Overview & Reviews

Compact minivans have been popular for years in Europe and Japan, where families find them useful for dealing with narrow streets, limited parking and high fuel prices. Attempts by import-label automakers to bring these "super space wagons" to U.S. shores in the early 1990s were largely unsuccessful, however, because Americans were more interested in modern SUVs and large minivans. But once rising gas prices led some buyers to downsize from larger vehicles, Mazda decided that a truly "mini" minivan might again have a chance with U.S. consumers.

The result is the Mazda 5 compact minivan. Although it's significantly smaller than other minivans on the market, the Mazda 5 provides six-passenger capacity along with the distinctive look and sporty handling for which Mazda is known. For buyers who need affordable, relatively fuel-efficient family transportation that's particularly easy to maneuver in traffic and a snap to park, the Mazda 5 is a strong choice.

Current Mazda 5
There are three trim levels of this compact minivan: base Sport, midlevel Touring and high-line Grand Touring. The Sport includes automatic climate control with rear-seat controls, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, full power accessories and a six-speaker stereo with a USB port. The Touring gets you foglights, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, a trip computer and Bluetooth phone/audio. The Grand Touring adds xenon headlights, automatic wipers, leather upholstery, heated front seats, a sunroof and satellite radio. Options include a navigation system and a rear-seat entertainment system.

For power, the Mazda 5 comes with a 2.5-liter inline-4 engine that produces 157 horsepower and 163 pound-feet of torque. A six-speed manual transmission is standard on the Sport, while a five-speed automatic is optional on the Sport and standard on the other trims.

The 5's front seats are comfortable, though taller folks may wish for more rearward seat travel. The second-row captain's chairs slide and recline, and feature a pop-up center table and storage space that can be stowed away to allow a path to the third row. The smallish third row is best suited for kids but is easier to get into than most any larger crossover's last row. The van's sliding rear doors mean easy access, particularly in parking lots. Even with the second row in use and the third row folded down, there are still 44 cubic feet of cargo capacity available.

In Edmunds testing, we've found that the Mazda 5 can occasionally feel underpowered, such as when climbing steeper grades or while carrying a full load of passengers and cargo. It has the same refined engine we've praised in the past in the Mazda 3, but it's just not powerful enough to move a heavier van around at higher speeds with much authority. Its fuel economy is also unremarkable by four-cylinder standards, though it's still better than any minivan's V6 can manage.

On the bright side, these criticisms are pretty minor. In daily use, the 5 proves comfortable, easy to drive and both more agile and easier to park than a typical minivan, which is something to consider for those who don't really need all the space of a bigger van.

Used Mazda 5 Models
The second-generation Mazda 5 debuted for 2012. Compared to the earlier Mazda 5, it sports swoopier styling, more comfortable seating and a bit more power.

The first-generation Mazda 5 was introduced for the 2006 model year and ran until 2010. This compact minivan offered sliding side doors and seating for six within a relatively small footprint. Powered by a 2.3-liter inline-4 with 153 hp, most versions were fitted with a four- or five-speed automatic, although a five-speed manual was available on lower trims.

Initial trim levels consisted of base Sport and uplevel Touring, with perks of the latter including a sunroof, automatic climate control and an upgraded MP3-compatible stereo with an in-dash CD changer. A navigation system was optional for the Touring. The following year, the range-topping Grand Touring model debuted with its many luxury niceties.

For 2008, the Mazda 5 received revised front and rear styling and a new center control panel. Electroluminescent gauges were also added that year, along with rear seat air vents and controls, additional flip-down armrests and an auxiliary audio jack. Another thing to note is that Mazda 5 models prior to 2008 featured a four-speed automatic rather than the five-speed unit, resulting in lower fuel economy. Lastly, stability control wasn't available until 2010, when it came onboard as standard equipment.

