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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  I love this car - 2007 Mazda Mazda5
  By jen - August 16 - 9:40 am

  I love this car!!! It is the perfect thing for moms with two children who occasionally need to transport two more. The car itself is fun to drive, drives like a car but has space like a van. It is the best of both worlds and I feel good that it is not a full size minivan.

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  So far so good - 2006 Mazda Mazda5
  By Daniel - August 11 - 8:50 am

  At first we werent sure about getting a 4 cylinder minivan, but we were pleasantly surprised by the power/performance of the 5. My wife wanted a six or seven passenger vehicle, that was not some behemoth SUV. This has everything she wanted, and more (incl. moonroof, 6cd changer, airbags) for under $20k.

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  Family zoom-zoom - 2006 Mazda Mazda5
  By batmick - August 2 - 1:46 pm

  We have the Sport model with auto transmission. This is the best family mover we have ever owned. Were two adults and two kids and it is just amazing how much room Mazda fit onto such a small footprint! The design is very versatile and convenient and I have no problem adjusting seating to my 64" body. Gas mileage has been around 25mpg so far. Getting kids and gear in and out is a breeze with the large sliders and hatch. Have not yet tried to fit another person in the third row but its nice to have the option. I cannot confirm any of the previous posts about insufficient power or too much noise. The ride is amazingly quiet and we have not yet found a hill we could not easily climb.

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  Love it! - 2010 Mazda Mazda5
  By Alex - July 18 - 10:00 am

  I did so much research before finally deciding on the Mazda 5. Economical, trendy, plenty of interior room, and a fun drive. I love the fact that it has the functionality of a minivan but its easier on the packets (both price and gas mileage). I feel it has great pickup on the highway (as long as you plan on staying within 5 - 10 miles above the legal speed limit the car is great, why would you need more pickup in a family car?). The basic model comes with great features and it so fun to drive! I love it and nothing else on the market would have fit my family so well. Weve put 6 in the car with no complaints but I would put kids or shorter/thinner adults in the back row.

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  Fun and useful all in one package! - 2008 Mazda Mazda5
  By 5For5 - July 17 - 2:20 am

  We traded our Honda Pilot earlier this year for the Mazda5. The Pilot is a great car, but its not the best if youre short (52") like me for getting children, groceries, and strollers in and out. The 5 is awesome! It has tons of room for a wagon or my bike plus room for the children. They can open the doors and get in themselves which is a blessing. And its so much fun to drive. Its the best part of going to work. :) I havent enjoyed a car this much since I had my beloved old Escort.

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  Great Minivan alternative - 2006 Mazda Mazda5
  By foodee - July 15 - 4:00 pm

  My husband is very anti-minivan while I love the minivans versatility and ease of entry/exit. This mini-minivan is a great compromise for us - it has the sliding doors and the height of the minivan without the "frumpy soccer mom" stereotype. It can take up to 6 passengers if you have little luggage (not much room behind the third row seats). Most of the time, we fold up the third row seats to have more cargo space. We also love the sporty exterior and the performance. It does not feel like a minivan. Even my minivan-phobic husband enjoys driving this space wagon.

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  This Car Doesnt Get the Credit Deserved - 2007 Mazda Mazda5
  By Third Mazda - July 4 - 1:33 pm

  I am picky about my cars, and this one seemed like a no-brainer. It handles like a non-minivan, make me look younger than my late thirties, holds everyone in my family and then some, hauls all our camping gear, and gets great mileage. This is one of the hidden secrets of autodom.

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  A great sporty space wagon to drive - 2008 Mazda Mazda5
  By coolmazda5 - June 23 - 6:13 pm

  2nd Mazda5 I own. No other family car compares to the versatility, looks, fuel economy and handling

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  Basketball Mom finds the right vehicle! - 2009 Mazda Mazda5
  By MomsMazda - May 23 - 11:26 am

  After a lot of research, and looking and driving everything...I stumbled upon a 2009 Mazda5! Roomy, fun to drive, great mileage, cool looking, fantastic level of standard equipment, seats 6 comfortably, plus equipment. I couldnt find a single thing wrong with it, everything was perfect, the fit and finish, paint, assembly. The stereo is supurb, the automatic rain sensing wipers are cool, handling is great, too!

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  140,000 miles Minimal issues - 2006 Mazda Mazda5
  By 140000 miles - May 19 - 5:26 pm

  Purchased with 80,000 miles on it. Love the handling, hated the excessive camber in the rear causing this car to eat tires like crazy. Got a set of camber compensator links for a 3 (same suspension) and installed them myself, then had the car re-aligned. These are designed for when you lower a car they allow enough adjustment to get the camber back to spec. I used them to fix the camber issue and have not had an issue since. The car still handles great. Just had the AC die. Repair cost $750 from an honest local shop. Only Mazda parts are available to fix the AC. Make sure you shop around. Fun, quick, roomy and reliable. It even tows a motorcycle trailer while getting 24 mpg. Dump your SUV!