The Thing About Car Blogs
Original Content and Recommended Reading

Look, we’re all in favor of the thrill of a fast car on an open road.  But in today’s world, where climate change and environmental concerns dominate conversations, it’s essential for families to consider the impact of their vehicle choices and driving habits. The good news? Small, conscious decisions can lead to significant changes. Here’s how you can steer your family toward a more sustainable automotive lifestyle.

Thoughtful Car Purchases

Choose Fuel Efficiency or Electric Vehicles: 

When it comes time to buy a new vehicle, opt for those with high miles-per-gallon ratings or consider hybrid and electric vehicles. These choices not only reduce emissions but also save money on fuel in the long run.

Consider Buying Used: 

Consider Buying Used

Purchasing a used car can significantly lessen the environmental impact associated with manufacturing new vehicles. It’s a win-win—your wallet will thank you, too!

Evaluate Vehicle Size: 

Smaller cars typically consume less fuel and emit fewer greenhouse gases compared to larger SUVs or trucks. If you don’t need a larger vehicle for specific needs, consider a compact or midsize option.

Research Sustainable Brands: 

Some manufacturers focus on eco-friendly practices, from sourcing materials to production processes. Brands committed to sustainability often take additional steps to reduce their overall environmental footprint.

Mindful Driving Habits

Carpool and Ride-Share: 

Encourage carpooling among family and friends. Not only does this cut down on the number of cars on the road, but it also fosters community and connection.

Carpool Bench

Utilize Public Transport: 

Whenever possible, take advantage of buses, trains, or subways. Public transportation can drastically reduce your family’s carbon footprint while also saving on gas expenses.

Plan Efficient Errands: 

Combine errands into one trip. This strategy not only saves time but also reduces fuel consumption. A little planning goes a long way!

Maintain Your Vehicle: 

Used Honda

Keep your car in top shape with regular maintenance. Simple tasks like oil changes and tire checks can improve fuel efficiency and extend the lifespan of your vehicle.

Drive Efficiently: 

Adopt eco-friendly driving practices. Smooth acceleration and braking, maintaining a steady speed, and minimizing idling can enhance your car’s efficiency.

Lifestyle Choices for Sustainability

Bike or Walk for Short Trips: 

Lifestyle Choices for Sustainability

For those quick trips to the store or nearby parks, consider biking or walking. It’s a great way to get exercise and reduce your reliance on the car.

Support Local Infrastructure: 

Advocate for community initiatives that promote cycling paths, walking trails, and improved public transportation. Stronger local infrastructure can encourage more sustainable commuting options.

Educate Your Family: 

Engage in conversations about the importance of sustainability with your family. Involve everyone in the decision-making process to foster a collective commitment to greener choices.

Driving Toward a Greener Future

Making sustainable decisions regarding car purchases and driving habits doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With just a few thoughtful changes, your family can contribute to a healthier planet while enjoying the benefits of a more efficient and mindful automotive lifestyle.

By embracing these practices, we can all play a part in steering the automotive industry toward a greener future. Join us on The Thing About Cars podcast as we continue to explore and discuss the ever-evolving world of cars, sustainability, and how we can all drive change. Together, we can make a difference, one mile at a time!

Read More

In a world increasingly dominated by high-tech electric vehicles and autonomous driving, there’s a nostalgic charm in the rumble of a classic car engine. The resurgence of vintage vehicles in modern culture is not just a passing trend; it reflects a deeper appreciation for craftsmanship, history, and community. Let’s take a closer look at why classic cars are capturing the hearts of a new generation.

The Allure of Nostalgia

For many, classic cars evoke a sense of nostalgia that modern vehicles simply can’t replicate. From the iconic lines of a 1967 Mustang to the elegance of a 1950s Cadillac, these cars tell stories of a bygone era. They remind us of simpler times and the freedom that comes with hitting the open road. As younger generations seek authentic experiences, classic cars offer a tangible connection to the past.

Restoration and Customization

Restoration and Customization

The thrill of restoring a classic car has become a popular hobby for many. It’s not just about getting a car back on the road; it’s about reviving a piece of history. Enthusiasts dive into restoration projects with passion, often spending countless hours sourcing original parts and perfecting every detail. This process not only enhances the car’s value but also creates a sense of accomplishment and connection to automotive heritage.

Customization has also taken on new life. Many classic car owners are merging old-school aesthetics with modern technology, integrating features like fuel injection and advanced audio systems while preserving the vehicle’s original charm. This blend of old and new has led to a growing trend known as “restomods,” which are classic cars with contemporary upgrades.

The Community Connection

Restoration and Customization

One of the most compelling aspects of the classic car revival is the community it fosters. Car shows, meets, and online forums provide a space for enthusiasts to share tips, stories, and their passion for all things automotive. These gatherings not only celebrate the vehicles themselves but also the camaraderie among those who appreciate the artistry of classic cars.

Social media has further amplified this sense of community, allowing enthusiasts to connect globally. From Instagram pages showcasing stunning restorations to YouTube channels dedicated to car culture, the classic car community thrives on shared experiences and inspiration.

