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The 40 mpg Cars of 2013

2013 Mazda MAZDA2

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Overview

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2013 Mazda MAZDA2 Review

By KBB.com Editors

KBB Expert Rating: 7.0

Small cars are big news because today's petrol misers are loaded with style and features never before seen on entry-level models. Long well-regarded overseas for its attractive looks, frugal fuel use and appealing features, the 2013 Mazda2 hatchback is now working its magic on Americans. Although it shares underpinnings with the related Ford Fiesta, the Mazda2 got its own unique powertrain options as well as sportier suspension tuning and a single, 5-door hatchback body (the Fiesta also comes as a sedan). And while some rivals including the Chevy Sonic and Kia Rio 5-Door may offer more horsepower and more modern automatic transmissions, they don't have the same fun-to-drive feel of the light and lithe 2013 Mazda2.

You'll Like This Car If...

If you're looking for a small, inexpensive car that is big on fun and fuel economy and has some great exterior colors, the 2013 Mazda2 hatchback should do nicely.

You May Not Like This Car If...

If you're looking for a small car with big features such as navigation, leather seats, factory-installed Bluetooth or high-end audio, you'll need to look to the Honda Fit, Ford Fiesta, Hyundai Accent, Chevy Sonic or Kia Rio 5-Door.

KBB Expert Ratings

Overall Rating

7.0
Driving Dynamics

7.6
Comfort & Convenience

6.6
Design: Interior & Exterior

7.6
Value

6.6
Safety

7.8

How It Ranks

#7

out of 8

MPG

#6

out of 8

Horsepower

View all rankings

Consumer Rating

8.9 out of 10

View all
consumer ratings

What's New for 2013

The Mazda2 rolls into 2013 with no major changes.

Driving the MAZDA2

2013 Mazda MAZDA2 Front angle view photo

Driving Impressions While its 100 horsepower won't make the 2013 Mazda2 hatchback the quickest car in its class, its well-tuned suspension and direct power-assisted steering deliver on the "Zoom-Zoom" promise of this...

2,300-pound car. It rounds corners with utter confidence and the little engine, though working hard, delivers acceptable acceleration when needed. The brakes are strong and the steering response recalls that of an MX-5 Miata. All of this lightness doesn't mean a compromise in comfort, though, as the Mazda2's cabin is surprisingly quiet even at highway speeds. But, when tasked with rapid overtaking of slower traffic or quick sprints up steep hills, the Mazda2 reminds you that its main strength is overall fun and not brute power. Plan your passing maneuvers accordingly.

Favorite Features

COMFORTABLE SEATING
After hours of driving without soreness, we were impressed with how comfortable the 2013 Mazda2 hatchback's front seats were. Most cars in this category have stiff seats with virtually no side bolstering.

5-SPEED MANUAL TRANSMISSION
Partnered with the willing engine, the slick-shifting 5-speed manual gearbox makes it easy to enjoy the car's natural athleticism.

2013 Mazda MAZDA2 Details

2013 Mazda MAZDA2 Dashboard, center console, gear shifter view photo

Interior

For such a small car, the 2013 Mazda2 hatchback's interior is refreshingly large and airy. The dash design, with its orange backlighting and a circular center-control motif, recalls Mazda's design past, but we like the look and it definitely works here. The Mazda2's front bucket seats are great but in back, the seat is a little cramped and the head restraints awkwardly positioned. The hatchback's cargo area isn't as generous as that of the Nissan Versa or Honda Fit. Folding down the 60/40-split rear seat increases cargo volume from 13.3 cubic feet to just over 27.

Exterior

While the 2013 Mazda2 hatchback's teardrop silhouette is nothing radical, the lines and curves that flow across the car's body have a trademark Mazda feel. Big fender flares and swept-up side sculpturing add visual interest below the raked beltline, while expansive front-door side windows look airy and provide excellent outward visibility. Following Mazda's latest styling theme, the Mazda2 features a wide, grinning front grille similar to, but less obnoxious than, the Mazda3's front end. The entry-level Sport trim comes with 15-inch steel wheels with full covers while the Touring trim rolls on 15-inch alloy wheels.

