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interesting to me, because my wife is looking at options for her next car (to replace an Odyssey too), and really liked her test drive of the CX-5.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
Truth be told, 95% of people cannot tell the difference between a full-time AWD system (like Subi or Audi) vs a FWD bias system or a RWD bias system. Only people who drive in extreme terrain or extreme conditions might see a difference.
If you are a normal commuter who sometimes gets stuck in a snow storm, you won't feel a difference. I have owned Subaru's and other FWD bias AWD systems, and I never noticed a difference. If anything, the tires on the car have a bigger influence than the AWD system.
Mazda uses their Active Torque-Split AWD system, which is FWD bias. The system assess wheel spin several times every millisecond and reacts before you even know what is going on. The AWD system does work extremely well in snow. I would not be worried if I were you. If anything, the Sport and Touring models will probably be better in snow because they have 17" wheels as opposed to the 19" on the Grand Touring.
If you still have concerns, check out this video. Can you tell that it is FWD bias? I sure can't, and it has the 19's on it!!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_br1csmmTGI
Dealers in So Cal are quoting $500 off MSRP.
No haggle dealer above with bunches of them for $1,800 under msrp. There are deals out there. They even suggest you can get a lower price when they say "lowest we can advertise call for lowest price".
Local guy is out of touch. Buy elsewhere.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
I live in Minnesota where salt is used on the roads in the winter. I have seen Mazdas that are only 4-5 years old have corrosion issues here. I am wondering if Mazda has figured out this problem?
We are doing full MSRP too, no ADM. I have no GT's left and I won't have any until July. I have a load of Touring models on the way. Mazda converted many of my GT orders to Touring's with technology package and moon & bose.
I have 3 CX-5s in inventory (Sport 6-speed mtx, 2 Touring's) and only 2 due here before June that are not sold.
I did actually buy one myself :shades: It's actually for my wife. It should be here second week of June. We got a Touring AWD model with moon & bose plus the tech package in black mica and black cloth. It's time to replace our 05 Mazda6 5-door. My wife wants AWD again.
Congrats on your new purchase. I thought you were looking at a red GT model originally.
when I looked, the GT had certain options I wanted (seats mostly, not sure what else now!), and the big wheels would have been the necessary evil to take to get that. I actually thought of trying to have the dealer swap them onto a T, and give me a credit of some kind. So a GT with the T wheels, for less, would be perfect for me!
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
I find it really strange too that Mazda has not found a way to get the wheels. That's why it is my personal opinion they goofed on the estimated demand. They did say GT production will be ramped up, but we won't see that inventory until July/August.
I didn't know that. I don't have access to S-Plan but I always thought they honored it. I guess when they have a really hot seller they have the choice if what you say is correct.
I don't have a problem with them demanding MSRP for a hot seller. My problem is when they do that while at the same time low ball you on your trade-in. Of course we, on the other hand, expect thousands off MSRP and high dollar for our trade-ins. Both sides are trying to get all they can. Just have to play the game as awful as the experience is sometimes.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
If you are looking for "exciting" I would not be looking at a small CUV like the CX-5 or the CR-V. If you call your CR-V exciting you really need to get out more.
The CX-5 does not need premium fuel as, even though it is high compression, it is designed to do it on regular fuel. Things change and engineering finds ways to overcome some old ways of doing things.
I've read on some CX-5 specific forums that many people are averaging over 32mpg with AWD versions. Again, not verifiable as it is just people commenting like yourself stating you average 29mpg. I don't doubt what you're saying, I'm just saying it's not verifiable. People that drive conservatively tend to get better mpg so I assume that is the case when people exceed the EPA numbers. I do it regularly as well.
I don't own a CX-5 so I can comment somewhat unbiased except for the fact that one of my three vehilces is a Mazda6. I have driven the CX-5 and the CR-V and can say there is absolutely no comparison in the way the two vehicles handle with the CX-5 handling a whole lot better in cornering and even in straight ahead travel comfort and road noise.
The CX-5 has nearly the same hp/lb and tq/lb ratio as my Mazda6 2.3L. I don't find the Mazda6 to be lacking power so I fail to see how the CX-5 would be that bad in that regard. Is it as fast as most others? No, it's about a half second slower 0-60 than most other small comparable CUVs. But it gets much better mpg than the others. In life there are compromises. You compromised some mpg and fun handling for a little faster vehicle. That's fine....enjoy it.
Anyways I'm simply here to provide another end of the spectrum which is why this is called 'townhall' talk. As for the base weight, my apologies as you are correct about the closer to 3100 lbs.....
http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/2013-mazda-cx-5-sport-manual-test-review
It's just weird a company touting 'zoom-zoom' producing a CUV vehicle that has a 0-60 time of 9.2 seconds. Do your research, buy what you like. I did.
But I thought 'zoom-zoom' was more of a driving experience than speed.
By the way, how much did you pay for your CR-V on what trim?
I am almost sold to CX-5 but I am still open minded for CR-V.
The outer design of the CR-V is the only thing thats keeping me from buying it.
I love the CX-5 design.
The CR-V and CX-5 are built to do similar tasks in a different way. Mazda has chosen the sport and fun way, while the CR-V is more about practicality. They are similar sizes, are as quick as each other and are similar in price. It really depends on what you value, but to make a point to say it is slow and that was a deciding factor is foolish if you buy a CR-V instead because it is not any faster. Basing that decision on utility or space or being a Honda loyalist are more valid reasons.
I also wanted satellite radio, which you can only get in the CRV if you order leather seats. Huh?
