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 Car for a small family!! - 2009 Mazda Mazda5
  By skgilly - November 13 - 3:56 pm

  We bought this car in Colorado and drove it Arkansas. It was great for me and my family. We have two kids (3.5, and 10 months). My wife sat comfortably in the back with the kid and luggage. We really packed this car down and still handled well. There are many way to configure the car and sitting six for short distances is great. For all the mini van haters the sliding doors are great for getting the kids in and out. Handling is great for a car this size. Overall, great car for the money. Mazda has done well. We are really enjoying this purchase.

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  Family Fun - 2006 Mazda Mazda5
  By Sport Car Family - October 30 - 8:56 am

  My wife and I are sport car fans. Since we are due a baby girl this week we opted to trade in our 05 Scion TC for a car that is more family oriented. We tried several SUVs and a couple of sedans. What made us buy the Mazda 5 was the price, features and handling. It doesnt feel like a family car - it feels like a sports car. I foresee no issues with room, power or handling. Of course, well have to slow things down a bit, but, again, this car handles and drives with a very sporty and peppy feel.

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  Perfect Size - 2008 Mazda Mazda5
  By kb - October 23 - 6:40 pm

  My wife and I bought a Copper Red Touring model just two weeks ago, after I spent almost a full year researching the 5. We have two young boys and only occasionally need to carry extra passengers, so this vehicle will be perfect for us. We leave the third-row seats folded flat, and it provides more cargo area (and more versatile use of that area) than a typical sedan. I find the ride rather comfortable -- a little stiff on pavement seams, but I think thats a deliberate trade-off Mazda made to achieve the sportier handling in line with its corporate image. And it does handle very nicely. This is our first Mazda, so were hoping it will be as reliable as the Hondas weve had. So far so good.

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  Nice Car - 2007 Mazda Mazda5
  By Scott - October 10 - 10:26 am

  We have owned the car for two weeks and it has been a pleasure to drive. First gas tank of all city driving came in at an average mpg of 23, even with some of my higher RPM start-ups. I would recommend this vehicle to anyone looking for a compromise between some of the desirable features of a minivan and a station wagon. Great value for the price.

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  Still Happy After a Year - 2008 Mazda Mazda5
  By cobracoach - October 3 - 2:03 pm

  I traded a Tribute on this car and have not regretted the decision, other than my need for towing my lawn mower on occasion. Fuel economy is consistently in the 27-28 mpg area and have two tanks to go 33 and 35 on trips. Ive owned several Hondas and find this comparable to Honda quality and performance, and greatly superior to the 1999 Odessey I owned. Space is adequate and the hidden cubbies are fantastic. Others complain about the short seat, but I find them extremely comfortable. I got stranded one time when I couldnt get the gas cap off and the tank was almost on empty and I was 100 miles from home. Had to break out the cap, but problem has not reoccurred.

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  the fun minivan - 2006 Mazda Mazda5
  By tiffany - October 1 - 11:33 pm

  The Mazda5 is great and fun to drive. Im a mom,and i love that it feels like Im driving a sports car rather than a minivan. I dont feel like a soccer mom anymore. Gas mileage is great; I drive a lot, so that is very important. The interior is sleek, or as my neighbor called it, "spacey". Mazda5 rocks!

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  perfect island ride - 2006 Mazda Mazda5
  By jlis - September 30 - 12:56 pm

  We were looking at small SUVs and within a day or so of buying a Honda CR-V when we just happened to go another car dealership late at night (hopefully missing the salesmen), when we happened on the Mazda5. It was exactly what we had in mind but didnt exist. We drove it once and within an hour owned it. Good gas mileage ($3.00 a gallon on Maui), super fun to drive although a little sluggish. Smooth for a 4 cylinder. Very comfortable seating with great seating visibility. Looks very cool and often find people walking around it in the parking lot. My wife loves the multiple airbags and ability to carry extra kids. Surfboard etc. will fit in the back if wife takes my truck. Ive seen better A/C.

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  Fun Machine - 2006 Mazda Mazda5
  By Jerry - September 28 - 1:13 am

  This high wagon is outstanding. Slick exterior design and the interior is great. I enjoy the way it drives and its fun to switch gears on the auto/manual stick shift.

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  Wish I put more thought into it. - 2013 Mazda Mazda5
  By jterrozas - September 26 - 10:47 am

  All though the price was reasonable it really doesnt replace a van. By the time you put up the third row there is nothing left for storage. We bought this to replace our T&C because we wanted better gas mileage but could hold four kids. It can hold four kids, but thats it. No stroller, no shopping bags. It is made for either the occasional back row seating OR as a four seater with a trunk space.

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  As cool as a minivan can be - 2007 Mazda Mazda5
  By Jen - September 21 - 8:46 pm

  I like small cars but need space to carry furniture. This mini minivan is the perfect solution! It drives like a car, with no swaying around corners like the Odyssey or Sienna. Super maneuverability; the turning radius is surprisingly tiny. The cool exterior styling means I dont feel like a soccer mom. Very comfortable interior and handy controls on the steering wheel. Manual shift option is great for driving in the mountains. Im surprised at mileage complaints. I have carefully recorded my mileage the entire 10 months Ive had the car and I average 27 mpg mixed use. Driving style matters, though; I drive no more than 5-8 mph over the speed limit and I dont speed away from stoplights.