Blog

Flood Mazda Earns 2025 Cars.com's Rhode Island Mazda Dealer of the Year Award for Superior Customer Experience Across Rhode Island, Flood Mazda is Best-Reviewed by Mazda Shoppers Wakefield, RI - 8/2/2025 - Flood Mazda is awarded a 2025 Dealer of the Year Award in Rhode Island by Cars.com (NYSE: CARS). The Dealer of the Year Award recognizes auto dealerships across the U.S. and Canada that consistently exceed consumer expectations across all dimensions of the dealership experience, including speed, transparency, trade-in and financing experiences, and more. "Local dealerships are the backbone of the automotive industry, which is why our annual Dealer of the Year Awards highlight those who put in the work to provide excellent consumer experiences, and Flood Mazda stood out among its peers for providing a top-notch experience," said Jamie Oldershaw, Vice President of Customer Experience at Cars.com. "With more than 13 million reviews on Cars.com, shoppers are able to select the best dealership to work with while local dealers and automakers leverage these valuable insights to improve operations and meet the needs of consumers. Automakers that support transparency, responsiveness, and seamless transactions across their dealer networks contribute to an all-around superior experience." Nearly 90% of Dealer of the Year honorees actively respond to consumer reviews, compared to just 45% of non-winning dealerships. High levels of responsiveness and individual dealership employee accountability continue to be the top predictors of dealer success in the Dealer of the Year Awards. Nearly 60% of Dealer of the Year winning dealers also leverage Employee Profile Pages for their dealership staff, and more than 200,000 dealership employees received more than 1.4 million individual ratings last year. Dealers can track what consumers think of their business using Cars.com's Experience Report. Cars.com Dealer of the Year Award Methodology The Cars.com Dealer of the Year Awards are presented annually to the top automotive dealers with 25 or more reviews based on the dealership's average star rating, the total number of reviews written about the dealership during the 2024 calendar year, and the management response rate to those reviews. About Cars.com® Cars.com is the No. 1 most recognized automotive marketplace visited by nearly 30 million in-market consumers each month. Launched in 1998 and headquartered in Chicago, Cars.com empowers consumers with data, content, and digital tools driven by AI technology to make informed car buying and selling decisions and seamlessly connect with thousands of local dealerships nationwide. Cars.com is the flagship offering from Cars.com Inc. (d/b/a Cars Commerce, Inc.), an audience-driven technology company empowering the automotive industry that simplifies everything about buying and selling cars. Learn more at https://www.carscommerce.inc/. About DealerRater Founded in 2002, DealerRater reviews cover 44,000 U.S. and Canadian dealerships, including a network of more than 5,000 Certified Dealers, that reaches an audience of more than 34 million consumers each month.

The 2024 Mazda CX-90 ranked as a Car and Driver Editor's Choice pick as a brand-new model in the lineup this year. Explore four innovative features of this spacious, premium three-row SUV. more 1. Three Electric Powertrains Choose from two hybrid and one plug-in electric powertrain for the CX-90. The base engine delivers 280 horsepower and 332 pound-feet of torque, while the upgraded hybrid provides 340 hp and 369 pound-feet of torque. Both these engines come with a hybrid boost feature to improve efficiency. As a plug-in electric vehicle, the CX-90 gets 323 hp and 369 pound-feet of torque. All three powertrains come with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The PHEV can tow up to 3,500 pounds with the right equipment while the hybrid-assisted gas models have a towing capacity of 5,000 pounds. The gas engines give you 28 highway miles per gallon while the PHEV gets the equivalent of 56 mpg. You can also travel up to 26 miles on battery charge alone with the electric CX-90, which achieves a zero-to-60 time of 6.2 seconds. 2. State-of-the-Art Infotainment The CX-90 comes with a standard 10.3-inch or an available 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system. Both systems support Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and have USB ports throughout the cabin. You'll also have a standard 7-inch driver information screen and an eight-speaker stereo system with HD radio, or you can upgrade to a larger screen and a 10-speaker Bose sound system. Wireless charging and smartphone connectivity are also available. 3. High-Tech Driver Assistance Every CX-90 comes with the i-Activsense suite of driver assistance equipment. It incorporates adaptive cruise control, blind spot monitoring, pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, rain-sensing windshield wipers, road departure mitigation, and much more. 4. Flexible Cabin Configurations You can get the CX-90 with second and third-row benches to accommodate up to eight passengers. Captain's chairs are also available for just the second row or both back rows, reducing the capacity to seven or six people. Both rows fold down so you can access more cargo space when you need it. Depending on the seating layout, the CX-90 has up to 15.9 feet behind the rear seats, which expands to more than 75 cubic feet when both rows are folded flat. Experience the largest SUV ever introduced to the Mazda lineup. Visit Flood Mazda in Wakefield, RI today to test drive this exciting new model. Image via Mazda