User Reviews:

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  Great little Magic Bus - 2007 Mazda Mazda5
  By BNC - March 20 - 6:13 am

  Fun to drive, roomy little mini-minivan. Have driven 6200 miles in 4 weeks, peppy with 5 speed manual trans, but experiencing the often- reported throttle hesitation. Will try the ECM reflash at the dealer to see if problem is resolved. Tires seem to flatspot on sitting overnight; bumpy ride for first 8-10 miles each morning.

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  Lots of Bang for the Bucks - 2006 Mazda Mazda5
  By r wood - March 10 - 2:00 am

  This vehicle is both practical and fun to drive. Ive read other reviews stating the vehicle is underpowered, I disagree. The handling is terrific, and it turns on a dime. Storage is very good with the seats folded down. I would highly recommend this vehicle to anyone who is looking for good gas mileage, cargo capacity, and enjoys driving a good handling car/van.

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  Very happy so far - 2006 Mazda Mazda5
  By riproy - March 1 - 6:33 am

  The GT 5-speed is a great vehicle - very flexible interior, comfortable, sporty, and very stylish. It handles very well, parks easily due to a short turning radius, and it has plenty of speed for the economy vehicle that it is. Love the little extras like rain-sensing wipers, the jackknife key, and the fold out tray in the second row. Quiet motor. Lots of headroom though i am quite tall. Love this car!

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  Fun to Drive, Excellent Value - 2009 Mazda Mazda5
  By Vicki - February 27 - 7:53 pm

  This a fun car to drive, easy to park. I like to be able to haul "stuff" and people. It works well with my teenager on trips, also easy for my mom to get in and out of. I am a fan of the captian seats and negotiated leather seats in my deal for ease of maintenance. Have taken 2 road trips, the seats could be a little more cushy driving for 12+hours and do not leave the AC in the rotating interior air position or the AC will "freeze up" and not work. You have to then let it "unfreeze." If I had read the owners manual more closely, it is in there. I cant see spending 25-30K on a vehicle, though not perfect, I think this is a great deal. I hope it lasts for many years to come.

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  what a great idea! - 2007 Mazda Mazda5
  By bojo7364 - February 17 - 4:03 pm

  This car is the ideal small family vehicle. We have two little ones in car seats and moving them into and out of the vehicle is a breeze. We fold the third row seating flat and have a lot of cargo space too. It is so much smaller than a typical minivan that my wife is not intimidated by driving (and parking it). There is not a better vehicle for the small family still using car seats. The sliding doors are great!

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  Love it - 2006 Mazda Mazda5
  By Gary Yasaki - February 17 - 12:16 am

  I have a 5 speed and love driving my Mazda 5. It has a nice tight sporty feel and revs quickly when prodded. I occasionally need the cargo space and the Mazda swallows up everything I need it for. Its a joy to own.

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  Fun Microvan - 2006 Mazda Mazda5
  By deenk1 - February 16 - 9:10 pm

  Have had the M5 Sport (stick) for 2 months: no big complaints. Very versatile interior configuration. Great car for small family and a small car (we have both).

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  Buy it if you dont mind replace tires every 2kmi - 2009 Mazda Mazda5
  By fea1 - February 12 - 9:14 am

  Mazda5 has the serious design flaw of its suspension system. So be ready to get a new set of tires every 2kmi and frequent suspension repairing works including new shocks and wheels.

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  Just What I Needed - 2008 Mazda Mazda5
  By Dnice35 - February 10 - 6:16 am

  I have a newborn and before purchasing the Mazda 5 we had a mid-size sedan. It was a hassle to put the baby in and out of the car. We bought this car for the following reasons: 1. good gas millage 2. comfortable for the baby 3. design, So far it has met our expectations. We are more than pleased with our purchase.

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  Its right where everything else isnt - 2006 Mazda Mazda5
  By Charlan - February 10 - 3:33 am

  This is the perfect car for us (me, my wife & 2-year old daughter). Handles very well, solid built quality, and great gas mileage. Very flexible seating. Exterior design was excellent, one of my friends thought this car was a hybrid. Sliding door was a great feature to have especially in tight spaces. Keep it up Mazda, ZOOM ZOOM!