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:

• 

  One of the Best Buy - 2009 Mazda Mazda5
  By soon2familyof4 - February 23 - 2:46 am

  This is a smart vehicle and one of the best buy in current auto market. I got the sport (A) at a price 2K lower than many midsize sedan sold in my area, like camry, accord, and altima! The 5 is very functional with a combination of minivan and samll SUV. However, I have to admit that some stuff needs to be improved. For example, the front AC wind direction is hard to adjust (I prefer the design of camry in this case).

• 

  2006 Mazda 5 - Not for Canadian Winter! - 2006 Mazda Mazda5
  By Robert - February 5 - 12:00 am

  This car is not made for Canadian winters! After 15 minutes of idling with defrost on, interior of windows need scraping. Moreover in cold cold weather the door latches freeze. There is no way this car was ever tested for performance in Canada in the winter. I dislike the car and will sell it ASAP because I would rather take a loss on a car that will give me heartache than go through the heartache.

• 

  In a class by itself - 2007 Mazda Mazda5
  By jeff527 - February 2 - 4:20 pm

  This is a great vehicle—you just have to know what to compare it to! Its not an Odyssey / Caravan / Sienna competitor. Yes, it has a third row but the Mazda5 is a much smaller vehicle. We stepped up from a Mazda3 after we had our second child. I found we didnt need all the space of a full size minivan so our Mazda5, with a manual transmission to boot, is a great compromise between a 5 seat hatchback and a full size minivan. Weve put 15,000 miles on it so far and have not it in the shop once for a mechanical failure. If you think it looks like a space ship youll probably get used to that after a while. Tinting the windows all around also helps.

• 

  This car is GREAT! - 2007 Mazda Mazda5
  By Ron L - January 27 - 12:36 pm

  I have a 60 mile round-trip daily commute, and a family with 2 small children; This is the ideal cross-over between an economical commuter car and a mini-van! And, while it would be nice if Mazda would tweak the motor to get another 15 hp, it performs just fine. It handles and brakes extremely well... Zoom-zoom! The interior is well planned, and the materials, fit and finish are excellent! It has a great ride, is reasonably quiet, and it even looks pretty good for a "minivan"! The touring model is also well equiped with cruise control, sunroof, side-skirts, 17" alloy wheels, 6CD changer, climate control, etc. The only "option" we added was the rear bumper step guard.

• 

  Best buy - 2008 Mazda Mazda5
  By Constantin - January 21 - 1:23 pm

  I bought it in Seattle and had to drive it back to Vancouver WA, at night in the heaviest rain. Car handles great, very responsive brakes and steering. Comfort, I would say, very good. I am 63" and did not have to push the seat all the way back to feel comfy. We have 2 kids and they fit just right on the middle seats. Love the sliding doors. The back door opens up so even I wont have to worry about hitting my head. Kids love it, wife loves it. It is the first time I have heard my wife say about a car that is good looking. If you need a sports vehicle with the space but not the looks and feel of a bus go get it!

• 

  Mazda 5 - 2006 Mazda Mazda5
  By Fernando Vissepo - January 7 - 4:46 pm

  I only have two complaints. It uses too much gas and the A/C is not powerful enough for the rear. I love everything else about it. It handles and brakes better than any other minivan and better that most cars Ive driven.

• 

  Love My Mazda - 2006 Mazda Mazda5
  By Lolo - December 22 - 7:33 am

  I am very pleased with the way this car handles. Very sporty. I have an automatic with the 6 cd package. I just went on a 4 hour road trip on a very windy day and it handled exceptionally well. I am very impressed with the amount of interior space. My daughter has 3 year old triplets and an eight year old ... she loves the safety features and borrows it often. She and her husband plan on buying one this summer.

• 

  Excellent choice for smart buyers! - 2009 Mazda Mazda5
  By Georgiana Fratiloiu - December 21 - 8:53 am

  Excellent car overall. Nice interior, comfortable, very pleasant exterior design, good audio system. We love it.

• 

  Great Buy - 2006 Mazda Mazda5
  By Karen Winters - December 3 - 8:46 am

  I love the way this sport wagon handles. Hugs the road and responds well. I call it my "mini" mini-van.

• 

  Comfortable with power to spare! - 2008 Mazda Mazda5
  By SHAWN HILL - November 21 - 10:10 pm

  We purchased the Mazda5 to replace an aging and not very fuel efficient Ford Freestar minivan. As we still needed a vehicle that could sit at least 6 people but we wanted something more economical the scope of our search was limited. After test driving the Ford TaurusX, Rio Rondo and the Mazda5 and comparing the prices for each it was quickly obvious that the Mazda5 was the best choice. After 6 months of use we are thrilled with our choice. Weve been getting 26 mpg in all around driving and 30 mpg on exclusively highway miles. The engine has plenty of pep and you can chirp the tires at a moments notice.