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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  Great Car! - 2006 Mazda Mazda5
  By nsoriano - October 30 - 3:43 pm

  Just bought this car after much consideration. Considered many other choices i.e. minivans (Odyssey, Sienna, MPV), station wagons/suvs (Forester, Vue, Tucson, HHR, XB). This will be mainly used for carrying 2 adults and 2 toddlers with enough room to spare for a doggy carrier and luggage. Although not as comfortable as my Diamante, its not too bad. None offered the value, efficiency and utilitarianism of the Mazda5. Not a speed demon because of the extra 500 lbs, the 4 cylinder engine holds its own on the highway. Surprisingly quick and nimble while maneuvering around the city keeping the tradition of zoom zoom alive. The brakes on this thing are excellent, comparable to a go kart!

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  6-passenger Sports Car - 2006 Mazda Mazda5
  By wkennedy - October 15 - 8:10 am

  This is a combination thats been missing: a crisp-handling stickshift minivan from Japan. (Ok, its available in automatic, too.) I want a reliable car thats fun to drive, but I dont want to have to rent a truck to bring home a TV or take newspapers to the recycling center. Mazda has taken the compact chassis of the Mazda 3 and mounted a little minivan on it -- the size of a station wagon, but the three-row seating and sliding doors that define a minivan. The performance is not that of a 250hp six, but neither is the gas mileage. Thanks, Mazda, for bringing the 5speed model to the US, not just to Europe. The Mazda 5 is sibling to the spunky Mazda 3, not the sedate Mazda MPV.

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  A perfect car for a small family - 2009 Mazda Mazda5
  By Timmy - October 13 - 3:26 pm

  We are looking for a mini van type of car without the mini van look that will work with our two little boys. Thats about the only one on the market now fits our need. We also looked at Kia Rondo, but we dont like the look of the car and the fact it doesnt have the sliding door. We got a base model 5 and installed after market navigation system and DVD. After market DVD player looks much nicer and takes a lot less space. Kids love it. And this is the only car my wife actually loves to drive. We are getting about 23-24 miles in town.

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  Perfect family car - 2008 Mazda Mazda5
  By Family of 4 - October 11 - 7:46 am

  Excellent Car. Have a family of 4 and needed the extra row in case we drove family and or friends. The kids love the sliding doors, and the storage under the seats. My wife and I love the excellent gas mileage. It is easy to drive - perfect for around town. Turns on a dime and has plenty of zoom. The other night I helped a friend move two couches - no problem with the seats down. Interior space is surprisingly large. With the 3rd row seats up, you have plenty of room for groceries. This car is perfect for a family watching their money.

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  Wundercar !!! - 2009 Mazda Mazda5
  By Chris DeHaven - October 4 - 10:20 pm

  I WAS a Saab fanantic until GM destroyed the brand. My last was a 99. I bought and older MPV. I found myself driving the MPV mostly as I have a 4yo grandson who lives with me and 2 others I drive a lot. I passed down the MPV to my daughter and bought the 5. I was sure I would like it as it is a form follows function design...remember when Saabs were?? This car is an incredible performer with decent finish at a very low price. I was waiting to write this until I returned from a 6 day/1700 mi trip with my 4 year old. I am 62" and 280+# and drove all those miles in reasonable comfort. It averaged 26mpg at 80mph. The bluetooth is simple and works well as well as all the other gadgets.

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  A Fun Wagon - 2007 Mazda Mazda5
  By Bill Carr - October 4 - 8:06 pm

  Have put on 2,700 miles in the past several months. Very much enjoy this car. You can get a surprising large amount of stuff in this thing!

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  the new crossover type - 2009 Mazda Mazda5
  By shawnicus - September 28 - 5:13 pm

  We had a sports sedan that just wasnt keeping up with the needs of a family, but wanted to keep with a manual transmission. This was the only option out there with a 3rd row of seats and were very happy with it. Plenty of cargo space, great safety features, peppy little engine that is seat-of-the-pants fun to drive, good gas mileage, and fantastic brakes. I always thought the crossover class was going in the wrong direction: crossing a car and a SUV. This is a cross between a Mazda3 5-door and a van: which surprisingly ends up with a "best of a worlds" feel.

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  FInally got our Mazda5! - 2006 Mazda Mazda5
  By agron - September 22 - 9:13 pm

  After waiting 2 months we finally got our car. We had purchased it right before the recall so we didnt even see it until a week ago. This car drives smoother than any other vehicle Ive driven. It has tons of zip yet lots of space in the interior. What a difference compared to our 1999 Ford Windstar that just died on us. The Mazda5 is also very quiet in the interior. Ive almost turned the key not realizing it was on. And on the highway it performs well and is a quiet ride. Im also impressed with how little gas this vehicle uses. After having a Windstar (glug, glug) I dont have to gas up as often. In the week Ive driven Ive only had to fill up once and I drive a lot.

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  A/C & brake disc issues - 2007 Mazda Mazda5
  By karnollege - September 13 - 6:59 am

  I love my 2007 Mazda 5 - see my post dating back to July 2007. None of those opinions have changed. However, a few months ago my a/c compressor failed - a very big deal in Southern Arizona. My mechanic learned it was defective & Mazda acknowledged it and paid for a new one, which was appreciated. Then my brake discs rusted - my mechanic explained this shouldnt happen in a 5 year old car. So-o-o-o-o, I guess this explains why this car was such a good buy! Its given me pause about the Mazda brand & next time I may go back to my tried & true Honda, Nissan, or Toyota.

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  Loving the 5 III - 2008 Mazda Mazda5
  By Johnny - September 7 - 7:10 pm

  Now with almost 20,000 miles. At 46 years old, I still love my little run about, though I have been told it doesnt fit my "image". I dont care, its still fun to drive. Works great for our two kids and still dont know anyone else who has one. I like being exclusive. A covered console is still high on my list of wants, no privacy. I also wish it was traction control equipped, but believe the 09 or 10 now have it. Still drive it fast and like the ZOOM ZOOM. Would buy another one in a second! Chevrolet is going to build a competitor called the Orlando. Oh, also wish the sliding doors were power.