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Mazda’s fun new subcompact is simple and affordable
With lofty government-mandated fuel-economy standards coming down on one hand and a shaky economy spurring consumer interest on the other, carmakers are serving up more subcompact cars to U.S. consumers than ever. Among the most hotly anticipated (at least among Car and Driver staffers) is the 2011 Mazda 2, Mazda’s first America-bound B-segment vehicle since the 323 and arguably the best such car Mazda has ever built.
Of the two platformmates, the 2 is the simpler machine: lighter, less powerful, and available only as a five-door hatchback in Sport and Touring trim levels. The interior design is pleasing, but the features list is surprisingly short. Unavailable, for example, even on Touring models, are a telescoping steering wheel, a sunroof, integrated navigation (a portable Garmin system will be available from dealers), a USB port, and a hands-free Bluetooth system. The only option beyond dealer accessories is special paint.
But the 2 is a hoot to drive. The 1.5-liter four-cylinder’s 100 hp and 98 lb-ft revs freely and sounds good as it springs the 2’s feathery 2300-pound curb weight (2350 with the automatic) into motion. Better yet, the electric power steering and the chassis offer surprising feel and quick, linear responses to driver inputs. Ditto the front-disc, rear-drum brakes. Meanwhile, fuel economy is good if not worldbeating, at 29 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway for the five-speed manual and 27/33 for the four-speed automatic.
The 2 is available now and it offers a lot of driving goodness for the money.
Click here to find your next Mazda .
Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk
On October 24th, MileOne Automotive employees, friends and family in Maryland joined together to participate in the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk in Baltimore. MileOne Automotive is a long-time participant in the event and look forward to this day each fall.
The weather and turn-out were both great for this year’s event. Team members met at our Flagship Sponsor tent in a park at the Harry and Jeannetta Weinberg YMCA Center in Baltimore. Before the walk began, team members enjoyed light refreshments, turned in their last-minute donations and got ready for the event to begin!
Jerry Fader, President of MileOne Automotive, spoke to all walkers at this year’s Making Strides event before the beginning of the walk. He addressed the importance of fundraising and the impact that The American Cancer Society has in all of our lives. After the speech, there was a quick MileOne team photo taken then everyone headed to the start line.
The walk took place on a scenic, 4-mile course throughout the Mayfield neighborhood of Baltimore. Part of the walk included a trip around Lake Montebello. American Cancer Society volunteers, neighbors and even some cheerleaders encouraged walkers along the way. Everyone ended the walk under a huge pink balloon arch, welcoming them back to the event’s main area. Music, snacks and water were on-hand for all participants.
Overall, the event was successful for MileOne and The American Cancer Society, further strengthening the partnership between the two organizations. Throughout the Making Strides season, MileOne employees helped to raise thousands of dollars, as they do each year, to benefit the ACS. This event each year is a great celebration for all participants to recognize strength, volunteerism and community.
The First Minivan
The 1936 Stout Scarab came about in the early 1930s when William B. Stout, head of the Stout Engineering Laboratories in Dearborn, Michigan, dreamed of rear-engine/rear-wheel drive. Stout created the 1936 Stout Scarab so that drivers would have better visibility. His Scarab, with its flush glass and electric door locks, bore scant resemblance to any car on Depression-era roads.
Although the Scarab looked long -- like an old Greyhound bus with postwar "bathtub" Nash overtones -- the dimensions weren't terribly startling. The 135-inch wheelbase was on the long side, but the overall length of just over 16 feet-about the same as a 1936 Pontiac-allowed only minimal overhang at each end. And the rear-mounted engine couldn't be more commonplace: an 85-bhp flathead Ford V-8 hooked to Ford's three-speed gearbox. On a 6000-mile trip, Stout's car got a creditable 18.8 mpg.
Scarab interiors were as unique as their bodies. Only the driver's seat was fixed. All the others could be moved around the big, flat floor-even positioned around a fold-down table if desired.
