My apologies if I am coming across as hostile. I assure I am not angry. But it does annoy me that we are being told the CRV is the game changer today that is just outclassed Mazda... based on stats and a review.
Not one person here saying "Mazda needs to step it up" has actually driven a CRV. I drove one in November. I still bought a CX5.
I know you're kinda new here.... but to rehash, we also have a 2015 CRV along with the 2016 CX5. The CRV drives/handles like a washing machine. The CX5 more like an elevated go-kart. But the GF still wanted the CRV for its more utilitarian aspects. I find the CVT kinda annoying, the seats terribly uncomfortable, and the random vibrations at idle when < 600 rpms to be downright infuriating.
Having said that, in the 2 years we've had it all we've done is oil changes (there is one recall we haven't taken it in for yet).
Whereas the CX5 has been hit with 3 recalls (2 performed), has had the LED headlights replaced for hazing/milkyness, has had a sensor on the brakes replaced, and has various rattles and squeaks. Further, the longer I've owned it, the fit and finish on the interior is starting to show its deficiencies. The gaps between plastic and fabric are expanding, and there is about an 1/8" gap on the driver side where the a-pillar, dash and mid-dash all converge. One of the plastic panels on the spoiler now rattles, and the front windows have about an inch of play when down (you car move them fore and aft in the window tracks). Oh, and they rattle when down an inch or so too.
All in all, the CX5 is much more engaging to drive, but if the dealer wasn't on my way into work I'd be seriously more annoyed with the inconveniences of all the visits.
I bought the CX5 because our 2005 Mazda 6 lasted 10 years with zero problems (and that's when it was quasi-ford). I have little faith the CX5 will last as long, and has already far surpassed the 6 in terms of required maintenance.
