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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  Good choice for the money - 2006 Mazda Mazda5
  By wolf6561 - July 25 - 7:50 am

  I bought our Mazda 5 earlier this year, we were looking for for an economical alternative to an SUV, and this does the job fine. I am 63", and the front and second row seats are quite comfortable. The gas mileage is great, the handling is first-rate, and it makes a great family vehicle. My wife picks up our son and 4 neighbor kids from school every day and they love the car. Weve also managed to load bicycles, a large dog crate, and have plenty of room left over.

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  Minivan that does not look like one - 2007 Mazda Mazda5
  By Anwar Khan - July 17 - 9:06 pm

  Love the car for the price. The automatic transmission does not want to shift from 2 to 3 occasionally with out pausing the gas paddle extra hard. I were size 10 shoes and 6 feet tall. The brake and the gas pedal are too close. Love the telescoping steering wheel feature and the gas mileage. Highly recommend it.

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  Sweet Package - 2006 Mazda Mazda5
  By prulex - July 15 - 9:06 am

  I was looking for a cross between an SUV (of which Ive owned 2) and a station wagon. Ive found it...the only one in its class. If youre looking for a 7-seater...the 5 is not for you. If youre looking for a compact 6-seater with awesome features and looks, consider the 5. So far, Im impressed with its fit and finish and interior comfort level.

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  My mini-minivan - 2008 Mazda Mazda5
  By rlaw - June 28 - 2:13 pm

  Seats six comfortably, gets great gas mileage and it really fun to drive. Its actually my wifes van but we both couldnt be happier. Kept our 2003 Protege because we still love that Mazda.

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  Perfect - 2006 Mazda Mazda5
  By Drew - June 27 - 5:43 pm

  Traded in a Protege5 for the Mazda5. I am married with no children but the look and reliability made me really want this car. I got the Touring edition with 5 speed and Navigation. I was going to get the black but the black on the Mazda5 is a flat color with no metallic. I chose the carbon grey and am very happy with my choice. I have no complaints. This car is fun to drive with plenty of power. Great road response and a great Navigation system. I will recommend this to a family or even to the single person which wants extra room in a sporty car. Buy this car!

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  Just a newby, but... - 2007 Mazda Mazda5
  By Ipsedixit7963 - June 16 - 2:46 am

  I bought this after many months of test driving. Saw this after driving a Mazda 3. Took an auto for a drive, but wanted a 5-speed. I look forward to getting out on the road! This thing zips around. I cant wait to see what kind of real gas mileage I get. Its a versatile little wagon and a commuter all in one. Ill have to get a few after-market add-ons, as the 5-speed is only available in the Sport model. This super mini is functional for my family. I needed a commuter vehicle with room for hauling stuff, and an around-town scooter for the family. A great (different) change from my Saab wagon.

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  Not bad after almost 3 years and 36 k. - 2010 Mazda Mazda5
  By markus81 - June 9 - 6:16 pm

  I have had the car for almost 3 years now. Only had to replace rear shocks under warranty. Doing oil changes and tire rotations every 5 k. Everything runs like new. Still on the original brakes. There is some slight vibration but not noticeable at lower speeds when braking. Also, the tires last only about 25 k. The new tires are wearing slightly already due to aggressive rear camber, which gives the car a sporty ride. This in turn causes a slight steering wheel shake at times. All in all, this is the best and cheapest to maintain car I ever owned. The sliding doors are awesome.

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  A sports car? A van? A Wagon? - 2007 Mazda Mazda5
  By withapickle - June 7 - 4:43 am

  Loaded with standards, blows away the competition, most versatile car around! Sporty, good looking, well made in Japan, seats 6, loads of room, fun!

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  After researching many vehicles, we love the Mazda 5!! - 2012 Mazda Mazda5
  By scj1 - May 28 - 6:00 pm

  We did a lot of research to determine what would replace our Limited AWD minivan. After looking at many vehicles we narrowed choices to the Toyota Highlander and the Mazda5, and determined the Highlander was too truck-clunky uncomfortable compared to the Mazda5. The style of the Mazda5 is more contemporary compared to the older looking Highlander. Also, the mpg was so much better with the Mazda5. We are saving $100 per month in gas compared to the minivan. PROS: smooth ride, styling, 6 seats so kids can bring friends, price, gas mileage, heated leather, dark gray color, hip ride, bluetooth phone and tunes, xenon headlights, storage compartments, traction/stability control, safety.

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  Zoom Zoom be this Macro/Micro Van - 2010 Mazda Mazda5
  By dobedo - May 10 - 1:06 pm

  After 2000+ miles in a month and half, my 2010 Mazda5 macro/microvan is still zoom-zooming as expected. A reasonably good sized vehicle with a reasonable price tag, gas mileage and standard GT options, it stands to reason that its a reasonable buy for me, a very reasonable driver/consumer...at least for now. Got me a Garmin GPS instead of built-in navigation system. Missed my old AWD in the snow & rain though. Also, not sure about its reported low reliability rating and tire problems.