A Stout ad in Fortune announced that 1936 production would be "limited to 100 cars," with prices starting at $5000. Scarabs actually cost a lot more to build, however, and nearly all of them went to Stout board members, including such notables as Phillip Wrigley and Harvey Firestone.
Ahead of its time? Absolutely. Not everyone falls for the unorthodox shape, but they all take notice if a Scarab glides into view. Just a glance at that elegantly fanned rear grillework confirms that the Scarab was -- and is -- something special.
Maryland has how many counties? (Do not count Baltimore City.)
27
19
23
14
See answer under Car Doctor.
Ask the Car Doctor
Winter Auto Maintenance Checklist
By Matthew Wright
In addition to the added perils of winter driving, the change in weather can bring peril to your car's systems. Freezing temps, salted roads and wintery precipitation can gang up on your car if you don't give it a baseball-bat sized maintenance session. These winter maintenance jobs will keep you out of trouble.
• Check your antifreeze
Your antifreeze (the juice that goes in your radiator) is an essential part of your car's winter protection. Your car contains a 50/50 mix of water and antifreeze. Make sure the level is full and the mixture is close to 50/50. Many service stations and repair centers will check this mixture free, or you can buy a tester for around $5. You did remember to perform a radiator flush last spring, didn't you?
• Inspect your tires
The last line of defense between you and an oak tree are your tires. Winter is not the time to get cheap about your tires, so take the time to check the tread depth. The National Highway Transportation Safety Board says you need at least 2/32" of depth to be safe. It's been my experience, especially in winter weather, that anything less than 4/32" (1/8") be replaced soon. The old penny test is as reliable as anything to find out whether your treads are ready for winter action. Also, be sure to check your tire pressure. Believe it or not, they lose a little pressure when it gets cold, so pump 'em up.
• Replace your wipers
Wipers? What do your windshield wipers have to do with winter weather? Two things. First, anything falling from the sky is going to end up on your windshield, and unless you have a team of beavers riding on the hood of your car the task of clearing it falls on your wipers. Second, in areas that see snowfall in the winter, you're also driving through that soupy muck that's left on the road once the highway department does their thing. This muck includes a lot of sand and salt, both of which end up on your windshield. It takes wipers that are in top shape to keep your windshield clean and safe.
• Check your windshield washer fluid
You'll be using lots of washer fluid as you try to keep your windshield sparkly. A mile stuck behind an 18-wheeler will have your windshield looking like a Desert Humvee if you're low on washer fluid. *Tip: Don't fill your washer fluid reservoir with anything except washer fluid, it won't freeze!
Annual Maintenance Procedures
On top of the checks you need to perform to ensure safe winter driving, now's a good time to do some annual maintenance. These aren't necessarily specific to winter driving, but it's a good point on the calendar to get around to doing this stuff.
• Clean your battery posts
Starting problems are a bummer any time of year. Regularly treating your battery to a cleaning can keep electrical gremlins at bay.
• Inspect your spark plug wires
Cracked up plug wires affect performance, gas mileage and general reliability. Be sure yours are in top shape.
• Inspect your brakes
Brakes are not a good area to cut corners. Be sure your brakes have enough meat left to get you through the season.
• Check Your Engine Oil
This should go without saying and should be done at least monthly. But in case you're an amnesiac ... you should also do an oil change!
Cold weather safety should be a concern for anybody living in a cold climate. These tips will give you the upper hand when Old Man Winter tries to put a chill on your winter travels. If you're extra curious about staying generally safe in winter weather, the National Weather Service has an excellent Winter Safety & Awareness guide that covers everything from how storms brew to a list of history's billion dollar winter wonders.
Make sure that your automobile is up to date on its service schedule.
Click Here to schedule a service appointment at your nearest Mile One Service Center.
The correct answer is 23
Anne Arundel, Allegany, Baltimore, Calvert, Cecil, Charles, Caroline, Carroll, Dorchester, Frederick, Garrett, Harford, Howard, Kent, Montgomery, Prince George, Queen Annes, Saint Marys, Somerset, Talbot, Washington, Wicomico, and Worcester.