The Challenges of Ownership

While the joys of classic car ownership are numerous, it’s not without its challenges. Sourcing parts can be a daunting task, especially for rare models. Many enthusiasts find themselves hunting down original components, often at a premium price. Additionally, maintenance can require specialized knowledge, and the costs can add up quickly.

Despite these challenges, the passion for classic cars continues to grow. Enthusiasts are often willing to invest time and money because they see their vehicles as more than just transportation—they are a labor of love.

Reviving the Classics

As the automotive landscape evolves, classic cars will likely continue to hold a special place in the hearts of enthusiasts. Their value as collectible items remains strong, and the appreciation for automotive history will only deepen as technology advances.

The resurgence of classic cars in modern culture reflects a desire for authenticity, craftsmanship, and community. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or a curious newcomer, the world of vintage vehicles offers a rich tapestry of stories and experiences waiting to be explored. So, buckle up and get ready to enjoy the ride—because the classics are here to stay.

Contact The Thing About Cars

Questions? Comments?  We want to hear from you. The best way to write to us is either via our Facebook page or our LinkedIn page.  What should we talk about on the show?  We’re looking forward to hearing from you.  

Read More

As the leaves change color and the air turns crisp, fall presents the perfect backdrop for car lovers to indulge in their passion. Whether you’re a gearhead, a casual driver, or someone who just enjoys the open road, there’s something for everyone this season. Here are some exciting ways to embrace the Autumn vibes.

Scenic Drives to Witness Fall Foliage

Nothing compares to the beauty of fall foliage. Plan a scenic drive through your local countryside or along a famous scenic route. Look for roads that wind through forests, mountains, or along lakes where you can soak in the vibrant colors of the changing leaves. Pack some snacks and enjoy a leisurely drive—perhaps even bring a camera to capture the stunning views!

Recommended Routes:

The Southeastern US is home to some beautiful scenic driving routes. Here are a few must-see options:

Blue Ridge Parkway

Blue Ridge Parkway (North Carolina and Virginia): Stretching 469 miles through the Appalachian Mountains, this route offers stunning views, especially during fall foliage. There are plenty of overlooks, hiking trails, and picnic spots along the way.

Florida’s A1A Coastal Highway: This scenic route runs along Florida’s east coast, showcasing beautiful beaches, charming towns, and coastal parks. Don’t miss the historic St. Augustine and the scenic views of the Atlantic Ocean.

Natchez Trace Parkway (Mississippi, Alabama, and Tennessee): This historic route spans 444 miles and features beautiful landscapes, historical sites, and plenty of opportunities for hiking and exploring.

Cherohala Skyway (Tennessee and North Carolina): This 43-mile route winds through the Cherokee and Nantahala National Forests, offering panoramic views and lush greenery, especially in spring and summer.

Coastal Highway 17 (South Carolina): This drive takes you from Charleston to Beaufort, passing through beautiful marshes, historic towns, and scenic lowcountry landscapes.

Hwy 441 through the Georgia Mountains: This route takes you through picturesque small towns, waterfalls, and beautiful vistas, particularly near the North Georgia mountains.

Each of these routes offers unique scenery and experiences, making them perfect for a leisurely drive.

Attend Car Shows and Meetups

Attend Car Shows and Meetups

Fall is a popular time for car shows and meetups, where enthusiasts gather to showcase their vehicles and share their passion. Check local event calendars for car meets, festivals, or even charity drives. These events are a great way to connect with fellow car lovers, swap stories, and maybe even pick up some tips for your own ride.

Work On a Restoration or Modification Project

With cooler temperatures, fall is an ideal time to dive into that restoration or modification project you’ve been dreaming about. Whether it’s a classic car in need of some TLC or a modern ride you want to customize, use this time to roll up your sleeves and make some progress. Gather your tools, research the latest techniques, and enjoy the satisfaction of working on your vehicle.

Go for a Road Trip

Go For A Road Trip

Plan a weekend road trip to a destination you’ve always wanted to visit. Whether it’s a nearby national park, a quaint town, or a famous automotive museum, there’s something liberating about hitting the open road. Don’t forget to bring along your favorite playlists, and make stops along the way to explore hidden gems. A couple of southeast options:

Great Smoky Mountains National Park (Tennessee and North Carolina) The Cades Cove Loop Road is a popular drive with picturesque mountain views, wildlife, and historic homesteads. The Newfound Gap Road also offers breathtaking vistas.

Savannah, Georgia. This historic city is known for its picturesque streets, beautiful squares, and stunning architecture. You can stroll along River Street, visit Forsyth Park, and explore the many historic homes and museums. Plus, the nearby Tybee Island offers a lovely beach escape if you want to soak up some sun!

Organize a Fall-Themed Car Rally

Get your friends together for a fall-themed car rally! Create a route that includes fun stops like cider mills, haunted houses, or picturesque viewpoints. Incorporate challenges or scavenger hunt elements for added excitement. This is a great way to bond with fellow car enthusiasts while enjoying the beautiful fall scenery.

Prepare for Winter with Maintenance

As fall approaches, it’s a good time to prepare your vehicle for the winter months ahead. Take this opportunity to perform maintenance tasks like checking your tires, fluids, and battery. Consider scheduling a tune-up to ensure your car is ready to handle colder weather.

