Following the Great Recession, many automakers introduced affordable small cars. Mazda's offering was the Mazda2, a lively little five-door hatchback blending style, utility, efficiency, and the engaging driving dynamics for which the automaker was known. Even among the smallest cars of the era, the lightweight Mazda2 was a tiny vehicle with a cramped back seat and little cargo space. Plus, its 100-hp four-cylinder engine and available four-speed automatic transmission could win neither acceleration nor fuel-economy contests. Mazda sold the Mazda2 for four years with few changes. Ultimately, it proved uncompetitive, and Mazda canceled the model in the U.S. after the 2014 model year.