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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  Odd tire size spells trouble - 2006 Mazda Mazda5
  By mich4 - May 7 - 1:16 am

  The car has unexpected power and can get on the freeway easily. There is more wind noise and road noise than we expected. The ride is also hard for a car, you can feel the cracks in the road. Maintenance is hard - the access hole for the oil filter is offset so it is very hard to get to without removing the entire bottom panel. The biggest issue I have is the odd size tires. We got a nail in the tire and the tire can not be repaired. There are NO replacement tires available for 30 DAYS and the spare should not be used above 50mph, not a safe speed on the freeway. I would be afraid to take this car on a trip or out of town for fear of beings stranded if I get a flat tire. BE CAREFUL!

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  Not the car for you if you live in a winter climate - 2006 Mazda Mazda5
  By mnmomdriver - April 28 - 3:17 am

  When I 1st got this car I loved it. Now that Ive driven it for 2 years I have had it. My biggest complaint is the seat belts. I have had to replace 2 seat belts because the reciever has just come apart. I would hate to be in an accident because I have no faith that my family would be safe. When I called Mazda they would not replace the 2nd one because it wasnt under warranty. They obviously dont care about safety. I also have issues with the tires & the snow. Even with the snow tires you cant get traction because of all the snow pack. I am also quite disappointed with the gas mileage. I was hoping to get at least 27 mpg but actually get about 21 mpg.

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  So close to fantastic... - 2010 Mazda Mazda5
  By New5er - April 24 - 7:53 am

  Bought the vehicle just over a month ago to replace a 2005 Elantra (great car btw). Was immediately struck by how great it is to drive; from the drivers seat, you really feel like youre driving a Mazda3, NOT a minivan! Kids loved the mid seats (captains), and considered it a cool looking car. Fantastic view all around, and handles amazingly. After a bit of time, though, some things have started to gnaw: no hidden cubbies to hide GPSs, spare change, etc.; turning on the auto climate control automatically kicks in the a/c (its January... in Canada... cmon!). Overall, though, no regrets in getting this vehicle; if you can overlook the lack of cubbies, itll serve the avg. family well!

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  Fun to drive, practical, has shortcoming - 2006 Mazda Mazda5
  By chaika - April 23 - 6:50 am

  I bought a 2006 with almost all the options. We have 2 children and regularly carpool two others to school. I like driving the car. It is small and peppy. I love the 5 speed on a minivan.

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  MPG better than rated - 2006 Mazda Mazda5
  By BEN - April 17 - 11:20 am

  We have 2000 miles on our MAZDA5 and have carefully monitored the gas mileage. We consistently get over 30 mpg on the highway, and thats cruising at 75. City is about 26. These numbers are about 4 mpg better than the government rating. And despite being slightly underpowered we love our 5. Interior configuration is brilliant with no wasted space. Our only complaint is that Mazda decided not to offer Stability Control that is available in the Japanese & European version. We would have gladly paid extra for that important safety feature.

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  Excellent Vehicle! A Must Buy! - 2007 Mazda Mazda5
  By Al - April 12 - 8:36 am

  I am in sales and drive about 35K/year,so I can quickly know if a vehicle is going to last and this has been the BEST VEHICLE I have ever owned. After 76K miles this car has been extremely reliable with no repairs other than scheduled maintenance. Also no rattles or odd noises, its a very well built solid car. The domestic car companies should take note! Im averaging about 29-30 MPG mixed driving using a K&N airfilter and synthetic oil (Amsoil). Even though it doesnt have all the bells and whistles and the interior is rather spartan/cheap feeling, it is very functional. I am very confident that I will see 150K ++ from this vehicle.

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  perfect city car for families - 2006 Mazda Mazda5
  By dana - March 26 - 4:20 pm

  I wanted to upgrade to a bigger car than our Honda civic, which was getting a little small for our two kids and their friends. I was very interested in the Odyssey, but learned from friends that the gas mileage in NYC was under 15 mpg. I found out about the mazda5 and am hooked. Its really easy to park (its only a foot or so longer than the civic) my kids love bringing their friends along for a ride, and quite spacious when all the seats are folded down.

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  I bought a lemon - 2007 Mazda Mazda5
  By Guy Prudhomme - March 11 - 2:36 pm

  Everything is wrong with this car. bad windshield sealant, engine and transmission issues, Driver seat needs to be replaced, rear hatch piston replaced, rusty wiper arm need to be replaced, driver door handle was replaced, transmission oil needed to be replaced (black)2 weeks ago, remote starter will no function below -15, oil pan leak, replaced suspension bushing and one transmission mount etc.

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  Small minivan or large station wagon? - 2009 Mazda Mazda5
  By PeterK - March 8 - 10:13 pm

  My family of 3 soon to be 4 needed to upgrade from our Civic to be able to carry two car seats some cargo and maybe grandma every now and then. We desperately did not want to end up in a mini van and despite what some categorize Mazda 5 as we love the sliding doors which allow pain-free baby loading into the car seat. Cargo room with the third row folded is sufficient but when the seats are up you cant even fit your groceries. Gas mileage is in the area of 24 MPG with mixed driving, enough power to propel 4 adults and a baby on any road or hill. Highly recommended to those who need larger vehicle but want to remain environmentally friendly.

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  Zoom Zoom For Sure! - 2006 Mazda Mazda5
  By Nutfield1 - February 27 - 1:26 am

  Love it! Very few on the road ... so everyone looks. Fun to drive, very comfortable. Big improvement over my Grand Caravan. Who needs to drive anything that big everyday? Saving over $15 a week in gas ... gotta love it!