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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  Good car for price - 2006 Mazda Mazda5
  By Newbie - March 31 - 6:23 am

  This is a good car for the sticker price. I found that the handling was good and the "power power" rating is incorrect. The AC could be more powerful. This is my second minivan & I am not complaining.

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  A Nice Surprise - 2006 Mazda Mazda5
  By Jim - March 19 - 1:13 am

  Looking to save on gas, I traded my Ford Explorer in for my Mazda5, and havent looked back. I have 4 kids, so the seating was a must. Being a man, I didnt want a minivan, and this was the perfect crossover (?) for my needs. Ive had the car for a full year and just over 10,000 miles now. The absolute best feature is that this micro machine drives like a car. I didnt want the spongy van-like drive like in my wifes Grand Caravan, and this car definitely responds when driving. It is a sporty 4-cyl engine and has no problems at all in the city or on the highway. I added window tint all around to defend against Florida summer heat, and the car always draws peoples attention. Love it!

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  A minivan that is fun to drive! - 2009 Mazda Mazda5
  By Scott - March 10 - 6:23 am

  I was pretty skeptical that I would ever like a minivan, but we love our Mazda 5. I am amazed by how well it handles and how fun it is to drive. It doesnt have that big bloated feel and look of other minivans. We get better fuel economy than quoted for this vehicle. The good fuel efficiency and availability of a manual transmission is what sold us on this vehicle, but we have been equally impressed with the utility and ride quality. It has a very nimble feel to it that makes you forget you are driving a van.

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  Own an 06 and an 08. Both are great cars - 2008 Mazda Mazda5
  By coolmazda5 - March 3 - 9:33 pm

  Great car to ride and drive. Sporty feeling. Manual transmission available. Very decent fuel economy for a family car.

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  Perfect Car? - 2009 Mazda Mazda5
  By supercane - March 2 - 2:23 pm

  Xenon headlights. Bluetooth. Auto rain sensing wipers. Heated seats. Room for 6. Low 20s sticker. Is there a better vehicle on the market? We purchased our Mazda 5 last month and have not only loved the car but enjoyed tanks averaging above 30 mpg around town. Our growing family fits perfectly, our four dogs love the folded down cargo area, and we just came home from Vegas through snow with the vehicle handling perfectly. Notwithstanding some minor build quality issues, is is the best new vehicle we have owned in the last five years - and we have purchased 6. I recommend this vehicle to anyone. Best of luck trying to find a better overall value.

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  Loving the 5 II - 2008 Mazda Mazda5
  By Johnny - March 1 - 7:30 pm

  Its been almost a year now since I bought the 5. It is my daily commuter. I was told to drive it like a sports car and I do. Commonly doing 85 in the interstate. Love the size and ease in parking. Still dont see many around and it fits our family of four. Better gas mileage than our Honda Oddy. Only issue with the 5 was that I couldnt get the gas cap off. It was a recall. All is fixed. I would buy another. Recently took it on four hour vacation, everything fit and mileage was great. Cant wait to see what the new one will look like. Most people dont know what it is. I like that. It stands out in a crowd.

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  Great Car - 2008 Mazda Mazda5
  By yesi08 - February 25 - 2:10 am

  After owning for 4 months we hit a tire late at night on the freeway at about 70-75mph. There were about a half dozen other cars who hit the same tire. Only suffered minor damage to front end (a little expensive to fix) whereas the other cars required a tow to get home we drove off just fine. The rear seats can fir full-sized adults (6 200lbs males) for sort durations, but are great for smaller adults and children. With the third row folded it takes most everyday challenges. LOVE the sliding doors and small size compared to other minivans. We can open the rear hatch with the garage door closed. Parking in a crowded parking lot is a blast, you can even park against the grain! Love IT!

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  Good features for the price - 2006 Mazda Mazda5
  By HL - February 23 - 1:13 pm

  Great alternative to the typical minivan. More fuel efficient and easier to manuever. Fun to drive.

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  Best Kept Secret - 2008 Mazda Mazda5
  By FamilyOf4 - February 19 - 12:56 pm

  We test drove all the minivans out there, since we needed the sliding doors feature for our growing family. After doing all the research, its hard to understand why there are so few on the road out there ! We have every option, minus the navigation, and love it. To get the Bluetooth, DVD system, etc., on other makes, you have to buy the top of the line. Not worth it ! The gas mileage is much better too, and these days that factors into the purchase greatly. Very comfortable for everyone, from driver, to the people in the 3rd row.

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  Good Value for Money - 2006 Mazda Mazda5
  By TJPJ - February 12 - 5:36 pm

  Overall good value for money. It cost less than what I paid for a new Camry 6 years ago! It has all the features that a family with 1 or 2 kids needs. Would not really recommend if you are traveling with 6 passengers on a regular basis. Sliding doors is definitely a plus point and makes taking the baby in/out quite a breeze. Interior, controls layout is quite nice. Seats are easy to fold and good use of space under the seats.