2011 Mazda 2 Review
2011 Mazda 2 Review
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Sporty handling, cheerful styling, affordable price.
Cons
- Limited cargo area, outdated automatic transmission, limited features list, cramped rear seats.
What’s new
The 2011 Mazda 2 is all-new.
Edmunds says
The 2011 Mazda 2 keeps the fun alive as an economical hatchback, but comes up a bit short when compared to the competition.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2011 Mazda 2 Sport 4dr Hatchback (1.5L 4cyl 5M) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.50 per gallon for regular unleaded in Ohio.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio
$138/mo for 2 Sport
2 Sport
vs
$179/mo
Avg. Compact Car
Vehicle overview
Entry-level hatchbacks have been getting better and better with the passing years. For the most part, it's getting harder to refer to them as penalty boxes as they've been receiving ever-increasing levels of comfort and features. Now you can add the 2011 Mazda 2 to that list of price-conscious hatchbacks. But in some cases we think it will struggle against its more well-rounded competitors.
Comparisons to the current darling of the hatchback segment, the Ford Fiesta, are inevitable since the Fiesta is actually built on the Mazda 2's platform. As such, both cars share some basic positives and negatives. On the plus side, the Mazda 2 is quite sporty to drive, and indeed this is one area where Mazda is quite proud of its new entry-level car. The car's sleek look (for a hatchback) and lower-than-average price are other highlights.
Like the Ford, however, the Mazda 2 is hampered by a lack of cargo space -- a Honda Fit can carry about twice as much gear as the Mazda. In addition, the Mazda 2's rear seats are cramped by comparison and its fuel economy doesn't exactly raise the bar for this segment either. The list of standard and available features for the Mazda is quite short, too.
Besides the 2011 Ford Fiesta and 2011 Honda Fit, other competing hatchbacks include the 2011 Nissan Cube and 2011 Nissan Versa, the 2011 Suzuki SX4 and Toyota Yaris. Certainly, the Mazda 2's sporty handling will be a draw, but in most other respects it does little to impress us. With the level of quality of subcompacts increasing yearly, we think consumers would be wise to shop the competition before committing to a 2011 Mazda 2.
Performance & mpg
The 2011 Mazda 2 is powered by a 1.5-liter inline four-cylinder engine that produces 100 horsepower and 98 pound-feet of torque. A five-speed manual transmission is standard, with a four-speed automatic available at additional cost. The EPA estimates fuel economy at 29 mpg city/35 mpg highway and 32 mpg combined for the manual transmission and 27/33/29 mpg for the automatic. In Edmunds performance testing, the 2 went from zero to 60 mph in 10.3 seconds with the manual. This is performance on par with the rest of the class, but getting the automatic will slow things down considerably.
Safety
Standard safety features for the 2011 Mazda 2 include antilock brakes (discs in front/drums in rear), front-seat side airbags, side curtain airbags and stability and traction control. In Edmunds brake testing, the 2 came to a stop from 60 mph in 129 feet -- an acceptable distance for this type of car. In crash testing by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, the Mazda 2 received its top rating of "Good" in the frontal-offset and roof strength tests, but a second-best rating of "Acceptable" in the side impact test.
Driving
The 100-hp output from the 1.5-liter four-cylinder is weak by today's standards, even for an economy car. But the 2011 Mazda 2 makes the most of it -- at least with the manual transmission. The outdated four-speed automatic has rough tendencies under acceleration, downshifting from 3rd gear to 1st. Not only that, but the automatic comes with a penalty of a few miles per gallon compared to the manual.
The light 2,300-pound curb weight reduces the strain on the free-revving engine to give this hatchback a sportier feel. It also helps the car's handling, and as a result the Mazda 2 is likely the most nimble and agile car in its class. The steering is communicative and quick, a rarity among electric power steering units.
Interior
The 2011 Mazda 2's interior is comparable to other hatchbacks in this economical price range. The design itself is modern, 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 flat 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 27.8 cubes -- a Fit can hold 57.3 cubic feet.
2011 Mazda 2 models
The 2011 Mazda 2 is a five-passenger, four-door subcompact hatchback that is available in two trim levels -- Sport and Touring. The Sport comes standard with 15-inch steel wheels with wheel covers, air-conditioning, full power accessories, a tilt steering wheel and a four-speaker CD/MP3 audio system with an auxiliary input jack.
Upgrading to the Touring trim will get you 15-inch alloy wheels, foglights, a rear roof spoiler, chrome exhaust tips, a leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls, a trip computer, cruise control, upgraded cloth seats with red piping, and two additional speakers for the audio system.
Factory options for either trim level include an auto-dimming rearview mirror and a center console with an armrest. Bluetooth and a removable Garmin navigation system are expected to become available as dealer accessories.
