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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  Excellent Mini-Minivan - Zoom Zoom - 2006 Mazda Mazda5
  By Julie - October 24 - 3:36 pm

  Great fun to drive, love the fact that it can accommodate 4 carseats. Good fuel economy. Never get lost anymore now that I have the GPS. Perfect for a family with young kids.

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  Transmission failed at 65,000 miles - 2008 Mazda Mazda5
  By melissad1 - October 12 - 8:18 pm

  I bought a used 2008 Mazda5 two years ago. It has been a fairly decent car, good interior space and gas mileage. Recently, the AT light came on. I took it to our local reliable mechanic. The car now needs a new transmission. I called and pleaded our case with the local Mazda dealership and with Mazda US. Neither of them will do anything to help us. They wont even offer discounted parts. It is ridiculous that the transmission would fail at 65,000 miles. It is even more ridiculous that Mazda doesnt stand behind their cars. I cannot recommend that anyone purchase this car or any Mazda for that matter.

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  Mazda 5 has Zoom Zoom - 2006 Mazda Mazda5
  By Trentonhodges - October 12 - 3:56 pm

  This is car is just the right size for all my needs. The seats fold down to create more room than I ever expected and when they are up they give me extra space for my girls and their friends. The great thing is that it drives and parks like a car while giving me the space of a larger size minivan or SUV.

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  Great so far, but a few interior irritations... - 2012 Mazda Mazda5
  By birdsnest25 - October 9 - 4:47 pm

  So, Im one week into ownership of a 2012 Mazda5 Touring. For the most part I am happy, with a few execution complaints. Build quality seems good, handing and ride quality very good, milage has been great (30+ mpg on highway). Complaints: sunroof is abysmal, only opening to 60% of the cutout -- come on, engineer it to open 100%. Also, there is no front covered storage other than the glove compartment. The fold down center front armrests get in the way of the seat belt buckles and should be replaced with a covered bin. Also, the sound system should be better. For the same price as the lousy sunroof and CD changer in the Mazda5, you get a real sunroof and Bose system in the CX5

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  A great vehicle - 2008 Mazda Mazda5
  By ajl - October 6 - 7:33 pm

  We looked at everything in this price class,new and used. CR-V, RAV 4, Subaru Forester, Kia Rondo,Suzuki Grand Vitara. Nothing offered the combination of fun and function like the Mazda. This is not meant as a replacement for the minivan from Honda, Toyota,etc. You must drive this "microvan" before passing judgment on it. If you appreciate sharp steering and handling over a softer ride, you will not be disappointed. Bottom line: If you need to haul a small family around or just some stuff AND have fun doing it, the Mazda 5 is for you! It was for us! For those complaining about snow traction. Get four snow tires. 205/50/17 all season tires were never meant for snow!

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  Okay - 2009 Mazda Mazda5
  By Rico - October 5 - 6:56 pm

  Had one for 1 1/2 years. Really liked it at first. Then noted loss of stable feeling when driving. Drove a lot, had 37,000 and the rear shocks were really shot after 17,000. Very bad in the snow, front tires just spin. Had to get snow tires then it was okay. So factory tires were bad after 20k. So thats two sets of tires after the first year. Overall we got sick of the thing. Gas mileage was not very good. It is low to the ground which makes it look nice but watch it when parking into a stall, you will hit some curbs. Anyhow, with the bad suspension and all I got rid of it for a Mazda6, wow what a difference. Like night and day. Got the 4cyl 2010 and it does get more than 30 mpg. Dont get a 5

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  Love my Mazda - 2007 Mazda Mazda5
  By Gizmo - October 2 - 3:23 am

  Bought used in 07 with 18000 miles and now have 46000. Have driven my Mazda 5 thru 2 nasty winters in Wisconsin and the resulting "ruts" in the road & first yr. worried about how it would handle. Ride is stiff over potholes (some are totally unavoidable) and I was used to a 4 wheel drive SUV. Mazda 5 handled pretty well & it just took a bit of learning about the vehicle. The 6 passenger seating in my "mini" mini van is great and last row easy to access. Definitely would buy this one again & will stay with Mazdas (had a 91 Mazda MPV for 7 yrs. & loved that one too). LOVE DRIVING THIS CAR & I TAKE LOTS OF ROAD TRIPS WITH IT!! Other Mazda 5 owners stop to talk as they love their cars too.

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  Great car for the money - 2012 Mazda Mazda5
  By joelb57 - September 25 - 7:23 pm

  We enjoy the 2012 Grand Touring Mazda5. It is quick & nimble, seats 6 comfortably, and although not fast, still provides ample pickup. 70% of our driving is hwy, 30% city - - we avg about 25mpg. Seats provide good support & decent leg room. Heating and A/C are good. Fit/finish is excellent and opening/closing sliding doors is a breeze. Interior is well laid out although headliner and visors feel somewhat cheap. Seating is fine for 4 adults + 2 children although space beyond 3rd seat is limited. Nice ride although some air noise is detectable at hwy speeds. Excellent vehicle for the money - would recommend. Biggest plus is its fun to drive! We got a great deal through truecars.com

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  Great Use of Space! - 2006 Mazda Mazda5
  By Hagios - September 23 - 9:06 am

  Have had a very positive experience with the 5. I routinely travel in the area with 6 adults. We especially like space available with the two back seats flat - great for grocery shopping! Mileage has been about 23 in city and as much as 39 on the highway. Good ride quality and crisp handling. Experience with dealer has been outstanding.

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  06 Mazda 5/Great Concept - 2006 Mazda Mazda5
  By Kelly - September 19 - 7:53 am

  Purchased Touring 5 new in06. 4sp ATM. Have 86,000 mix of city and hwy miles. Dealer serviced since new. Overall a great car to drive, very responsive. Great on gas at avg 26 mpg. Tire wear has been a problem, even with reg interval rotations, balance and alignments. Will be needing a third set of tires soon, and they are expensive. Not much traction in snow. Easy to get in and out of. Seats are not very comfortable for long drives. Sub par interior fit and trim. Great sound system...drowns out noise from "cupped" tire rumble. Overall a great little van, but more suited for tooling around town than for taking road trips. Would buy again if the tire wear issue were addressed.