The V&R Machine Ownership Diary: Chapter 3

Sometimes, the more experience you have with a vehicle will tell you more about it.

The V&R Machine shows up at the Saint Paul Headquarters when the work vehicle schedule has a gap. During these gaps, the 2021 Mazda CX-5 still has some tales to tell. 

During this latest stint, the CX-5 arrived with over 19,200 miles on it. George has been putting on some miles prior to that. In fact, he brought the V&R Machine down to a professional networking event for the LGBTQ+ community at General Mills headquarters. This was my first time at this event and, yes, I made a few connections there. George knew some folks there, as well. 

Yet, I have not been driving it as much as I should. Just runs to the store or to get something to eat. Nothing worth noting, really. Perhaps to utilize the V&R Machine on daily mundane tasks, I suppose. 

However, I did give the CX-5 some sea legs for a few National Holiday gatherings in and beyond The Cities. Not to mention an airport run for George to head out of town for that week. When given the task for extended runs, the V&R Machine responded in flying colors. 

Overall, the V&R Machine is running well. It feels more comfortable than practically anything during my last run of review vehicles. Just like an old shoe that just conforms to your foot. 

Come to think of it, I am enjoying the V&R Machine even more these days. It has become a trusted steed to George and I offering practicality and efficiency. It is also fun and handles better than a lot of SUVs in its class. 

These are points worth repeating. Yet, when it is our team car, the familiarity grows fonder. That is a sign that we made the right choice. 

The right choice? Well…here’s why. 

When it comes to getting dealer service, I was impressed with the CX-5’s experience with Morrie’s Inver Grove Mazda in Inver Grove Heights to correct an alignment issue. The quality of service was top notch, hence why I would take any Mazda there. 

Sometimes, I get a lot of people who ask for vehicular advice. While V&R does consumer-facing work, we are not a broker or available for actual consumer consulting. We always believe that the one signing the paperwork on a vehicle should be the one actually doing the research and making a decision. 

Yet, friends do ask and pick my brain. Based on this current experience with the V&R Machine, I do mention Mazda – a lot. The CX-5 alone is a great choice in its class. It may not have the interior volume or some form of electrification of some of its rivals, but it does everything else much better. Which is why we are happy to recommend the CX-5 or any Mazda to anyone who asks. 

So far, the ownership experience has been a very positive one. Not sure when I will have the V&R Machine again, as the grind of reviewing vehicles is now in full swing for the summer. 

All I can say is worth repeating: The V&R Machine is doing the job exceptionally well. 

All photos by Randy Stern