Maybe your roads are different than here but I would not say driving a car that makes me feel either like a chipped golf ball or a bobblehead is fun. The one thing Mazda forgot when designing this car is that people are not shock absorbers. I just want people to know what they'e getting themselves into and to think clearly before purchasing a CX-5.

 

Chipped golf ball? I'll have to think about that one!

 

Hey guy, I just purchased a new 2016 CX-5 GT w/ tech package this week. I traded in a 2014 Toyota RAV4 EX. I have also owned several Honda CRV EX up to 2014. I live in Ohio, I purchased the vehicle in Indiana, and I have driven many miles through Michigan (known for bad roads). Hell the night I drove my new CX-5 home, I got stuck behind a salt truck! I was told part of the 2016 CX-5 upgrades include 10% thicker glass and other things resulting in a smoother/quieter ride. I can tell you from my experiences, the CX-5 is the smoothest, quietist, most enjoyable vehicle I've ever owned and I've owned many vehicles. I actually look forward to driving my CX-5. It has been a pleasure overall. I'd say, if you are looking at one, just take it for a test drive and see if you like it. I have always loved BMW's (never could afford one) and one of the CX-5 selling points for me was when I watched a professional car reviewer video where the reviewer made the comment that he thoroughly enjoyed driving the 2016 CX-5 more then his new BMW that was sitting back in his garage. Good luck!

 

...and p.s. People who are bashing the electronics on the CX-5 must own older models, because my 2016 electronics are the most responsive I've ever used. They blow Honda and Toyota out of the water. The GPS is the best I've used in-dash. My iPhone works flawlessly with the system and the bluetooth functions perfectly. The voice recognition is perfect and there is no lag between screens or commands. Maybe all of the issues were worked out on the 2016 models, but mine works like a dream. My ONLY complaint would be the quality of the backup camera at night. Mazda dropped the ball with the backup camera. Viewing the camera at night is like watching a blu-ray next to a VCR tape...Mazda's camera being the latter.

 

oil consumption-tranny issues-mileage-coolant level constant in tank?

 

I had a Scion xB with a very firm ride, and I somewhat reluctantly lowered it with lowering springs, which typically make the ride even firmer, however, it had exactly the opposite effect in this application. the ride was much better ...controlled and comfortable. I would only recommend H&R or Eibach for a high quality spring.

With that said, im not sure if you desire to lower a cx5, but maybe there are standard ride height aftermarket springs available? H&R and Eibach are both german companies and if theres one thing the germans can do well is ride quality without compromising handleing.

 

Thanks for the tip. I haven't exactly expressed myself here as bad as I do while driving my CX-5, but all I can say now is sorry Mazda... You can have this back.

 

Thats unfortunate. Most people who drive mazdas are willing to accept the rough ride for increased handling tradeoff. My M6 feels every bump in the road, but i love it. Dont want a car that puts me to sleep when driving. Try the new hyundia tucson. Looks sharp and from what ive read has a soft ride

 

I'm sorry to hear that. I actually read all of your post, and I know that ride quality depends on what the road conditions are like. I'm sure the ride would be better on smooth asphalt type highways but around here they are like taking a piece of paper and wadding it up and then unwadding it... The roads are bad even when new, and a stiff ride would just knock a car off the road in a hard turn around here.

Mach1 thanks for your suggestion.

 

Bought a 2016 CX5 Grand Touring about three weeks ago. Amazing vehicle, for the price. Car and Driver isn't smoking crack when they say this CUV feels more like a car than small truck, it really does. From the small steering wheel with its tight steering, to the impressive handing and very good engine dynamics, I was smitten.

Unfortunately, I made a good: Talked to a British friend who has a Mazda 3, and asked him about the infotainment and GPS systems, which he loved. Sure looked great sitting on the dealer's lot, too. Only later did I find out that Mazda USA has crippled them -- the GPS can't be used while the vehicle is in motion, and a number of features on the infotainment system are as well. Mazda offers this great "text to voice" for SMS messages, which seems like a wonderful idea, right? No more trying to glance at a text while driving.

Wrong. It TOO is crippled, and will only retrieve messages when the vehicle is stopped.

Madness. I've written to Mazda, and expressed my displeasure. I basically threw away $1,500. Their attitude is, "yeah, too bad."

So no, despite the amazing engineering, the legal and PR departments would have put this on the "no buy" list, had I known.