Your car's transmission takes energy generated by the engine and send it to the wheels. When this happens right, you get smooth acceleration and gear shifts. That means transmission service at your Mazda dealer is part of proactively keeping things running the way they should. more What Happens During Service Transmission service can involve inspecting, cleaning, and replacing various components and fluids within your vehicle's transmission system. What will happen will always be determined by what exactly you need. Some of what we might do includes: Fluid Replacement or Exchange Transmission fluid lubricates, cools, and facilitates gear shifts. Over time, this fluid can degrade, get contaminated with debris, and lose its effectiveness. If we just change it out, we'll drain the old transmission fluid and replace it with new fluid. While this does refresh the system, some old fluid may remain in certain parts, like the torque converter. That means sometimes a fluid flush is the right thing. This is a more thorough method where a machine flushes out all the old fluid before new fluid is added. Filter Replacement The transmission filter traps contaminants and debris so they don't circulate through the system. Replacing the filter ensures that the new fluid remains clean and effective. Inspection We'll also do a thorough inspection to identify signs of wear, damage, or potential failure. We'll check seals, O-rings, and other parts that may need replacement. Signs You Might Need Service If you come get service as soon as you notice the early warning signs, you can prevent minor issues from becoming major, costly repairs: Delayed or Slipping Gears If you notice a delay when shifting gears, or if the transmission slips out of gear while driving, this could indicate low transmission fluid or worn components. Unusual Noises Grinding, humming, or clunking sounds coming from the transmission are not normal. They usually mean there are worn gears, bearings, or other internal issues. Burning Smell A burning odor, especially if you think you're smelling burnt toast, can indicate overheated transmission fluid. That shouldn't be happening, so come see us. Check Engine or Transmission Light Modern vehicles have sensors that detect irregularities in the transmission system, so if the light comes on, come see us. Rough Shifting Hard or abrupt gear shifts are never good. This might mean you have degraded fluid or mechanical issues. Having transmission issues? Come see us at Flood Mazda in Wakefield, RI today for help. Image via Mazda

With a luxurious cabin and athletic handling, the 2024 Mazda CX-5 is the crossover SUV you'll be excited to drive every day. Whether you want a vehicle with a powerful turbo engine, luxurious amenities, or unique style, there's a CX-5 trim that's made just for you. more 1. 2.5 S Select The 2.5 S Select is well-equipped with standard features like heated front seats, 17-inch alloy wheels, and the Mazda Advanced Keyless Entry System. Its 2.5-liter engine produces 187 horsepower, while its i-Activ AWD provides extra traction when road conditions require it. A 10.25-inch touchscreen controls the 2.5 S Select's 6-speaker audio system, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Several advanced safety features come standard on this model, like Lane Departure Warning and Lane-Keep Assist. 2. 2.5 S Preferred When you choose the 2.5 S Preferred, you'll get added comfort features like leather-trimmed seats, a power moonroof, and a 2-position memory driver's seat. This model also has a Rear Power Liftgate that opens with the press of a button. 3. 2.5 S Carbon Edition This model has unique styling features like a gloss black front grille, 19-inch black alloy wheels, Polymetal Gray Metallic paint, and black or red leather-trimmed seats. Its Bose 10-speaker audio system provides crystal-clear sound for your favorite music and podcasts. 4. 2.5 S Premium The 2.5 S Premium gives you more control over your drive with Mi-Drive's Normal, Sport, and Off-Road Modes. It also includes premium features like 19-inch gray alloy wheels and an Adaptive Front-Lighting System that improves visibility by turning your headlights as you turn the steering wheel. 5. 2.5 S Premium Plus This trim maximizes your comfort with ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, and a heated steering wheel. Added tech features include an Active Driving Display, which projects important information onto the windshield. 6. 2.5 Carbon Turbo The 2.5 Carbon Turbo is powered by a 256-horsepower Dynamic Pressure Turbo engine. It also has unique styling features, including a Terracotta leather interior, 19-inch black alloy wheels, and a choice of Rhodium White Metallic or Zircon Sand Metallic paint. 7. 2.5 Turbo Premium This model comes with the 2.5 Carbon Turbo's powerful turbo engine, and it also has Traffic Jam Assist. This feature manages your CX-5's steering and speed in heavy traffic, automatically maintaining a safe distance from the vehicle ahead of yours. 8. 2.5 Turbo Signature With a unique Gunmetal front grille, Caturra Brown Nappa leather-trimmed seats, and genuine wood trim, the 2.5 Turbo Signature is the most luxurious CX-5. It comes with tech and driver assistance features like a 360° View Monitor that displays your vehicle's surroundings so you can park more confidently. For a detailed demonstration of the CX-5's features, call or visit us today at Flood Mazda in Wakefield, RI. We have a great selection of trims available to choose from and an expert sales staff here to help you find the best vehicle for you. Image via Mazda

