"If we can be the craft beer of the car business, bring it on"

[sillyxone]

Reading the article below, I wonder about the group of users/customers on this forum, starting with the two popular ones

- Unobtainium: you have a passion for (sport) cars, and the CX-5 doesn't seem to satisfy your needs, probably the only reason you're sticking with it is compromising its utility and balancing other things in life? But recently you sound like you do enjoy the car a bit more.

- yrwei52: you have voiced quite a few dislikes about the CX-5, will your next car be a Mazda? Not sure of your demographic, but it sounds like you may value comfort/luxury more than handling/driving fun (I mean, if you have to compromise)?

The other active users range from neutral to supportive/fan, but I feel that those with extensive background in cars/mechanic are more neutral (Kedis82ZE8, SayNoToPistons, ALafya, just to name a few ... and including yrwei52). Perhaps you have experienced/seen better options out there, and view Mazda for what they are.

And then, Mazda indicated that its customers tend to stand out from the the crowd/mass, as mentioned in this article or their web site (http://insidemazda.mazdausa.com/who-is-mazda/is-your-car-an-extension-of-your-image/). Is this just a marketing tactic, or does it resonate with some of us (would love to see the neutral vs supportive users)?

I feel that Mazda does stand out from the others (Toyota, Honda, Subaru, Ford, ...), at least in term of their philosophy (driving matters), but so are Porsche, BMW, Audi, Ferrari, ... I guess they're implying the domain mostly be just regular/middle-class buyers?


http://www.thedrive.com/news/6892/mazda-defends-human-drivers-disses-robots-at-the-detroit-auto-show
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Mazda research affirms something we've long suspected, based on voluminous sales of appliances like the Corolla: some 80 percent of American buyers have little or no interest in key Mazda attributes such as styling and performance. But Mazda will be content to chase people for whom driving still matters, to paraphrase the company slogan.

They enjoy driving. They see it as a release or an escape, and not a chore, Davis says. "They're not the lady in the fast lane with a death grip on the wheel."

In that vein, Davis makes an analogy with an industry that's "near-and-dear to [his] heart": Microbrewers, from Californias Stone to Founder's and Bell's, in Michigan. Let the masses drink their Budweiser and other beers that taste exactly the same, Davis says. Mazda buyers are more the discerning type, and there are plenty of them to make a profitable business that can be proud of its superior taste, character, and, well, kick.

If we can be the craft beer of the car business, bring it on, he says.

 

[sillyxone]

Another thought: is Mazda like a poor-guy sport car? Like you'd love/enjoy driving a sporty car, but still have other aspects of life to compromise for (family hauler, daily commute, no extra parking spot, durability/low maintenance, ...). At least that's my impression so far. I've only discovered the joy of driving recently with the CX-5 (used to be Toyota and Honda only), and it's not even a compromise as I don't even lose anything for not picking a RAV4 or a CR-V. However, my family and relatives usually don't see Mazda as I see (they probably couldn't even tell the difference in handling/driving experience between the cars), so that "80%" sounds about right.

 

[Unobtanium]

Reading the article below, I wonder about the group of users/customers on this forum, starting with the two popular ones
I'm flattered, in a way.

- Unobtainium: you have a passion for (sport) cars, and the CX-5 doesn't seem to satisfy your needs, probably the only reason you're sticking with it is compromising its utility and balancing other things in life? But recently you sound like you do enjoy the car a bit more.
No, I find it boring and droll. However, I take pleasure in things that work as designed, and work well for their tasks. My CX-5 is one such thing, and it has been fulfilling the reasons I purchased it VERY WELL. All except for mileage vs. sticker, but that's a minor complaint vs. all that it does "right".

- yrwei52: you have voiced quite a few dislikes about the CX-5, will your next car be a Mazda? Not sure of your demographic, but it sounds like you may value comfort/luxury more than handling/driving fun (I mean, if you have to compromise)?

The other active users range from neutral to supportive/fan, but I feel that those with extensive background in cars/mechanic are more neutral (Kedis82ZE8, SayNoToPistons, ALafya, just to name a few ... and including yrwei52). Perhaps you have experienced/seen better options out there, and view Mazda for what they are.

