Category Archives: Mazda – DO NOT USE

Japanese automakers see increased demand in Asian, American markets

Increased demand from car buyers led Japanese automakers to ramp up production in May, a sign that consumer confidence is returning. If the economic turnaround has drivers thinking about spending the money to buy a new car, they would do well to look at the used car market in order to find deals as the economy recovers.

All five of the major Japanese automakers reported an increase in production in May as opposed to last year. According to the Associated Press, Toyota produced the most units, at 637,675, although it also grew the least as compared to last year with a 27 percent increase.

Conversely, Mitsubishi posted an 85.8 percent increase as compared to last year, but also produced the fewest amount of cars, with 83,418. Honda, Nissan, and Mazda all saw growth of around 45 percent.

The automakers all agreed that an increase in demand, especially in the American and Asian markets, led to the surge in production.

This trend has also continued around the world, with Mercedes-Benz and BMW recently reporting that they were increasing production to respond to consumer’s increased confidence.

2009 Mazda6 built with more guts

Some critics were known to attack the size, power and quality of the midsized cars released by Mazda through much of the past decade – and the 2009 Mazda6 was the automaker’s answer.

Designed with all the comforts to please American sedan owners, the 2009 Mazda 6 unveiled in the U.S. contains only about 10 percent of the key-dimension components of the world-car platform version and has no common sheet metal or glass, according to MotorTrend.com.

Aside from being a pleasure to drive, the car boasts new eye-catching bodywork that consists of a blending of contours and edges. A stylized grille and jewel-like projector-beam headlamps lead into fenders with bold RX-8 and CX-9-type features. In addition, tighter gaps in the Mazda’s body panels and the addition of aero cleanups help to reduce the model’s drag coefficient by about 10 percent, compared to earlier versions.

When drivers climb into the 2009, the cockpit motif will make them feel like a pilot behind the wheel. The interior features an attractive blend of textured plastic surfaces with matte metal trimmings.

According to Edmunds.com the car also comes with antilock disc brakes, stability control, front-seat side airbags and full-length side curtain airbags.

2008 Mazda Miata receives prestigious ranking

With summer just around the corner, many northeastern car owners are surely looking forward to enjoying some leisurely weekend drives around the countryside. Those who are interested in an exciting, quick and flashy sports car may want to take a look at the 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata, which was ranked as the most fun to drive new vehicle on the road in 2008 by Consumer Reports.

The 2008 Mazda Miata is the most popular small convertible in production today. It comes standard with a 2.0-liter, four-cylinder gas engine capable of creating 166 horsepower and 140 pound-feet of torque. When paired with a manual transmission, the Miata can go from 0-60 miles per hour in 7.5 seconds, while still sporting a strong fuel economy.

However, the hallmark feature of the Mazda’s 2008 convertible is still its pinpoint steering and control.

“Although tuned for a smoother ride than before, the Miata still changes direction with the immediacy of a roller skate and speaks to you clearly through the steering wheel and driver seat,” says Edmunds.com.

In Consumer Reports test scoring, the Miata almost tied the Porsche Boxer, while costing almost half as much.

Miata, Mustang and Beetle: The most affordable used convertibles on the road today

With spring just around the corner, the national interest level in convertible vehicles is sure to rise. Consumers in the market for a moderately priced used convertible in New Jersey may want to take a look at the Volkswagen New Beetle, the Mazda Miata and the Ford Mustang Convertible, three of the most affordable drop top cars manufactured in 2003.

The Volkswagen Beetle is the most moderately priced car in its class. The long-awaited convertible version reappeared on the scene in 2003 after a 6-year hiatus. It features a power-folding cloth top, a rollover protection system and a six-speed automatic transmission, the first of its kind in convertibles costing less than $30,000, according to Edmunds.com.

The New Beetle is more of a cruising vehicle. With a standard 115-horsepower, ULEV-certified 2.0-liter V4 engine, it goes from 0-60 miles per hour in about 11 seconds, Inside Line reports.

For car buyers looking for a bit more power, the convertible can be purchased as a performance-oriented 180-horsepower Turbo S, which is available as a five-speed manual or a six-speed automatic.

“The Beetle offers a unique combination of safety, fun and upscale features for its price range,” reports the news source. In 2003, a brand new Beetle convertible was priced at $21,025, making it the least expensive drop top on the market.

The 2003 Mazda Miata is a 2-seat sports car that comes standard with a manual folding soft top, although a removable hard top is available.

Introduced in the late spring of ’03 were three new versions of the Miata. The Club Sport, which is designed for racing enthusiasts, has no power steering or air conditioning. Mazda also rolled out the Shinsen version and the LS – two higher end models with unique trim.

All three Miatas come with a 142-horsepower 4-cylinder engine with a 5-speed manual transmission or an optional 4-speed automatic.

“It is more fun to drive a slow car fast than a fast car slow,” says Edmunds. “The Miata defines the spirit of the modern roadster.” In 2003, a new Mazda Miata cost $22,363.

Falling just behind the Miata in terms of price is the 2003 Ford Mustang Convertible, which is “an absolute hoot to drive,” says Automotive.com. “The Mustang is fun to drive, fun to be seen in, quick, fast, and pretty loud, with excellent handling.”

The base Mustang comes with a 190-horsepower 3.8-liter V6, but the higher end GT model is available with a 260-horsepower 4.6-liter V8, making it one of the most powerful convertibles in its class. Car buyers can choose from a five-speed manual transmission or a 4-speed automatic.

The 2003 Ford Mustang Convertible is a bit dated in the interior and isn’t as easy on the eyes as the Miata or Beetle, but it offers a stronger on-road performance. Brand new Mustangs in 2003 cost just over $24,000.

