Vehicles: Mazda's "Zoom-Zoom" Lives On with a New Crop of Happy Cars

The people at Mazda must be a fun group to work with. They keep building cars that make driving an almost childlike experience. More than just transportation, the new Mazdas practically scream, “Take me for a ride, I want to go out and play!” I had the opportunity to test drive four of the new Mazda vehicles that will surely put a happy smile on the face of most drivers, not unlike their newly redesigned front ends, like on the grinning 2009 Mazda6 shown above.

Starting with the most utilitarian of the group, the Mazda5 is a cross between a SUV, minivan, and family sedan. The Grand Touring test model I drove came with a 5-speed automatic, and a crystal white pearl paint job that added $200 to the sticker price. This top of the line trim package includes heated leather-trimmed seats, security alarm, Bluetooth® hands-free phone system, auto on/off headlights, heated door mirrors, rain-sensing wipers, and Xenon/High-Intensity Discharge (HID) headlights with manual leveling. Options on the test car included a DVD system and Sirius satellite radio.

The 2009 Mazda5 Grand Touring SUV.

The driving experience in the Mazda5 is more like a car than SUV. The 5 has solid sight lines for the driver and a variety of creature comforts for the family. With 3 rows, seating for 6, and multiple fold-down options, you can haul an enviable combination of gear and people. The 5 comes equipped with many safety features as well. For a highly functional, daily shuttle for the family, it would be hard to beat the 2009 Mazda5. MSRP $22,675; as tested $25,175.

Next up was the luxurious 2009 Mazda6 i Sedan Grand Touring with a 6-speed manual transmission in a luminous sangria-red shell. The black-leather interior was elegant and functional, with the seats providing more than adequate support. The Grand Touring package comes with a long laundry list of standard features, but the test model I drove added a moon roof, navigation system, and Bose sound system.

The luxurious 2009 Mazda6 i Sedan.

The 6’s transmission felt smooth and responsive. The engine, while adequate, could use a little more pop in this mid-sized sedan. It is the same 2.5L 4-cylinder found in the smaller Mazda3 that puts out 170 horsepower and 167 pound-feet of torque. The interior is both luxurious and efficient. The surfaces look expensive and the seats are firm with multiple adjustment options. The car feels very solid, and is fun to drive for a family sedan. In a category ruled by the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry, the 6 holds up well in both looks and substance. MSRP $24,910; as tested $29,440.

My favorite car of the group was the little pocket rocket called the Mazda3 S Grand Touring. The test ride was the 2010 model, and it came in a liquid silver metallic skin with a fighter-plane-like cockpit encased in black-leather upholstery and stylish soft-touch synthetic materials. Nothing looked cheap in the excellent cabin, and the ergonomically laid out gauges would have fit nicely in any expensive sports sedan. The 6-speed manual transmission, power assisted steering, and responsive ABS brakes combined to form a solid, fun, mini BMW buster.

The 2009 Mazda3 S loves to zoom-zoom.

The Grand Touring trim level, as in the other models, is loaded with standard features, but my test vehicle also added a technology package, moon roof, and a thunderous Bose surround sound system. This configuration includes a Multi-Information Display just under the windshield controlled by buttons on the steering wheel. Once you get past the whiz-bang technology, it becomes apparent that this car is extremely fun to drive. The peppy engine with lots of torque, silky smooth transmission, and firm suspension blend well together in a car that really likes to go fast. I suspect there will be some BMW and Audi owners sitting next to the 3 S GT at stop lights with looks of envy, and maybe a little panic. MSRP $21,500; as tested $24,760.

The last car I tested was the long in the tooth, but still vibrant, Mazda MX-5 Miata. Celebrating its 20th anniversary, the little convertible I drove had a stormy-blue mica exterior and beige-leather interior that has retained its classic shape. My test drive vehicle was also a “Grand Touring” edition loaded with standard features. Options included a suspension and technology package. A manual 6-speed transmission and the greatest road feel I’ve experienced in a while made this an impressive ride.

The Mazda MX-5 Miata celebrates its 20th anniversary with a loaded 2009 model.

The car reminded me of an old Triumph but with current technology and modern creature comforts. With a high revving engine, tight cornering, powerful Bilstein shocks, and road-hugging tires, the ride was exhilarating. Things can get a little loud with the top down, but that is part of the fun driving experience. The 2009 MX-5 has retained all of the elements that have made the Miata a successful small ragtop, while improving on the safety and refinement criteria required of today’s cars. MSRP $26,350; as tested $29,170.

Mazda can be proud of their new lineup. With choices running from family haulers to mini sport coupes, you can select a vehicle that will be sturdy, reliable, functional, and most of all, fun to drive.

[Andy J. Gordon, a Los Angeles based marketing and strategy consultant, made his writing debut in Brentwood Magazine. His interests include music, sports, consumer electronics, premium libations, fine dining, travel, fast cars, and enjoying life.]