My teenage son went with me on the drives and his comment seemed apt: "They're both nice, but the CR-V is probably what mom would buy". And mom isn't into "fun to drive". To each his own.
http://www.greencarreports.com/news/1076193_2013-mazda-cx-5-2012-mazda3-real-wor- ld-gas-mileage-boost-from-skyactiv-engine
BTW, I driven both and agree, the CX-5 is def more fun to drive than a CR-V....
Acceleration from standing stop or slow on ramp is not a problem. Manual shift mode works well, and gives you the feeling of standard for spirited driving on curvy roads. Blind spot warning light on side mirrors (and audible warning if blinker goes on with traffic there) is a plus, although I have gotten false positives on winding roads.
In response to those considering the Honda, my also-rans included Subaru Outback, Hyundai Santa Fe, and Toyota Venza. The Mazda was more nimble than any of those, with sufficient utility and cargo capacity for most trips.
Would be happy to answer any questions based on my ownership experience.
Pleased to hear your report. 8,000 miles already? You must drive a lot!!
My CX-5 is currently at the port in NJ and I should see it next week. My wife and I got the Touring AWD with tech & moon/bose. She will be the primary driver and does not prefer leather seats which is why we opted not to get the GT.
We are also replacing the 2005 Mazda6 we have enjoyed for the last 7 years. The leather has held up perfectly , although I thought the Bose sound could have been better. I like the audio interface in the CX-5 much better and I have found the sound quality to be better than that of the 6 as well.
In any event, glad to hear you are getting great fuel economy. I have been waiting to hear real-world results. I know the Skyactiv Mazda3's have been excellent, so I figured the CX-5 would hold it's own as well.
Keep us posted as to your ownership experience. Thanks!
Anyways, I test drove the CX-5 today and really liked it. I am seriously considering getting it. This will be my first Mazda. How does the Mazda reliability hold up against the Hondas and Toyotas? I would like to keep this car for a while.
It's not all about power. I drive an '05 Acura TL, and we also have an '07 Mazda 5. The Acura has 250 hp and the Mazda has 150 hp. Guess what? The Mazda is WAY more fun to drive - it has tighter steering, much smaller turning circle, much better steering feedback. The TL is as reliable as they come and is quiet and comfortable on the road - a great cruiser. But the Mazda is just fun.
Unfortunately Honda used to have fun, good handling cars but those days have been mostly gone for some time now.
Right now I'm looking to replace my 2006 Mazda5 that has 208,000 and still runs fantastic, although these have a history of eating tires and rattling suspension bushings.... mine included. But other than the tire issues, it's been a great car. It has never been in the shop except when I brought it in to have the suspension noise checked out before the 36k warranty was up.
Nothing else has gone wrong, all I've done is change oil and tires, and one round of brake pads and shocks.... fronts at 160k and rear at 200k. Front end has some rattles again, but the engine still runs like new and I'm still driving it 150 miles a day and get 26-27mpg every tank. Kinda hate to part with the car, but 30-35mpg in a CX-5 would be nice also.
Fuel consumption on the trip was 28 mpg at ave. speed of 75mph, 3 adults, 90% highway driving.
Pros: Highway ride is fine. Noise levels moderate. Performance ok at speed. Satellite radio. Blind spot monitoring. Fuel economy very good.
Cons: Transmission is very sensitive to any increase in gas pedal. It will drop too many gears if pedal is pushed a little to hard causing engine to roar with little increase in speed. Very annoying & can be frightening. This happened on our test drive as well so it's probably across the range & requires some software upgrade from Mazda down the road.
Hood flutters disconcertingly at speed. I had to stop to check it was latched close.
Drivers seat (leather in GT) is to too short & also became very uncomfortable after 3 hours of driving. To be fair I'm a big guy 6.2, 210 lbs.
No power trunk (not even as an option???)
Transmission display does not show gear you are in (just a "D")
Overall my wife loves her CX5. It is nippy, nimble & economical.
I believe when you switch to manual mode, it will tell you what gear you are in. This is standard practice with all the late model Mazda's.
Transmission is very sensitive to any increase in gas pedal. It will drop too many gears if pedal is pushed a little to hard causing engine to roar with little increase in speed.
It is by design and let me explain why. First, the transmission is designed to achieve maximum economy, so at a cruising speed, you will see little to no change and the transmission is a little quick to up-shift to a higher gear, as long as you are not on an incline. Second, why the transmission will jump gears is because it is designed to rev-match down shifts. This is what a dual-clutch does. It monitors vehicle angle and speed and it will chose the best gear to match your input on the accelerator. If you lightly press it, it down shifts one gear. If you floor the pedal, it will down shift several. It's all by design. Is it a little weird if you are not used to it? Absolutely. I found it strange myself too. Once you get used to driving the car, you know why it does what it does.
Even with the so called under-rated engine, I found the car to be plenty sufficient in acceleration so far (I haven't raced anyone).
What I love most about this vehicle is that it drives like a car and not a SUV. I don't feel the vehicle "roll" side ways during sharp and sudden maneuvers (which I had to do couple of days ago on the freeway when a person changed the lane right in to mine).
The car seem solid in every aspect (only more time can tell), and I don't have the hood flutter issue. No squeaks or rattles to date.
Love the bluetooth connectivity to my Iphone both for hone function and music.
Plenty of room for four adults and a car seat (all less than 6' tall).
There is one thing I absolute dislike about this car....no remote trunk release (from driver seat or from your keys). You can only 'unlock' for someone in front of the trunk to open. This drives me nuts!
Otherwise, fantastic vehicle so far.