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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  Yes - 2009 Mazda Mazda5
  By vhabiru - June 13 - 5:15 pm

  After about 2 years with the 5, Im still really happy. We sold the sedan and bought the 5 when we realized we were having a second chlid. Its been really great and at no point have I had a second thought about the purchase. I only wish I had bought the manual and not the auto, but my wife was not keen to have the extra task of shifting in addition to keeping the kids happy. Overall, a solid A. I would definitely buy again.

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  Is it a Van? - 2006 Mazda Mazda5
  By Collin - June 10 - 7:20 am

  We have throughly enjoyed our 5 thus far. It has just enough room and we love the versatile seating. We downsized from an MPV and really enjoy driving the 5 much more than the minivan. MPG could be a little better on the highway, especially for a 4 cylinder but it is acceptable.

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  I am in love!! - 2008 Mazda Mazda5
  By dopey - June 9 - 10:46 pm

  I love this car!! It has every feature you want. I didnt want an suv or mini- van. This car is perfect. It is so much fun to drive. I didnt like the style at first. The car grows on you. All my neighbors compliment the car every time I see them. Its great for a small family. My 2 and half year old loves having his own seat too. The only down fall is my stroller fits on an angle. Also, the automatic car starter from Mazda is awesome. It worth every penny.

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  What you sees what you get more or less - 2008 Mazda Mazda5
  By dctoronto - June 4 - 8:13 am

  Okay forget the zoom, zoom. This is a small mini van for families who primarily take short trips around town carrying 2 kids and a lot of stuff or 3-4 kids with bare essentials. If that is what you want, then the Mazda5 will not disappoint you. Fuel economy ought to be better but is respectable, fit, finish etc. is also satisfactory, as is driving experience and comfort (note Im a large person too). Reliability has been fine except for the brakes which need an expensive servicing that, so far, the dealer claims is not covered by the warranty. Please note, Im writing from Canada, U.S. customers might have different experience with warranty service.

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  pros & cons - 2013 Mazda Mazda5
  By etanretla - May 31 - 11:03 am

  a fully loaded alternative to a minivan, for half the price, but equally practical!

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  Great buy! - 2008 Mazda Mazda5
  By Mike - May 27 - 6:20 pm

  We bought this car as a family car just a few months ago and we could not be happier! We also looked around for sometime before we decided on the 5.

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  2nd review - 2006 Mazda Mazda5
  By Mark - May 25 - 5:23 am

  As far as the front armrest goes I think it shouldve been on the passenger side instead of the driver side because it doesnt make much sense with a stick shift. Cant, really, use it while driving because it blocks the shifter. I understand not having outer armrests for the second row because it would interfere with the sliding doors.

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  Great Microvan - 2007 Mazda Mazda5
  By Kurt - May 24 - 11:10 am

  Compact and well-suited for city driving. Pretty peppy on the highway too. Handles well. My wife and infant son like it a lot.

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  Ok for what it is - 2009 Mazda Mazda5
  By blue - May 22 - 2:00 am

  If you are looking for a functional second vehicle this is a great option. Minivan features without a minivan feel. Build quality is definitely cheap, and absolutely consider getting this only under warranty. Driver comfort is an issue for me (62"), my large foot (size 15) does not fit on the gas pedal, i need to push it with my toe. Its my wifes car and she is 510 and loves the car. In cold weather (-20C), intake manifold control runners were getting stuck due to cheap plastic composite materials that seem to be unavoidable these days. In hot weather, sway bar bushings caused terrible creaking, just annoying noise. Excellent service from dealer/Mazda for both issues

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  Wishing I bought a Odyssey or Sienna - 2012 Mazda Mazda5
  By joyfulgirl_3 - May 18 - 7:12 am

  I bought a 2012 used with 8.5K. It was flawless except for a stain on the front passenger seat which I have been unable to remove. Another stain is on a back seat that I cant remove. Needs better seat fabric- seems cheap. I have 2 kids and am finding that as my baby turned into toddler, and with a 9 year old, we are outgrowing the car with backpacks, soccer stuff etc. If we had another child, thered be little room for a stroller. No way this car is functional for 4 kids full-time. Since I bought it, the gas mileage has gone down considerably though its well maintained by Mazda. Great to drive forward...seems to have lots of blind spots in spite of all the windows.