Overview & Reviews

As one of the newer subcompact models to enter the market, the Mazda 2 four-door hatchback is an effort to capitalize on two intersecting developments. First is the increasing importance of fuel economy to both automakers and car buyers. The second is a new sense of frugality in America, which expresses the idea that it's foolish to drive around in far more car than you actually need.

The Mazda 2 addresses both of these realities head-on and throws in a bit of sportiness for good measure. But the subcompact segment has become very competitive lately, with rivals offering more passenger and cargo space along with the availability of more luxury features and performance. If you're looking for an inexpensive set of wheels that'll get you where you need to go without being a complete snooze to drive, the Mazda 2 is worth a look. But overall, a competing model from Chevrolet, Honda or Kia will likely be a better choice.

Current Mazda 2
The Mazda 2 is a subcompact four-door hatchback powered by a 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine that puts out 100 horsepower and 98 pound-feet of torque. A five-speed manual transmission is standard, while a four-speed automatic is an option.

The Mazda 2 is offered in two trims. The entry-level Sport comes with keyless entry, air-conditioning, full power accessories and a four-speaker CD/MP3 stereo with USB and auxiliary audio jacks. Stepping up to the Touring gets you more goodies such as alloy wheels, foglights, a leather-wrapped wheel, cruise control and a six-speaker stereo.

From a design perspective, the Mazda 2's cabin is modern but simple, with no elements to fawn over or bemoan. Hard plastics are plentiful, but that is to be expected. The front seats are relatively comfortable and offer enough room for taller adults, though the lack of a telescoping steering wheel is a notable omission. Also disappointing are the rear seats, which are unsupportive and cramped. With those rear seats in place, cargo capacity is 13.3 cubic feet, which is small for a hatchback. With the 60/40-split seats folded (they don't fold completely flat), that figure goes up to a still small 27.8 cubes.

In Edmunds testing, we found the Mazda 2's 100-hp four-cylinder engine left the car feeling underpowered, especially when paired with the four-speed automatic transmission. Moreover, the small engine only offers average fuel economy numbers for the class. However, with the five-speed manual gearbox, the car's precise steering and its well-tuned suspension deliver both nimble handling and decent ride quality, which makes up somewhat for the engine's shortcomings.

Used Mazda 2 Models
The Mazda 2 debuted for 2011. It hasn't changed mechanically since its introduction, but optional equipment has been updated a bit. Prior to 2014, Bluetooth and navigation were not available, even on the higher trim levels. The 2011 and '12 cars also lacked a USB input for the sound system (they only had an auxiliary input).

User Reviews:

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  Ive waited two years - 2011 Mazda Mazda2
  By gwendoline - April 15 - 9:54 pm

  I drove a 2002 Protege5 for nine years, the longest ever for one car. I enjoyed it. It still looked good, but I was bored, so bought the 2011 Mazda 2 hatchback. Not good, Too light, skips all over the road, trunk and back seat, too small. The economy is awful, but I would like to trade the car before it begins to have trouble. Ive only 12K miles, have driven two, less than 1000 mile each round trips. Taking a 800 mile round trip in two weeks. Highway mpg sucks. How can a good, 2002, go to a poor, 2011, like that? Angry

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  fantastic choice - 2011 Mazda Mazda2
  By bridgetshaw - September 9 - 2:32 pm

  I bought this car on a whim. I was at a Mazda dealership with a friend to get their car washed, looked around the lot, and ended up buying this wonderful car after four hours and two test drives. I had a 2000 Toyota Camry before this one and I loved my Camry so very much. I wanted a new one, but with Toyotas recalls I wasnt sure. After I test drove this car and realized what a good deal it was for the mpg and price and everything I was set. Im a delivery driver so this car gets its use in, Im already over 2000 miles having bought it the end of June. It is very fun to drive, great space in the car for being so tiny, roomy trunk, and it is pretty quick for such a small engine.

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  Drove one in Australia - 2011 Mazda Mazda2
  By segesta - May 8 - 11:53 pm

  In May 2010 I visited family in Sydney and drove the Mazda 2. Right hand drive aside, it was a fun car, roomy, even fit my big international-traveler suitcase in the back. Seemed well built, the doors thunked nicely. Theyve had no reliability problems with it.

