]

lol all these review shows test the green ones

[@dm919]

@zebzor Woah woah KZbin police-I didn't know I had to get your permission to watch a video! The SL1 is one of 3 cars I own btw.

[@dm919]

@twittertwat08 and yes my car does get better mileage than 28/35-easily.

[@PUREAAMERICAN]

Personally I think this and the fiesta are overpriced, a couple grand more gets you a Jetta, Corolla, Civic. The same money or less gets you a SX4, Versa, Fit, Yaris. Plus Mazda does not hold its value like Honda/Toyota. This car would be a value at 9-12K, remember it was not long ago that kia rio was selling for $5,995 and the new Accent starts under 10K gets 40MPG and 10yr 100K warranty. And for many consumers that is its competition.

[@ge3edy]

WTF! Traction Control on a 1.5l lol

[@davidaubin3902]

We're not going to see the new Mazda2 yet, it's going to be delayed coming to the U.S.

[@OscarMaris]

+David Aubin stupid. we want it now. and change the name back to Demio.

[@rowsdower12]

as you probably know we get the cx-3 instead. pretty much a raised 2. cuvs are selling not sub compact hatches.

[@wowitskevin]

If you want a Mazda 2 in the U.S. now, you'll have to buy a Toyota/Scion iA. It's a rebadged Mazda2 sedan.

[@SpecialK69420]

@dm919 had a 99 saturn sl1 for 7kmiles. bought in 05 used with 40k miles from an old lady who only drove it to work. that car was the biggest pos i've ever had the displeasure to own. looked bad. nothing but problems.

[@PzownedProductions]

@dm919 That's what happens when consumers demand fuel efficiency and 1,000 pounds of extra bullshit like heat cup holders, stomach airbags, and an automatic ass-wiping machine.

[@AdamSPARTAN76]

Fuel economy is not impressive at all considering how small that engine is

[@Blade-Rave]

@jonyjjo another couple of weeks and I'll be owning one of these suckers :D

[@gmracing15]

@dm919 an't saturns great

[@pedrof830]

thanks, that's what I figured, sometimes I wonder who writes this stuff!

[@SUV7777777]

oh and my wife got a honda fit

[@sinclair110]

@gunzkevin you must big JOCKING!!!!!!

[@CarTuner48]

i like the fiesta style better..

[@dm919]

@cujoluv Hahaha Mazda2 looks better? Don't think so...The Mazda looks like a Kia had sex with a Daewoo and this is the result...and I would MUCH rather be in my Saturn in a wreck than the death trap Mazda... And just because you didn't take care of your car doesn't mean they were all bad. My SL-1 is at 129,000 miles and still on the original clutch, engine, and transmission-it doesn't squeak or rattle btw.

[@calgary2800]

The auto is dang slow, the manual make the car a mini sport car.

[@KooPrang]

marrrrrzdarrrrr.... no its mazda..mahzdah

[@SUV7777777]

i never even watch motorweek

[@tinleo333]

the mazda 2 it cost 14.700 the versa starts at 11,000 and is bigger and more powerful versa is the best small car for the money.

[@michaeldillon1027]

I've had both the mazda 2 and the Versa Note both with the manual transmission. The Mazda is the far better car. In fact I think my Note sucks.

[@hugglescake]

Green? Ugh

[@sinclair110]

@sinclair110 you must be JOCKING i'm not!!!

[@sinclair110]

@gunzkevin you must big JOCKING!!!!!! i'm not!!!

[@trevorsanders5303]

Marsder 🙄🙄

[@juanmaperez92]

The fiesta is far better! power, fuel economy, size, interior design.

[@dm919]

Wow-the same 100 HP and less torque than my 10 year old Saturn SL1 but WORSE fuel economy? This is progress?

[@davidjohnson8122]

Dennis Midkiff All that can be improved through mods dummy

[@muhammadilhamilham92]

wtf is saturn😅

[@SUV7777777]

this thing sucks. I test drove one and the visibilityy is horrible!!!!!! i got the toyota yaris 3dr instead! it fun to drive and stylish

[@cotewill99]

The Toyata Yaris is based on the same frame. The visibility is the same

[@SophieRutter]

how is the yaris today ?

[@nismofury]

Why can't they make eco boxes look cool. Why do they all have to look gay. And why can't they make a 2 door coups. Why do they have to be sedans and hatchbacks

[@thiagodrcampbell]

I owned this car. It sucked. Don’t miss it.