Feedback from Mazda2 owners

[lgerkin]

I'm considering purchasing a 2011 Mazda2 and would love some feedback regarding reliability. I'm trading in a Pontiac Vibe AWD and I live in Pittsburgh, PA where we get a good deal of snow, so I have concerns about how it performs in the snow. FYI, I'm also considering a Kia Rio or Toyota Yaris. Would look at a Honda Fit but it's really not in my budget. Thanks for any feedback!

 

[flatlander937]

With snow tires: awesome.

And very reliable overall.


The Vibe/Matrix is also a very reliable car in my experience.


Only problem I've seen come through my work place(I'm a tech at a HUGE used car dealer) on a 2 was a leaking oil pan gasket and a window switch started sticking... And I'm pretty sure the customer spilled something inside it. The oil pan gasket is dead simple to replace(which is actually RTV IIRC).

 

[lgerkin]

I bought the Vibe used a couple of years ago and didn't realize it had been in an accident (my fault for not asking for service records...) so unfortunately, it has been in the shop more often than not. Anyway, I'd like something that gets better gas mileage and I love what I've read about the Mazda2. Thanks for the feedback.

Lea Ann

 

[jasyatz]

I've gone through a horn and a radio. Horn was frozen solid due to weather and the moisture never drained out of it so when it got cold, it didn't work. Radio started flashing just recently and was told it's an internat fault and will be replaced when it warms up (So the interior plastic doesn't get split taking it apart).

 

[deadlydave]

I've had my '2 for 18 months in upstate NY and it's been completely reliable, even though it was sold to me with a dead battery. The snow tires I have in the front make it virtually unstoppable.

FYI, I'm also considering a Kia Rio or Toyota Yaris. Would look at a Honda Fit but it's really not in my budget.

The Rio and Yaris are cheap cars. The Mazda is an inexpensive car. There is a difference. I drove a used 2011 CPO Fit back to back with my 2, and it was a tough choice. The mazda was slightly more fun, agile, better on gas, and felt like it did more with it's modest engine. The Fit was more versatile and roomier. Honestly, if I knew I was going to get back into lacrosse, I probably would've gotten the Fit...my 6 foot defensive stick doesn't really fit in the 2.

 

[daedalus_zero]

I've only owned my 2014 since November, so I can't comment on long-term reliability beyond what I've read. However, I have yet to hear about a major problem with these cars, even the older ones.

What I can tell you is to not even bother with a Rio or Yaris. As deadlydave said, there's a difference between cheap and inexpensive cars, and those two are cheap garbage. The Fit is the only close competition for the 2 in the segment, if you ask me. I was personally not interested in one because they're considerably overpriced by comparison and not any better of a car than the 2. The looks don't really do it for me, either. Being a loyal Mazda enthusiast, the 2 was really a no-brainer. It's got everything you need and nothing you don't want.

Seeing as how the Fit is out of your budget anyway, the 2 is a smart choice.

 

[utmorpheus]

The Rio is useless in the snow. The traction "assist" COMPLETELY cuts throttle when it detects wheelspin. Which is awesome when you're trying to turn into traffic, get out of an intersection, or just drive like normal. It's the biggest deathtrap I've driven since the 86 Escort I bought in 2003 for $25, and the Rio was new off the lot. The Yaris is crap. The old generation was a decent car if you weren't expecting much, but the new one takes cheap almost to the Kia level. Stick with a 2 or Fiesta.

 

[djsyndrome]

I went from a Matrix to the Mazda 2. My Matrix ('03 XRS) gave me 250k miles of almost completely trouble-free motoring. The Mazda 2 ('12 Sport 5-speed) is three years old and has almost 40k on it, and haven't had a single issue yet.

When I bought the 2 I drove all of its competitors, and the only one that drove as well was the Fit, which was supply constrained and much more expensive at the time.

 

[rhe]

I have owned my Mazda2 for 3.5 years (bought it new August 2011) and it has performed flawlessly in Toronto, Canada with snow tires. Highly recommended. (hi)

 

[jackobelle]

I haven't had any problems with mine at all except for fitting in baby gear (car seat, stroller). It's great with snow tires too.

 

[Joker2]

4yo 2011, >61,000 miles NY winters with winter tires commuter, no issues at all. Good little car with decent storage. Handles good. Finished 2 TSD rallies without problems. About a dozen autocross events and 2 track days. This car is my foul weather Miata substitute for fun. AC is a bit undersize so don't get a black one if in very hot climates, problem with most new designs not just Mazda.

 

[Rdrcr]

AC is a bit undersize so don't get a black one if in very hot climates

Agreed.

Mike