Explore Off-Roading Adventures

Explore Off-Roading Adventures

If you enjoy off-roading, fall is a fantastic time to hit the trails. With the cooler weather and stunning fall colors, it’s the perfect backdrop for an off-road adventure. Make sure to check trail conditions and pack essential gear for a safe outing.

Embrace the Autumn Vibes

Fall is a fantastic season for car enthusiasts to enjoy their passion in new and exciting ways. Whether you’re hitting the road, attending events, or diving into projects, there are countless opportunities to Embrace the Autumn Vibes. Please send us pictures! In the meantime, buckle up, stay safe, and embrace all the adventures this autumn has to offer!

Read More

In past writings about rental cars, I’ve said that sometimes you get lucky. Did I get lucky this time? Read on.

I had arrived at Philadelphia International Airport on a hot, humid July day, bound for a few days of work across the river in New Jersey. Philadelphia usually has the best selection of rental cars of any airport I visit very much, and this day was no exception. Sedans, SUVs, pickup trucks, all very nice, even a few models that I knew well and gravitate toward as they work well with me. I was also on the lookout for the new Mazda CX-50, the successor to the CX-5 (my personal car at home), which I’m eager to try but they didn’t have one- that’ll have to wait for another day. Of course I’m also always on the lookout for anything extra-nice, above the usual cut without getting into the ‘special’ cars that cost more. Philadelphia’s selection has impressed me before in this regard, being the only place where I ever snagged a Mercedes (two different times!), and one time they even had a Subaru WRX which I sadly could not take due to the seat’s deep bolsters being too narrow for me to fit comfortably. And this time I spotted another nice up-market car I’d never before sampled: a BMW X5, or more precisely, a BMW X5 xDrive 45e, which is one of the plug-in hybrid versions of BMW’s popular mid-size SUV. Let’s get this out of the way up front: that awkward, convoluted name sucks, and you should aim your raspberries squarely at whoever over in Munich thought it up as well as whoever approved it. THPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPT!!!

The current generation of X5 is good-looking, and the back end is especially an improvement over the earliest generations.

The X5 -and let’s just call it that from here onward- looked both swank and sensible, if that’s even possible, and I decided that I should jump on it. I don’t know why, but every rented BMW I’ve encountered has been white, and that count so far has been two 3-Series I’ve driven, a 2-Series that I rejected for being too cramped for me, and this X5, plus another X5 I saw at the rental location near home a week later. I have no idea whether this is coincidental or intentional by some corporate decision but it’s a little un-nerving. Comfy front seat? Check. Room in back for my stuff? Check plus a bit! But will I like it? One thing that disappointed me about the 3-Series cars I’d driven before was that they are WAY too technological. They’re full of screens and soft-touch controls and things that you have to learn how to use, not intuitive at all, dependent on menu after menu, and to be frank about it, this isn’t good in a car that you’ll only use for a few days. I’m sure that if you own it, once you learn and remember how it all works you’ll feel like a first-class starship commander, but for the casual rental user, this can be bad. The X5 is built in this same vein, but I didn’t find it as difficult to deal with this time. I don’t drive BMWs often enough to say that I’m getting better at them, so maybe BMW is starting to get the hint. Well, mostly. I maintain my gripe about the ‘joystick-with-a-flowchart’ philosophy BMW employs for designing the gear selector. Bump the thing in any direction and nothing happens. Hold the button on the side of the knob while you bump it about and something happens- but it isn’t always intuitive. Bump it toward you to select Drive. But it took me a bit to figure out that bumping it forward while in Park will select Reverse, the first few times going into Drive then bumping it forward to Reverse. Then to get into Park there is no bumping, just press the button with the P on it on the side of the knob that faces you. After a while you’ll get good at dancing it through the motions in parking lots, but it sure feels awkward at first.

Lots of buttons, ‘joystick-and-flowchart’ gear lever, and so much more in the onscreen menus. Das ist Deutschetechnik, jawhol!

Back to the positive side, I must mention the seat. It was MUCH comfier than the seat in the 2-series that I rejected a few weeks earlier. It’s rare that I encounter a seat with as many adjustments as this one, and they all worked toward getting the comfort right rather than just being superfluous features for the sake of presenting an air of fanciness. The lumbar adjustment was the least-useful, with the feeling of difference as I played with it being rather vague, but that’s excusable. There is a button that adjusts the narrowness of the bolsters (are you listening, Subaru WRX?) and moving the seatback button up or down changed the height of the head-restraint, although the fore-aft adjustment of it was manual via a button on the side of it. But how many cars give you two axes of adjustment? There is also a thigh-support that can be adjusted outward, but even with my 34-inch inseam I found that all the way in felt the least obtrusive and wondered who could feel otherwise. But once everything was dialed-in, this seat was comfy. The driving-position was good too, and there are two memory-buttons to store your preferences and this includes where you position the electrically-adjusted position of the steering wheel, which also raises and retracts when you shut the car off.

Comfortable cockpit.

