Mazda

2012 Mazda Mazda3: Functional, versatile, handsome

The 2012 Mazda Mazda3 has been the most popular car in the Mazda fleet for several years. Consumers love the sportiness, versatility and value, but many bemoan the 3’s less than chic fuel efficiency. By the 2016 model year, cars are expected to average 39 mpg and trucks are expected to get an average of 30 mpg. Mazda decided the best way to meet government standards, while maintaining their trademark “Zoom-Zoom” experience, is improve its existing technologies with SKYACTIV. There’s confusion over what SKYACTIV actually is; It’s not a single piece of technology but a complete set of technologies and improvements that come together to achieve, according to Mazda, “an exciting, sustainable future for cars, people and the Earth.” In

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Mazda3, 2012: European styling, lower price, versatility

A car that combines flair with practicality has a good chance of being popular. The Mazda3 has long had European flair and is by far the automaker's best seller in America — thanks to a clever combination of sportiness and practicality. The compact, front-drive Mazda3 comes as a four-door sedan or four-door hatchback in SV, Sport, Touring, Grand Touring and Mazdaspeed trim levels. List prices range from $15,200 for the base sedan to $24,000 for the hot rod Mazdaspeed3. Japan’s Mazda has been selling cars in volume here since the early 1970s, making Americans aware for the first time of the unique rotary engine, which initially powered its cars. But the automaker isn’t on lots of shopping lists. To partly

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Subaru tops best 2012 all-wheel drive cars

Inclement weather isn't often good for cars or vehicle occupants. Which is one main reason all-wheel drive cars – Hyundai to Subaru, Ford to Mazda — are increasingly popular. As the winter season approaches, Kiplinger.com has compiled a list of 10-top recommended all-wheel drive cars that offer "a shoveful of value" as well as vehicles that rank well in resale value, fuel economy and safety. Subaru, the only manufacturer whose entire lineup has all-wheel drive, has two cars on the all-wheel drive list including the top choice, the 2012 Subaru Impreza 2.0i Premium hatchback. Here's what Kiplinger's wrote in part about the Imprezza: "The Impreza is one of the least expensive all-wheel-drive vehicles on the market. Redesigned for 2012 to

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World debuts for Mazda, Ford, Honda at LA Auto Show

World debuts of 20 cars from Chevrolet to Honda and more than 30 North American auto unveilings will comprise a chunky dose of the anticipated start November 16 of the Los Angeles Auto Show. In addition to the 1,000 new vehicles on display at the Los Angeles Convention Center, several manufacturers have upgraded exhibit spaces and added enhanced features with more interactive content and experiences. There will also be more than a half-dozen test drives that put consumers in the seats and on the streets in some new vehicles on select days. Notable this year will be a significant increase in fuel efficiency across the board in all categories. Nearly 20 highly-efficient, 40-mpg-plus vehicles, using internal combustion engines-such as the

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Mazda 5, 2012 car review

The small-but-versatile Mazda5 minivan is popular in congested European and Japanese cities, which makes one wonder why it’s overlooked in America, which has plenty of congestion. Styling sells, and the revised styling of the Mazda5 — still the only such vehicle in its class — looks sleek. The upgraded interior has a redesigned instrument panel with large climate controls, plenty of cupholders and a decent amount of interior storage areas. However, the glovebox is small and the rear sliding side doors lack storage pockets. Annoying flaw: The driver-door power window controls are too far forward, making it easy to accidentally open the a rear window instead of a front one. Also, gauges are hard to read in some daylight conditions.

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Mazda recalls half-million Mazda3 models for faulty wipers

Mazda is recalling nearly a half-million Mazda3 (the Mazda Axela in some countries) globally to fix an electronic malfunction that could prevent the windshield wipers from working properly. Mazda said no accidents were reported, but 29 failure complaints were received by the manufacturer. The recall covers cars and knock-down parts for the Mazda3 that were shipped between Jan. 2008 and Jul. 2010. It affects 157,700 units in North America, 91,600 in Europe, 84,000 in China and about 20,000 in Japan. The Mazda3 was introduced in 2004 and the second generation was announced for the 2010 model year. The same problem plagues the Mazda3 and Mazda3 MPS models produced between January 7, 2008 and December 22, 2008. According to the company

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Mazda3 2011 awarded IIHS top safety pick rating

The 2011 Mazda 3 sedan/hatchback, after earning the top rating of good for roof strength in rollover crashes, qualifies as a Top Safety Pick among small cars by the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety (IIHS). The Mazda3, which previously earned good ratings for front, side, and rear crash protection, is the manufacturer’s first car designated as a Top Safety Pick since the Institute made the criteria more strict by including a requirement for a good rating in the roof strength test. Two tests were conducted in order to rate the 4-door sedan and hatchback versions. The sedan’s roof withstood a force equal to 5.32 times the car’s weight. The hatchback’s roof withstood a force equal to 5.09 times its weight.

