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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  Disappointing build quality - 2009 Mazda Mazda5
  By doccarman - November 22 - 1:12 am

  Bought the 5 for its versatility and fun to drive factor. However, the build quality stinks and has soured me on the car. Ill dismiss the fact that the factory tires were shot after 20K as being just the typical cheap OEM tires. What I cant forgive is: -Power steering pump failing -Constant companionship of suspension squeaks and rattles -Cracking and squeaking sounds from windshield on cold days -Blown left rear strut at 28K -Blow right rear strut at 35K -Broken gas cap (stuck on car with nearly empty tank) at 15K -Bluetooth that fails to connect 90% of the time, despite several attempts at reset -Seat heaters with two settings - either on or off Longer I keep it, the less I like it.

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  I Love My Minivan mazda5 - 2008 Mazda Mazda5
  By nmac - November 12 - 10:53 pm

  I ended up buying Mazda 5 over a year ago after giving my Jeep Grand Cherokee to my daughter who needed a car desperately at the time. I did a research on which vehicle will have a good decent mileage and can seat 6 people and I found this one with the help of edmunds.com...Thanks again for your support! I surely do appreciate this free service here. I love this car because it drives like a car and not like those regular family vans. The MPG is also a factor thats why I went for this Mazda. I put in about 450 miles on average trip such as grocery shopping and taking my teenager to and from school activities. Overall, this is very nice and it does the job of minivan/car that carries 6 pax.>

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  Nice car - 2006 Mazda Mazda5
  By marke - November 4 - 6:50 am

  The Mazda 5 has been a great car that I can still fit my family of four in and all of the gear that you need for small children. The only negative that I have had was that the front passengers seat does not have an armrest.

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  Great Little Van - 2006 Mazda Mazda5
  By Amazed - November 3 - 12:06 pm

  I was amazed how much interior room this little van offers to its occupants. The expansive glass and high seating make for a very good driving position with great visibility. Seats are comfortable and supportive and they feature adjustment for lumbar support. Steering feel and feedback are excellent. Interior material is high grade and everything fits together nicely. Fuel economy is acceptable for a 4 speed automatic and with careful driving you may get 24/30 mpg for city and highway driving. A/C can be improved for the back seat passengers. For those who want to improve and beautify this nice little van there is a bunch of accessories available from your Mazda dealer.

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  Tokyo Mini Van - 2006 Mazda Mazda5
  By TanoishiManji - October 29 - 3:23 pm

  An absolute home run by Mazda! Finally a Japanese style "city minivan" has come to the world. This is the perfect minivan to have in Honolulu, or any other major city where space is an issue. It does not compromise on interior space at all, except in the third row seats, which would be ample for young children. A pleasure to drive, with surprising power for a 4 banger, smooth shifting automatic, & ride to match. Tons of carefully thought out details, like under seat storage, table/cooler holder, seats that fold flat with ease, logical controls, courtesy lights, slider doors that make entry easy for your back seaters etc. I drive a S500 as my other car, and I look forward to driving my 5!

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  Enjoying the zoom-zoom - 2008 Mazda Mazda5
  By jmason - October 21 - 6:13 am

  Weve had this car about 8 months (first 2008 out of the dealership) and have been very satisfied with it. Gas mileage is about what was estimated (actual- 22 city, 30 highway), which is good for a minivan. For a family of 4, each person gets their own seat with a huge trunk (rear seats down), with the option of ferrying a couple of friends around for short trips. For the price and value, I dont know why I dont see more on the road (although I see more in Canada). Only issue that I see so far is the front grille seems too low to the ground and I worry about hitting it on a concrete divider when parking in a public lot.

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  Puts the mini in Minivan - 2007 Mazda Mazda5
  By Martin - October 15 - 3:33 am

  My wife has had one for about 20 months now. This car has proven much more versatile then a more expensive station wagon. Handling is exceptional for a minivan and above average for a car. Between the balanced weight distribution and the independent suspension, this car can actually corner! Also, it can be bought in a stick! which makes it all the more peppier. We drive the car in winter (including last years record breaking one) and it is not the best winter car. But if you buy winter tires you wont get stuck. Reliability: In 35000 km over 18 months of mixed driving the only repair has been a shock absorber on the left rear wheel. Not bad at all.

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  zoom zoom zoom - 2006 Mazda Mazda5
  By the blue mini 5 - September 30 - 10:20 pm

  200 miles after purchase, it is a blast to drive and very comfortable. Sporty exterior and well laid out interior. Lots of standard features with the driver and family in mind. This is a very solid and comfortable minivan that drives and rides like a much more expensive vehicle than it is. Mazda has given us the great handling of the 3 with the room and cargo space for family trips, plus great gas mileage which is a plus for today. Excellent build quality and Mazda reliability so for the price it cant be beat. I would recommend this Mazda5 to anyone who enjoys a sporty drive and ride with the practical use and space of a utility vehicle.

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  Fun Factor Vehicle - 2009 Mazda Mazda5
  By Drey230 - September 22 - 3:56 am

  My wife and I have a newborn. We needed a second car besides our Corolla and agreed that the main requirement of a new car was the fun factor. This car is a lot of fun from playing musical chairs between cargo, people, and space, its cool. The ride is pretty cool too! I agree with most that a few more horses under the hood would be nice, but Im OK because I like my gas mileage low. Handles well & looks great! No one ever knows what a Mazda5 is when you tell them but once they see it and ride in it, they become fans! We are young parents and knew this was a great car for our family but its also a hit with friends parents night off. Who said you have to drive a Scion or Mini to be cool these days.

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  Futuristic surfer wagon - 2008 Mazda Mazda5
  By Calzone - August 31 - 12:36 am

  Tried the Mazda5. LOVED it. Comfortable seating, spacious interior, ample cargo space, great price, peppy and fun to drive. Havent encountered snow yet; thinking the manual overdrive will come in handy then. I highly recommend the Mazda5 to small families or anyone who wants an affordable, cargo-worthy vehicle. 22 mpg in suburban driving conditions.