So what happens when you turn the car on? Pressing the START button lights-up the screens (and that includes the entire instrument-cluster), and causes this weird rising sound like the engine of a spaceship in a sci-fi movie coming to life. I guess they needed to give you some kind of audible clue, since the engine does not start to idle, but rather starts when needed after the car gets rolling. The electric motor moves first, giving the sensation of surreal smoothness at low speed. If you pay close attention you’ll notice the combustion engine starting shortly after. About that hybrid system: I only put 105 miles on the car while I had it, never driving more than 20 miles at a time and usually less, so I wasn’t able to see what it could really do- and like most hybrids in the rental-fleets, the battery never had the chance to charge past an indicated 2%. But that was quite enough to boost the power to the wheels during spirited take-offs, enough to make me take notice! I gave a quick scan to some other reviews of the X5 hybrids and the consensus seems to be that BMW’s hybrid system in not really optimal for either efficiency or performance, just sort of existing somewhere in between and in fact producing LOWER fuel efficiency numbers in some cases than the combustion-only X5. The combustion engine is a turbocharged inline six, quite torquey and smooth by itself, as one would expect from BMW as they’ve been perfecting inline sixes since the 1930s. And of course in the four days that I had the car, I never had the opportunity to plug it in and see what the electric side of it was really capable of.

I didn’t get a chance to plug it in and see what the hybrid system could really do.

The driving experience itself is quite good. The steering, braking and handling are all really good if a bit on the numb side, but for a large, luxurious vehicle that numbness is part of the experience- after all, you do pay a premium to be isolated from the outside world. The handling really is good though, probably among the best you can expect from a vehicle this large and heavy. Give it the beans in a tight cloverleaf and you can make the tires squeal in protest, but if it gets worse than that it’s easy to pull back into the realm of sensible behaviour. There’s no noticeable torque-steer, hop, or other lack of refinement when you hustle the X5, but how many of the people who buy this car really want to hustle, rather than just enjoy the smooth isolation? This is a big family-hauler after all. And that isolation is nice and quiet too, with just enough engine-sound for the driver to not feel disconnected from the car.

The screens are bright-enough to be read easily in all conditions.

Interiour space is pretty good, depending on your priorities. Like with most vehicles in today’s market, the front seats offer plenty of space to stretch-out and be as comfy as you like. Headroom is terrific, which I say as someone who stands 6′ 4” and is long in the torso, which translates to being tall in a seat. If you’re very tall, you’ll have no problems with the front seats in the X5. The rear seat is good too- I climbed into the left rear seat, right behind the driver seat that was adjusted for my big frame, and found that my legs fit and I had enough headroom- but the legroom was merely adequate for my 34” inseam, not as much as I would expect in such a large car. But for me to be able to sit behind me at all is still excellent. With a smaller person in the front seat, the rear legroom will of course be even better. The rear seat space is related to the cargo-space, an important relationship in any wagon or SUV type of car. The cargo-space is deep and plentiful and it swallowed my gear handily. You wouldn’t miss it if two inches of this space were given-up to add two inches of rear seat legroom, but again, that’s not even a quibble unless someone of at least my size wants to sit behind someone of at least my size. The cargo floor is a bit on the high side, but then so is the floor of the passenger-space. There is a button that allows you to drop the car by an inch or two, which is of a little help if somebody small or frail needs ingress or egress, especially as the sills are a bit wide to step across while also stepping up. While we’re on the subject of up, the X5 has the big huge ‘panoramic’ glass roof that is de riguer in vehicles of this class and I found the button that controls the movements of the glass and the fabric shade to be refreshingly easy to figure out. Less-easy to figure out was the hatch and tailgate. Yes, it has both: a conventional hatch, and also a short tailgate that rises to about 8 inches above the cargo floor. The button on the key opens both most of the time (no apparent pattern to this), and the button on the bottom edge of the hatch closes both. The tailgate has two buttons on it, one of which opens and closes it and the other of which didn’t seem to do anything. This reminds me too, there were two instances when the side-view mirrors randomly reset themselves to positions other than what I’d set them to. I’m sure there are sensible German-engineering reasons for all the things in this car that mystified me, but I’ll never know what they are.

Rear seat space is at least adequate, even with front seats far back.

I mentioned at the beginning that it was hot and humid when I had this car, and this brings me to the climate control system. It was mostly easy to figure out, but one gripe I had was that even when the dual-zone front system was in single mode, the two sides still required separate fan-speed control. And the fan-speed was, well, a bit wanting even at the maximum. In more temperate conditions this wouldn’t be such a big deal, but in the sticky, roasting conditions of my visit to New Jersey, it was disappointing. I also noticed that the seats were covered in a perforated leather, which made me wonder if they were cooled. After paging through every seemingly relevant corner of the menus, I found no sign of such a feature, and a quick inspection under the seats revealed no ducts for delivering air to the leather. Disappointing for sure, especially when you consider that my Mazda CX-5, which is one trim-level below the top for its year of manufacture, has both better air conditioning AND cooled seats, ANNNND had an MSRP of roughly half of the X5’s $66000, which I actually guessed would have been higher before I looked it up (and this was probably a more basic-equipped version, so a loaded one would probably give some real sticker-shock). A car this expensive shouldn’t require more than a few short minutes to get its occupants comfy on a tropical day. Another disappointing comparison is the cargo-cover. I don’t know if it’s optional or standard, but instead of rising with the hatch, it must be manually released and allowed to retract if you want it out of the way, then manually pulled back into place; the one in my Mazda is optional equipment but it attaches to the hatch and rises out of the way when the hatch opens, all on its own, zero need for human intervention.