With its powerful performance, practical utility, and plush interior, the 2024 Mazda CX-30 is a subcompact SUV that has attracted plenty of positive attention. Mazda's dedication to safety has also earned the CX-30 a 5-Star Overall Safety Rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, and the IIHS awarded it top honors as a 2024 TOP SAFETY PICK+. Keep reading to find out about some of the features that make the CX-30 one of the safest vehicles in its class. more 1. Blind Spot Monitoring The CX-30 helps drivers make safer lane changes by using sensors to detect vehicles that are in or approaching your blind spot. A warning indicator light lets you know when a vehicle is detected. If you activate your turn signal in the direction of a detected vehicle, the warning light will flash, and you'll hear a warning sound letting you know that it may not be safe to change lanes. 2. i-Activ All-Wheel Drive Road conditions can change unexpectedly, so the CX-30's standard i-Activ All-Wheel Drive is constantly monitoring the road and shifting power to the wheels with the most traction. Whether you encounter rain, snow, or off-road terrain, you'll have more control behind the wheel, so you can arrive safely. 3. Lane Departure Warning System When you're driving at about 40 mph or faster, the CX-30 can help you avoid danger by warning you if you're unintentionally drifting out of your lane. The Lane Departure Warning System uses a camera to detect lane markings and issues visible and audible alerts to get the driver's attention. If you don't correct course, the Lane-Keep Assist System can apply corrective steering to keep you safely in your original lane. 4. Smart Brake Support The CX-30 uses a camera and sensors to detect vehicles, pedestrians, bicycles, and motorcycles in the path ahead of your vehicle. If the system predicts the possibility of a collision, you'll receive audible and visible warnings so you can react to prevent a collision. If your response isn't quick enough, Smart Brake Support will automatically apply the brakes for you to prevent or reduce the impact of a potential forward collision. If you'd like to learn more about these features, call or visit our showroom at Flood Mazda in Wakefield, RI. Our expert sales staff is ready to answer all your questions, accompany you on a test drive, and demonstrate the CX-30's features, so you can make an educated choice about your next vehicle in a pressure-free environment. Image via Mazda

