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:

• 

  2011 Mazda2 ZOOM! - 2011 Mazda Mazda2
  By P. Vestal - November 26 - 10:00 am

  I LOVE my new 2011 Spirit Green Mazda 2 Touring 5-speed! As a 50+ professional female who was considering the purchase of a Lexus Sedan, I shocked myself by buying the Mazda 2 after I saw one zoom by earlier this month. For me it is somewhat nostalgic as I remember in high school and college driving a hand me down 72 Subaru, a 70 something Ford Fiesta and 79 Mazda 323. I have be a Toyota driver for years: 2 4Runners, 2 Rav4s, and 2 Tundras. My 2007 Toyota Tundra Limited hasnt moved from the driveway since I purchased the Mazda 2! I love cranking up the stereo even though I mostly listen to classical, driving the The Mazda 2 rocks!

• 

  Great Little Car - 2012 Mazda Mazda2
  By jamuraco - November 25 - 9:11 am

  I had been looking at the Mazda2 well before it arrived in the states. Shortly after it arrived, the Chevy Sonic and Kia Rio5 also arrived. After checking out all three vehicles, the Mazda2 blew the competition out of the water. It may not have the biggest engine or most features, but it is most definitely the most fun to drive. While many reviews I read commented on the Mazda2s lack of power, I find it to be more than adequate. I love the driving experience provided by Mazda and am especially pleased to be averaging 30mpg (compared to the 20mpg I got in my old vehicle) and not having to spend nearly as much on gas. It really is a great little car that is definitely worth checking out.

• 

  Great little car - 2012 Mazda Mazda2
  By mhalper - October 3 - 8:14 am

  I traded in a 2008 chevy equinox rthis car is an engineering masterpiece the chevy was crap had a chinese engione used a qt of oil between changes this car uses no oil is quiet solid when you have fooor on brake shift in to D or R no clunk like an american cars engine is quiet everything works perfect thee onloy complaint i thin k it need s a bigger engine 1.8 more power if yiou step on hgas too hard it downshifts easily mikleage is good overall 28 have gotten 42 on highway going 65. The mazdas are 96 percdnt made in japan nthey are well made like toyotas in the early 90s .

• 

  A true Zoom-Zoom - 2011 Mazda Mazda2
  By redkills - August 15 - 2:56 am

  Purchased a M2 just in sept of 2011. I love the handling on the car and yes it may be a bit short on power aka 2 least powered car sold in US market but its light weight and amazing handling makes this the perfect city zipping car. I went with the sport because the touring is a waste of money. you get "extra" stuff you dont really need, plus for those that want to autocross the sport weights less. Id rather add my own aftermarket gear and tuning. such as adding a in dash nav, if you have the touring version adding a in dash nav will make most of your wheel control features useless. lastly, this is a great car for easy upgrading and aftermarket work.

• 

  Excellent Commuter - Fun and Economical - 2011 Mazda Mazda2
  By ljt813 - July 27 - 1:29 pm

  I commute about 100 miles per day. I was looking for an economical yet fun car. I decided on the Mazda 2 w/5sp based on reviews, and past experience with Mazda products. This car is comfortable, is responsive and economical. My commute is 60% highway, 40% local and I have been averaging 38-40mpg. I cant recommend it enough.

• 

  Why cant they sell more of these? - 2011 Mazda Mazda2
  By ksonic - December 26 - 8:40 am

  In the U.S., the 2 must be one of the great automotive secrets. Since buying mine more than a month ago, Ive seen all of one other on the road, and I live in a metro area where subcompacts are common. Its such a great, satisfying car at a low price that its hard to understand why Mazda dealerships cant seem to give them away. The 2 may seem to be just a cheap economy car for those on budget, but I beg to differ. As a fan of Euro-style small, quick hatches (last car was a Ford SVT Focus), I had to give the 2 a try. Its amazingly fun to drive. Its not fast in a straight line, but its quick enough. And the features, fuel mileage, and practicality make it a great all-arounder.

• 

  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.

• 

  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.

• 

  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.

• 

  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