Access to the cargo-space combines a hatch and a tailgate.

So did I get lucky? Hard to say. Taken in the context of just using it for four hot,sticky days and never quite figuring out how some of it worked, I didn’t get lucky. But for the combination of performance and spaciousness, I got quite lucky. Overall I didn’t hate it, and my complaints aren’t stuff that made me want to scream, I’d be curious to know how an actual owner with a critical eye feels about the X5. But if you see one in the row of rental cars, unless it’s a hot day, GRAB IT!

Screens and menus notwithstanding, this is one of the better German cockpits I’ve experienced.
‘electrified by i’…What the heck does that mean???
Just before returning the X5 to the rental car company, I drove right by this: VC-25A 28000, parked at PHL while the Prez made an appearance just up the road at Navy Shipyard. This out-performs the X5 in every way except affordability.
Read More

Regular listeners of The Thing About Cars will know that since the beginning of the show, I’ve been driving a Mazda and loving it. Unfortunately, in late December of 2021 that Mazda got totaled. It was a 2013 Mazda 3 hatchback in the top-of-the-line iGrand Touring trim level. I’d bought it gently used in 2015 with under 15K miles on it and it still looked and smelled new. It was the nicest car I’d ever bought and was a replacement for a decrepit VW Golf that was on its last legs. I loved that Mazda from the beginning and it served well until that day in December. It had 105K miles by then and was still in great shape and had lots of life left in it, but that was not to be. It was the third car in a four-car chain-reaction collision caused by a hit-and-run driver.

Since I hadn’t been planning to buy a car, I knew that spending the money would be a shock- especially in the really bad market conditions of early 2022. Due to Covid-related issues with supply chains, new cars were in short supply and that means that the demand for used cars was higher and the cars sold for higher prices. But after a few weeks of my wife and I relying on one car, it became apparent that life really would be better with two cars again. Driving me to the airport early on Monday mornings was starting to get old, so into the market I went.

One thing that disappointed me about the Mazda 3 is that the 2013 model-year was, in my opinion, the best year for the hatchback version. I’ve always liked hatchbacks for their practicality, often able to haul surprising amounts of cargo. For the 2014 model-year, Mazda introduced a new generation of the 3 and in this generation the hatchback just wasn’t as cargo-friendly: the hatch was smaller and the top of its opening was lower, and the compartment floor didn’t seem as tough as before. The current version seems to have continued this trend, so another 3 hatchback was out. Hatchbacks are a dying breed in the US market overall, the manufacturers eager to divert us into higher-priced SUVs, of which I’m not a fan. But with so few choices, I figured I’d better not rule out any possibilities.

The CX-5 is nicely proportioned and very car-like despite its tallness.

I loved my 3 and Mazda is #1 in reliability in the USA, so looking at other models seemed like a good idea. At present Mazda only offers five models in most of the U.S. Market, and it didn’t take long to figure out that the CX-5 was my best choice. In a way though this is kind of a shame, because the CX-30 is closer in external size to my old 3, but the ways the body and interiour are designed don’t work well for tall people. It’s not that it’s cramped or lacking for headroom, not at all- but things aren’t optimally placed or proportioned for anybody who will have the seat adjusted far back and down. So after doing some homework to know more about what I’d be looking at, I started looking at CX-5s. New was most likely out of the question, but if I could afford gently-used then I figured I could still find something to make me happy.

This last comment on shopping for gently-used brings up another point, what strategy to employ when shopping for a used car in these crazy times. Since the price of used cars is high, one strategy is to buy as little car as you can now and buy more later when the market returns to rationality. I think a better strategy is to buy as much car as you can afford and get the most life out of it that you can, planning to keep it until it dies. This is what I usually do anyway, so that was an easy decision and I think is probably more cost-effective in the long run.

So which CX-5 to get? Mazda changes the trim levels from time to time, so that took a little research. My old car’s iGrand Touring (raspberries to whoever thought the i-prefix was a cool idea!) was the top of the line, but in late-model CX-5s there’s one called Grand Touring that is in the upper end but still not quite top. That one is roughly equivalent in features to what my 3 had, so that’s what I decided to aim for. I also decided early-on that my favourite colour of the available choices was the Deep Crystal Blue Mica, which is a dark metallic blue. I also decided that the Parchment interiour was what I liked better than the darker choice.

After some searching around, scanning the online inventories and visiting a bunch of dealers, I found one I really liked: a 2019 Grand Touring in Deep Crystal Blue Mica. It had the darker interiour, but it also had the GT Premium package, and to me that seemed like a quite acceptable trade-off. It had about 29500 miles on it, was a returned lease vehicle, and was in stunning condition- like the old 3, it looked and smelled new, not even a crease in the leather. Best of all, it was priced really fairly: I’d seen others that were priced higher but had more miles and weren’t in as good condition and didn’t have the GT Premium package. I wasted no time in making the purchase.

A comfy but sensible cockpit.

