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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  Very versatile vehicle - 2006 Mazda Mazda5
  By mike - February 18 - 4:03 pm

  Had mine for 9 months now and overall I like it. Mileage is good but little or no low-end power or torque with the manual. Starting on a hill requires VERY high rpms to avoid stalling and pulling a 200lb sailboat pushes it to its limit. All the power comes from high RPMs which is great for driving like its a sports car but slower (lower RPM) driving in town leaves the vehicle sluggish especially if the AC is running. Performance aside, the interior is great. Lots of room and very versatile. The second row bucket seats allow you to carry longer items without losing both seats to folding. Overall its a great concept car that only needs a few small bugs worked out.

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  Very Utilitarian, But Loud Tire eater - 2007 Mazda Mazda5
  By ronwho - February 2 - 8:05 pm

  We bought our 5 new. 4 years 66K later, wife has a love-hate relationship. It is very utilitarian and it has been very reliable. Weve only had to replace a broken strut. (Free with our MEPP extended warranty) It gets decent mileage- about 23-24 mpg. However, we have to replace tires every 18 to 20K. Low profile tires pop when you hit a big pothole (unavoidable in OK) with one bent wheel so far. Interior road noise is so loud that we have to yell to the back seat. I mean REALLY loud. The AC loses some cool when you accelerate hard and my wife will only run it on recirculate to get cold- but it does get cold. We are buying a CX-9 and giving 5 to teenager. Will see if 9 is better quality.

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  Love it! - 2006 Mazda Mazda5
  By ABQmom - February 2 - 1:26 am

  We love our Mazda5. It fits 6 of us comfortably, but I dont worry about being a gas-guzzling SUV owner. Wish it had an AWD drive option, but otherwise, it meets all my needs. Fits 4-5 best, then it has lots of space in the back for luggage. With all 6 seats occupied, the storage is tight. No problem with acceleration at all (we have the manual transmission) and Ive never noticed it dragging. I would highly recommend this car to everyone!

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  Perfect for us! - 2013 Mazda Mazda5
  By constantinea - January 20 - 4:24 pm

  When my wife and I decided to replace our 2003 Jeep Liberty, we set some stringent criteria. We wanted a car that could seat our baby, our 4-yo, and an adult or two on occasion, when relatives visit. However, it also needed to be small enough to maneuver easily in and out of parking spaces in suburban malls or NYC, get at least 20-miles per gallon mixed, and be fun to drive even on windy roads. Its outside had to look appealing, and its inside had to handle abuse from the kids well. Finally, it had to cost less than $30,000 with all extras. Frankly, we did not think such a car existed...until we found the Mazda 5. Our Mazda has turned out to be everything we hoped it would be.

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  Love It So Far - 2008 Mazda Mazda5
  By dadof2 - December 11 - 11:30 am

  Have a family of 4 with a 3 year old and an infant. Wanted to find a vehicle with a 3rd row so my wife could sit with the kids on long trips and entertain/distract them while I drive but still get decent gas mileage. So far the Mazda 5 has been great. Getting about 23 mpg city, 29 hwy. Able to put the kids in the middle row and my wife or even I (510) am able to sit in the back. For a day trip it is fine. There isnt much cargo space with the back seats up - so we will probably get a roof rack eventually. The handling is excellent, pick up is so-so but fine enough for a family car. Features on the GT make me feel like I got a luxury vehicle

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  Excellent car for a growing family - 2006 Mazda Mazda5
  By Paula - December 4 - 12:56 pm

  We purchased this car because we had our third child on the way. It has been terrific! The seating configuration is very flexible and works well. We took one long trip across country with the car and it was great. The girls loved it. It has decent storage, though that goes away with the third row of seats up. It will be tough to get everything in on our next trip, but the small size outside and the large size inside is great for now.

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  What a great car! - 2006 Mazda Mazda5
  By tsmitty - November 27 - 2:56 pm

  This thing is a best-of-all-worlds sort of compromise. It drives well - better than any other minivan or SUV youll find. It gets pretty good mileage. Its very functional. It looks good. Its comfortable. Mazda clearly put a lot of thought into its interior (and exterior) design - all the controls are where you expect them to be, and are easy to reach. It makes excellent use of space. Fantastic car for small families. The vehicle is just very functional and fun - Ive found it to be far, far superior in design to any wagon, SUV or minivan at its price point. Ive hauled around 4 adults and a kid, and have not found power to be lacking power at all.

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  A Godsend - 2008 Mazda Mazda5
  By mde83 - November 23 - 3:13 pm

  Bought my Copper Red Mazda5 Touring in February. Traded a 2 door sports car. In early March I had a motorcycle accident and really messed up my foot. Have been on a walker ever since (not for much longer hopefully). Anyway, the 5 has been a Godsend. The sliding doors let me get in and out easily with my walker and all. And easily carried my wheelchair around and still had room to haul the groceries. Great utility+good looks! Ive had no problems to date. My fuel economy is not great (21ish) but I still cannot think of another vehicle I would rather have. After I got mine, my cousin fell in love with it and bought one. And my father is going to pick one up this weekend

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  New Owner - 2006 Mazda Mazda5
  By saftgek - November 22 - 4:30 pm

  My wife & I took a 05 Ford Focus to dealership for taillight replacement. Ended up trading for an 06 Mazda 5. Very impressed w/design, detail, delightful appearance (inside & out). Many creature comforts, lots of glass (for great visibility). Audio system very pleasing for our preferences of music. Easily seats 6 adults comfortably. With seats folded down, excellent cargo capacity. Nice hidden storage under seats. Sliding side doors (both sides) are great. Easy access to 2nd & 3rd row seats, without banging shins as in some vehicles. Pretty car.

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  I LOVE MY CAR - 2006 Mazda Mazda5
  By Devan - November 22 - 3:13 am

  I just bought my Mazda5 and I am totally in love, it is so much fun to drive and I have gotten so many compliments so far. I love the fact that it drives just like a sports car but can fit so many people. We are going on a vacation soon and I cant wait to drive it that long. Its very comfortable inside and I love the 6 CD. changer. Its a lot of car for a small amount. Im so glad I decided on this car instead of the RAV4 or Honda CR-V. Its much more unique. So far I was told I am the only one in my area with the Stellar Silver color and I have to say I like that.