Notable Equipment

Standard Equipment

The 2013 Mazda2 hatchback's entry-level Sport trim comes with the essentials including air conditioning, power accessories (windows, door locks and side mirrors), tilt steering column, keyless remote entry and a 4-speaker AM/FM/CD/MP3 sound system. Safety features include stability/traction control, anti-lock disc/drum brakes with Brake Assist and Electronic Brake Force Distribution and six airbags.

Optional Equipment

Opting for the Mazda2's up-level Touring trim adds some functional interior features, including cruise control, trip computer, upgraded cloth seats with red piping trim, leather-wrapped steering wheel with integrated audio and cruise controls and two additional speakers. On the outside, the higher trim level includes a rear roof spoiler, fog lights, chrome exhaust tip and alloy wheels. Options are limited to dealer-installed accessories such as an auto-dimming rearview mirror with a compass and HomeLink, aftermarket Bluetooth phone connectivity, a center armrest with storage bin and a cargo net.

Under the Hood

The only engine offered in the 2013 Mazda2 is a 1.5-liter 4-cylinder that produces 100 horsepower and 98 lb-ft of torque. It can be matched with either a 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission. None of that looks particularly impressive on paper, but the Mazda2's light curb weight (only a little over 2300 pounds) helps the powertrain do better than you might expect and contributes to the car's overall sprightliness and nimble response. While the manual transmission would be the top choice for driving fun, the automatic works fine around town and on the freeway.

1.5-liter inline-4
100 horsepower @ 6,000 rpm
98 lb-ft of torque @ 4,000 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 29/35 mpg (manual), 28/34 mpg (automatic)

Pricing Notes

A base 2013 Mazda2 Sport has a starting Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $15,515. Opting for the automatic transmission adds $840. The higher Touring trim level starts at $17,005 and runs $17,845 with the automatic. As you might guess in a hotly competitive segment, the Mazda2 hatchback costs about the same as the Ford Fiesta, Honda Fit and Nissan Versa and is slightly more expensive than the more utilitarian Toyota Yaris. However, dollar-for-dollar, the Kia Rio 5-Door and Hyundai Accent offer more features and technology for the money. Be sure and check the Fair Purchase Price to see what others in your area are paying. As for resale value, we expect the 2013 Mazda2 to hold its value on par with the Kia Rio 5-Door and Toyota Yaris, do a little better than the Ford Fiesta, but fall well below the Honda Fit.

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2013 Mazda MAZDA2 Consumer Reviews

Overall Rating

8.9

Out of 10

Based on 18 Ratings for the 2011 - 2013 models.

Review this car

Value

9.1/10

Quality

9.2/10
Reliability

9.3/10

Performance

9.1/10
Comfort

9.1/10

Styling

9.2/10

It's what I expect from a Japanese car and Mazda!

By owl (CA) on Sunday, March 31, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 6,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 9/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 8/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 8/10
Comfort: 8/10

Pros: "Great for parking,fits toddler in rear comfortably"

Cons: "small fuel capacity not good for long trips"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"Notes about me: - I have owned Japanese-made, American-made, and German-made cars - I prefer to perform maintenance service on my cars, if I can - I like to modify and upgrade my car, if I can --- The Mazda2 is a good car, and it is what I expect from a Japanese-made car and from Mazda. We previously drove a Mini Cooper (2004 and 2012), but as a family with a new baby boy living in San Francisco, California, we wanted a small 4-door car that was still easy to park. While 12 inches longer than the Mini Cooper, the it is still fairly easy to fit smaller parking spaces in San Francisco. Yes, it doesn't have all the perks of a fancier car, but I don't expect that from a $15,000 car. We also considered the Honda Fit, Toyota Yaris (4-door), the Ford Fiesta, and the Prius C. Here are some facts about our first year of ownership: - Purchased the Auto Transmission, Touring model new in May 2012 and put on about 5000 miles per year - Did our first oil change ourselves - the placements of the oil filter and drain plug make oil changes a cinch! - Installed the direct-fit Mazda2 Bluetooth hands-free kit ourselves, and it works like a charm - Installed heated seats, and it works great for the cold San Francisco mornings (low to mid 40s) - Purchased a second switch-blade remote off of Ebay and programmed it myself (very easily and cheaply) - I even was able to use the remote trunk release button on the Mazda2 - Rear seats fit our full-sized convertible baby/toddler seat, rear-facing without a problem and still gives me and my wife (5'7") a good amount of room in the front seats - Can fit our Quinny Zapp (tiny!) stroller and two full-sized carry-on suitcases in the trunk with the rear seats upright for passengers! Our MPG on the Auto Transmission is all over the place, but we expect that being in San Francisco "proper" with hills everywhere: * Pure CITY driving can be as low as 20-22mpg (SF city blocks may have stop signs on EVERY block or two, with some city blocks only being about 300ft in length - that's up to 16 stop signs per mile! Also, I try my best to make full, complete stops by the book.) * Mixed driving gives us around 24-27mpg * Pure FREEWAY driving gives us around 31-36mpg, depending on driving speed; It's closer to 31mpg when driving on the sometimes windy I-5 going around 75-85mph and closer to 36mpg when going around 55-65mph NOTE for all Mazda2 owners regarding FUEL CAPACITY: ==> For some reason, Mazda chose to display "0 miles remaining" (we call it "E blinky zero") with around 1.25 gallons remaining in the tank. We don't have a precise number, yet, because we don't want to run out of gas - but we were able to drive 35 miles AFTER the trip meter told us we were "out" of gas with "0 miles remaining" and still were not able to fill up the full 11.3-gallon capacity of the tank. ---- Overall and a year later, we still feel this was the best car for our needs (family with a baby/toddler living in San Francisco)."