And then, Mazda indicated that its customers tend to stand out from the the crowd/mass, as mentioned in this article or their web site (http://insidemazda.mazdausa.com/who-is-mazda/is-your-car-an-extension-of-your-image/). Is this just a marketing tactic, or does it resonate with some of us (would love to see the neutral vs supportive users)?
I don't feel that I stand out so much regarding vehicles. I've owned lots of different stuff from 4-door family cars to a Z06.

I feel that Mazda does stand out from the others (Toyota, Honda, Subaru, Ford, ...), at least in term of their philosophy (driving matters), but so are Porsche, BMW, Audi, Ferrari, ... I guess they're implying the domain mostly be just regular/middle-class buyers?


http://www.thedrive.com/news/6892/mazda-defends-human-drivers-disses-robots-at-the-detroit-auto-show
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Just my .02

 

[Unobtanium]

Another thought: is Mazda like a poor-guy sport car? Like you'd love/enjoy driving a sporty car, but still have other aspects of life to compromise for (family hauler, daily commute, no extra parking spot, durability/low maintenance, ...). At least that's my impression so far. I've only discovered the joy of driving recently with the CX-5 (used to be Toyota and Honda only), and it's not even a compromise as I don't even lose anything for not picking a RAV4 or a CR-V. However, my family and relatives usually don't see Mazda as I see (they probably couldn't even tell the difference in handling/driving experience between the cars), so that "80%" sounds about right.

I bought it because it was convenient to buy #1, and #2, because I think it should be AT LEAST as reliable as the CR-V and RAV4, and #3, because 0-60 matters a lot to me in traffic, and it is significantly faster than either without compromising economy, etc.

 

[craigo]

Reading the article below, I wonder about the group of users/customers on this forum, starting with the two popular ones

- Unobtainium: you have a passion for (sport) cars, and the CX-5 doesn't seem to satisfy your needs, probably the only reason you're sticking with it is compromising its utility and balancing other things in life? But recently you sound like you do enjoy the car a bit more.

- yrwei52: you have voiced quite a few dislikes about the CX-5, will your next car be a Mazda? Not sure of your demographic, but it sounds like you may value comfort/luxury more than handling/driving fun (I mean, if you have to compromise)?

The other active users range from neutral to supportive/fan, but I feel that those with extensive background in cars/mechanic are more neutral (Kedis82ZE8, SayNoToPistons, ALafya, just to name a few ... and including yrwei52). Perhaps you have experienced/seen better options out there, and view Mazda for what they are.

And then, Mazda indicated that its customers tend to stand out from the the crowd/mass, as mentioned in this article or their web site (http://insidemazda.mazdausa.com/who-is-mazda/is-your-car-an-extension-of-your-image/). Is this just a marketing tactic, or does it resonate with some of us (would love to see the neutral vs supportive users)?

I feel that Mazda does stand out from the others (Toyota, Honda, Subaru, Ford, ...), at least in term of their philosophy (driving matters), but so are Porsche, BMW, Audi, Ferrari, ... I guess they're implying the domain mostly be just regular/middle-class buyers?


http://www.thedrive.com/news/6892/mazda-defends-human-drivers-disses-robots-at-the-detroit-auto-show
---------------------------------------

My SO drives a 3 and loves it, and she is quite far from being a "car person". She previously drove a turbo Volvo with a sport package and had no idea it even had a turbo until I noticed it like 2 years into our relationship lol. I drove it more after that.

I think if a car handles well and is responsive - and doesn't fall apart - A to B drivers will be quite happy. It helps that the interiors are more upscale than their market point suggests.

 

[minnesotaart]

For me, it's affordable fun utility. Oh, and I love craft beer! (drinks)

 

[RWatters]

I've owned a few Mazdas (Protege5, Mazda3s hatch, two RX-8s, and now a CX-5 GT) and what always brings me back is the feeling I get about two minutes into the first test drive of another Mazda. "Ahh, I'm back in a Mazda." You really can feel their DNA coming out in a car very quickly. They have a spirit about them. For all the finicky issues they have (every single Mazda I've owned I wouldn't consider to be the pinnacle of reliability), I still love them and keep coming back.

