Search Results for: Mazda

How the 2017 Mazda MX-5 Miata Re-Energized Me

Can you teach an old dog new tricks?  Last week the Mazda MX-5 Miata Grand Touring RF answered that age old question for me. Source: Victoria Mason What's Old is New At this point in my life, I have been driving for 25 years.  Yikes! That's three years less than the age of the Mazda MX-5 Miata. But, I had a secret and it was really starting to get to me. I couldn't drive stick.  Nope, only automatics for me.  I had tried to learn years ago when I first got married but deployments got in the way and we never owned another manual car again after that desert stint.  I write about cars and I couldn't drive stick.  How sad is that? How embarrassing! When the 2017 Mazda MX-5 also known to most as the Miata drove up to my driveway I knew things had to change.  I was going to use this … [Read more...]

Cruising in a Five Passenger Crossover with the 2017 Mazda CX-5

It is not often that I get to review a car that I like multiple times over the years. It is fun to see the changes that occur in technology and design. It is, even more, fun to see a good car get better over time. That's what I see with the 2017 Mazda CX-5. 2017 Mazda CX-5 Grand Touring AWD in Soul Red. Source: Victoria Mason First Impressions I wasn't initially supposed to have the CX-5 but a small issue with my intended car brought this five-passenger crossover SUV back into my life and driveway.  I have always loved this car in years past and this time was no different. The 2017 model is redesigned.  That shows in the more upscale interior styling and with the Grand Touring (tested model) a few standard extras like, forward collision warning and mitigation, lane keeping … [Read more...]

2017 Mazda6 Grand Touring

The 2017 Mazda6 Grand Touring is a head turner. Did I mention that it is also family car? Source: Victoria Mason Yes! The Mazda6 is a four door sedan that offers style, comfort and a safe ride all in one without compromising on looks. The arrival of the Mazda6 Grand Touring came on another cold winter day.  A year ago I reviewed the 2016 Mazda6 and got the same reactions from people, "What a hot car! What is it?"  The same goes for the 2017 model.  That's because this year the Mazda6 remains unchanged on the exterior with some small changes inside and under the hood.  It's the little things, right? What's New The biggest change is that the Mazda6 has Skyactiv-G which means that the car has better steering response.  When I realized this and felt it I thought, "Oh, this is so … [Read more...]

2016 Mazda CX-9 Signature AWD

The 2016 Mazda CX-9, another year and a very different review. Mazda CX-9 in Sonic Silver Metallic. Source: Victoria Mason At the annual WAPA Rally in October the Mazda CX-9 was my first drive of the day.  I always like to start the event off with a brand I feel comfortable with and car that doesn't offer a ton of surprises.  While I may know Mazda, the 2016 CX-9 offered plenty of surprises the minute I opened the driver's side door. On the Outside All new for 2016, the Mazda CX-9 is great to look at and offers families a lot in a 7-passenger vehicle. With 20-inch alloy wheels (standard in the Signature trim), heated mirrors, rain-sensing wipers and a power open/close rear lift-gate you find convenience and ease that is hard to beat. Features like rearview cameras,a lane-keep … [Read more...]

2016 Mazda6 I Grand Touring

Source: Mazdausa.com Looking for a family sedan that has some style or maybe you are in the market for a four-door sedan that has sporty handling?  Look no further than the highly competitive 2016 Mazda6 I Grand Touring.  Given a five-star safety rating from the NHTSA it offers loads of standard safety features that many families look for in a car while giving a firm ride with competitive fuel economy that many crave. First Impressions At first glance the Mazda6 I Grand Touring in 'Snowflake Pearl White' has a sporty look that can be lacking in a mid-size sedan.  My friends kept saying, "What a nice looking car!" or "It's so pretty!" and I had to agree.  It has a distinct look to it that made a rather dull, winter week feel brighter. Take a Look Inside Source: Mazdausa.com The … [Read more...]

2016 Mazda CX-5 Grand Touring AWD

Source: MazdaUSA Refreshed and ready for 2016 the Mazda CX-5 comes at you in a fully engaged, fun way.  I admit I was hesitant to drive it for a week due to my lack luster feelings on the CX-9 last year but then I remembered that I loved the 2015 CX-5 so I was eager to see what had changed in the last year. Mazda calls the CX-5 an overachiever and I have to agree.  This SUV handles itself well in so many categories while still being a joy to drive.  First, the Titanium Flash Mica paint job on the exterior drew me to it. It has a depth in its subtle brown shade with a touch of graphite paint color.  When I opened the door I was fell in love with the interior color of black and parchment.  It was a nice touch to the car that felt inviting each time I climbed into it. Source: Victoria … [Read more...]

2015 Mazda CX-9 Grand Touring AWD

Source: Mazdausa.com I'm sometimes reluctant to get car reviews in the dead of winter.  Not only can the car get super dirty on the inside and outside, there is also an extra car to shovel out (#firstworldbloggerproblem) but I worry that I might do something to it in inclement weather.  It's all in the name of writing the review though, right? … [Read more...]

2015 Mazda CX-5 Grand Touring AWD

Source: veamason I have always had a thing for dark blue cars.  I wanted a navy sedan years ago and ended up with desert sand beige. The Deep Crystal Blue on a Mazda CX-5 is a beautiful thing.  Much like the Soul Red 2014 version I reviewed last year ,  the Mazda colors have depth and the sleek lines on the car stand out making the Mazda CX-5 Grand Touring with AWD an attractive small crossover SUV.  … [Read more...]

2014 Mazda Mazda3 5-Door Grand Touring

2014 Mazda Mazda3 5-Door Grand Touring Take a moment and look at the lines on that Mazda Mazda3.  This is not your standard 5-door hatchback style car.  When I was told I could review one I agreed but admittedly my expectations were low.  I wasn't feeling the whole 5-door factor.  The car arrived and I liked the color, Soul Red Metallic and instantly fell in love with the sleek lines.  The interior stole my heart in seconds. Sporty, stylish and super soft almond and black leather seats. First, I love the simplicity of this car.  The interior is refined, uncomplicated and has a display for navigation that sits on top of the dashboard rather than in it.  Not everyone loves this feature, but I did. I don't care how throwback it looks.  It was easier to see maps, what was playing on … [Read more...]

2014 Mazda CX-5 Grand Touring AWD

  The first thing people notice about the 2014 Mazda CX-5 Grand Touring AWD is the styling.  It is pretty sharp looking, especially with its Mazda Soul Red metallic paint and accompanying black interior. Those were the colors last week’s test drive.  The eye travels over this compact crossover and sees its narrow exterior that shows off a car that has more room overall than one would think.  It looks leaner and with a sporty quality to it.  A power moon roof and 19 –inch alloy wheels add to the smooth exterior. How does the CX-5 Grand Touring perform?  What is it like on the inside?  Let me tell you. Interior Climbing into the Mazda CX-5 Grand Touring, which seats five comfortably, I took notice of the satiny black interior and leather seats.  It is narrow seating in the … [Read more...]