Car batteries last for several years before they need to be replaced, and you should do everything you can to keep the battery in good condition so it doesn't need to be replaced sooner than expected. There are several types of battery maintenance that you can do at home to keep the battery in good health. Getting regular battery health checks from your local Mazda dealer is important, too. more Clean Your Battery Over time, grease and dirt can build up on your battery and cause corrosion. Corrosion leads to battery performance issues in some cases. So if you spot any dirt, grease, or corrosion on your battery, then you should clean it off. First, remove the negative cable and then the positive cable on your terminals. After that, scrub the terminals with a baking soda and water solution. You may also apply petroleum jelly to the formally corroded areas, as it may prevent corrosion in the future. Once done, attach the positive cable and then the negative cable to your battery. Drive Frequently Your car battery will die if you go a month or two without driving your vehicle at all. To make sure the battery doesn't die, drive your vehicle for at least 30 minutes every week. If you're going to be away for an extended period, then consider getting a friend to bring your vehicle out for a quick 30-minute drive every week. Check the Acid Bring your battery to the dealership every six months, so a mechanic can check the acid and electrolyte levels. This is especially important if you mainly drive short distances. If the mechanic finds your battery has low electrolyte levels and will no longer charge above 80 percent capacity, then they may be able to repair the problem without replacing the battery. Drive More Than 10 Miles If you exclusively drive very short distances, then your battery may not last as long as it could. Try to avoid driving less than 10 miles as much as possible, so your battery has time to recharge. Limit Electronic Use with No Engine Running It's not a good idea to use your car's electronic features when the vehicle isn't running. Doing so drains your battery. Occasionally leaving the radio on for your passengers while you run into a gas station to pay for fuel is fine, but avoid using the electronics for long periods while the engine is off. Want to check on your battery's health or get a new battery? Pay us a visit at Flood Mazda in Wakefield, RI. Image via Mazda

Choosing between a gas and PHEV model of the same SUV can be challenging. Depending on your lifestyle and how much you prioritize reducing your carbon emissions, either the 2024 Mazda CX-90 or CX-90 PHEV will be perfect for your needs. more The biggest difference between the CX-90 and the CX-90 PHEV is the powertrain equipped for each vehicle. The CX-90 Select has a mild hybrid 3.3-liter in-line six-cylinder engine that produces 280 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque. This powertrain has a fuel efficiency of 24 MPG in the city and 28 MPG on the interstate. The CX-90 PHEV Preferred model, on the other hand, has a 2.5-liter in-line four-cylinder plug-in hybrid engine that generates 323 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque. This PHEV has an estimated combined fuel efficiency of 56 MPGe. Overall, the PHEV engine is more powerful and fuel-efficient, which may be preferable if you need to commute to work every day. Towing Capability While the PHEV engine for the CX-90 packs a larger punch of power, the turbocharged combustion engine for the CX-90 Select has greater towing and hauling abilities. The PHEV is rated to tow 3,500 lbs, while the gas CX-90 can tow up to 5,000 lbs. If you have recreational activities that require flat towing a boat, the gas model might be the way to go. Appearance The CX-90 Select is more budget-friendly and has fewer exterior paint color options compared to the CX-90 PHEV Preferred trim. It should also be noted that the PHEV model is finished with genuine leather seating material, while the gas model uses leatherette material for the interior trim. Again, the CX-90 Preferred has more seating material color options to choose from. Safety Safety features are a huge consideration. No matter which SUV model you choose, you can feel confident and supported behind the wheel with standard features like blind spot warning, lane departure warning, lane keep assist, and driver attention alert. Each model has a pre-collision and post-collision safety system to enhance braking response time and power to reduce the severity of collisions or prevent accidents altogether. Drivers who want to save money on fuel may opt for the CX-90 PHEV, while drivers looking for more towing ability might choose the gas CX-90 model. If you still can't decide which SUV is ideal for your lifestyle and driving habits, schedule a test drive at Flood Mazda in Wakefield, RI. Image via Mazda

