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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  Great Little Car - 2011 Mazda Mazda2
  By Robert - May 11 - 3:20 pm

  The Mazda2 really is a great little car. I traded in my Jeep Commander and am loving every minute in my Mazda. It handles like a go-kart around corners and acceleration is fine for a car in this segment. I really like the feel of the electronic power steering, but the throttle progression of the gas pedal is a little odd. The quality, fit and finish, and standard features cant be beat! I would recommend this car to anyone looking for a small car, and I prefer it over the Yaris, Fit, and Versa any day. My dad put 250,000 miles on his 1981 Mazda GLC, and I hope the same from my Mazda2.

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  Nice little car to drive - 2011 Mazda Mazda2
  By Bob - January 15 - 10:00 am

  If youre looking for a small car with zip and fuel efficiency, this just might be your car. The interior and exterior design is simple in a good way - minimalist is the word Id choose. The car had all of the creature comforts I wanted without any that I didnt need. If your commute is short and you need a car that doesnt need frequent fill-ups, get a Mazda2.

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  Zoom-Zoom, little go-cart - 2011 Mazda Mazda2
  By kertruss - December 21 - 9:13 pm

  This car is excellent in every area!! It gets awesome gas mileage and is so much fun to drive. All of the reviews are right! I had been looking for a car for about 5 months and was real tired of it. I was at the volkswagen dealership and my mom saw it. I fell in love and now its the best car Ive ever owned. I hope to have it for many years. The interior is very suitable and I love how easy it is to clean and so comfortable!! I would buy it all over again.

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  Happy with M2 - 2011 Mazda Mazda2
  By rjfinva - December 7 - 1:13 pm

  Dont know what people expect. If you are looking for a high end expensive sports car, shop on! With the 5 speed, this car has more than enough get up and go, and is a blast to drive. First gear could be a little taller. Seats are frim but nit uncomfortable. It handles like a go cart, and rides like one too, thats the cars design! It holds the road like glue, but picks up all the bumps. I live in Hampton Roads, VA, mostly highway driving, and with premium gas (which I recommend for performance) I average 38 mpg if I drive conservatively. Get a K&N air filter for the performance tweak, its worth the money and the filter saves $$ in the long run as it is washable.

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  Fun Hatch - 2011 Mazda Mazda2
  By Car Guy - October 22 - 10:00 am

  At first I didnt like the goofy face of this car, but after test driving one yesterday I loved almost everything about the car. The bright green color attracts a lot of attention (yellow cobalt stood out less than this car). Acceleration is adequate for a car of this size and weight. The clutch is very light and will take time getting use to. The steering is sharp and adds to the "go-kart" feel. I would love to see the MazdaSpeed version of this car if/when it comes out. Price is cheaper than the fiesta but, it feels more spacious and with the touring package (I think) you get more bang for your buck. Youre only losing out on SYNC and SAT radio. Gas mileage is outstanding.

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  Shhh...dont tell anyone why you REALLY bought it. - 2013 Mazda Mazda2
  By troyohchatter - September 16 - 3:06 pm

  $14K out the door (I got a deal!), no options, no infotainment to speak of; just a small Japanese hatchback. Basic transportation. And for that purpose, in and of itself, it was well worth the money to buy. But its so much more. Its like driving a go-cart to work every day. The steering is spot on, brakes are fantastic, and the handling overall is unbelievable. The seats are sporty and comfortable and the ergonomics are the best I have seen in a long time. Furthermore, no options still means you get keyless entry, windows, locks, and an iPod/MP3 capable sound system. Just an overall good car.

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  This is a great car! - 2011 Mazda Mazda2
  By Hamilton - September 9 - 10:00 am

  Its easy to drive in rush hour DC metro traffic. Its quick, not that itll beat a high HP car, but fun quick. The shifter is a joy, it took a while to get used to the light gas, brake, and clutch pedals though. MPG on 1st tank was 34, 42 on the 2nd, and 38 on the 3rd. Bought the car in black, which makes it look so much better than that the green like color. Cargo space with the seats up handle about a week worth of groceries. Fold the seats down and Costco here I come! Ride is nice, not too soft, not too hard, its just right. I dont carry more than one passenger when I drive so passenger room isnt a problem. Fiesta has more feature but the 2 has more fun.

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  Best handling subcompact hatchback out there - 2011 Mazda Mazda2
  By carboloader - August 3 - 5:08 pm

  Exactly what I planned on buying. The 2 handles great. It is best on curvy roads. I put a K&N air filter in it and it helped the acceleration. I drive 90% highway driving and I am averaging 40 mpg. That is with 3k miles on it. It is not a perfect car; however, I think that it is the best handling subcompact hatchback sold today. I test drove both auto and manual an the manual is the most fun to drive. I test drove other cars, but this car handles better than the other subcompacts that I drove. This car has the zoom zoom handling Mazda is famous for. At least test drive one before you buy another subcompact. I would buy this car again.

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  Excellent and FUN little car - 2011 Mazda Mazda2
  By s1652 - June 9 - 2:00 am

  I purchased this car in August after holding off all summer to make a new car purchase specifically so I could test drive it before making any decisions. I am so glad I did. I had test driven the Fiesta and was not as blown away as I expected after all the hype, and had looked closely at the Yaris as well. This car is fun to drive! The more I drive it the more I love it. I have driven more in the past 3 months than in the 6 months previous with my old car. If you do a lot of your driving in the city as I do it is perfect for navigating tight side streets, making quick turns and edging through traffic. It does just fine on the highway. I have found the 100 hp to be sufficient.

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  Automatic transmission is terrible - 2011 Mazda Mazda2
  By grayliner - October 30 - 8:04 am

  The car is great, but NOT with an automatic tranny. I would have bought the stick but my wife cant drive a stick. I miss my Echo, that was the best car Ive ever owned. The ride is fine. But getting out into traffic is dangerous. The acceleration is very laggy. Theres a delay. Going around corners is sketchy because throttle control is a guessing game. You step on the gas and its a crapshoot whats going to happen. Theres no gradual acceleration, it hits - reminiscent of a 2-stroke dirtbike. The cruise control buttons are my least favorite of all the types Ive had. The fuel economy is not what Id expect from a tiny car. The driver seat is all the way back and Im 58".