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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  Nice little thing - 2008 Mazda Mazda5
  By Trurl - March 20 - 11:03 pm

  Test drove all existing minivans and finally chose Mazda 5 as a compromise between practicality of a "grown up" minivan and drivability of a sedan. Considering its price this is nearly perfect vehicle: tiny outside but somehow very roomy inside - must be some sci-fi trick, unless it just a very thoughtful design. I also like the build quality and hope for a good reliability. And by the way, why dont they put sliding doors on all cars?

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  2007 Mazda5 - 2007 Mazda Mazda5
  By Erik - March 20 - 9:30 pm

  We traded in a ford truck who was consuming 16 to the gallon with lesser hp and to cylinders more.Of course no comparison driving this minivan,drives like a mazda3 and the space of a truck! We did a trip around the US so drove 10,000 miles and the only problem occurred was the AC was striking for 30 min. Good we were in Montana and not already in Vegas. Out of the blue it worked again and this was the only problem so far. In the mountains would be nice to have more power, maybe not long Mazda get the new 2.5 fourstroke from ford, better on the mile and with the 5 shift trannie who you can lock more fun and lower RPM at 70 mph. Now 3200rpm still ok but with the new automatic will be better.

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  An excellent compromise - 2006 Mazda Mazda5
  By tricky808 - March 17 - 9:33 am

  My wife picked this out from all of the suv/minivan choices. It took us 5 months to make our minds up, and were satisfied. Sure it might not have everything we want, but for the price, it has enough zip, space, and sportiness to last us. And its a family vehicle! Remote start, 17 inch wheels, economical and safe. Even the sliding door windows roll down! Anyone with a family will love this one unless you have your heart set on something else. I suppose the only things we wished it had would be a leather option and extra A/C for the back seats, but those are minor compared to what we got.

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  Love this car - 2006 Mazda Mazda5
  By perfectofc - March 6 - 9:00 am

  I bought my 5 and was one of the first in Canada (and North America) to buy it. Ive been waiting for this car for a long time - finally someone has the guts to bring a European-style Space Wagon to North America and do it right! This is a great little car. Dont call it a minivan, because its not. Its a station wagon, or a hatchback. The one thing you need to realise about this car is that you can either carry 6 people OR you can carry 4 and lots of cargo. Engine-wise, it has lots of pep, more than enough for the car. It gets better gas mileage than any other 6- seat vehicle out there. Its also damn fun to drive, especially the 5-speed.

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  Mazda5 Grand Touring, so far I love it! - 2012 Mazda Mazda5
  By baltimorejim - March 5 - 6:49 am

  Ive had my Mazda5 for about a month now and I am really impressed with this vehicle. Since 1987 I only owned two cars, both were Honda Accords. This time around I wanted something different and I test drove a 2012 Honda CR-V (expensive), a Hyundai Tuscon (cheap interior) and a Toyota Rav4 (just didnt like it). Finally I test drove the Mazda5. It is a feature laden vechicle that is fun to drive and is "a lot of vehicle for the money". Working with Hertitage Mazda in Baltimore was the best vehicle purchasing experience Ive had in 45 years of buying cars. The only downside Ive found so far is that gas mileage is only average.

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  Fantastic vehicle - 2012 Mazda Mazda5
  By troyohchatter - February 24 - 3:07 pm

  The specs tell the story of a very average vehicle. Average power, MPG, etc. But just drive it. Handles great, the seating position is ideal, the automatic drivetrain is near perfect, even for a guy that prefers a manual, and it can seat six adults in a pinch (front and middle rows move up a notch). The vehicle is tight as a drum, low noise level, and overall is tighter than the last Honda we had, a 2003 CR-V. I have no idea why anyone with kids would want doors that are not sliders. Sliding doors do not hit other cars in parking lots and allow easy access to child seats.

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  Great Automobile - 2012 Mazda Mazda5
  By cogo1020 - February 16 - 11:55 pm

  The 2012 Mazda5 is a great car for the value! Great design, great ride, great performance, and absolutely great interior comfort! It looks pretty stylish on the outside too! I love this car! You will not be dissapointed.

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  Just Bought My New 2010 Mazda5 7/10 - 2010 Mazda Mazda5
  By luv2drive - February 15 - 1:50 pm

  Ok so I just bought this, honeymoon isnt over only 1k miles on it. Went on a trip w/family little cramped on room but they have racks & a basket or container for purchase will def.invest in one of those.Overall zipping around town love it,look love it,performance loaded,ran great not a slug. Used to drive a loaded suburban this forces me to not keep as much junk in the back as I usually do. It is easy to clean truly a fun car to drive. I dont feel Im in a mom car whatsoever, feels like Im in a little sporty vehicle. Cant say much more than I LOVE IT! You will too but it will force you to keep it clean =@). I have 3 kids one is 16 & tall,very comfy in it and in back row.

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  too many problems within a three years - 2006 Mazda Mazda5
  By No more mazdas - January 25 - 11:46 pm

  We have had too many alignment problems with this car. Very loud noise coming from rear-checked but never taken care of. Tires go flat, alignment never done correctly and caused tires to go out over any bump and every bump in the street can be felt and heard.We have approximately 100,000 miles on the car. Each time we have had a flat tire we were told it was because of the alignment. One day our right passenger door wouldnt open at all. Once we opened it, it would not close so we had to tie it down so that we could drive home and we were 4 hours away from home and the temperature was 20-25 degrees. This car has not been what I thought it would be. Very dissatisfied with it.

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  Nice gas-sipper that sits 6 - 2006 Mazda Mazda5
  By giveucolorcc - January 10 - 11:46 am

  Traded in my old Ford Windstar for this car. Given that the gas prices have been soaring for the past few months (and they will continue to soar), I chose this car because it has the space I need and the fuel economy I want. I bought the Touring edition with automatic transmission. Lots of people are saying that a 4 cylinder engine is too small for this type of car. Ive been lugging around my family of 4 for a week now and I found the power to be more than adequate. The transmission is very smooth and responsive. Both exterior and interior qualities are excellent. Overall, its a great car for the price.