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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  Mazda5 GT - 2008 Mazda Mazda5
  By Mazda5 GT - September 26 - 10:53 pm

  Overall a very good family car without the family car look. The rear DVD system is great for the kids while on any trip rather long or short. Little worried about the gas mileage so far.

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  Not so soccer mom mini-minivan - 2006 Mazda Mazda5
  By JoeS. - September 22 - 11:56 am

  The Mazda 5 is an excellent choice for new parents who have been used to coupes and sedans. While the engine lack is lacking in the performance department, it does the job with some forethought to merging and passing. The fuel economy is excellent and is comparable to most compact to midsize sedans. We use the 5 for myself, my wife and our 5 month old daughter. It provides comfortable seating, and ample storage with the 3rd row folded flat for an oversized stroller, and plenty of remaining cargo space for lots of groceries or a trip to the mall. Only driving complaint comes from a significant blindspot behind the driver left side between the drivers door and the left sliding door. We love it!

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  Suprisingly fun to drive van! - 2008 Mazda Mazda5
  By tristanboy - September 14 - 8:26 am

  Bought this car used. Currently around 34,000 miles. Averaging around 24 mpg mixed. Car has a decent amount of pep for around town, lacking in passing power. Responsive 5-speed auto, with manual control. Love the space for 6, although if all seats are up there is small cargo space behind the third row. Clever packaging and storage with the huge glovebox and flip open second row bottoms. Love the armrests. Steering feel is lively. A bit of wind noise at highway speeds. Beware of suspension problems with the 5. I have noticed some creaking, look into it before buying.

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  Best Car Ever! - 2010 Mazda Mazda5
  By mandydj - September 13 - 10:35 pm

  Love this car! Comfortable to drive, and ride. Great acceloration, great room, I have three kids and I use this car for work, I drive my clients to their apointments, grocery shopping, etc. Love the sliding doors. Very easy, dont have to worry about tight parking spots. I love the back seats, you can put them down for cargo or use them. The only complaint I would say it is a little bumpy, and a lot of road noise on the freeway. Other than that, Its the perfect car.

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  Not a keeper - 2006 Mazda Mazda5
  By alissimo - August 29 - 10:13 am

  Car started out ok but after the miles wore on, its deficiencies wore thin. 1) Oil changes were a pain with 7 10mm bolts to remove the splash panel to get at the antiquated canister oil filter. 2) It comes from the factory with negative camber on the rear wheels: this will insure that the insides of your tires will wear out prematurely and render you tires unsafe in less than 25,000-30,000 miles. 3) Electric locks cannot be relied upon & fail regularly. Lousy GPS! 4) This is a fairly new model, replacement parts (cv boots, axle) are nearly impossible to find aftermarket. The dealer has such huge markup that I left my car up for weeks on jack stands until I finally found an aftermarket part

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  Good value but not a favorite - 2009 Mazda Mazda5
  By Anonymous - August 16 - 2:00 am

  Purchased in Mar 2009 when sales were really slow. Car was built in Sept 08, so it sat on the lot for a while. With carpet mats and the rear bumper cover, just over $16k out the door. Very good value. Interior doesnt match up to what we had in two previous Honda Accords and our 2004 Camry. I purchased snow tires already after reading how junky the OEM tires are; is there a new car that doesnt have junky OEM tires in this price range? Despite 5spd auto, car is sluggish. 22-24 mpg in mixed driving. Manual shift mode is useless. Only had power steering failure happen to us (knock on wood); covered under warranty. Bought this car mostly for value and chaffeuring kids.

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  Thanks to the recall I got one at cost - 2006 Mazda Mazda5
  By Dan - August 14 - 11:00 pm

  I went and test drove it, loved it and bought it the same evening. Because of Edmunds I was aware of the recall and played hardball ... got an all option Touring with Nav/5M/Red for $20,450. I overall love it.

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  Dont believe all cons - 2009 Mazda Mazda5
  By aftrshck021 - August 4 - 3:43 am

  Most company reviews say if youre over 6 ft tall you will have no room in the 5. WRONG! I am 64" and have plenty of room to spare. With the steering wheel tilted up and the seat back I actually have to much room and still plenty of head room,I just wish the break pedal was slightly to the left more about an inch. I wear 14 wides. It doesnt get in the way it would just give more peace of mind of not getting caught on it. overall I recently just got it and my wife got a kia rondo. My Mazda is a lot more comfortable especially the headrests. being tall the angle of the kia headrests kills my neck

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  Great little van - 2008 Mazda Mazda5
  By dharbin - July 13 - 3:45 pm

  We have almost 100K miles on the 5 -- purchased with 42K in 2011, and we have put almost 20K a year on it since. Its been reliable and economical to operate, and adequate for our family of 5 (including 3 young girls). A little tight for the several road trips we have taken (several times to Chicago, Connecticut and Florida), but a rooftop box solves the space problem. Fuel economy ranges from 23 in town to 30 on the highway (driving at 70 without cargo box.) Overall average of 25 mpg, usually with 3 kids inside.

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  uncontrolled steering wheel - 2009 Mazda Mazda5
  By egay - June 25 - 9:16 pm

  I love my mazda 5, roomie, like the art of engineering,not speedy but good to travel with the family, gas economical,and easy to drive too. But the problem i had encounter was when my car was on park with my engine running for 30 mins and just a sudden my steering wheel got tight with the steering wheel emergency sign went off,how about if it happens when my car was running on a speed it wont be safe for me and to my family.Talked to my dealer and have it check for safety tom.Just also found out that i was the second person who experienced the same thing on mazda 5.