9 people out of 9 found this review helpful

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Lots of Problems

By Anonymos (IA) on Thursday, January 17, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 33,000

10 4.0

overall rating 4 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 4/10
Value: 5/10
Reliability: 4/10
Quality: 5/10
Performance: 6/10
Styling: 9/10
Comfort: 8/10

Pros: "Economic, Gas Milage, comfort, Safe, Low Price"

Cons: "NOT Dependable, Low Power especially uphill"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 2

"I bought my Mazda 2 in April on 2011 brand new. Within two weeks of me owning it, the seal around me entena leaked water into my car and onto my dash. Since then, I've also been through four fuel pumps, an air pump, and a traction control sensor. Not worth the money at all. The only good things I have to say about it is that it's a safe and economic vehicle, but not dependable."

4 people out of 7 found this review helpful

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Great little car!

By anonymous (CA) on Sunday, September 30, 2012

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 16,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "surprisingly roomy inside, very comfy, fun drive"

Cons: "low on power going up hills"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"This is a great little car for the money! It has a surprising amount of cargo space when you fold the seats down, and plenty of space for everyday use with the seats up. The front seats are really comfy and very adjustable for both tall and short people. It can fit 4 adults for short drives, although I wouldn't suggest any road trips with four people. It's a lot of fun to drive, and gets good gas mileage."

4 people out of 5 found this review helpful

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Great car for the money.

By NutDriver (NC) on Friday, August 10, 2012

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 25,000

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 9/10
Quality: 9/10
Performance: 9/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "Quality, handling, mileage"

Cons: "Needs 10-15% more hp."

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"Bought my 2 in the Spring of 2011. Mazda was offering 0% apr for 60 months. How could I say no?! Car handles well, rides quietly for its class, and I consistently exceed the EPA highway of 35mpg. I wish it had more power, but no matter how much a car has, I still want more. Give one a drive. I doubt you'll be disappointed at this price point."

3 people out of 3 found this review helpful

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LOVE My Car!

By muffin89 (OK) on Friday, June 15, 2012

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 8,000

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 9/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 9/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "fun to drive. great price. fuel economy. roomy"

Cons: "small exterior"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"I got this car six months ago. To be completely honest, when I drove onto the dealership lot to look at this car I hated it. I took it for a test drive and an hour later I loved it. It’s so fun to drive. It is so comfortable and roomy inside. I would highly recommend this car for people who want a fun, reliable, comfortable car. I would not recommend to those with children, back seat may be too small."

6 people out of 6 found this review helpful

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Best value super compact car on the road.

By Rand (WA) on Tuesday, March 27, 2012

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 25,000

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 7/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "Fun to drive, great price for what you get"

Cons: "Price"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 9

"WE did a lot of shopping for the economy car and when we found the 2 we knew it was the right one for us. The only problem is that it doesn't get 40mpg like we had hoped, the sticker is correct, and for just a couple thousand more we could have gotten a 3 with close to the same gas millage. Had we really thought about our options, we would have bought another Mazda3 as we already owned one and LOVE it. We still love our 2 though."

8 people out of 8 found this review helpful

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