So what did I get for the money? The CX-5 is a medium-size, two-row SUV/crossover that feels very car-like. This one is front wheel drive, although as of 2022 all CX-5s are now all-wheel drive, which had been an option previously. The engine is a 2.5 litre four with Mazda’s Skyactiv technology that makes it really fuel-efficient. Power output is 187 bhp, although if you get the optional turbocharger that goes up to 257. I chose to avoid the turbo as it sacrifices a few MPG for the extra power, and I’ll forever miss the stellar highway MPG that the old 3 delivered. It is worth nothing too that unlike some other cars, with the CX-5 you get the same engine with or without the turbocharger. Some people are wary of turbos due to reliability concerns, but this engine has been around long enough to have a very well-established record of excellent reliability. The turbo version has been an option since 2016 and so far so good for its reliability as well. Interiour space is really generous compared to my old 3, although the cargo-space is supposedly smaller than in some competitors in the same class- but it’s still large enough that I can’t imagine having much of a problem with that. Handling is very car-like and is really excellent for such a tall and heavy vehicle. I’m reminded of what a pig I thought the smaller Subaru Crosstrek was when I put it through some swerves and tight turns during a 2015 test-drive. The CX-5 is a revolution by comparison to that and to other crossovers and SUVs, with tight,smooth road-holding. In the Grand Touring level, you get leather trimmed seats, with both front seats being electrically adjustable and the driver seat having lumbar adjustment and 2-position memory, which is very handy when you’re married to someone who is not the same size that you are. There is a sunroof, Bose audio, heated seats and steering wheel, adaptive cruise control, lane guidance, navigation system, HomeLink, and more. The GT Premium package adds a heads-up display which shows speed, blind spot monitoring and road signs, and can also show navigation information when the nav-system is in use. It also adds SXM satellite radio, air conditioned front seats, heated rear seats, and probably several other features that I’m forgetting. The power-assisted hatch is a nice touch, and you can set the maximum opening-height,something that some more expensive vehicles don’t let you do. And in a more qualitative assessment, the CX-5 is widely lauded for having the best interiour in its class, like what you’d find in something much more expensive. It’s a lot of car for the money, a great value for sure.

I did research costs of ownership too. MPG is about the same in the city as my old 3 but a few points lower on the highway- but still isn’t bad and rates well in its class, and really isn’t bad when you consider that the CX-5 weighs roughly 700 lbs more than the old 3. Insurance is about $25 higher per month, not bad considering that it’s a more expensive car. At current prices, a set of tires will run about a thousand bucks after all the taxes and fees, vs the $700 I spent replacing the 3’s tires a week before it got crashed. So it will cost more to live with, but not by an extreme amount.

Of course the CX-5 needed a few accessories too. One is a cargo-cover. I was disappointed to learn that not only is a cargo-cover strictly optional for this vehicle, but it’s also not the rigid type that my old 3 had. For the CX-5, the cover is a retractable type, much like the old roll-type window blinds. Mazda dealers want about $350 for the cover, but I found an aftermarket example for about $150 from a merchant who deals via eBay. It’s easy to install and seems well-made. (note: since writing the first draft of this article, month after buying the cover, I have learned that a rigid cover was available from Mazda late in 2022. I may look for one of those at some point). I also decided that some rubber floor protectors were in order, and Weathertech make what are probably the best ones you can get, and their price isn’t out of line with competitors’ products. I got the set for the front footwells and also one for the cargo floor. These floor protectors are great, having raised edges that should contain spilled liquids, and the ones for the front footwells are compatible with the car’s floor mat retention fasteners. I did not purchase the floor protectors for the rear seat foot area as it is quite rare for me to have rear seat passengers. Living here in the hot and sunny south, another vital accessory is a windscreen sunshade. I have a nice insulated folding one made to fit the old 3, and on a lark I tested its fit in the CX-5…and I was dumbfounded to learn that while not a perfect fit, it’s comfortably close-enough to use, so no need to spend money on something new and I can get even more life out of this shade. As for the other windows, they were already tinted so that’s another thing I didn’t have to worry about. The final must-have accessory I needed was a phone-holder. I live in the Atlanta metro area, which has legendary traffic problems at times and the use of a navigation app that has real-time traffic data is a good idea even when you’re already really familiar with where you’re going. The CX-5 isn’t the easiest car in which to use generic-fit holders for a variety of reasons so I did some searching to find something with a specific fit. What I found was a company called A-Tach who make a plastic bracket that is made to grab the upper pad of the dashboard of the CX-5, which can then be paired with any of the phone-mounts that A-Tach sell. The price seemed steep, but it still looked better than any of the alternatives so I bought it. Good news, it’s a high-quality product that after a few months of use seems quite durable. Highly recommended!

Heads-up display is part of the GT Premium package. Mazda was thoughtful too; the positioning of the projected image can be adjusted for brightness and optimum placement for drivers of different sizes.

As of the time of this writing, I’ve had the CX-5 for ten months and a little more than 6K miles so I’m now quite familiar with it. The short assessment is that I definitely still like it! It has been very easy to live with and has been a joy to drive. I still find myself looking at it with admiration when I’m in the garage and reveling in its overall delivery of satisfaction when I’m driving it. Friends have expressed admiration too. I’ve driven it everywhere from errands less than a mile from home to a trip to Springfield Missouri, 700 miles from home. What are my observations? Read on!

