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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  Not a bad little vehicle - 2007 Mazda Mazda5
  By Chris - March 6 - 11:56 am

  Have owned my 2006 auto for a little over a year now. I average about 110 miles a day in this car. Gas mileage has ranged from 27 to 33 highway, depending on speed and use of AC. I had the windows tinted. I do notice some rattles now that I have close to 30K. The road noise is excessive as well. Someone else mentioned this too that the black interior is a bear to keep clean, it shows everyting. The heater doesnt seem to pump out consistent air temp and the A/C light goes on when using the auto feature, even if its cold out. Dont understand that logic. All in all though, you get a lot of vehicle for the price.

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  First 1500 Miles on Mazda 5, 6-Speed Manual - 2012 Mazda Mazda5
  By superelevated - March 3 - 6:39 pm

  Mazda hit a home run with this little gem. I love driving, and normally drive my vehicles like they are stolen. We have two kids that were having a hard time fitting in our 08 Jetta (yes, also with a manual). We now have taken day trips with two kids and 4 adults with no problems fitting everyone comfortably. We have also fit 6 adults fairly comfortably for short trips. This car is fun to drive, and yet very economical. We get 23-25 mpg when driving hard or fully loaded with people, and have gotten 30 mpg on a 350 mile road trip. Right now we are averaging 27.4mpg over the life of the car. I cant believe Im driving a mini-minivan that is this practical and fun!

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  An Affordable Fun Family Friendly Sporty Mommy Vehicle - 2010 Mazda Mazda5
  By sardidii - March 1 - 1:47 pm

  You get what you ask for! I LOVE this vehicle! I had NEVER bought a Brand New car before in my 38years. I DID my research. I wanted a Fun, Safe, Reliable car/wagon/crossover thing that was perfect for a family of 4 with a dog. I wanted something that was safe, fun to drive, good on gas and affordable. I also wanted to have the ability to haul another person just in case i had to. I ended up with this gorgeous Mazda5 and I am so happy with it! I have been asked several times already by people in Parking lots what it was. I fit comfotably in it and i am tall. The sliding doors make it easy for the children to get in and out of. It is fun to drive!

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  Ownership update! - 2006 Mazda Mazda5
  By Dave - February 21 - 5:00 am

  Weve owned our 5 for about a year and a half now and I thought I would give a word on a 5 thats been used since were over the new car excitement. We have 3 kids in car sears and it is used in mainly city traffic or long road trips. This car still drives and handles amazingly. It is a U-turn king and parallel parking is a walk in the park. We have taken multiple road trips from LA to NY in it and it has proved worth the money (that were still paying) time and time again. We had even packed it up with 7 people and their luggage for a 1500 mile trip and it still drives strong.The cartridge oil filter is VERY easy to change since it is right on the bottom of the engine. Mazda is amazing!

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  The Most Creative Thing on Wheels - 2006 Mazda Mazda5
  By All mine! - February 15 - 12:53 am

  I became most interested in the Mazda5 when I found out a five speed was available. I cant believe how many features are standard in this vehicle.

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  So far so great - 2008 Mazda Mazda5
  By bepc - January 25 - 4:23 pm

  This is a great vehicle that allowed me the full blown feature packed vehicle I wanted for the price I could afford. Its been pretty great for the 600km I have driven it for. With the hills and hwy (Vancouver BC) and slushy rainy sunny weather we have had since I got this thing, it handles very well, although I have not put it to any real heavy duty testing as its just a baby, lol.

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  I love this car! - 2008 Mazda Mazda5
  By Jay and Emme - January 25 - 1:43 pm

  The Mazda5 has been one of the most fun cars Ive owned. After finding out we were going to become a family of six rather than five, we needed a vehicle that could hold us all and traded in our sedan. We already have a large minivan and I wanted something better on gas and a bit sportier, so we bought the Grand Touring. The four kids fit fine, though it is umbrella stroller only as there is almost no trunk space. Trips require use of the luggage rack with 5+ people. I love the nimbleness in traffic and the tight turn base and size makes parking a breeze. It definitely has some zoom-zoom compared to other family vans. The 5 is fun to drive, has nice features and I get about 26 mpg.

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  A Great Solution to Gas Guzzling SUVs - 2008 Mazda Mazda5
  By New Mazda Fan - December 28 - 12:36 pm

  Soon to be a family of 6 and all 3 of my kids fit comfortably (ages 13,6,3). Each kid loves having their own seat. Sold my 05 Tundra dbl cab to get this and dont regret it. At least with this car I dont feel like crying at the pump when its fill up time. Im very impressed with Mazda. Very well priced for what you get, for what is standard on this car, is usually a option on most others. Its a great solution for families that need the seating capacity of a SUV or minivan. The sticker price is less, and your gas bill will be a whole lot less. Best of all it drives like a sports car, not a minivan, so the husbands will have fun driving it. I do.

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  Mazda5 one of the best cars made! - 2008 Mazda Mazda5
  By mazdamaniac - December 23 - 4:46 pm

  I have a red GT, loaded with every option! Navigation system, power roof, powerful stereo! Great looking body, fantastic build quality, rich interior, and the best production paint job Ive ever seen! Build quality is superb. Ive had top of the line Toyotas, Hondas, VWs, Mercedes, BMW and some Italian cars... none as well made!

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  Nice alternative to a full-sized minivan - 2009 Mazda Mazda5
  By Chuck - December 21 - 12:33 am

  We were in the market for a new car that would work with two small children, and were cringing at the thought of buying a large minivan or an SUV. The Mazda5 is a nice alternative at a nice price. We bought the top of the line Grand Touring for less than the base models of a minivan. The car has adequate acceleration, nice handling, and plenty of room for two adults and two kids. The third row works for short trips with adults if needed. Im 6 2 and have tolerated short trips in the third row. There is plenty of headroom, but seats are really just for kids or small adults.