I have this car with the automatic. The fun factor really isn't reduced as much as he says it is. It's still got half decent acceleration and surprisingly has plenty of ample passing power, and it's a blast to throw into the bends. The little bit more fun the manual may be is negated by the fact that I sit in rush hour traffic 5 days per week. The automatic solves that problem. As for fuel economy, it doesn't do so well in the city, but when I take it on the highway I see around 37-38 MPG. well above the listed 34 for the automatic.
omg i waaaant! I'm saving right now. I just wish it was a hair bigger (the 3s don't appeal to me as much). The lack of tech is actually a bonus to me! Less crap to go wrong! I really hope I can get some kind of mazda with a stick shift. preferably a mazda 2, from 2010-2013, in green!
I've had one of these (2014) as a business rental for 2 days now...I have 2 1/2 more weeks to go, but here's a few comments. So far: Impressed with the relative quietness of the ride. I've been at 65-70mph and not realized I was going that fast. The acceleration isn't great, but it's good enough. It seems to get good gas mileage though I didn't think to write down my mileage for this first tank to see. It handles well, and doesn't feel unsafe at all. Compaints: It's a small car, I'm pushing 6'1", 265lbs. The ceiling clearance over my head is about 1", which isn't the worst thing in the world, but a little too close for my liking. My other complaint is that gear shifter/stack on the middle console area is too close. My right leg is pressed up hard against it, and after about 45 minutes of driving it gets really uncomfortable. I'm just a little long legged for this vehicle. Which makes me a little sad cause I kind of wanted to check out the Fiesta, but since they're basically the same frame, I figure I'll have similar issues with it.
Glad to hear! Do you still own it ? Only looking for a manual . Could you tell me things to look for maintenance wise when picking one up. Or things you love or hate about the car .
Just bought one today, and I saw your review tonight! Thanks for providing a key glimpse into this car. I enjoyed your comments while driving because it highlighted the concepts you explained.
I have this car with the automatic. The fun factor really isn't reduced as much as he says it is. It's still got half decent acceleration and surprisingly has plenty of ample passing power, and it's a blast to throw into the bends. The little bit more fun the manual may be is negated by the fact that I sit in rush hour traffic 5 days per week. The automatic solves that problem. As for fuel economy, it doesn't do so well in the city, but when I take it on the highway I see around 37-38 MPG. well above the listed 34 for the automatic. Despite that tho, It's a great little car to have in the city. You can park it anywhere, It's fairly cheap to insure, and I can fill up from a quarter tank for under 20 bucks.
Haha, many dealers personal has not idea what they are selling. Same here, I went to a Honda dealer, and I asked for an Accord manual. the sales man told me "it comes with a 6 auto with manual mode". So I told him, "That is not a manual, I want a car that comes with a clutch". Then he was in silence.
I ended up buying a '13 Honda Fit Sport but sometimes I do wish I went with the Mazda 2 Touring. I like the 2's seats better, the price is lower and the clutch is a little less vague as well. But I was sold on the Fit's practicality and real-world fuel economy; even with a Thule roof rack on top and a fairly heavy right foot, I average almost 38mpg. Neither car is a bad choice. As others have said, they are both at the top of the class.
Looks like a nice daily driver that you can have some fun with. Manual transmission option, light weight, simple and bare bones, good MPG. Exterior design looks smooth. It's only 2,306 pounds! I wonder what it feels like to drive such a light car even if the engine is so underpowered. It would be nice if it was RWD even if it's just an economy car. I wonder what its weight distribution. Maybe it could have been today's Toyota AE86 if it was RWD lol.
Anything this small is fuel efficient, and the Mazda2 doesn't feel like a penalty box when I'm driving it. When I push the Mazda2, it rewards me. When I push a Ford Fiesta, it complains and resists. Honda Fits are probably the best subcompacts, and just as fun to drive as the 2, but they're also a $3000 premium over the Mazda.
Fits are "boring" because they're common; and are also the #1 seller in the segment. Watch Autobytel's review on the fit. It's the benchmark of the subcompacts. And how're you driving your car to get 38.8 mpg mixed when the mazda 2 has a highway rating of 35? Both honda and mazda arguebly make the best shifters in the affordadle market.
This tiny thing does not have big hauling space. Others have bigger and longer space in the bag. Mazda made it for those who like to drive on fun side. It's the smallest even in subcompact
Even the reviewer said but the fit if your boring....I drove both and bought the 2, it was way more fun to drive, handled better, crisper shifter, and it got 38.8 mpg average in mixed driving. Reviewers always seem to love the common Hondas but for me the 2 was better.
I hope too the GT2 has 3 pedals, but also I agree you probably will not, look the new Turbo, only with PDK. Well partially, many people are compromised with ecology & fuel performance, but lets take an example, the pick up trucks, definitely will get a better MPG with a manual but almost all has an automatic.
When it was cheaper I get the 5sp. manual, but now that Mazda upped the pricing, I expect more i.e. 6sp manual (also would get the epa hwy numbers higher), and agree that more features in the IP/dash would be great. Too much competition at the higher levels of pricing. Love the car though.
This Mazda 2 is great as second family car mainly for commuting to and from work. As much I like compact cars this one is just too small, that's why Jeff wasn't even gonna try the back seats, and the cargo area is tight as well.
Well, good thing I don't need one this year, although finding one when my current company car is due will probably be more difficult....Results below when searching cert used M2s. "0 RESULTS FOUND We're sorry, we could not find any Mazda2 vehicles within 250 miles of 117xx"
Yes, but I really prefer a manual instead of a auto. It gives more pleasure to drive. I think that the only auto's advantage is in the traffic, more comfort to drive under this condition. I expect to drive someday the Porsche's 7 manual.
STOP SAYING IT GETS "POOR FUEL ECONOMY IN COMPARISON TO HONDA" ! HOLY SHIT THAT PISSES ME OFF. it's a 1.5 liter engine man it's impossible for it NOT to be fuel efficient. it even beats the epa estimates, thats why he rated it at 32/38 on the video..
This car is stylish and fun to drive. Problem is it's rather pricey and achieves poor fuel economy against the competition. Add in its tinier size making it less practical as a hatchback, and I'm left wondering what the point is of this car.
eh.... for 17,000 i can get into a new fit sport 5mt with more power room, and a little more sportier styling and better quality inside and out. i just wish honda made the nav an option on the manual
My opinion about the growing automatics transmission is because people are getting more & more lazy. 10 years ago you could find many options with a manual, now look for example the Porsche GT3, the purest 911, it only comes with a PDK, that is a real shame. Now the Viper only comes with a six speed manual, wonderful!! The new Corvette with a 7 speed manual, what a great idea.
Sorry I drove the Fit, it was ugly and boring. I drove the Mazda 2 and owned it, I did beat the MPG on the sticker once it was broken in...Im a very good driver and the 2 was fun fun fun! Best shifter period!
This car in automatic is horrible though I think. I have no idea why but it felt so laggy to me. It also didn't handle bumps as well as I thought it would. I ended up with a Yaris. I really felt the reliability on that car. It felt taller and more like a full car.
I have this car , does anyone else have problems getting up big hills? I could be flooring it and still only be doing 20 if that , so I avoid big hills because of this :/ I love the car though, I have the touring addition in green