One thing I noticed right away is that the CX-5 is only slightly more challenging to park in my garage than the old 3 was, and one reason is because the external horizontal dimensions aren’t that much bigger than those of the old 3. The CX-5 is wider by only 3.4 inches and longer by a mere 1.7 inches. The difference in width is particularly interesting because the CX-5’s interiour seems MUCH wider than the 3’s did, and since it’s of a different design-generation, this could well be true. The difference in height is another story: the CX-5 is 8.2 inches taller than the 3. The roomy feeling of the interiour isn’t aided as much by the extra overall height as much as one would think though, as the floor is also higher. And yet it does still feel much roomier, especially in front. I never spent much time in the back seat of the old 3 so I can’t compare very well, but it does look roomier too, although since the length of the car isn’t very different, the rear leg-room isn’t very different either. This brings up one of the very few major gripes I have with the overall design of this vehicle, and it is shared with most of Mazda’s US-market products. Mazda is now almost a decade into what it calls ‘Kodo’ design, which it launched upon severing ties with Ford. Kodo translates from Japanese as ‘the soul of motion,’ which supposedly has something to do with the inherent beauty of a living thing when it moves. I’ve found the aesthetics of Kodo-design Mazdas to be hit or miss, some better than others. Where it most often misses is in the front end of the car. For example, the front end of the current MX-5 (Miata in US-speak) looks to my eye like a catfish’s face, a distinction not earned by any other car since the Daimler SP250, which ceased production in 1964 . All the Kodo cars have one visual element in common though, and that is having a quite long front end. Does it look cool? Sure. Is it really necessary? No, because the interiour could be longer, allowing more rear-seat legroom and/or more cargo-space, without having to make the whole car longer to accommodate. I’d wager that the nose of the CX-5 could be 8 inches shorter just by using more space-efficient design. If the overall vehicle length remained the same, that could translate into a lot of usable space! And besides, nobody will EVER mistake a modern Mazda for an E-type Jaguar (the epitome of long front ends!), so just ditch the super-snouts and put the extra space to work. Your customers will thank you for it!

Comfort on the road is great. The CX-5 achieves an excellent balance of smooth ride and competent handling. There are no distracting wind-noises around the doors or windows or anywhere, and the interiour stays quiet but not so quiet as to be disconnected from reality, from the things you need to be able to hear- just right for my taste. Some reviewers have complained that the front seats are too small. While I would agree that a larger seat would be really nice, the size isn’t a problem. I’m a big and tall oaf, six feet four, big-boned, wide in the shoulders and hips and could stand to lose a few, and I find the seats to be just fine. We did the whole 700 miles to Missouri in one day and the same with the trip home, and I had no complaints either way. My wife Jennifer was feeling a little under the weather that weekend so she curled-up under a blanket in the back seat most of the way and was comfy enough to get plenty of good rest. The HVAC system works really well too, and the air conditioning does an even better job of keeping the car cool in the summer than that of the old 3, which on the hottest days seemed to only barely keep up. I have yet to meet a car that couldn’t stay comfortably warm in our southern winters and the CX-5 doesn’t have any trouble doing so either. The audio system is better than in the old 3 too, and the most-improved facet of that is the SXM satellite radio feature. In the 3, the satellite radio seemed like an afterthought, with poor sound and difficulty with consistent reception in some areas. Neither item is a problem in the CX-5. I do wish that the controls for equalisation consisted of more than just simple bass and treble, but I think that’s more than what most of the target-market for this car needs or cares about.

Relatively attractive wheels compared to many of the current era.

As with every Mazda in recent history, the driver experience is well thought-out and harmonious. All the controls feel good and assuring, and even the electrically-assisted steering feels better than most such systems. Throttle and brake sensitivities are spot-on and I have yet to notice even a hint of fade in the brakes. The automatic transmission does a great job of delivering power, and there is a sport-mode for when you’re feeling zippy. Like most such settings, sport-mode increases the throttle sensitivity and also raises the RPM at which shifts occur. I don’t use it much as it decreases fuel efficiency, but sometimes that extra zip comes in handy. The controls for accessories are easy to use too, with simple buttons to control the HVAC and a mixture of buttons, knobs and a screen to control the infotainment system. The screen is small compared to many vehicles, but this is part of the genius of the system. The screen is mounted high on the dashboard to place it as close as possible to the driver’s view of the road, which means that you don’t have to take your eyes off the road very far or for very long to catch a glance at the status of something. The screen is touch-sensitive, but it’s a bit of a reach and you don’t actually have to touch it- all functions can be accessed and manipulated through the large knob in the centre-console, and there are a few buttons right by the knob that offer some shortcuts through navigating the features. It does take a little getting used-to at first, but you’ll be a pro at it before you know it as the layout of the system is fairly simple. I give high marks for ease of use, MUCH easier than some screen-based systems out there- looking at you with extreme stink-eye, BMW!