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Nissan, other car makers assess disaster impact (video)

The global effect to the auto industry following the earthquake and tsunami in Japan is still be assessed. But Toyota, Nissan, Honda and Mazda have all stopped production, thousands of cars have been destroyed or damaged and the available of some models in the United States and other key sales countries has yet to be determined. Nissan, Japan’s second-largest car maker, reports 2,300 vehicles were burned or crumpled in the disaster, including nearly 1,300 Infiniti M, EX and FX models ready for transport to the United States. Additionally, some Z models, among other Nissan offerings, were destroyed. Correspondingly, six Nissan production plants suffered structural damage. Insurance analysts estimate the Japan disaster may cost the global automotive industry as much as

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Google this: Honda gets best website car industry honor

Statistics for online car purchases, or at least the amount of time car buyers spend researching car purchases online, has dramatically increased in recent years. Which is why manufacturers strive for efficient, informative web sites. Honda has the best automaker website, according to J.D. Power & Associates. Honda (www.honda,com) is followed by Mazda, Mini, Porsche and Acura in the 1,000 point ranking system based on speed, appearance, navigation and information/content. According to J.D. Power, Honda.com performed well on information/content, navigation and speed measures (meaning appearance apparently wasn’t Honda.com’s site’s strong point). The Power Manufacturer Website Evaluation Study began in 2000 and is now measured twice a year. According to Arianne Walker, director of marketing and media research at J.D. Power:

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Smart ForTwo, Porsche Cayman among 2010 sales losers

The automotive industry followed a disastrous year in 2009 with an encouraging sales year in 2010. About 11.5 million cars and light trucks will be sold in the United States this year, an improvement from 10.4 million in 2009. Automotive industry experts forecast sales of 12.8 million in 20111 and 17.1 million by 2015. But while several manufacturers’ brands — Buick, Cadillac, Infiniti, Ford, Hyundai and Jeep — had banner years in 2010, several manufacturers had dismal sales years.   Mostly notably, Mazda and Suzuki had the worst sales years in 2010, combining for half of the top-10 poorest-selling cars by percentage when compared to 2009 sales. According to a tabulations and forecast for final December sales, Forbes.com reports the

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Mazda MX-5, 2011 review

Since its debut in 1989, The Mazda MX-5, still often known to purists as the Miata, has maintained a strong reputation as among the leading small two-seat convertible sports cars in the United States. Substantially refreshed for 2009 and updated for 2010, the Mazda MX-5 is unchanged for 2011, keeping its same fun factor and value pricing from previous years. Change isn’t always a good anyway, and it must present a dilemma for Mazda. With the Mazda MX-5, appropriate updates have been warranted through the years. Then again, since 850,000 Mazda MX-5/Miatas have sold (the most of any sports car in history) why mess too much with a good thing? The Weekly Driver Test Drive My test vehicle for the

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Best used cars under $3,000: Mazda Miata, BMW 3 Series, VW Rabbit On Popular Mechanics’ list

The Mazda Miata is the gold-standard, fun-to-drive used car — at least according to Popular Mechanics. The general-interest “umbrella” magazine for all things mechanical has published a list of cars it considers the best used cars available for $3,000 or less.The Miata, the best-selling sports car ever made tops the list. The publication offers: “For three grand, you’re probably looking at a first-generation edition (1989–1994) with the 1.6-liter four-cylinder. Mazda built tens of thousands of them, and many folks who bought them barely drove them, so plenty of low-mileage examples exist.” “They’re enormously fun, with a lithe feel, telepathic steering, raspy engine note and one of crispest gearboxes in the industry. They’re tough, too, as evidenced by the number plying

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Mazda recall: 300,000 Mazda3, Mazda5, vans with power-steering issues

Mazda said the vehicles could have a sudden loss of power-steering assist, making it difficult for the driver to steer and increasing the risk of a crash. Mazda says the vehicles could have a sudden loss of power-steering assist, making it more difficult for the driver to steer the vehicle. The government originally began an investigation into steering problems in the vehicles in June. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NTHSA) had received 33 complaints alleging steering problems, including three crashes. According to the NYHSA web site, Mazda will begin notifying owners of the 2007-2009 models about the recall in September. The automaker said it has not received any reports of crashes or injuries related to the recall issue. James

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AAA selects best commuting cars, Honda to VW, Ford to Mazda

With the average commuting nationally about 3 1/2 hours per week, AAA’s last compilation is the  good commuting cars based on comfort, fuel efficiency and affordability Here’s the list and a comment on each car. Honda Insight: Among the best in fuel economy while being reasonably comfortable for the driver and front-seat passenger. Ford Fusion: Four-cylinder versions have a good combination of power, comfort and handling competence. Volkswagen Jetta TDI: A fine-running modern diesel that “is every bit as economical as the most miserly hybrids” and “fun to drive.” Hyundai Electra: Good fuel efficiency combined with an interior that accommodates a driver and three passengers and 10-year/100,000-mile warranty. Subaru Legacy/Outback: These new models with four-cylinder engines perform well and offer

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Mazda CX-9, 2010: The Weekly Driver Car Review (Video)

Quickly successful when it first debut in 2007, the CX-9 raised the standard for three-row crossover SUVs. From its dynamic styling and safety to versatility and performance, Mazda‘s flagship crossover SUV continues to impress automotive critics and customers is its fourth year of production. For the 2010 model year, the CX-9 receives a significant exterior and interior facelift, added options and reinforced safety features. Many mid-sized crossover SUVs strive for the utilitarian look. The Mazda CX-9, however, is designed to evoke a strong pride of ownership. Without sacrificing versatility or efficiency, the CX-9 strives for the sophisticated appearance of a vehicle costing two to three times as much. Its smooth and flowing silhouette, prominent wheels and tires, muscular fenders and

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Mazda MX-5, 2010: The Weekly Driver Car Review

Since its debut in 1989, more than 850,000 Miatas have sold, and a lot more will likely sell considering the upgrades — some substantial, some subtle — for the 2010 model. The new edition is available with a manual-folding soft top with a heated-glass rear window or a power-folding hardtop, and there are 10 trims. It all ups up to a sure-thing to continue the sports car‘s legacy. The Weekly Driver’s Ratings First Impression: My weekly driver, the grand touring soft top model, arrived a few days before Halloween. Its exterior color, Competition Yellow, was ideal for the week. The tone is more orange than yellow and it’s striking, for good or bad. Lots of onlookers commented on my pumpkin

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