Available in a considerable number of trims and packed to the brim with features, the 2024 Mazda3 sedan is an excellent choice for any driver looking for their next compact car. With six different package options ranging from the affordable Mazda3 2.5 S up to the premiere 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus, there's sure to be an option for you. more 1. Mazda3 2.5 S The baseline 2.5 S is a solid entry point into the Mazda3 line. Its comes with a SKYACTIV-G 2.5 DOHC four-cylinder engine engine, front wheel drive, and LED headlights and combo taillights as standard options. You'll also enjoy a host of driver assistance features, including a lane departure warning system, lane-keep assist, and Mazda Radar Cruise Control with Stop & Go tech. 2. Mazda3 2.5 S Select Sport The 2.5 S Select Sport is very similar to the baseline model with a few notable cosmetic upgrades. These include black dual folding heater side mirrors with integrated turn signals, a glossy black finish on the grill, and 18-inch aluminum alloy wheels with a black metallic finish. You'll also get several additional available color options to further customize the look. 3. Mazda3 2.5 S Preferred The 2.5 S Preferred adds memory positioning to the side mirrors as well as a power sliding-glass moonroof with one-touch opening and an interior sunshade for even more comfort. The Preferred also has a slightly different aesthetic compared to the Select Sport with a silver metallic finish on the wheels instead of black. 4. Mazda3 2.5 S Carbon Edition The 2.5 S Carbon Edition is where the Mazda3's performance really steps up. This model comes with i-ACTIV AWD instead of standard FWD for a more confident driving experience in difficult terrain. Notably, this model also adds wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration with an improved 8-speaker sound system, a potential selling point for particularly connected drivers. 5. Mazda3 2.5 S Carbon Turbo As the performance-focused version of the 2.5 S Carbon, the Carbon Turbo edition boasts a 250 horsepower SKYACTIV-G 2.5 Dynamic Pressure Turbo Engine with i-ACTIV AWD to replace the Mazda3's standard four-cylinder engine. If you're a fan of earth tones, this is also the only model available in the Zircon Sand Metallic exterior color. 6. Mazda3 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus As the height of luxury in the Mazda3 line, the 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus comes with everything in previous models with the added benefits of Signature aesthetic touches, an upgraded Bose 12-speaker premium audio system, and helpful extra features like a windshield wiper de-icer. If you want all the bells and whistles Mazda has to offer, this is your Mazda3. Curious to compare these models in person? Contact us here at Flood Mazda in Wakefield, RI to schedule your test drive today! Image via Mazda

The 2024 Mazda CX-30 is centered around affordable luxury. For this model year, the CX-30 receives an exterior redesign and lots of interior features that offer great value. more 1. Refreshed Exterior The 2023 CX-30 has some curvy, smooth lines that look similar to the CX-5. For the 2024 model, the CX-30 design leans into a boxier, more rugged design. The base 2.5 S gets 16-inch alloy wheels, while all the other trims upgrade to 18-inch wheels. You will also get standard LED headlights, daytime running lights, and taillights. 2. Powerful and Efficient Engines The CX-30 comes with a standard 2.5-liter, four-cylinder engine. This engine is capable of producing around 191 horsepower and 186 lb-ft of torque. It's been paired with a six-speed automatic that chooses gears based on the driving conditions. Fuel economy is 26 MPG around town and 33 MPG on the highway. There is an option for a 2.5-liter turbo-four that increases the CX-30's power up to 250 horsepower and 320 lb-ft of torque. All models now get standard AWD with off-road traction assist. 3. Premium Interior Features The base CX-30 gets cloth-trimmed sport seats and soft-touch materials all around. Skip the base, and you will get leatherette or leather trim, depending on the trim you choose. All trims except the base 2.5 S also get dual-zone automatic climate control, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and an 8-way power-adjustable driver's seat. Heating for the front seats and steering wheel is available as well. The CX-30 also delivers on flexibility and practicality. You can fold the 60/40 split rear seats to increase your cargo space as needed. Top trims get a rear power liftgate for convenience. 4. Intuitive Infotainment Technology The CX-30 keeps you connected through an 8.8-inch center display and a standard six-speaker audio system. You get wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with the option to upgrade to wireless in higher trims. There are standard USB charging ports and an available wireless charger. If you go for the top trims, you will have an upgraded 10.25-inch display and a 12-speaker Bose audio system. 5. Reliable Safety Features Mazda offers various driver assistance features across the CX-30 lineup. All models get lane-keep assist, lane departure warning, blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and Mazda radar cruise control. Other useful safety features include rear seat alert, high-beam control, and a rearview monitor. Visit us at Flood Mazda in Wakefield, RI to test-drive the 2024 CX-30. Image via Mazda

