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 my Mazda 5! - 2009 Mazda Mazda5
  By kelbrat - August 23 - 4:13 pm

  ... and heres why. Ive been researching a new car for about a year. Needed something for my 2 boys and I to get around town in. I went in knowing it would be small, and it is, and thats whats great. Drives like a car, looks like a Matrix, but better, and adds the convenience of sliding doors. The back seats are Captains chairs, which makes getting to the third row a breeze. Adults CAN fit in the third row easily if theyre not too tall, so dont let that deter you. I paid 18,600 for my Touring, and you cant get a six-seater for any less. No power drivers seat, but its adjustable 3 ways so you can get it fairly comfortable. So cute!

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  Not a minivan - 2006 Mazda Mazda5
  By Jim - August 21 - 3:30 pm

  What I liked about this car most of all was the convenience and features. Handles nicely and is an excellent value. Anyone in the market for a small crossover vehicle needs to see this car.

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  Perfect Vehicle - 2008 Mazda Mazda5
  By The Chief - August 20 - 8:00 pm

  I am stationed in Japan and we have a 2006 Madza 5 (Premacy in Japan). This is far one of the best vehicle for a family of 4. This is a very popular vehicle in Japan, not to big and not to small. Has all the right features with an affordable price tag. We love our Premacy so much that we decided to purchase a new 08 Mazda5 Touring from great dealer in Illinois. It will be ready for pick up upon our arrival. We cant wait to drive our new and improved Mazda5.

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  Smart can also be fun and stylish - 2007 Mazda Mazda5
  By troyolson92 - August 11 - 2:10 pm

  The SUV rocks. Cant bring myself to call it a minivan. It feels much more peppy than Edmunds describes. Everything about this vehicle is smart! Well laid out. My gas mileage consistently exceeds 28 mpg with only 10k miles on it. Thats with the air conditioning on and outside temp for two weeks exceeding 1004 degrees. I have measured absolutely NO difference in gas mileage with or out air conditioning on. Try it and expel the myth.

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  Still enjoying it! - 2006 Mazda Mazda5
  By Shawn B - August 5 - 10:00 am

  I bought this car brand new back in July of 05. We have had minor issues with it, but I still enjoy driving it. We brought it back to the dealership for a faulty lock, and bushing noise. The dealership did not fix either problem. Even with its issues I still like it. We recently picked up a used 2007 Odyssey and the thing is absolute garbage. I look forward to driving the Mazda now.

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  Way to go Mazda! - 2009 Mazda Mazda5
  By Mary Pillow - July 21 - 7:33 pm

  I love this vehicle. Great for moms with kids. Lots of space. Great price!

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  The best vehicle out there! - 2006 Mazda Mazda5
  By Geo - July 2 - 5:03 am

  I just traded in my 3 hatch for a 5 Sport and am so happy I did. This car, like the 3, just exceeds any and all expectations in every way. That is how I felt about the 3 - but they have improved some things and the car feels bigger. Its quieter, smoother, still tight, plus all the room is unbelievable. My 2 kids are under 4 and one is in second row, one in 3rd row - that way you can still sit with them and use the cubby under one seat for toys! Mind boggling the space inside - it doesnt look that big from outside ... elegant, sleek ... classy inside and out. I love the cloth and dash; it just works for me as do all the new Mazdas.

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  WOW! - 2006 Mazda Mazda5
  By Scott - July 2 - 2:00 am

  My family and I love this car! It has ample room for a family of four with the flexibility to accommodate two other passengers for playdates. We love this vans athletic profile and performance. It has a lot more kick than what you would expect from a 4-cylinder minivan. We have the autostick transmission with power sunroof and 6 CD changer. I tell everyone I know who is considering a minivan to buy this car.

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  One awesome vehicle - 2008 Mazda Mazda5
  By Happy Owner - June 17 - 10:30 pm

  Mazda hit a home run with this vehicle. We are very happy with everything. We couldnt ask for anything better in the Mazda 5. The size looks small, but, it is perfect for our family of 4 plus two others when needed. Plenty of comfort, room, quiet, and peppy engine - now I know why they say zoom zoom in the commercials! Have had the car two weeks and just filled up the tank yesterday. MPG was 23, with mostly city driving. I expect a couple more MPG with a broken in engine. I cant wait for a road trip. I expect 28-30 on the highway - if not, Ill write another review. This is a must see and drive on your list. We bought it over a new Honda Odyssey due to cost and fuel mileage.

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  Love it - 2006 Mazda Mazda5
  By GPZJACK - May 27 - 11:00 pm

  Only had it for a few weeks but we are loving it. Owned 2 Town and Countrys and will never own again. Looked at the Matrix/Vibe and a few others but nothing came close. Seating for 6 was a big part of our decision at first but once we realized how much we were getting for the price the others paled in comparison. My wife and I argue over who will drive now.