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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  Beats a minivan/SUV for vacation! - 2009 Mazda Mazda5
  By Wiseguy - May 5 - 11:56 am

  Just returned to OH from SC after a week vacation. Was an excellent ride going through the WV & VA mountains, sailing along highways with fast traffic flow. The ride was excellent in all conditions & speeds. Averaged around 30 MPG. Traveling with a 14- & 6-year old + 2 adults makes interesting packing but got all in and had view lines out the back still. Underseat stowage in the middle seats is excellent. The flat floor in 2nd row allows a bag on the floor for laptops, MP3s, etc. easy. Even sustained a rear-end hit from another car on HWY with only minor corner fender damage - no injuries. With bags out of car, 3rd row seating was useful for grandparents who met us there.

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  Choose your niche - 2014 Mazda Mazda5
  By dougiesc - April 24 - 4:18 pm

  Definitely a niche car, best suited for a family of 4 plus groceries or luggage. It works for us, but if you really need the passenger or luggage space, go with a full-sized minivan. This isnt it. It is basically a 4-seat wagon with a couple of child-sized extra seats in the back--which you cant use if you carry much luggage. However, the usual three-passenger sedan bench seat is replaced with two full captains chairs and a table/platform for drinks, books, whatever. The car is solid and quiet. Good adult leg- and head-room (except for those pesky far-back seats). It is cheaper than any full-sized minivan, gets somewhat better fuel economy, and is more maneuverable.

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  Practical minivan alternative - 2006 Mazda Mazda5
  By yendor - April 22 - 1:06 pm

  Top choice in practicality, especially for an in-city family. MPG between 22.5 to 30.5 (with roof rack installed). Peppy around town, but requires higher revs (3000-4000) to climb steep hills with a load (although redline is far beyond that). We hear a boing sound from the suspension when we back up over a bump, but dealer says its OK. Opted for tinted-windows to compensate for lack of AC vents in back. Opted for roof rack to compensate for lack of cargo space with 6 passengers. Opted for aftermarket heated leather seats.

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  A Great Minivan/Crossover - 2009 Mazda Mazda5
  By Robert G. - April 21 - 10:03 pm

  Drives great, has sufficient power for everyday driving, quiet ride and no engine noise, versatile seating with many options. Japanese built with Japanese parts, nice stereo and it comes fully loaded with all the features I needed. Sliding doors are a blessing with four year old twins. Alloy wheels with low profile tires look sharp. Looks very attractive inside and out. For a purchase price of $16,888 I cant be any happier or satisfied.

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  Goes great with our RX-8! - 2006 Mazda Mazda5
  By HottieMWF34DD - April 19 - 1:30 am

  Replaced our Protege5 with this, it is awesome and much better than any of the minivans on the market. We didnt want the lousy gas mileage of an SUV either. It also looks so cool next to the RX-8... both in black, which is the only way I like it... once you go black you never go back!

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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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  The Little Strato Blue Wagon That Could - 2006 Mazda Mazda5
  By Davicho - April 4 - 2:56 pm

  I bought my MZ5 used with 41000 miles which is a little more than normal but seemed very well taken care of. I sold my 2003 Honda Accord Coupe and bought it to replace it, and I do not regret it one bit. I totally love this little wagon. Sporty in and out, awesome handling, peppy, room for six or fold up the seats and have an enormous carrying capacity. Love the slider doors, although many people including my sons tease me for driving a minivan, nonetheless, all the attributes this wagon brings to the table over compensates for the mini-van label, I prefer to call it a "Sport Wagon". My average MPG city and highway combined is a steady 22-23 and I have gotten 28- 29 on pure highway driving.

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  06 Mazda5 in Phantom Blue - 2006 Mazda Mazda5
  By PhantomBlue06 - March 20 - 6:03 pm

  A great car with few shortcomings that are easily offset by its long list of standard features. The car looks great on the outside. I did not even know that Mazda makes this model but it caught my eye in the display window as I was passing the dealership. I stopped by and checked out the car. Doors close with a solid thud. Seats are comfortable and fold and recline in may different ways. Full, three row side airbags, moonroof, fog lights, autostick tranny, and 6 cd changer. I had a strict budget to stick to and thought that the car would be too expensive. Imagine my shock when I got this car in TOURING EDITION and still paid under $22K. Drives great and turns on a dime. Excellent car value.

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  First Generation Odyssey Replacement - 2006 Mazda Mazda5
  By stan - March 17 - 7:00 pm

  Replacement for our 10 year old 1st generation Honda Odyssey (bought new). I was struck by the nearly identical specifications, etc. Physical size, wheelbase, engine size, output, seats, even MPG is identical.

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  Everything You Need - 2008 Mazda Mazda5
  By jonjae - March 17 - 4:13 am

  I cant think of another vehicle with this much functionality AND good gas mileage. You might get more room from a full size minivan, but you also will only get 16-17 mpg in the city. I have received 23-25 mpg in the city and 28 highway. I bought this car used after I had a chance to rent one. The third row is small but is just fine for your kids. I have sat back there and wouldnt mind sitting there for around town outings. Its just nice to have the option to transport up to six people occasionally. I owned a 2002 Protege which was a litte unrefined regarding road noise. This is no Lexus but definitely is improved and more than satisfactory, even on the highway.