Used Mazdas in New York are lighter than 2009 models

Mazda‘s senior vice president of product development Robert Davis says the manufacturer’s older models are lighter than its newer vehicles, which could get people interested in used Proteges in New York.

Mazdas normally gain about 80 pounds every time they are redesigned, according to Automotive News. Davis says this is partly because the company often equips its latest models with bigger wheels and tires.

There are ways of shaving weight from other areas of a car to compensate for extra pounds, but they can be rather expensive. “Carbon fiber roofs and hoods are great for a BMW M5, but they are not viable in our cost structure,” Davis told the news source. The base model of the BMW Davis refers to costs more than $85,000, according to Motor Trend.

Lighter cars often get better gas mileage and can be popular with environmentally-friendly drivers. A 2003 Mazda Protege weighs about 2,635 pounds – roughly 60 pounds lighter than the 2004 Mazda 3. For this reason, used Mazdas in New York could become popular with eco-conscious individuals.

Used Mazda6s in New Jersey may be the choice for families contemplating first cars

The start of the school year may have high school students asking their parents about ways to not have to ride the bus each day. For families looking for an affordable and safe car, used Mazda6s in New Jersey could be one choice.

Editors at AutoWeek magazine compiled a list of cars that are attractive to younger buyers and can allay some parents’ fears. While several new cars made the list, the current economic climate and recent cessation of the Cash for Clunkers program may make buying a vehicle from dealer showrooms a difficult proposition.

With that in mind, the staff also chose the 2003-2008 model year Mazda 6, the 2007-2009 Honda Accord and the Mercedes 300 series from the late 1970s as alternatives that may be more affordable.

Used Mazda6s in New Jersey offer more space than their earlier counterparts for a variety of storage options, and the sedan also offers sportier styling than many others in its class, according to a Cars.com review.

For younger drivers, it “is able to corner crisply, and it takes curves confidently with modest body lean and satisfying grip,” the website’s editors noted.

Concept car could inspire purchases of used Mazda Miatas in New York

Looking at concept cars at auto shows can show buyers updated versions of popular cars, and a new design could inspire buyers to consider used Mazda Miatas in New York.

Set to be displayed at this year’s Frankfurt Auto Show, the MX-5 superlight concept takes a Miata and strips it of windshields, door handles and anything else that engineers thought could be eliminated to save weight, reports Car magazine.

Internally, the car also reduces bulk through technologies to lower emissions and improve fuel mileage that the automaker says will be revealed this fall as part of the 20th anniversary of the Miata’s introduction, according to the website.

The popular two-seat convertible was designed to be a lightweight in stock form throughout its history, and buyers looking for an affordable cruising option could be enticed by a 2005 used Mazda Miata in New York.

It is “still the standard when it comes to delivering top-down thrills” at an affordable price point and offers good handling for its class, noted Edmunds.com editors.

A used Mazda3 in New York could be one of the coolest cars in its class

With smaller cars beginning to have many of the same features as larger models, those looking for used cars in New York may want to consider a Mazda3, which has continued to make a “cool cars” list for the past six years.

Kelly Blue Book says that the Mazda3 has again been named one of the top 10 coolest cars under 18,000 because of its options that include leather seats and ability to connect portable electronics via bluetooth and iPod connections.

“The auto manufacturers have made the low-priced segments the most personality-filled in the industry,” said Jack R. Nerad, Kelly Blue Book executive editorial director and executive market analyst, adding that the cars chosen “are loaded with technology and amenities.”

For buyers considering a used Mazda3 in New York, the 2005 model could be a good choice, according to the editors at Edmunds.com

They say that in its second model year, its “good looks, strong engines and sharp handling add up to an economy car that feels anything but cheap,” with the possibility of extra space in hatchback models.

Parts coming together for new Mazda3, used Mazdas may offer similar handling

People who have followed the Mazda3 may have seen that the compact car, available in both sedan and hatchback variants, is getting a high-speed upgrade, but used Mazdas may offer similar sporty handling according to some reviews.

With a limited slip differential provided by GKN Driveline to help the car maintain its composure through turns, the new MPS will have a 2.3 liter turbocharged engine with air sucked in from a large hood scoop when it’s released in Europe.

“Thanks to its torque-sensing technology, GKN Driveline’s Super LSD enables Mazda to deliver excellent responsiveness and a sportier driving experience,” said Graeme Walford, GKN Driveline engineering and commercial director.

According to the company, the MPS will still have improved fuel economy thanks to an ignition system.

But for those looking at used Mazdas in New Jersey, older models of the Mazda3 are already available, and some have garnered their own accolades.

A used Mazda3 from 2004 is a good value for its exterior, handling and engine that “add up to an economy car that feels anything but cheap,” according to Edmunds.com editors.

Find Used Mazda cars in New Jersey with New Jersey State Auto

Couple caught having sex in car while speeding on highway

This may be the definition of not practicing safe sex.

A Norwegian man was allegedly having sex with his 22-year-old girlfriend while speeding on the highway in his silver Mazda 323, according to the American Foreign Press.

The couple, whose identities were not released, were pulled over by Oslo police on Easter Sunday after reportedly going 133 kilometers per hour in a 100 zone, states the article. After authorizes clocked the car’s speed, they apparently noticed something odd in the driving.

“It was veering from one side to the other because the woman was sitting on the man’s lap while he was driving and doing the act, shall we say,” Tor Stein Hagen, a superintendent with Soendre Buskerund district police, told the news provider. “He couldn’t see much because her back was in the way.”

Police have reportedly charged the man with “a heavy fine” as well as “a lengthy driving ban.”

While the Mazda wasn’t designed for such situations, it remains one of the great finds for car enthusiasts looking for an older, yet reliable used car, Edmunds.com reports.

Find Used Mazda cars in the New York Tri-State Area with New Jersey State Auto