It was the same with my parents. They were dead set on a Ford Edge or Ford Explorer until driving the new CX-9. At that point the only vehicle they would accept was a CX-9. When I asked my father why, he said "After experiencing how it drove behind the wheel, Ford didn't exist anymore."

That said, the future is electric and it is self-driving. Saying what he said in the article is fine and all, but Mazda very much needs to get on board with the way things are trending or they might see themselves go the way of many manufacturers who hold strong in their beliefs and don't evolve.

 

[LarryB78]

Another thought: is Mazda like a poor-guy sport car?

100% agree with this notion - for those of us who want something other than the typical cars you see 500 of on the road every day but can't afford the high end luxury cars Mazda provides an excellent alternative to both issues

back when i bought my '09 3 I didn't even consider Mazda at first as I knew little to nothing about them, having test driven Toyota's, Nissan's Honda's etc I couldn't find anything I truly enjoyed driving...after doing a little research I stumbled across the 3 almost by accident & on my test drive my mind was blown by how much more fun it was to drive than anything else in my price range, truly felt like a sports car in somewhat pedestrian clothing (still sharper looking than a civic could ever be though)...8 years later when it came time to move to something larger & more family friendly I automatically gravitated towards mazda again based on the excellent experience i had the first time around and thus i wound up with my current CX-5...I admittedly drove my sister's new Edge and was impressed by it but it just didn't have that same curb appeal or fun to drive feeling the mazda's provde - again, one test drive and the debate was over

I've seen mixed things from others, and I really feel it depends on how much of a driver you are - my wife couldn't give a s*** as long as it starts and gets her from point A to point B, other friends went for the Rogue and love it - personally I thought it was boring as s*** to drive but Nissan seems to be that new safe bet people go for how the Taurus was years ago & then the Camry, and that's absolutely their personality...on the other hand, friends of mine who are more into driving for enjoyment have absolutely loved the mazda's once they gave it a chance - my one buddy was a die hard Honda guy but wanted to move up to an suv from his civic & hated the CRV, finally convinced him to try out mazda & he has thanked me at least once a week since he got his cx-3

all in all like you said most people don't get it or see a difference, they go by what's on the road & in the news, the perceived "safe bet" - for those of us who want more, thankfully there's Mazda

 

[Unobtanium]

I've owned a few Mazdas (Protege5, Mazda3s hatch, two RX-8s, and now a CX-5 GT) and what always brings me back is the feeling I get about two minutes into the first test drive of another Mazda. "Ahh, I'm back in a Mazda." You really can feel their DNA coming out in a car very quickly. They have a spirit about them. For all the finicky issues they have (every single Mazda I've owned I wouldn't consider to be the pinnacle of reliability), I still love them and keep coming back.

It was the same with my parents. They were dead set on a Ford Edge or Ford Explorer until driving the new CX-9. At that point the only vehicle they would accept was a CX-9. When I asked my father why, he said "After experiencing how it drove behind the wheel, Ford didn't exist anymore."

That said, the future is electric and it is self-driving. Saying what he said in the article is fine and all, but Mazda very much needs to get on board with the way things are trending or they might see themselves go the way of many manufacturers who hold strong in their beliefs and don't evolve.

What issues has your CX-5 had? I got the impression they were boringly reliable. Mine has been, aside from environmental issues.

 

[Kaps]

Another thought: is Mazda like a poor-guy sport car? Like you'd love/enjoy driving a sporty car, but still have other aspects of life to compromise for (family hauler, daily commute, no extra parking spot, durability/low maintenance, ...). At least that's my impression so far. I've only discovered the joy of driving recently with the CX-5 (used to be Toyota and Honda only), and it's not even a compromise as I don't even lose anything for not picking a RAV4 or a CR-V. However, my family and relatives usually don't see Mazda as I see (they probably couldn't even tell the difference in handling/driving experience between the cars), so that "80%" sounds about right.

Exactly, Mazda's direct competitors are not Rav4 / CRV - most people who buy these are true value customers, for them the value is the most important factor in car buying / owning - "I only buy cars based on depreciation so I will only own CRV or Forester" - Mazda will not really pull these.
Mazda will have a higher conversion rate when people pull in to test drive their cars more often. in US people select the car first then shop - I was open and test drove the Tucson (handsome car), Rogue etc. and had my research done.
If Mazda gets a Hybrid or EV with 125 mile range over next 5 years and its time to replace my ICE - they will be auto # 1 on my list.

