2014 Mazda CX-5 User Reviews

Best Compact Suv On The Market Right Now!!! — I really love this car. It drives really well for a 4 cylinder and gets excellent gas mileage for an suv period... it competes with most sedans but you still have the added space of an suv! The extra features of touchscreen dash, pandora, and bluetooth capabilities are all perks while on the road also. Great space for families in the backseat and trunk area.

Primary Use: Family transportation

Best Features / Mpg For The Price — I looked at the CR-V, RAV-4, Sportage, Sedona, Tuscon and many other mid-size crossover SUVs and all of them had considerably WORSE MPG for MORE COST. This was an easy no-brainer to buy. Once I felt how smooth the ride was, and the extras included for the price, I was sold. Luckily I got the metallic dark/midnight blue color which everyone loves, unlike the ugly Ford blue with its purple tint. After 2 months of driving, both automatic and manual mode, I'm getting great gas mileage, and I feel safe with its great safety rating. Would definitely buy again.

Primary Use: Family transportation

Okay, But Better Options —

There is a great deal of road noise on this vehicle at highway speeds, particularly with concrete pavement (Interstates). In April I test drove the CX 5 and 4 other comparable SUVs, all the others (little to no road noise) were driven on the Interstate (dealers in the area) the only one not driven on the Interstate was the Mazda, my fault. The noise appears to be coming out of the rear wheel well area. I spend quite a bit of time on the Interstates for my job and the noise is constant. Friends say "just turn up the radio", but that’s not a solution. Both Consumer Reports and Popular Mechanics magazines have made it a point in their reviews to mention the "noise issue", wish I had read them first. The decision to purchase was based on my need to improve fuel economy, the looks and how the vehicle physically drove. (all of these are great) But I have regretted my purchase since the 1st road trip. Either a financial loss is taken by trading / selling it or I do something about it. So I have driven with the local dealer's lead Mazda mechanic, who said that it does appear that the noise is coming from the wheel wells and that the noise is acceptable, but referred me to the Service Manager. The Service Manager and the Mazda Regional Manager drove it and it was reported back to me by the Service Manager that the Regional said that there was nothing wrong with the vehicle and that was it. The SM said he would contact the Sales Dept to see if they would cover an undercoating for the wheel wells. Still waiting….. to hear back. If I don’t hear back then I will pay for something to lessen the “noise”. Of my last 5 vehicle purchases the CX 5 is the only one to have this issue.

Primary Use: Commuting to work

Fun To Drive Yet Easy On The Wallet — This car competed for our purchase with the CRV, RAV4, BMW X5 and Forester. The CX-5 distinguished itself with a very agile ride, comfortable seats, and great mileage. It drives very much like the BMW X5. Mazda has been called the "poor man's BMW." A better description would be "the car debt-free person's BMW." Long trips have been surprisingly comfortable. Despite the short wheelbase, the car holds the line well. On winding mountain roads.... well, that experience explains why Toyota and Honda dropped out of the competition. The CX-5 is lightweight and that is evident in the ride and materials. There is nothing soft about the ride (which seemed to be the case with the CRV and RAV4), but neither is it harsh. We are happy spending less for the car, auto insurance, gasoline (premium fuel not required), and future repairs compared to the X5 - with essentially the same driving experience.

Primary Use: Commuting to work

I enjoyed the ride, manuverability and the gas mileage. It was just too small for my wife and my needs.