The instrument cluster is really good too. The tachometer and ancillary gauges have real needles, but the large central speedometer is a screen, however it looks close-enough to the appearance of the physical gauges that it fits right in. Why is it a screen? First, so that it may display in either MPH or KPH. But there’s more to it than that: the driver can use a button on the steering wheel to select what the centre of the speedo-screen shows. There is a setting that just shows an image of a needle, or other settings that show things such as trip-odometers, compass, etc., all retaining the outer end of the needle that moves around the dial. The speedometer is also flanked by curved bar-gauge readouts for fuel range and MPG, and the number of miles of remaining range floats along right next to the top of the corresponding bar- a nice touch. Speaking of fuel level and related range, just like the old 3, the reserve left when the readings reach zero is generous- although in this car it’s two gallons, as opposed to one gallon in the 3. Another nice touch is that the key is nice and slim. Why do so many manufacturer’s keys have to be so chunky? The Mazda key is nice and unobtrusive in my pocket.

Of course the CX-5 isn’t perfect, no car is. There are a few things in the negative column. Mazda has always been a little conservative with introducing new technologies in their cars, and sometimes in mixed ways. The CX-5 has a tire pressure monitoring system, but curiously, after more than a decade of having these systems in Mazdas, it still only gives a warning-light when the system alerts. There is no display anywhere in any of the screens that shows individual tire pressures. For a 2019 car, this is inexplicable. I hear you saying that a responsible driver regularly checks their tires, so this shouldn’t matter. I agree with the driver’s responsibility, but TPM systems make the job so much easier when you can see the individual readings. This also makes life easier when you get a low-pressure warning during inclement weather. But Mazda is OK with you having to crawl around in the rain or snow with a tire-gauge trying to figure out which tire is throwing the warning. Another thing you’d think that an otherwise very thoughtful company like Mazda would have figured out by now is sunshades. They flip down from the ceiling like in any other car, and they have little extensions that can slide out to fill in the gap between the end of the shade and the rearview mirror. But they are USELESS when rotated to the side window, to the point that you wonder why they bothered making them able to be rotated. Most car manufacturers now make their sunshades able to slide out on their rods to be able to offer useful shade for the side window, but Mazda has yet to get a clue about this. Why, Mazda, WHY??? It’s completely out of character with your driver-focused philosophy of design. I have a distaste for the size of the wheel-arches too: they’re needlessly HUGE. The wheels are not small, having rim diameters of 17 to 19 inches depending on trim, and yet they look too small and almost seem lost inside those huge arches. The wide black plastic trim around the edge of the arches only exacerbates this effect. Even if you need to fit tire-chains, it’s a bit much. The rearview camera is good, but it lacks the steering-linked guidance that so many other cars have, another technological omission that like the lack of tire pressure data, seems pointless. Another small technological issue is that the infotainment system often seems slow to fully boot-up after starting the car, especially when it’s playing satellite radio. And while the car’s fit and finish are excellent overall, there are a couple of little details that betray this. One is the knob on the end of either of the steering-column stalks. There is a mold-line right across the end of the knob, and a little burr where the knob was cut off the molding sprue right in the middle of that line. The old 3 had this as well; it’s annoying in both cars because it cheapens the impression of the car and once you notice it, your fingertip will be drawn to it. Annoying too that nobody ever thought to improve this. It’s the kind of gaffe that is just out of place in a car that otherwise shows excellent attention to detail. At least you can smooth that out with very careful use of a razor blade, if it bothers you enough. Another detail-complaint I have is that some of the surfaces on the centre-console and the armrests on the doors are finished with shiny, glossy black plastic. This seems to be a trend the last few years with several manufacturers, especially Asian ones, and it’s a really terrible trend because that shiny black plastic looks a little cheap and unimaginative, but more importantly because it REALLY shows scratches, and it scratches easily. But it’s still better than plastic painted metallic grey or silver, which looks even cheaper. I’m thinking about seeing if I can have those black pieces covered with something a little more scratch-resistant. But none of these things should be a deal-breaker. They’re all just annoyances, not operational shortcomings. The CX-5 is still an overall joy to live with.

This mold-line and nub of sprue are an odd gaffe in what is otherwise an excellently detail-oriented interiour that is still better than others in its class. Your fingertip will become obsessed with this nub until you trim it off.

As of the time of this writing, the CX-5 has just been discontinued after being available for part of the 2023 model year with standard AWD, and the CX-50 that replaces it is starting to show up on the road. This means that if a new CX-5 is out of the question for you, very nice gently-used ones will still be available for a few years. The 2023 CX-5 had a starting MSRP of $26700, and the top trim Turbo Signature version with all options reached into the 40s. A quick look at Edmunds shows 2019 CX-5 Grand Touring prices ranging from $21400 to around $30K, with $26-28K appearing the most. The last time the CX-5 got a major re-style was for the 2017 model year and small updates have happened since. Trim-levels and optional equipment change from year to year, so there’s something to appeal to all tastes and budgets. If you wanted a new one a few dealers may still have a few left and you might be able to get a clearance deal. Whatever you do, you’ll find the CX-5 to be a capable, satisfying car that is really easy to live with. I definitely recommend it if a vehicle of this class is on your shopping list. Stay tuned for updates as I put more miles on mine.

You want to be here. It’s that good.