Overview & Reviews

After significant updates last year, the 2009 Mazda 5 sees no major changes.

• More nimble and maneuverable than full-size minivans, convenient dual sliding doors, manageable size for small families, low price.

• Stability control not available, kids-only third row, no second-row bench option, engine can run out of steam when fully loaded.

User Reviews:

Showing 11 through 20 of 81.00

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  versatile mini - 2009 Mazda Mazda5
  By tadpole - April 14 - 9:16 pm

  I drove this car for about a month. The mileage for the first trip was weird. On the 400 miles highway trip, I got 37 mpg. This is far exceeded the manufacturer claim. On the last leg of the trip about 90 miles a got 22 mpg. This is really weird since its all on highway with the same road and traffic condition. I cannot explain the wide discrepancy. The second trip on the same road, the mileage was about 33 mpg. The interior material is a bit on the cheap side. The plastic scratches easily and the cloth material is not up to standard with Honda or Toyota. I got this for $17.2k, I am not sure this is a good deal.

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  Great except for two defects... - 2009 Mazda Mazda5
  By brammer - September 19 - 8:03 pm

  The vehicle is fun to drive and has versatile seating / storage configurations. Mileage is reasonable. Two big drawbacks though, the rear suspension and the rear bushings. At 50000 km of mostly single passenger commuting, we are already on our third set of rear shocks. The bushings (at least thats what I think they are) creak very loudly in warm weather. It sounds like a horse drawn wagon lumbering down a dirt road.

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  Small minivan or large station wagon? - 2009 Mazda Mazda5
  By PeterK - March 8 - 10:13 pm

  My family of 3 soon to be 4 needed to upgrade from our Civic to be able to carry two car seats some cargo and maybe grandma every now and then. We desperately did not want to end up in a mini van and despite what some categorize Mazda 5 as we love the sliding doors which allow pain-free baby loading into the car seat. Cargo room with the third row folded is sufficient but when the seats are up you cant even fit your groceries. Gas mileage is in the area of 24 MPG with mixed driving, enough power to propel 4 adults and a baby on any road or hill. Highly recommended to those who need larger vehicle but want to remain environmentally friendly.

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  compromise for big rewards - 2009 Mazda Mazda5
  By vicenac - August 14 - 11:30 pm

  To fit 3 rows of seats in this little vehicle, some corners, or knees have to be cut. Make sure you fit in, take full advantage of the telescoping steering wheel and youll get an exciting vehicle. Its easy to park, VERY nimble and accelerates quickly with the 5 gear transmission. I see it as a Swiss Army Knife. Small and versatile. How many times did I say small? Not enough! I am 6.1 and my wife is 5.7. The driver seat is all the way back. We have an infant carrier behind us, which is way longer than a car seat or regular person, so that seat is also all the way back. There would not be much leg room left in the third row seat. But there are 3 people seating on the right side of the car

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  From a GTI to a Mazda 5 GT - 2009 Mazda Mazda5
  By Dan - April 11 - 4:16 am

  As a father of 4, it was finally time to move on from my little five speed VW GTI. We needed an alternative to my wifes Chevy Suburban that would fit the entire family, while getting decent gas mileage and being fun to drive. The Mazda 5 fits the bill. Got the Grand Touring in Silver with black leather. While the quality of materials is a definite step down from the VW, the car is a great value for the price. This car offers everything I need in a tidy and sporty package: room for six (with some compromises on the part of all), very well equipped for the price, good looks, he "wow, this is cool" factor from my daughters friends, solid handling. Very happy with my purchase!

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  Fun car - 2009 Mazda Mazda5
  By Great8 - March 17 - 1:36 am

  The third row is small but fun car to drive, spacious and love the MP3 availability. Does not look like a mini van. More like a wagon. Perfect for parents that want space, sporty and good gas mileage.

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  Versatile, economical package - 2009 Mazda Mazda5
  By Mazdone - November 14 - 1:36 am

  Ive only just purchased this vehicle after exhaustive deliberations. While the Mazda 5 is a fine choice as a practical, cheap, do-it-all wagon, construction is borderline flimsy and materials are cheap. My windshield creaks over every bump and the floor, pedals and steering wheel all take turns vibrating as if the car had 100K miles on it and bad tires. I hope to resolve these issues soon...

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  Good value but not a favorite - 2009 Mazda Mazda5
  By Anonymous - August 16 - 2:00 am

  Purchased in Mar 2009 when sales were really slow. Car was built in Sept 08, so it sat on the lot for a while. With carpet mats and the rear bumper cover, just over $16k out the door. Very good value. Interior doesnt match up to what we had in two previous Honda Accords and our 2004 Camry. I purchased snow tires already after reading how junky the OEM tires are; is there a new car that doesnt have junky OEM tires in this price range? Despite 5spd auto, car is sluggish. 22-24 mpg in mixed driving. Manual shift mode is useless. Only had power steering failure happen to us (knock on wood); covered under warranty. Bought this car mostly for value and chaffeuring kids.

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  uncontrolled steering wheel - 2009 Mazda Mazda5
  By egay - June 25 - 9:16 pm

  I love my mazda 5, roomie, like the art of engineering,not speedy but good to travel with the family, gas economical,and easy to drive too. But the problem i had encounter was when my car was on park with my engine running for 30 mins and just a sudden my steering wheel got tight with the steering wheel emergency sign went off,how about if it happens when my car was running on a speed it wont be safe for me and to my family.Talked to my dealer and have it check for safety tom.Just also found out that i was the second person who experienced the same thing on mazda 5.

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  Yes - 2009 Mazda Mazda5
  By vhabiru - June 13 - 5:15 pm

  After about 2 years with the 5, Im still really happy. We sold the sedan and bought the 5 when we realized we were having a second chlid. Its been really great and at no point have I had a second thought about the purchase. I only wish I had bought the manual and not the auto, but my wife was not keen to have the extra task of shifting in addition to keeping the kids happy. Overall, a solid A. I would definitely buy again.