Gotcha. Thanks for stopping by!
Please tell the folks at Mazda to keep the manual transmission alive while you’re at it; it’s one of the reasons I switched over to Mazda!

so. much. want.

Dear Dave,
Long time fan since SCC magazine days. Had a red Toyota Matrix modeled after your project car! Now have a Mazda CX5. Two questions:

I modeled my Matrix off that project!

Because the whole movie was basically a music video, I submit Michael Jackson’s Moon Walker: 1970 Lancia Stratos HF Zero prototype

the second row definitely has more space! I was going to get the Mazda 3 but wife wanted more space for eventual baby seats. The cx5 definitely has more room for passengers. The steering is excellent for its size but may be a bit less nimble than your 3 which is understandable.

My last car was a Matrix which I kept for 8yrs. Aftermarket Polyurethane Motor Mounts in that little shitbox taught me what real vibration was like haha. CX5 feels so comfy in comparison, I will probably never modify it.

Have you driven one? or any skyactiv Mazdas? (don’t worry I’m not putting you on the spot) The combination of direct injection and high compression actually makes torque available in most parts of the powerband. It feels almost like the 1.8t from a 2003 Audi A4 which only made slightly more hp (170?) and got worse…

haha you mean like the vibrating driver’s side mirror? yeah that is annoying, there was a TSB to get it fixed, but I eventually got used to it and was too lazy to complain.

haha! we take turns driving to lunch on Fridays. That is the only time I have so many passengers.

At my 60k servicing, they replaced one motor mount under warranty and replaced my front pads and skimmed the rotors. There has been no other major maintenance. I’m pretty happy.

Unlike the old Mazda (Tribute was it?) and the comparable Ford SUV, these do not share a platform. The CX5 actually has more in common with a Mazda3, architecturally speaking. I’m biased and would say go for the CX5 instead of the Escape, but what are your other requirements? Trunk space, mileage, handling,…

Compared to what? Because in comparison to most other SUVs in its price range it is actually pretty fun to drive.

True. With 5 ppl in mine (2wd), it is certainly sluggish off the line.

I don’t see the point of a CX3. If you want that sized car, just get the Mazda3 (and then you can totally get the 2.5L AND 6spd manual!)

I’ve had my 2013 CX5 Sport 6spd manual for 3 yrs and 60,000 miles. Ask me anything fellow Jalops!
PS: My “real-world” fuel economy is 29.8mpg averaged over said 60,000 miles according to the onboard trip meter. I live in FL, so no elevation changes, and I do 70% of my 50 mile per day commute on the highway (topping out…

Wish I knew. I have the sport trim with the 6spd and am very happy with it, but some days I wish I could get the 2.5 with a manual.

I do. I bought one :-D

1st place Approved!

Best Jalopnik answer must contain Miata + unobtanium (small pickup or wagon) so here goes: