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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  Its the not so "Minivan" minivan - 2006 Mazda Mazda5
  By Family Man - January 29 - 8:40 pm

  I really love to drive my 5. We use it to haul the family around and it does great. I love the lines and features you get for the money. Mazda did it right when they redesigned their line up and gave birth to this great new model. The sport shifter is great and the fuel ecomony is acceptable. The 17" wheels really help it stand out from the rest and makes me feel more sporty. When I drive this around I dont feel Im driving a van. In fact many people ask me what it is. I have started to see more around and everyone I talk to loves it. Great car for the money and perfect for the person not ready for a really minivan.

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  Great! - 2006 Mazda Mazda5
  By winnie - January 26 - 12:53 pm

  We love this car/minivan! Lots of fun to drive and has a surprising amount of room!

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  Great teenyvan - 2009 Mazda Mazda5
  By Jay_Gloab - January 10 - 11:16 pm

  I just got this car yesterday, but I had another 5 as a loaner for a week before that so Im pretty acquainted with the cars peculiarities at this point. We were looking at everything from small hatchbacks like the Honda Fit and Toyota Matrix to full-size minivans such as the Odyssey and Sienna, but the Mazda5 seemed like the perfect fit for us: it has plenty of space for a small family (up to 2 kids easily; 3 would be fine until you have to go for a long trip), its relatively sporty and maneuverable, and its much more fuel- efficient than minivans. The kicker -- its the only thing remotely minivan- like that offers a manual transmission.

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  First Mazda Experience - 2010 Mazda Mazda5
  By First Mazda - January 3 - 7:26 am

  The Mazda 5 is a unique vehicle that blends traits from a mini van and station wagon. This vehicle is a good bang for the buck. I purchased this car 6 weeks ago and it has met my expectations. The engine is very smooth and despite some reviews that I have read, does not lack adequate acceleration. The trans shifts smoothly. Standard DSC for 2010 was a nice safety addition. Climate control system works well as do the power heated seats. The only problem I have noticed with the car is the windshield seems to creek when the car goes over bumps.The Blue Tooth and Home Link are great features. The audio system is nothing special. Overall its a solid buy for the money.

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  Awesome!!! - 2006 Mazda Mazda5
  By DrSpongklong - December 26 - 8:13 pm

  Awesome vehicle. Un-minivan minivan. Sporty yet practical. Beautifully built yet affordable. Perfect size for small family. Power is just adequate. Very good suspension, quiet and very fun to drive. Made in Japan so it should be reliable.

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  Small interior - 2006 Mazda Mazda5
  By colleen - December 13 - 11:33 am

  I would never buy this car again. I had to replace the tires, the traction was poor and they leaked after the first year. The third row is to small, no passenger arm rest. The interior cant handle every day use. The dash looks worn after barely two years and the one and only arm rest is totally worn out. Power locks dont work right. The only thing I do like is the sporty feel and look.

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  Some problems to note, great interior - 2008 Mazda Mazda5
  By Chris1031 - December 9 - 9:30 am

  Great interior layout and having the various seating options. The seating work well with our children. Another pro has been the dual sliding doors, no need to worry about the children opening their doors and hitting another car. great gas mileage too! The cons of ownership of this car is that at 18,000 we needed to replace all 4 tires. Also, the bushings needed to be replaced as every time we went over a bump the car would squeak like it was 20 years old. The worst problem of all just happened last night. After 2 years of owning this car, I lost power steering suddenly while driving down the street - scary! Check out the TSB regarding steering.

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  The most fuel efficient minivan - 2010 Mazda Mazda5
  By Alex Povolotski - November 30 - 7:36 am

  This is Mazdas version to European Ford C-Max. Very nicely executed. The biggest features are sliding doors, manageable size, super fuel savings, and nice suspension. Also, its not as noisy as other reviewers have indicated. Ive driven it with 3 adults and one child on board and the motor stayed quiet if you dont hit it hard. Just remember its not a sports car. The motor is a big underpowered though, so it takes quite a while to gain the speed after a sharp turn. Interior buttons are large and well positioned though cheaper plastics in the interior kill the whole mood. Suspension is good, eats small bumps very well.

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  A Family Car a Man Doesnt Mind Driving - 2006 Mazda Mazda5
  By AFAngryWarrior - November 24 - 11:50 pm

  At first I told my wife there was no way I was getting a Mazda 5. It looked like a cross between a minivan and a station wagon. How would I ever show my face on the military installation driving what looks like a minivan. I decided to test drive it though figuring it would drive like a minivan and we could finally stop talking about the Mazda 5. Wow, was I wrong! It drives like a Mazda RX8. I got on the highway to see what it could do, popped it over to manual and off we went able to pass anything that stood in my way. Even did a little stop sign challenge with a Mustang who never knew what hit him. This definitely isnt your typical family car!

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  My Best Car Yet - 2006 Mazda Mazda5
  By My Best Car Yet - November 20 - 9:16 pm

  Its been two years, 32000 miles and Im just, as happy with my car as the day I bought it. I like the improvements on the, all new, 2008 but there are two improvements I would, still, like to see. All wheel drive shouldve been offered on automatics and five speed manuals, especially the manuals with insufficent weight on the front wheels and quieter tires, such as, Bridgestone Serenity. The original Toyos are noisy and dont grip the wet. I especially like it being one of a kind, a non van with sliding doors, like Mitsubishi and Nissan had 20 years ago, but much better. Some features standard, not offered on the others, also, the stick shift.