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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  Love this Family car!!! - 2008 Mazda Mazda5
  By Angela - February 3 - 10:40 pm

  Love, Love this car and it has been over a year now that we are driving it. I needed a family of four type of car with room for more kid passengers or grandparents on trips. This car was it! I did not want a large minivan and needed better mileage for my long trips on highway to visit family. Some reviewers complained a little about the road noise, I dont notice it at all. I previously owned a V6 pontiac grandAm and the Mazda 5 satisfies the need for pickup and speed. Drives great! The only thing I wish I did when I was getting the car was get one with a roof rack. It would be so useful on long family vacations.

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  EXACTLY WHAT I WANTED - 2006 Mazda Mazda5
  By drspongklong - February 1 - 12:40 pm

  This is the car Ive been waiting for. Un-minivanlike minivan. Perfect size for my family. Beautifully built, luxurious features yet affordable. Mazda got it right. So much fun to drive. Made in Japan so it should be reliable. Am so proud to be one of the first to have it.

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  Terrible Road noise - 2007 Mazda Mazda5
  By Jerry - January 14 - 4:13 am

  Even though the handling is very good and fun to drive, the road noise is so bad you can hardly talk to other passengers. You cannot talk to people in the rear of the car without screaming. The radio is the worst sounding on any car Ive ever owned. If Zoom Zoom is the only thing you care about this is a good pick for this segment, but if creature comforts and having conversation with someone else is of value, look for a different vehicle.

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  1 Month Test Pt. 1 - 2006 Mazda Mazda5
  By the_hero87 - January 11 - 4:20 pm

  Had the car for about a month. Im taking a trip next week from WI to Washington D.C. Ill write another review when I get back. I bought my 06 Mazda5 with just over 82K miles. Ive driven about 1,000mi and I havent had anything happen with the car that I feel makes this vehicle any less than a 5/5. The couple of things I noticed where: I had to pop in one of the plastic fillers where the fog lights are, as mine doesnt have that option and it popped out. I also did notice that, no, it isnt the best in the snow. But its a 4 cylinder wagon, WHAT DO YOU EXPECT!? But I know with a good set of snow tires, shell do just fine. Ample fuel mileage, about 23cty, 28hwy.

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  So far so good - 2006 Mazda Mazda5
  By mike - December 28 - 8:56 pm

  Had the vehicle for about 1000 miles now and I really like the thought that went into it. Finally found a vehicle that had what I was looking for without paying the premium price. Fuel mileage is nearly 30 on the highway but I dont drive it hard. Handling is great. Even considering the recall I still love it. My only complaints are things that should be easy to resolve.

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  Great Vehicle, Snow Far - 2008 Mazda Mazda5
  By MattC - December 27 - 4:00 am

  We leased for 2 years and would probably buy it, but for the issue of snow driving. It is a problem for my wife, and I notice a big difference from our other car, which is a wagon. If you live nearer to the equator, its really a great car.

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  Get the touring model if you buy used - 2008 Mazda Mazda5
  By Ken - December 23 - 9:50 pm

  The Mazda 5s (2009 new models at the time) became very popular in cash for clunkers.If buying used (Hertz, Enterprise, etc have them) get the Touring model with CD changer, moonroof, leather wheel/shifter, LED taillights, fog lights, spoiler and side skirts for about $1,000 over a Sport (nearly $2,000 premium when new). We got ours at 32K in 8/09. Only negative is that nice looking low profile 17" tires do wear out faster than conventional wheels.Steering and versatility are outstanding. We love the Alpine 10.2" overhead DVD that we installed behind the moonroof. Note the recent 2007-2009 recall (also Mazda 3) for power steering. Stability control and traction control were not added until 09

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  A great MINI - 2006 Mazda Mazda5
  By martman - December 8 - 9:10 am

  Having a family of four (two kids and my wife) this is a perfectly sized vehicle. Easy to get around town in, decent on gas, and has very efficient use of interior space. We get looks at stop lights and when we park our MAV at the mall from people whove never seen such a unique car/van. We do not miss the huge Sienna we replaced the M5 with.

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  I Heart My Mazda5! - 2009 Mazda Mazda5
  By lostshadows - December 7 - 8:16 am

  Just drove it off the lot this afternoon but have test drove it and been eyeing this car for almost 2 years! What can I say...I LOVE it! We have two children and will need to carpool in the fall. The kids love the captains seats and the fact that they can move around and stand up in the car when getting into their car seats. I love the gas mileage, flexibility, and 3rd row. Ive read reviews that mention that its underpowered and the interior feels a bit cheap. Im no car expert but as a mom of two who travels around town with her kids, it is perfect and super peppy for me. Plus, the interior doesnt seem cheap at all. Im loving every bit of this car!

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  Highly Recommended - 2006 Mazda Mazda5
  By LuvintheMazda5 - December 5 - 4:30 am

  I am one who has always dreaded the idea of converting to a mommy car (minivan). After carefully researching several vehicles, we stumbled upon the Mazda5 sports wagon (I call it a mini-wagon). This is my BABY, I love this car! For me to not want to drive my BMW X5, it had to be great! Its so practical for use with transporting the family (seats 6 adults comfortably) and the versatility in the cargo spacing is wonderful. Highly recommended.