Reliability Ratings by RepairPal
4 out of 5 stars4/5Excellent
#12 out of 27 among Subcompact Cars
RepairPal Reliability Ratings are based on the actual cost, frequency, and severity of unscheduled repairs and maintenance on make/model data for select 2008-2022 vehicles. The reliability of a specific vehicle may vary depending on its maintenance and driving history, model year, trim, and features.
Cost
The average total annual cost for unscheduled repairs and maintenance across all model years of the Mazda 2 from 2008-2022.$364/yr
vs. $416/yr
for Average Subcompact Car
for Average Subcompact Car
Frequency
The average number of times this model is brought into the shop for unscheduled repairs and maintenance in a single year. RepairPal calculates this metric by tracking millions of unique vehicles over multiple years to determine an average number of visits per year (omitting small routine visits, e.g., oil changes).1.02x/yr
vs. 1.22x/yr
for Average Subcompact Car
for Average Subcompact Car
Severity
The probability that a repair will be a major issue, meaning the repair costs 3x the average annual repair cost for all models. This threshold will be higher for vehicles that have higher labor rates and parts costs (such as a premium brand).10.4%
vs. 10.1%
for Average Subcompact Car
for Average Subcompact Car
powered by RepairPal Based on RepairPal reliability data as of 8/23/2023. Ratings are provided by RepairPal and Edmunds is not responsible for their accuracy.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2011 Mazda 2.
5 star(66%)
4 star(27%)
3 star(5%)
2 star(2%)
1 star(0%)
41 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
5 out of 5 stars
Love it!
Jen!, 11/23/2010
2011 Mazda 2 Touring 4dr Hatchback (1.5L 4cyl 4A)
I bought this car to replace an '03 Civic coupe, I was initially torn between the Nissan Versa, Scion xd and Honda Fit, this one is way better. I had never even heard of this car before but after driving it I was sold. It handles well, has features I didn't know I could afford, and is spacious enough to meet my needs. I recommend the touring model, the extra features are worth the slight … jump in price and make the car stand out a lot more. I'm no longer embarrassed when I drive to work, I'm getting really awesome gas mileage, and I'm having a lot of fun with all of the features.
4.13 out of 5 stars
Drove one in Australia
segesta, 05/14/2010
2011 Mazda 2 Sport 4dr Hatchback (1.5L 4cyl 5M)
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. They've had no reliability problems with it.
5 out of 5 stars
Updated review..
tobbeybear, 05/17/2013
2011 Mazda 2 Touring 4dr Hatchback (1.5L 4cyl 5M)
I have 2011 Mazda 2 touring with 51k. Just retired my Mazda protege with 300k on it. The protege has the 1.5 liter which only has with 90hp. The Mazda 2 also has the 1.5liter. Every go see the Christmas lights and you can not turn your head lamps off?The 2 doesn't have the day running lamps. Has a self adjusting timing chain and not a timing belt so that is saving you 500 to 600 every … 60k that you have to change on most imports.I work at a big dealership and get to drive every make and model and can say with certainty that this Mazda is the funnest car out. The 5 speed tyranny is smooth. The engine isn't loud. So what it only has 100hp. That is a upgrade for me from the 90hp I had for many year
Update..Feb 2016 My Mazda now has 77000 miles and still running great. I need to correct the fuel mileage that I previously wrote on my review. The car is averaging about 35 combined. Can get a little better on the highway if its babied like a Sunday driver. I have no complaints with the car as its a great car all around.
5 out of 5 stars
2 for the Money
gabagooo1, 06/29/2011
2011 Mazda 2 Touring 4dr Hatchback (1.5L 4cyl 5M)
With 4000 mile gone, I must say that the Mazda2 is a great car.
You will read that it only has a 100 hp engine.
You will read that it is small.
Yup, both are true.
But the 2 is a blast to drive, is peppy and economical.
We are averaging 38 mpg in mixed driving.
If I had wanted a packet rocket, I would have bought a Mazdaspeed3.
The 2 has tons of personality, storage space and room for … driver/passengers.
I am 5'11" - 340 pounds and I fit in it fine.
Great car.
Love it.
2011 2 Highlights
Sport
Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $14,180 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 32 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $138/month |
Seating | 5 seats |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 13.3 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | front wheel drive |
Warranty | 3 years / 36,000 miles |
Safety
Key safety features on the 2 include:
- Tire Pressure Warning
- Stability Control
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
- Small Overlap Front Driver-Side TestNot Tested
- Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side TestNot Tested
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – OriginalGood
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – OriginalAcceptable
- Side Impact Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Roof Strength TestGood
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintAcceptable
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