The Mazda2 is a subcompact hatchback that is powered by a 100-hp, 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine. The standard manual transmission shifted slickly, but the optional four-speed automatic saps some zip. Handling is quite nimble and the ride is tolerable, but the cabin lets in too much road and engine noise. Rear-seat room is relatively good. It is related to the Ford Fiesta, but in exchange for a lower price the Mazda2 gives up some refinement and comfort. Reliability has been above average.
A subscription to ConsumerReports.org includes Consumer Reports road test reports (based on over 50 different tests).
Mazda Blog Content
2014 Subaru Forester is the first small SUV to ace tough new crash test
The redesigned Subaru Forester is the only small SUV out of 13 tested to earn a top score of Good in the new small overlap crash test conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). Both the Forester and...
Safest, least expensive mom-friendly cars
Quality, safety, and value are the top factors for new-car buyers and are certainly not lost on moms looking to buy the right family car. Hitting all these attributes in a vehicle that is also kid friendly can be a...
Talking Cars: Our latest show covers Tesla, small SUVs, and a sideways track tour
Watch our automotive experts chat about new road test results and answer reader questions in the third episode of "Talking Cars with Consumer Reports." This podcast was recorded at our Connecticut Auto Test Center, within our always-busy photo building. Senior...
Best SUVs for third-row seating space
Automakers tout the size of their SUV's third-row seats claiming they are accessible and usable. And while SUVs are pitched as a hipper alternative to the minivan, they still can't rival the big people movers. We took a look at...
Coming soon: A wider variety of diesel-powered cars
Over the years, with Consumer Reports' extensive testing, we've found that diesel engines provide a significant fuel economy advantage, typically reducing consumption by 30 percent over a conventional engine in an equivalent model. We're encouraged, since at the New York...
