Anyone here drive a Mazda 2?

[JEBB]

They seem pretty nice, simple and get good mileage. Opinions?

[kap]

That is a question for our rgG

[Grateful11]

I think Mazda makes some great looking vehicles but what's with the "big smile" on all the grills?

[artie67]

Here's some info on the Japanese version. http://www.insideline.com/mazda/2/mazda-...japan.html

[deckeda]

See also the new Ford Fiesta. Same platform but a little bit different market focus.

[SteveO]

Car and Driver has written some on the topic. IIRC, their basic conclusion was the 2 has a little more spirit/handling baked in, but both seemed pretty equal and well-received overall. I've had my eye on that Fiesta about a year now. New Focus wagon will be pretty sweet, too. Haven't seen any of those on the road yet, I wonder when they are coming out.

[ztirffritz]

The Fiesta has received really good reviews recently.

[dad@home]

The Fiesta is essentially similar to the Mazda 2. It is made in North America (Mexico I think) but gets significantly better mileage. Ford's Direct Injection 4 cylinder is a nice engine.
I have the same one in the 2012 Focus Hatch I just bought.
BTW the Focus gets the same gas mileage as the Fiesta and has more back seat and trunk room.

dad

[Mac1337]

The last Focus I rented had horrendous road noise. Make sure you drive them at highway speeds.

[dad@home]

Dakota wrote:
The last Focus I rented had horrendous road noise. Make sure you drive them at highway speeds.

Yes.... test drive it. The 2012 is completely different than the 2011 (which would be what you rented). It's very refined and fun to drive.

dad