 

[RWatters]

What issues has your CX-5 had? I got the impression they were boringly reliable. Mine has been, aside from environmental issues.

Sorry, I should clarify a bit on that. I just picked up the CX-5 a week or two ago. I meant the previous ones I've owned.

 

[banjos-n-beer]

Don't get me started on beer! Most people drink swill.... and drive boring appliances. It is what it is.

Strange thing is... around here, most of the CX5 drivers are women. Middle-aged and up.

And, just to brag a bit... we have some of the best beer available anywhere... period.

http://www.mainebeercompany.com/how-we-do-whats-right/#beer

(rockon)

 

[piotrek91]

Strange thing is... around here, most of the CX5 drivers are women. Middle-aged and up.

Same thing here.

 

[CX-5um]

If anyone wants to know about Mazda today just drive the new Miata. Its easily the fastest, most dynamic, agile, connected 155hp car you can buy at a dealer. There's a certain feel to driving it. Test driving that car right there brings you at the heart of Mazda DNA. Mazda then injects "some" of that Miata magic into all of its vehicles. That's how I view the rest of the lineup.

 

[Chris_Top_Her]

If anyone wants to know about Mazda today just drive the new Miata. Its easily the fastest, most dynamic, agile, connected 155hp car you can buy at a dealer. There's a certain feel to driving it. Test driving that car right there brings you at the heart of Mazda DNA. Mazda then injects "some" of that Miata magic into all of its vehicles. That's how I view the rest of the lineup.

On that notre you can get a v8 nd miata or put a supercharger/turbo with oem like fitment on it.

 

[ALafya]

I don't buy cars to be different than other people, if this is what you mean by standout. I could not care less if my car is exactly the same as what other people on the road/parking lot have.
I did get the CX-5 because it was best for what I needed at the time of purchase.

Every car is a compromise and none are perfect. For me, the ideal car is an AWD sport wagon, reliable and efficient, with a reasonable price tag. No such car exists, especially in the US.
I did consider Subaru, though I was kept away with their oil consumption issues and general blandness of their products. Impreza was a bit too small, Outback not fun to drive, and because it is raised, offers no real advantage over standard CUV.
As a former and current Honda owner, I also considered the CR-V, but in 2013 it was bland and ugly and due for a new engine / transmission.
I test drove a RAV-4, thought it was good enough, but not as good as the CX-5. There was no competition.

This is the 1st Mazda I ever owned. The 2nd is our 3, which I like very much too, though it is not perfect either.

I am not a brand loyalist. If we were looking for a small car today, I'd probably get the Civic instead of the 3. I try to justify my purchase, this is why I don't get luxury vehicles, because I can't justify it to myself and my wife.

For my next car, we'll see. As long as no good AWD sports wagon is available (VW is not reliable nor efficient; Volvo not reliable, expensive), I may go with the new Impreza (nicer to drive now, but slow), Legacy (sedan) or, again a CUV. If so, new CR-V is very appealing. We'll see if Mazda can pull off an HCCI engine.

 

[Unobtanium]

Don't get me started on beer! Most people drink swill.... and drive boring appliances. It is what it is.

Strange thing is... around here, most of the CX5 drivers are women. Middle-aged and up.

And, just to brag a bit... we have some of the best beer available anywhere... period.

http://www.mainebeercompany.com/how-we-do-whats-right/#beer

(rockon)

I definitely fit that definition. Cheap beer and cheap utilitarian toaster of a cuv. That said, my gun cabinet would literally make some Delta guys jealous (i shoot enough to actually appreciate my gear)and my liqueur preference is better than my beer choices.

I used to be more discerning about what I drove. Used to take it as a personal reflection of myself. Then I trained with a guy who's killed people in more countries than I've visited states. He rolled up in a Honda pilot. I figured if a weak 6 cylinder family suv worked for him (and he recommended an Element to me since I'm single ), then obviously a nice vehicle with image isn't necessarily indicative of a damn thing. It matured me to meet someone I looked up to who was winning at life and had btdt and drove an appliance.

