Recent content by staryoshi

That's the pot calling the kettle black. The CX-5's trip computer is more optimistic than any of its competitors from my experience (and those of at reviewer or two). I have yet to see a trip computer from any model over-promise by 15-20%. The worst I've seen is an output that's about +2 MPG...

It would be neat if this spurred manufacturers to tweak the designs such that they are up to snuff. On a related note, I'd like to see driver's knee airbags standard in the class :) The new Forester built on its cornerstone of stellar safety ratings, at least :D

Car reviewers see the word "CVT" and jump on the hate bandwagon more often than not. If you purchase the XT, you can stay out of boost and still maintain a reasonable speed in town when the need for acceleration is not great Balanced drivers should see the EPA estimates without too much fuss...

The motortrend article has some specification errors. I know the specs of everything in the class too well... Not a bad writeup, though. Also, I'm noticing a lot of misinformation in how sites present some of the information, too. EG they'll show the best fuel economy figures for one model and...

I've been able to easily surpass the EPA estimates in the 2.5L Forester, 2.0L XT Forester, and 2/2.5L CX-5 during extended test drives. If you're able to keep your foot out of the pedal, all of them will spank the EPA estimates. If it's between the 2.5L Forester and 2.0L CX-5 - The Forester...

Mazda rushed it out the door with the 2.0L to stake their claim of "most fuel efficient yada-yada" and collect a model year's worth of sales until the 2.5L was ready to go IMO. (It was a good chance to test the waters, too) Anywhere but flat, low elevation areas this upgrade was desperately...

I understand all too well how it feels to lose someone that close due to the error of another driver... You have my sincere condolences as well. It's great to hear that Mazda is doing their part to ensure that you're satisfied with your new vehicle. Best of luck and I hope that the new one...

I guessed the weight with the 2.5L would come in around 3,526lb, so I was pretty close! :) (For use in weight to power calcs). I'm quite glad that I waited, as the 2.0L pushing 3,426lbs was just not doable up here in Colorado. I love that the 2.5L engine hits its peak torque around 3,250 RPM...

They are very direct competitors after the Forester's redesign. There's not much I like about the '13 Forester and older, inside and out, as far as I'm concerned. The '14 is a whole new ballgame :) It's between the '14 Forester and the 2.5L CX-5 for me, with a leaning toward the Forester (I'm...

Pre-orders aren't available yet. This offer was available when the Impreza and Crosstrek were released, so I'm assuming (and hoping) that it will be available again. One has to put down a (I believe refundable) deposit, though. Likely $500. I don't know if it's specific to my dealerships out...

It would be nice if Mazda had a pre-order program like Subaru does so I could configure the '14 2.5L CX-5 to my exact liking, get it ASAP, and save money in the process. It's looking like I'll just wait for the new Forester at this point since I get invoice price on the car and accessories by...

Spotted the illusive CX-5 in the wild. Nearly all of the ones I've seen out here have been GTs (I prefer the Touring, myself). I think that the red zeal mica is my 2nd favorite color behind metropolitan grey. If only Mazda brought the dolphin grey mica to the CX-5... I love that color.

I've seen maybe 3-4 CX-5s floating around in my city of 120k since they launched. They look great, of course. Perhaps the 2.5L option will entice me to join their ranks! :)

It also has larger brakes and a beefier radiator so it gains a 1,500lb tow rating. I think the fuel economy penalty is worthwhile for the aesthetic improvements, tall stance, improved winter performance, and light off-road capability. It's slightly less underpowered than the 2.0L CX-5, carrying...

Subaru's current generation appeals to me - and I think that the Crosstrek is one of the best looking cars I've seen in the segment. I find most of the Subies from prior generations to be pretty barfy on the whole, though. I do love the styling on the CX-5, as well. I'm new to both brands, so...