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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  Senior Citizen - 2006 Mazda Mazda5
  By Pep - September 17 - 5:30 pm

  We chose this vehicle for ease of entry and exit of front and middle row seats and this has proven to be an important feature for senior persons, especially for those with moderate mobility limitations. As senior owners, we have learned to miss having a front passenger arm rest for left arm. Other than for the missing arm rest, we have been very pleased with this vehicle for over 12,000 miles. Mileage ranges between 24 to 29 mpg.

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  Safety Hazard - 2008 Mazda Mazda5
  By AndyM - September 13 - 3:53 am

  Less than 2 years old and the power steering failed with my wife and child in the car, rotors were replaced once as they were severely warped that affect stopping and are shuddering again, this is a piece of junk. Service costs are crazy and Mazda Customer Service is pointless - Ill never buy another Mazda. Im off to get a Ford or Chrysler

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  It was nice in the beginning beginni.... - 2006 Mazda Mazda5
  By sridout - September 4 - 9:23 pm

  I just turned mine back to the dealership after 100000km. I need to say in the beginning it was really nice, in the end I couldnt wait to get rid of it. I replaced all of the shocks once. I was about to replace my 2nd set of rotors and I am not heavy on the brakes. The dash board cover around the radio scratched easily. Car hung up on snow. Tires wore fast and where expensive to replace. The locks on the sliding doors were replaced twice. Rims sat outside the tires so if you touched the curb you grind the rims. Over all build quality was lacking. The best thing about the car was the stereo.

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  Very noisy & bumpy ride - 2010 Mazda Mazda5
  By JANIE - August 26 - 2:00 am

  This vehicle is without a doubt the most noisy and bumpy ride that Ive ever owned. Just going over a manhole cover can be a teeth-rattling experience. Im taking it to the dealership this week to have that problem checked out. Very poor suspension? Bad tires? I certainly dont know, but hope that they can do something about it. After driving a Mazda MPV for 8 years, I really miss the cargo space. When I first looked at the M5, I thought that it seemed rather less than the MPV, so asked the salesman how the cargo space compared with the MPV. His reply was, "Its the same". What a lie that turned out to be. Nearly impossible to get my bike into the back - even with 2nd row down.

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  Engine problems - 2006 Mazda Mazda5
  By Mary - August 22 - 12:16 pm

  Agree with other reviewers that battery was poor and had to be replaced early in the ownership. Also had problem with driver side rear door latch not closing in cold weather. Kept all service appointments with Mazda dealership, 80,000 km on car, and yet the engine literally fell out of the car while we were driving on the highway at 90km/h.... many parts scattered all over the highway and smoked pouring out. About 3 minute warning from the "check engine" light before this happened. Will not buy this car again.

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  Its the little things - 2007 Mazda Mazda5
  By bvw - August 20 - 2:46 am

  I just got my car and I love it! It is small but not too small, it fits everyone and everything I want to put in it and it looks and drives great. I am now seeing though how two little things can kind of start to bug you after a while like no arm rests and so few cup holders. I know it sounds silly but because there is no place to put your cell phone when it is plugged in you have to use a cup holder and there are not that many to begin with.

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  A Great Mini Minivan - 2006 Mazda Mazda5
  By Mazdafan - August 19 - 7:16 pm

  The Mazda5 is a great car for the right family. We have two kids and when we add the dog, we are filling the vehicle. We bought a clamshell for long trips and that seemed to solve our problem for space. It drives great, really zippy, and it looks great too! We are very happy with the gas mileage, averaging 23 miles a gallon around town and its got all the latest safety airbags. I think the Mazda5 is great car and a great value for the money.

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  Awesome Vehicle, Great Concept - 2006 Mazda Mazda5
  By Devon - August 13 - 2:36 am

  This car is so much fun. I didnt know what I was going to think of it when it came out. Mazda really did a great job. There is plenty of room for adults in every row, and the stow away storage is cool. I am so glad there is a NON minivan out there that I can fit all my friends into!

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  Large SUV to a Mazda5? Yes it works - 2009 Mazda Mazda5
  By John Q - August 8 - 1:13 am

  Traded in my 2002 Dodge Durango for a Copper Red Mica GT. Loved the Durango, but not the 13 MPG. Only 460 miles on "Matt D Mazda" and my expectations have been met. Third row is too tight for adults, but fine for kids up to middle school. MPG running in low to mid 20s with mixed city and highway (22 and 24). I have not had the opportunity for a long drive (300 + miles), but feel advertised 27 MPG for automatic is not only achievable, but beatable. Vehicle feels quick. Some reviews critical of pick up, but I find more than adequate. Excellent ride and comfortable. Perfect vehicle to run errands with the family.

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  I want to love it - 2006 Mazda Mazda5
  By klaus - August 7 - 5:40 pm

  We have had a manual GT model for a year. I still love driving this vehicle; its a sporty looking and feeling ride. I love the lines, the wheels, the colour (platinum silver), most everything about its look. We bought the vehicle for its practical yet small design. However, fuel economy could be improved on. We are averaging 9.6 L/100km in country/city driving. We have had squeaking suspension issues in cold weather. The dealer fixed it once, but it was back within 2 months. We have been told that Mazda is working on a fix. The only other problem is a buzzing in the dashboard when you let off the gas at around 28-2900 RPM. The 5 would benefit from a 6th gear as it revs high at 100km/h.