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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  Low Profile Wheels=Lots of Trouble! - 2008 Mazda Mazda5
  By arecktenwald - April 14 - 1:43 pm

  Weve had our Mazda 5 for 5 years now and have put three full sets of tires on it and at least 2 other random replacements- and it only has 95k miles on it- all highway. The low profile wheels dont last and are fairly expensive to replace. In addition, our transmission gave out in year 2 and had to be completely replaced (luckily all covered by the warranty). Also, the wheel alignment is not great (perhaps lending to the massive tire consumption) nor are the shocks at this point. So the ride is less than smooth. The first two years we LOVED the car, but it certainly has not aged well.

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  terrific combination - 2006 Mazda Mazda5
  By nat - April 13 - 12:36 am

  My only gripe is that the engine averages 26-27mpg on my mixed loop. The same engine gives 32 hwy on the Mazda3, but Mazda chose a different ECM chip on the 5. Bummer, would have been nice to get the better mileage at least on the stick shift, where the engine has ample power even under load.

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  Affordable without much sacrifice - 2009 Mazda Mazda5
  By Familyof5 - April 7 - 5:36 am

  We have 3 kids and couldnt see affording $30,000+ for a new minivan or a cross-over. This car was much more affordable and will cost much less to maintain. It rides like a car, but has a interior layout like a minivan. We wont be able to tow a boat or carry an 8 wide piece of plywood, but we never did when we had that capability with our previous minivans. The kids love it, but we havent taken the first vacation in it yet, so we may be sacrificing on space and power when the car gets fully loaded with luggage. Im a tall guy and I push the limits on most cars. Leg room and head room could be better, but I fit and I like the feel when I drive.

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  Great Car! Great Price, nothing like it! - 2006 Mazda Mazda5
  By MWTat BOM - April 4 - 1:13 am

  Awesome car, great price, seats six, hauls like nothing else. Minivan like use, non-minivan look. Must see, must sit, MUST DRIVE! ZOOM-ZOOM!

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  Perfect! - 2007 Mazda Mazda5
  By pyrexmaniac - March 15 - 5:36 am

  Ive owned my Mazda5 for almost 18 months and it has been flawless. The combination of a 5-speed manual, small size, cavernous interior, and incredible driving character make it an all-around perfect car. Some call it a minivan, others a hatchback, some a station wagon. I always call it an outstanding combination of space, performance, economy and yes, style. (My teenage nephews think this car is awesome. Minivan? What minivan?) What more could anyone ask for?

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  Just right - 2006 Mazda Mazda5
  By md - February 21 - 8:33 am

  This car meets the needs of the American market, people just have to know about it. Im surprised that Mazda has not advertised this vehicle. It has a hit on its hands. I love all the features for the money. It drives great and serves the needs of most families with. I traded in a Nissan Armada, used the equity & now have no car payment. It uses half the gas and costs half as much for an SUV with as much as this offers. Smart buy. If you can find one in area, you should buy it. There would be no reason to purchase cars like the xB, PT, HHR, Matrix or regular family sedans like Accord or Camry with this on the market. With Camry/Accord, you can buy this for less and get a get a lot more.

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  Great small van - 2008 Mazda Mazda5
  By Meesha1 - February 15 - 10:43 pm

  This is our first minivan. We are very happy so far. The handling and comfort are great. The list of standard features is exceptional - cruise, power windows and doors, steering wheel controls etc. The air conditioner will blow you away - very good. The front and curtain side airbags protects everyone in the vehicle.

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  This car is more than a family mini van! - 2009 Mazda Mazda5
  By ARP - February 11 - 10:56 am

  I might be one of the only reviewers I have read (and Ive read TONS) that does not have a family yet! I am almost thirty and was looking for a bigger car to accommodate more people in the future but also wanted something portable, fun to drive, with great gas mileage. I stumbled onto this car at the Mazda dealership and loved it. I had been interested in a Honda Fit, CRV, or a RAV4. This car was the perfect compromise. My test drive proved this car to be much superior than those I had test driven. My only fear was that I would buy a "mini van." I think this hip car needs its own category. Perhaps call it a giant hatch back. Either way, I love it, and it suits my needs.

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  Great vehicle for the money! - 2006 Mazda Mazda5
  By luvchampagne - February 8 - 12:20 am

  This car has so much to offer for so little money compared to the others in its class. There is so much room for the size. It is a great car to drive. Easy to see from all angles. Handles very well in heavy rain and on the highway.

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  Pricy to maintain - 2007 Mazda Mazda5
  By BJP - February 6 - 12:56 am

  This car is one of the poorest performing car for durability I have ever owned. 36K warped rotors so new brakes also. Tires 40k ($7-900). Struts and shocks are now wore out started at 43K miles ($1000). Intermittent engine shutter and transmission shutter no rhyme or reason.Cant be fixed.