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  Good solid little car - 2012 Mazda Mazda2
  By eptx3 - April 19 - 7:21 am

  I got to drive one of these recently and it made me think about this car over the one I actually bought. Being on a tight budget I bought a 2012 Ford Focus, but I never thought about looking at the Mazda 2. I have driven Toyotas Yaris 4-door and it had a noisy ride and a hard feel on the road. The Mazda 2 had a quiet, solid feel inside with lots of space for a six-foot tall driver. The doors closed with a solid thunk. The Mazda 2 was smooth and fast. The Edmunds review here says that the automatic transmission was not adequate. I thought it was. I hit the pedal hard to get it into passing gear and this car was fast. 100hp was very adequate in my opinion. Smooth and fast acceleration.

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  So Far So Great! - 2012 Mazda Mazda2
  By rikdea - January 22 - 6:17 pm

  I just got this car used, with 39000 miles on it and the engine fires right up and doesnt miss a beat. Im loving the gas mileage. I had a small SUV before I bought this car, and this little Mazda has cut my gas bill in half! Its surprisingly zippy and fun to drive. I agree with the other drivers here, that its not sluggish at all. Even with the a/c or heater running, when I step on the gas, it responds, and I have no trouble getting on the highway. Park it anywhere. Comfy interior. Plenty of room for a tall person up front, not as much leg room in back, but thats not something Im concerned about.

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  My trusty "Mazda 2" friend - 2011 Mazda Mazda2
  By lboylesusa - January 18 - 10:00 am

  Having owned 3 Mazdas I purchased the Mazda 2 HB Automatic just weeks ago for commuting highway and city. So far this vehicle matches in quality or exceeds my former Mazdas. The room is outstanding for this 6commuter...my legs will extend fully, ample head room. The seat exceeds its sister Fiesta, thicker, deeper, more supportive. The body is firm with 5 solid closing doors. Engine response is fast and nimble, with excellent suspension. Automatic is smooth shifting up or down. MY FUEL MILEAGE IS 37.8 MPG CITY/HIGHWAY... above the sticker rating!!! This is a ZOOM vehicle, priced well. Style, fit, finish is outstanding. It would be a mistake not to purchase this vehicle if undecided. lb

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  Just what I needed - 2011 Mazda Mazda2
  By mamom1 - October 11 - 6:55 pm

  Just bought the 2011 Mazda2 to replace my slowly dying 1999 Nissan Maxima. It is awesome. The savings on gas is unbelievable. I drive mainly around town (work commute is under 4 miles on surface streets) and it handles beautifully. Contrary to the "pro" reviews, I dont find the engine noise loud and the acceleration is fine. This car has everything I had in my Maxima with the exception of cruise control (I wasnt interested in paying extra $ for fog lights, cruise control, and red seat piping on the Touring edition). Oh, and did I mention, my 16 year old thinks it is awesome!

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  First one in South Florida - 2011 Mazda Mazda2
  By DJ - March 15 - 11:20 pm

  I just purchased the car tonight at a dealer that just to delivery of them on Saturday. I purchased it for my wife, she loves the look and color. We bought the green one. It is so sporty and nimble she loves to drive it and I love the way it makes her feel. So far so good. I would recommend the car to anyone who just wants to have fun while you drive. It puts a smile on our faces.

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  This is a great car! - 2011 Mazda Mazda2
  By Hamilton - February 5 - 10:00 am

  I bought this car on Sept 3. I first saw this car in Hong Kong in 08 and wanted it ever since. Ive driven the 11 Fiesta but preferred the feel of the 2. Although it has only 100HP, its not a concern when you drive it. Driving position took about 50 miles to perfect but now its set it stone. The Fiesta and 2 are very similar in size, inside and out. The interior controls are different, the 2s radio controls are easy to use, I like simplicity. The Fiestas radio has a learning curve, not very user-friendly, one needs SYNC to use it. *Extra $595 to get SYNC* Overall, great car for anyone looking great ride at a great price.

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  2 Times the Fun, 1/2 The Cost - 2011 Mazda Mazda2
  By armrobc - October 4 - 5:13 pm

  After doing a considerable amount of research on a variety of small cars, I settled on a Mazda2 for a variety of reasons. Chiefly, the styling, fuel efficacy and cost; while not truly being great in any one category, the Mazda2 is very good in many. Many of the reviews and comments I read referred to the 2’s small, 100 hp engine and “slow” starts off the line. Frankly, it is a bit slow; however, if I had wanted a spirited performer, I would have bought a VW GTI. With gasoline prices increasing, the need for a reliable and gas efficient vehicle more than eclipsed my need to go from 0 to 60 in five seconds.