2011 Mazda Mazda2


Due: July 2010

Starting Price: $13,980



For those that like their micro cars with a bit of “zoom-zoom,” Mazda introduces its Mazda2 mini hatchback -- which trumps Toyota’s Yaris in the fun department. The Yaris provides 106 horsepower (six more than the Mazda2), but the Mazda2 is tuned for a more exciting ride. And while the Yaris is no ugly duckling, the Mazda2 is definitely the better-looking of the two. Inside, though, is where the Mazda2 really wins. It features a clean layout and satisfying list of standard features -- including an auxiliary jack for MP3 players and keyless entry. Meanwhile, the Yaris forces folks to pay extra for power door locks and windows, and even an audio system.

Say Goodbye To Fat Boy

I have heard all of the jokes before. Melvin is so fat he shows up on radar. Melvin is so fat he leaves footprints in concrete. Melvin is so fat that when he cut is finger, gravy poured out. Melvin is so fat I jog around him to exercise. I have literally heard them all. I do not see myself as very fat at all, but other people do. My father used to call me "Gut Glut." I did not know what it meant at the time, I thought he was referring to me as some fat superhero. I would lose weight for a little while, than gain it back. You would think running around on a hot car lot all day would keep my weight down. You would think only eating twice a day because I'm just too busy would keep my weight down. You would be wrong on both counts, I have gained more weight. So now after a few health scares I am going to do something about it. For the last 2 weeks I have been doing an exercise routine called "Insanity." It is pure cardio and body resistance. I have been eating alot better. I am down to 207 as of this morning, I started at 218 pounds. I thought if I let everyone know what I am doing, I would do better at it this time. So I will keep everyone up-to-date on my progress or regress.

Toyota In The News...Again!

0% Is 0%!!!

I am sure you have noticed to stimulate car sales for the summer, dealers are offering 0% interest. Mazda is no different, since we have 0% for 7 models. We have 0% for 36 or 60 months depending on the model. Now it does not matter who does the math, I can do it or you can do it, but one thing will not change math is math. Math is an exact science, I hope we agree on that. My calculator is going to come up with the same numbers as yours. You can't trick it or me by coming up with some magical number. If you cannot get to the payment you are wanting it is not the numbers fault it means you picked a car that is too expensive. I however encourage everyone to do 0%. Do not pay cash if someone is offering you 0%. Let your money stay in the bank and earn interest instead of depreciating on a car. Folks, cars do depreciate, so appreciate the fact that you can get 0%. There is no better time to buy than right now!

Toyota Quality Is The Best?...Not!

Alot of people may not know this, but I worked at Toyota for a while. I did not sell them, I built them; I repeat, I built Toyotas! I am surprised their quality has been so good for so long with me working at the plant. I had to put in the steering column (which weighs 35lbs), pop in the ignition switch, and connect the emergency brake; all while sitting on a piece of foam which you could not feel after the 10th car. Now if I had an hour to do those things, I would still be working there. I had to do that in 48 seconds (which they refer to as tact time). With us building over 400 cars a shift, there were bound to be some mistakes. I worked at the plant in Georgetown, Kentucky where Toyota means everything for that area. The poverty is so great in that area that if it were not for Toyota, it would be the poorest state in the Union.

My first day by myself on the production line was the worst day of my life. I remembered everything I had to do; when the line started I had to grab two 3/4" nuts, and the steering column (which weighed 35lbs). In one fail swoop, I had to insert it in the hole and hold it up with my knee, while I hand started the two nuts. I then had to take the pneumatic nut driver and shoot the bolts, hoping all the while I didn't cross thread them. If you cross thread the nuts, you have to back them off and then reshoot two more. Keep in mind that the car is moving the whole time through your designated area. Once you get that done, you have to then take the ignition switch and pop it in to the steering column. Then you had to reach down between the seats and grab the connection for the emergency brake. You are then finished with that car in what is hopefully your area. If not, you have put the next person in line into a bad predicament. Now if you get too far behind, you can pull the Andon cord which will stop the whole line. The more you stop it, the more overtime everyone will have to work. Keep in mind this was my first day, and I had to make this work. I had my family depending on me. I needed this job, it was the best paying job for someone under 25 in Kentucky. I had to do what I could, with every ounce of my being to make this work (I said to myself). All of a sudden, the line started and I grabbed the steering column, I jumped in the car, I put the steering column in the hole, and I hand started the bolts...oops, the bolts. I went back to get the bolts, but the car was now in the next area. I pull the Andon cord to stop the line, the whole line, and nothing but the line. This went on the rest of the night with me pulling the cord 14 times before lunch. I had single-handedly caused us to work 2 hours of overtime. After lunch I didn't even care if I stripped bolts, left the emergency brake unplugged; I didn't care about nothing but not pulling the cord.

I lasted only a month at Toyota Manufacturing, hating every minute of it 48 seconds at a time. I still to this day will not ride in or drive a 95 Toyota Camry or Avalon. My quality sucked then, so you can imagine how amazed I am that they lasted this long without any problems. I wish them the best, I really do, but in the meantime...buy a Mazda. Zoom-zoom. forever.