2004 Mazda 2 (DY)
Yes: the first Mazda 2 (2003–2007) is a tall, practical small car with Ford engines and a very good TÜV record. Check the rear dampers and springs.
The short answer
- The first Mazda 2 (DY) is a tall small car built in Spain on the Ford Fusion base, with Ford petrol engines from 75 to 100 PS and a 68 PS diesel.
- It did very well at the German TÜV, and the ADAC's data point to above-average reliability.
- Typical faults are worn rear shock absorbers, broken springs, spark plugs and the jerky automated manual gearbox.
The first Mazda 2 was built from 2003 to 2007 in Spain, on the base of the Ford Fusion of the time. The ADAC headlines its used-car report "almost a minivan", because the tall body looks more like a small van than a hatchback. A facelift followed in 2005 with unchanged engines, and in 2007 the second generation (DE) took over.
Engines and specs
| Engine | Displacement | Power | 0–100 km/h |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.25 petrol | 1,242 cc | 75 PS (55 kW) | 15.1 s |
| 1.4 petrol | 1,388 cc | 80 PS (59 kW) | 13.9 s |
| 1.6 petrol | 1,596 cc | 100 PS (74 kW) | 11.4 s |
| 1.4 CD diesel | 1,399 cc | 68 PS (50 kW) | 15.0 s |
The engines came from Ford and were also used in the Fusion under other names (Gebrauchtwagenberater). An automated manual gearbox was available for the 1.4 and the 1.4 CD (ADAC).
The car is 3,925 mm long and 1,680 mm wide on a 2,490 mm wheelbase, and it turns in about 9 metres (Parkers). The boot holds 267 litres, or 1,044 litres with the rear seats folded (RAC).
Living with it
The ADAC lists a safe chassis, comfortable seats, a low loading sill, easy entry and good use of space as strengths. On the minus side: some weak engines, a jerky automated gearbox, ESP not on every car, and a lot of noise at high speed. The RAC gives it 8 out of 10 for value, practicality and ride and handling, but only 6 for performance. The front passenger seat also folds flat for long items.
Common problems
- Rear shock absorbers: The TÜV sometimes finds them worn, in some cases after only 60,000 km (Gebrauchtwagenberater).
- Springs and spark plugs: The ADAC names broken front and rear springs and spark plugs among the typical faults.
- Automated manual gearbox: another ADAC weak spot, and the ADAC calls it jerky. A normal manual is the safer buy.
- Diesel fuel pipes: What Car? flags them as a point to check on diesel models.
- Interior wear: The RAC notes that the metallic trim scratches easily and that city cars are worth checking for knocks and scrapes.
Gebrauchtwagenberater finds no recalls for the Mazda 2 DY with Germany's Federal Motor Transport Authority (KBA).
A Ford Fusion under a Mazda badge is no bad thing. It means common parts and engines every garage knows.
Safety
Euro NCAP gave the Mazda 2 four stars for adult occupants, three for children and two for pedestrians (Parkers). ABS plus driver, passenger and front side airbags were standard. ESP cost extra and was only offered for the 1.6 and the 1.4 CD; front curtain airbags were standard on the 1.6 and optional on the others (ADAC).
Buying checklist
- Push down hard on the rear: worn dampers keep the car bouncing.
- Look for broken coils at the bottom of each spring.
- Avoid the automated manual gearbox unless there is proof of recent repairs.
- Diesel: check the fuel pipes for leaks.
- Check sills, wheel arches and the underbody for rust, and the bodywork for city scrapes.
- If ESP matters to you, look for a 1.6 or a 1.4 CD that has it.
Verdict
The 2004 Mazda 2 is a sensible cheap used car if you want a small, practical car with a good reliability record. Take a 1.4 or 1.6 petrol with a manual gearbox, check the rear suspension and the bodywork, and there is little to worry about. For a Japanese alternative from the same era, read our 2005 Toyota Yaris guide.
FAQ
Is the Mazda 2 DY reliable?
Yes. It did very well at the TÜV, and the ADAC's data point to above-average reliability. Known weak spots are the rear dampers, the springs, the spark plugs and the automated manual gearbox.
Is the Mazda 2 DY a Ford?
Technically it is closely related: it was built in Spain on the base of the Ford Fusion and uses Ford engines.
How big is the Mazda 2 DY's boot?
267 litres with the rear seats up and 1,044 litres with them folded.
Which Mazda 2 DY engine should I buy?
The ADAC recommends the 1.4 petrol with 80 PS, mainly because it is easy to find. The 1.6 with 100 PS is livelier. The ADAC finds the diesel not particularly economical and rough-running.
Based on manufacturer data, crash tests and owner and inspection reports, not on our own test drive. Sources: ADAC used-car report, Auto Bild, Gebrauchtwagenberater, What Car?, Parkers, RAC, cararac.