Mazda 2, aka Yariskiller, Fitslayer

[Kaotic Lazagna]

Originally Posted by nsmitchell

Why on earth would people who own Yarii be interested in Ford and Mazda crap?
No Offense but the Ford Fiesta (Mazda engine) was a good cheap small car, but I haven't seen anything close to that from Detroit lately.
It's like you're married to Jessica Simpson but you've got eyes for Rosie O'Donnell.

have you seen the new Fiesta ST in Europe? it actually looks nice and sporty. it's in the new issue of Automobile Magazine.

[forpinks]

I HOPE IT DOESN'T COME FROM THE "FOCUS" FACTORY...

[PetersRedYaris]

Originally Posted by nsmitchell

Why on earth would people who own Yarii be interested in Ford and Mazda crap?
No Offense but the Ford Fiesta (Mazda engine) was a good cheap small car, but I haven't seen anything close to that from Detroit lately.
It's like you're married to Jessica Simpson but you've got eyes for Rosie O'Donnell.

Exactly. Mazda (made by Ford), or Toyota? The only thing cool about that car is it's looks.

[jdubau55]

Have none of you all seen actual race cars or rally cars? The proper shifter location should be as close to the middle of the steering wheel. Check out rally cars. The shifter is practically straight across from the steering wheel.

[ColinT]

Originally Posted by jdubau55

Have none of you all seen actual race cars or rally cars? The proper shifter location should be as close to the middle of the steering wheel. Check out rally cars. The shifter is practically straight across from the steering wheel.

Thank you. That is why the TRD short shifter is so rad. Shortens the throw but doesn't make you reach for it.

[nsmitchell]

I really don't think American cars will ever catch up to Japanese cars in quality. It's their culture. They take their jobs much more seriously in Japan. If you make a mistake in Japan, it is like you dishonored your ancestors and whatnot! Here, you make a mistake you go outside and smoke a butt, flick it on the ground, and get back to work thinking nothing of it. That is how it seems anyway with the fit and finish of the Big 3 products over the last few decades. Yariskiller.. I think NOT!

[Yaris Revenge]

You have to admit that the Ford/Mazda/Whatever is much sleeker in appearance, and appearance (especially when paired with good price) sells more than anything else. There is a HUGE number of people out there that think the Yaris is a butt-ugly little machine. Hell, the Aveo outsells the Yaris (last I heard), and it's universally recognized as the mechanically worst offering out there.

I'm not really up on the interaction of manufacturers... what's with the Mazda hate? They build some kickass cars, and I'd have a VERY hard time believing Ford had anything to do with the actual engineering, so what gives?

~YR

BTW, that gearshift position is also the same as found in the Matrix.

[PetersRedYaris]

[QUOTE=Yaris Revenge;77276]You have to admit that the Ford/Mazda/Whatever is much sleeker in appearance, and appearance (especially when paired with good price) sells more than anything else. QUOTE]

I admit it LOOKS good, but appearance, above all, does not sell a car. Toyota has long been known for it's mildly boring styling. Styling aside, however, they are fast becoming the largest automaker in the world.

Yes, Mazda makes some sweet looking cars, but I would NEVER buy a Mazda.

[churp]

I like Mazda but it really seems that the Probes, MX6's and Mx3 automatics have a very high percentage of down time and the Probe and MX6 4 cylinders had major head problems....at least IMO from owning a couple and seeing the listings on ebay......shouldn't say anything if it isn't nice---but when you get burned a few times you stay away from the stove. (never been burnt by Toyota or Honda by the way!)

[Runner59]

Mazda side view looks really nose heavy, not as balanced as the Yaris hatch.

[Yaris Revenge]

Originally Posted by Runner59

Mazda side view looks really nose heavy, not as balanced as the Yaris hatch.

Hehe, most of the reviewers think the Yaris is the one off balance, with a total lack of a nose. I've even seen it called a "pug".

~YR

[Sabretooth]

I would just LOVE to finally see a US 2/4dr Hatch with as much ponies as possible, im talking about a 160ish HP hatch...

TRD Yaris anyone?
Mazdaspeed 2?
Aveo SS?
Fit SI?

I know about 6 months ago, I went to a Chevy dealer and they did happen to have a SS Aveo that they built, small motor with a Supercharger, pushing 140hp at the crank. Not too bad, running off stock intake box...not too bad, plus warranty was good on that motor. All in all Styling= Power=

Now, from what I do understand... Honda is to release a Fit within the next year or so with a Supercharged option, what kind of horses I dont know, but would be probably within the 150-160 range.

hopefully we might see a TRD Yaris in the future?

[nsmitchell]

Civic Si Hatch! 190HP! I've owned 2 Civic Hatchbacks and I love them. Used ones are now going pretty cheap.
Dealerships are just now able to keep Yarii in stock. Kinda like the Wii. Kinda revolutionary like the Wii too. Especially the LB with its funky gloveboxes and cute as a bug looks. No to mention the seemingly physics defying interior space in such a "small" car.
From what I've seen, Mazda is so so in reliability, and heavy on the looks to sell their cars. When you buy a Toyota or a Honda, you know you are getting the total package. A balance of looks, engineering and reliability. On most american cars its ONLY looks and the other 2 are rarely discussed in the dealership because that is what the 10 year 100K mile warranty is for. Honda and Toyota only need 3 yr/36K warranties and people buy them like hotcakes! I did buy an extended warranty for my Odyssey and it sure has paid off. Since my wife drives it, it is punished every day. Only a few minor things, but $$$ things have gone bad, and those were covered under warranty. Hop in a Windstar, better yet a Pontiac Montana with 65K miles, on it and tell me if it drives like it is brand new, even smoother than new. Not a chance. My Odyssey sure does. I'm amazed that the car is 6 years old, over 65K miles and drives like a brand new car. My friends have a Montana that was bought after our Odyssey and it is fallling apart and is driven very gently, and driven far less often.

[brickhardmeat]

5 door, yuck