Most people probably would describe the Mazda 2 as lively.
For me, it’s simply springy, bouncing up and down on its suspension like some kind of spaniel straining at its leash. It’s pretty much the opposite of the typical Kia, which usually has an overly damped suspension that packs down over a series of bumps.
One goes for liveliness, and the other goes for control. You pays your money and you takes your chances. Of course, the sweet spot is somewhere in the middle, and maybe that’s why the Mazda 2 just leaves me shaken but not stirred.
Obedience training, that’s what the Mazda 2 needs.
Michael Jordan, Executive Editor, Edmunds.com @ 13,385 miles
litewerk says:
03:33 AM, 09/ 8/11
Isn't it possible that where you drive and how you drive is also a big factor? Just thinking that maybe somebody coming from say a 15-year old car with over 200K miles might not notice it as much as someone who's in and out of new cars all the time. It's probably a shorter wheelbase than all of the LT fleet but the Mini and 500, too. It is, after all, not designed to be all things to all people in that it, like most other vehicles, was designed for a certain price point. It's economical rather basic transportation.
ed124c says:
08:16 AM, 09/ 8/11
Well, the only way to determine if the Mazda 2 has decent ride quality is to compare it with its peers-- like the Fiesta, etc.
The 2 is not anywhere near being on my list, because it is just, um... too, um... homely? While the Fiesta and the Hyundais are really good looking cars-- even the Accent. Have to see the Sonic in the flesh to form an opinion about it.
kain77 says:
08:51 AM, 09/ 8/11
I disagree. I find the 2 to be the third best looking car in the subcompact segment, behind the MINI Cooper and Fiat 500. And I really appreciate the thoughtfully laid out interior that straddles functionality and spartanesque.
What makes a hard business case for me is that none of these cars can touch the versatility of the Fit.
firstwagon says:
01:15 PM, 09/ 8/11
I find it interesting how so many really like the looks of the Fiesta but not the Mazda2.
They are based on the same car look like two different spins on the same idea. The Fiesta looks more mature and grown up while the 2 looks more fun and frisky (for lack of a better word).
I like the look of the 2 better myself but choosing between would come down mostly to pricing and how the options are packaged togeather.
Right now I would choose the Mazda but discounts on the Ford could change that.