Are you the semi-proud owner of a 2001-2002 Mazda Tribute? Good for you. Bad for your brake master cylinder. Some Tributes from these model years could leak brake fluid. This fluid could possibly come into contact with some wiring, potentially causing a fire.

Brake fluid leaking. Fires. Not good stuff.

Mazda is sending out notices to affected owners now. A Mazda spokesperson has actually recommended that you leave your Tribute parked until it’s fixed – parked away from your home. That’s right, Mazda is actually recommending that you park your Tribute outside, so the potential fire doesn’t potentially burn down your house. That’s more than a bit disturbing.

From the NHTSA bulletin:

UNTIL THE REPAIR HAS BEEN PERFORMED, VEHICLE OWNERS SHOULD PARK THEIR VEHICLES OUTSIDE.

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Autoblog takes the brand new, SKYACTIV-powered 2013 CX-5 for a spin, and this is what they have to say:

But the CX-5 is a crossover that begs to be driven with passion. We spent hours caning it along the curved roads of the Angeles National Forest, and in these instances, the Miata theory of excellent steering and a well-sorted suspension are not only noticeable, but greatly appreciated. Mazda has employed electric power steering assist here, and while a majority of electric steering racks have a tendency to feel artificial and overboosted, the system in the CX-5 is comparatively grand.

Sure, the full-fledged Skyactive experience is the biggest selling point of the CX-5. But remember, this is a Mazda, and Mazda is all about the zoom-zoom. Sounds like the hit the nail on the head with the CX-5.

Read more about the 2013 CX-5.

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In not-too-surprising news, Mazda has announced that the 2012 CX-5 will start right around $20,000. Since it’s smaller than the CX-7, which starts around $23k, this is a no-brainer.

The big news, though, is that we should start seeing CX-5′s on dealer’s lots early next year. Under the hood (at least as an option) will be Mazda’s new SKYACTIV-G engine. This engine is good for 40 highway MPG’s in the Mazda 3 while still making excellent power. In the highly competitive compact CUV segment, Mazda can use every advantage it can get.

Read more about the 2012 Mazda CX-5.

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The long-awaited Tribute replacement (in spirit, anyway) CX–5 is finally, finally official. It’s been rumored for seemingly forever, and there were even some heavily-covered spy shots floating around.

Mazda must be looking to build excitement around this all-new vehicle, because they published a (small) set of photos of the new CUV. I suppose it looks nice enough… but I was expecting something a little more bold from Mazda.

Even if the looks aren’t exciting[1], the performance very well could be. The 2012 CX–5 will be using Mazda’s new SkyActiv engine technology. Through the use of extremely high compression ratios and some sort of wizardry, the 2.0 liter 4 cylinder engine should put out plenty of power and get great fuel economy.

2012 Mazda CX–5 Gallery

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The next generation Mazda 6 will not be made in the USA. The writing has been on the wall for awhile, of course. Mazda and Ford aren’t BFF’s anymore, and the current generation Mazda 6 is built alongside the Ford Mustang in Michigan. With the low sales volume of the Mazda 6… it just isn’t profitable anymore. At least, it’s not profitable to build at that factory.

See, currently Mazda builds all US-bound 6′s in Michigan, but also builds some 6′s in Japan. This is really just a consolidation to help keep Mazda profitable.

It is a bit odd in a way, though. Mazda’s production was hurt pretty severely after the earthquake / tsunami. Consolidating even more of their production in one country seems risky after that.

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Officially you’re looking at the Mazda Minagi concept. Officially. In reality, this is almost definitely a very close approximation of what we’ll come to know as the 2012 Mazda CX5.

Since Ford and Mazda don’t play nice anymore, Ford isn’t going to be building the Tribute after this model year. With a gap in the lineup, Mazda needs a compact CUV – enter the CX5. Mazda brought sporty and fun to the midsize CUV segment with the CX7, so I don’t see why they can’t do the same with a compact. Check out the pictures below:

2012 Mazda CX5 Concept Gallery

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Check out this as yet unnamed small Mazda CUV that Autoblog snagged some pictures of. For now, let’s stick with Mazda’s current naming conventions and call it the CX5. In fact, that may be too confusing, given the presence of the Mazda 5 and MX-5. That’s part of the problem with this alphabet soup / number naming nonsense… there comes a point when no one knows what kind of car you’re talking about.

Back to the matter at hand, this new CX-5 is expected to ride on a modified Mazda 3 platform. With the Tribute expected to be on it’s way out soon, since Ford and Mazda aren’t BFF’s anymore, it’s only logical to add a new compact CUV to the stable. Since the CX-7 and CX-9 models have been pretty popular, sticking with this type of vehicle certainly makes sense.

Be sure to check out the full gallery at Autoblog.

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Mazda skipped building a 2011 Mazda5, in preparation for the all new 2012 Mazda5. So far we can only see the side / back and the dash – but it’s clear this is a very different design. As opposed to the very safe design of the first generation, there’s definitely some more character this time around. From the style lines and creases going down the side, to the blacked-out B-D pillars, this is a funky little micro-van.

This car / van / whatever you want to call it lives in its own little segment of the market. Three row vehicles with sliding doors that aren’t as big as minivans aren’t exactly common. In fact, I can’t think of another one. New styling, a little more power, and a continued unique feature – not a bad combination. We’ll have more details when Mazda formally introduces the 2012 Mazda5 in LA on November 17th.

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I first wrote about the Mazda 2 over three years ago. Finally, it’s coming to the United States. In fact, we’ll see the 2011 Mazda2 this July – so it’s only a few months away. Just like the name suggests, the Mazda2 is smaller than the current lightweight at Mazda dealerships – the Mazda3. Available only as a hatchback, the Mazda2 is priced starting from $14,730.

These days, there’s no shortage of competition in the subcompact hatchback segment. Off the top of my head, there’s the Accent, Rio5, Fit, Versa, and Yaris. The Mazda2 (and the upcoming Ford Fiesta) will have to fight for a piece of this pie. If gas prices continue to head northward, the segment should grow in volume.

2011 Mazda2 Quick Specs

• 100 HP 1.5 liter 4 cylinder engine
• 4 speed automatic / 5 speed manual transmission
• 15″ steel wheels
• 28 MPG city / 34 MPG highway

A few things stand out when looking at the specs – the biggest one being the 4 speed automatic transmission. This is a model year 2011 car – there’s no reason in the world for it to have a 4 speed automatic. We’re done with that – 4 speeds tend to shift jerky, and provide poor fuel economy. In the case of the Mazda2, this holds true. While 34 MPG certainly isn’t bad, it’s not even close to exceptional in such a small car.

2011 Mazda2 Pics

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Mazda is recalling the 2010 CX-9 because it’s seat heaters are working a little too well. If it’s super cold, you know, one of those days when you’d actually like to use your seat heaters, the problem could arise. Due to lack of grounding, the heating units could overheat, catching your seat on fire.

Dude, did you just read what I wrote?

Your seat could catch on fire.

Granted, this is just one unit. And it’s not as if Mazda has sold a ton of 2010 CX-9 ‘s. But still… this *almost* makes the whole Toyota think seem a little, I don’t know… “meh.”

Almost.

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