 

[Unobtanium]

I don't buy cars to be different than other people, if this is what you mean by standout. I could not care less if my car is exactly the same as what other people on the road/parking lot have.
I did get the CX-5 because it was best for what I needed at the time of purchase.

Every car is a compromise and none are perfect. For me, the ideal car is an AWD sport wagon, reliable and efficient, with a reasonable price tag. No such car exists, especially in the US.
I did consider Subaru, though I was kept away with their oil consumption issues and general blandness of their products. Impreza was a bit too small, Outback not fun to drive, and because it is raised, offers no real advantage over standard CUV.
As a former and current Honda owner, I also considered the CR-V, but in 2013 it was bland and ugly and due for a new engine / transmission.
I test drove a RAV-4, thought it was good enough, but not as good as the CX-5. There was no competition.

This is the 1st Mazda I ever owned. The 2nd is our 3, which I like very much too, though it is not perfect either.

I am not a brand loyalist. If we were looking for a small car today, I'd probably get the Civic instead of the 3. I try to justify my purchase, this is why I don't get luxury vehicles, because I can't justify it to myself and my wife.

For my next car, we'll see. As long as no good AWD sports wagon is available (VW is not reliable nor efficient; Volvo not reliable, expensive), I may go with the new Impreza (nicer to drive now, but slow), Legacy (sedan) or, again a CUV. If so, new CR-V is very appealing. We'll see if Mazda can pull off an HCCI engine.

I've found a few vehicles that I don't consider a compromise. That said, I want to keep both kidneys and selling neighborhood children across the border is frowned upon.

 

[sillyxone]

I used to be more discerning about what I drove. Used to take it as a personal reflection of myself. Then I trained with a guy who's killed people in more countries than I've visited states. He rolled up in a Honda pilot. I figured if a weak 6 cylinder family suv worked for him (and he recommended an Element to me since I'm single ), then obviously a nice vehicle with image isn't necessarily indicative of a damn thing. It matured me to meet someone I looked up to who was winning at life and had btdt and drove an appliance.

From Mazda website (http://insidemazda.mazdausa.com/who-is-mazda/is-your-car-an-extension-of-your-image/)

Some individuals who have a more secure self-image make a conscious decision to choose a car that make a definite statement: That intelligence trumps a herd mentality, Baldwin said.

A status symbol is not as important to them as knowing theyve done their research and gotten the same or even better level of performance and luxury, without tossing away thousands extra just to be in a club.

In his private practice, Baldwin sees many individuals with a less secure self-image being brand obsessed. He explained that slavish name association is indicative of a decision-making process driven more by fear of societal judgment than the excitement of making an informed choice in the face of societal pressure and convention.

The way I understand the above paragraphs is that Mazda considered themselves as non-brand name, thus, laughing at the "herd" blindly flocking to secure their image with Lexus and the likes.

I think your guy just doesn't care much about driving, and he already had a "secure self-image", and thus any car will work for him as long as it's low maintenance (Lexus and BMW then are the same as Honda and Toyota).

 

[Unobtanium]

From Mazda website (http://insidemazda.mazdausa.com/who-is-mazda/is-your-car-an-extension-of-your-image/)


The way I understand the above paragraphs is that Mazda considered themselves as non-brand name, thus, laughing at the "herd" blindly flocking to secure their image with Lexus and the likes.

I think your guy just doesn't care much about driving, and he already had a "secure self-image", and thus any car will work for him as long as it's low maintenance (Lexus and BMW then are the same as Honda and Toyota).

Which is exactly where I found myself, this car purchase. Driving enjoyment was WAY DOWN on my list, hence my choice.

That said, I wonder if Mazda isn't also creating a few excuses, there...they absolutely cannot compete with Lexus, MB, BMW, etc. in many ways, and insulting people by trying to pigeon hole them as "herd mentality" isn't going to convince anyone otherwise.

That said, I did have a friend who bought a RAV4. I asked her "why not a CX5"? and she said "Is that a Toyota?" "then that's why not."

Her logic was that toyotas have always been stellar for her with great reliability, so why change? I found it very hard to argue against.