With over a decade of satisfied owners behind the name, the sporty and reliable Mazda CX-5 has been a popular SUV crossover choice. The 2024 Mazda CX-5 carries on this legacy with a spiffy yet elegant cabin, vital safety features, and an affinity for the road. The CX-5 continues to be mentioned among top segment competitors, and it's easy to see why. more Functionality Meets Premium If first impressions are everything, and you want bang for your interior layout buck, then a few moments behind the wheel of the CX-5 will not disappoint. An easy-access, expertly designed dash and classy interior flow with a concerto-like consistency. Heated front Leatherette seats, and wrapped leather elsewhere such as on the steering wheel and gear shifter are cozy and aesthetically pleasing features. The driver's seat has a powered 6-way system for custom comfort, and both front seats are heated. The rear seat is a front-folding 40-20-40 split that can be manually adjusted to suit occupants or needed cargo space. Among other options that can add to an existing upscale feel are Terracotta and Nappa leather upholstery, authentic real wood trim, and a power sliding-glass sunroof for star-gazing enthusiasts. Elaborate Safety Features Safety is an influential buying point, and the CX-5 boasts a five-star industry safety rating in front of everything else this long-standing crossover offers. An extensive driver-assist suite comes standard on all CX-5 entries, and some of the award-winning features include Electronic Stability Control (ESC), accident avoidance, rearview camera, blind-spot observation, dual-stage front airbags, lane assist, rain-sensing wipers, and automatic LED headlamps with auto high-beam technology. For an even more secure experience, options include front and rear parking sensors, adaptive headlamps, traffic jam assist, and a surround-view camera system. Avoiding accidents and inevitable road issues is now commonplace thanks to advanced safety technology offered on our CX-5 models. A Solid Driving Experience The Mazda CX-5 line is known for exceptional driveability and sassy performance, and the status quo remains the same for the 2024 models. All CX-5s employ a 2.5-liter, direct-injection, inline 4-cylinder motor that produces 187 horsepower. An optional turbocharger raises the horsepower bar to 227 (a healthy 256 hp with premium fuel) and adds an element of excitement on the road compared to the standard power plant. The CX-5 line draws on the SKYACTIV 6-speed automatic transmission and i-ACTIV AWD. Regardless of which CX-5 model you choose, this beloved Mazda crossover remains a fun-to-drive experience and is recommended by industry experts. If you're intrigued, you should be! See our full line of new Mazda CX-5s and schedule a test drive today! Contact any of our fine salespeople at Flood Mazda in Wakefield, RI for more information. Don't forget to ask about the Flood Advantage Plan! Image via Mazda

If you want to maintain your Mazda's astounding fuel economy, then you must make sure your fuel system is in good condition. A fuel system cleaning at your Mazda dealer is the best way to ensure every ounce of fuel is used efficiently. more Your Mazda's fuel system is one of the most essential systems in the vehicle and is largely responsible for ensuring you can enjoy the fuel-saving benefits of your car. When your vehicle's fuel system is clogged, it makes it harder for the fuel pump to deliver gas to the engine, which can affect the acceleration and reliability of your vehicle over time. Cleaning the fuel system can usually be done by using a special cleaner that breaks down deposits and contaminates. The cleaner is added to the fuel tank to flush through the entire fuel system and is followed by a second cleaner that removes lingering carbon deposits from the combustion chamber in your engine. A mechanic may have to clean parts of your fuel system by hand to remove stubborn deposits that disrupt the airflow of your fuel system. How Your Fuel System Works Whether you drive a Mazda sedan or SUV, your fuel system is likely composed of parts such as fuel lines, fuel filters, fuel injectors, a fuel pump, and a fuel pressure regulator. If you drive a Mazda with a traditional combustion engine, your vehicle is powered by injecting fuel into the combustion chamber. The fuel is then ignited by a spark plug to produce the power necessary to drive. How Often Should You Clean the Fuel System at Your Mazda Dealer? Cleaning the fuel system should be done every 15,000 miles, which is about once a year for most drivers. If you drive your vehicle daily and rack up high mileage, you may need to have your fuel system cleaned more often to protect the fuel efficiency and performance of your car. It's a good idea to visit your dealership for fuel system service if you notice your Mazda has sluggish acceleration or you are struggling to start your car. If you are fueling up the car more often, this can also be a sign that your fuel system is clogged. Whether your check engine light has turned on or it's been a year since your last routine service appointment, the best thing you can do to promote your vehicle's fuel efficiency is to regularly clean the fuel system. Get in touch with Flood Mazda in Wakefield, RI to book a service appointment today. Image via Mazda