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:

• 

  Not All Good Things Can Be Perfect. - 2007 Mazda Mazda5
  By the mazda5 - June 27 - 8:40 am

  Pretty good, but its huge list of features have to include the following in the next 2 years: a 5 or 6 speed automatic, rear air conditioning, standard tinted windows, an available V6 [maybe from the Mazda6], a panoramic sunroof =D, power sliding doors, Bose speakers, a better screen for the navigation system, a smoother transition between gears, 2nd row outboard armrests, dual zone auto-climate control, power front seats, a "shark fin" antenna instead of the weird one it has now, a bigger center console, and more power outlets. Other than that, its a great car with a bunch of features packed into a crossover that is a hit worldwide. If only they advertised it more openly... who knows?

• 

  Its a mini minivan - 2010 Mazda Mazda5
  By Soccer Mom - June 9 - 2:00 am

  A "family" vehicle, I wanted a sportier mom vehicle but something also economical and practical for a family of three. A smaller version of a van. The sliding doors are easy to use for small kids. This is a great kid friendly vehicle. The table between the seats and storage in the seats is great but wish they were a little bigger. There is not enough room for car seats HUGE complaint for me! A stroller will take up the whole back with little room for anything else. The road noise is a bit loud and for a Mazda its not as smooth a ride as I hoped. I do feel safe driving this vehicle. It can be a lot of fun on curvy roads (zoom, zoom, zoom comes to mind.

• 

  Great Mom Car - 2006 Mazda Mazda5
  By whit - May 19 - 2:06 pm

  This is the car I had been looking for but did not know exhisted. When I saw it, I knew it would be perfect for my families needs. I did not want a clunky mini-van, nor could I afford a gas guzzling, pricy SUV either. The Mazda 5 seats 6 comfortably. I wish the interior were grey rather than black though, because the hot Hawaii sun really heats up the car. Other than that, The Mazda 5 handles curves, and bumps well, and it has a great sound system. Very fun to drive.

• 

  Lovin my new ride! - 2006 Mazda Mazda5
  By Jen - May 11 - 11:46 pm

  I just love this car! It is a super sweet ride to have with two small kids. I have to agree with the editorial review on all points, there are tiny drawbacks, but this car still rocks.

• 

  mini-mini sports van - 2007 Mazda Mazda5
  By Forrest - May 8 - 11:56 am

  I have nothing but praise for the Mazda5. I love the way the car hugs corners, moves quick with 5 speed manual, looks sporty not like a minivan,and has good visibility.

• 

  Unbelievable Vehicle - 2007 Mazda Mazda5
  By Gaurav Malik - May 5 - 4:56 pm

  Went to Niagra from Wisconsin. Used less than $120 of gas with 6 passengers. Awesome experience.

• 

  Mazda5 touring - 2007 Mazda Mazda5
  By stan - April 20 - 6:03 am

  Excellent value, fun to drive - very fast, loads of interior flexibility, good gas mileage.

• 

  I like it, but with reservations - 2009 Mazda Mazda5
  By jay_gloab - April 12 - 2:45 am

  Overall I like but dont love this car. I like its compact dimensions but wish it was bigger inside. I think when its paid off Im going to get a small four-door economy car to be my daily driver and a used full-size minivan for when I need to haul more people or more stuff. Its easy and relatively fun to drive, and fairly economical - I get ~30mpg on the highway. It has been mostly reliable, but Ive just had to have the rear shocks replaced for the second time in under 50,000 miles, which appears to be a common problem.

• 

  Very Happy With This Vehicle - 2006 Mazda Mazda5
  By kev604 - April 2 - 11:03 am

  The Mazda5 is the modern family vehicle for todays small families. Very stylish on the outside yet you get the feeling this vehicle was designed from the inside out with the driver in mind. I own a platinum silver Touring (GT in Canada) automatic. Ive had the vehicle for a month. Would of never considered purchasing a Mazda till I saw the 5. Researched the vehicle & was very impressed, test drove it & fell in love with it. The only thing that held us back from buying was the longterm reliability of Mazda. Although improving dramatically the past few years it doesnt have the track record of Toyota; then again nobody does. In the end the quality and value of the package was too good to pass up.

• 

  A complete package - 2006 Mazda Mazda5
  By Hector - March 26 - 6:30 am

  I was hesitant to buy this vehicle, but a child on the way so needed to make the mature decision. This vehicle is practical with sliding doors. The tires (Toyos) are weak, so I changed them out and the handling has dramatically improved. overall this is a very sensible vehicle.