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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  Just what I was looking for - 2006 Mazda Mazda5
  By tom - December 29 - 5:36 am

  Picked up last week. Was looking for a vehicle with some storage/cargo capability yet with ability to carry 4 or more passengers, all for about $20K. Had looked at (photo) HHR and PT...but this was it at first sight. First one sold from my dealership.

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  Wow, what a good car for a great price! - 2006 Mazda Mazda5
  By mazda5_4_me! - December 19 - 8:56 pm

  The Touring Model comes with a huge standard equipment list, I just needed to add the automatic, with leather wrapped AutoStick. The one touch open moonroof, 17" alloys, low-profile Toyo tires, body painted side sills, mirrors and rear spoiler, projector head lights, clear rear tail lights, stunning styling, perfect paint. Interior is high quality fabric, 6 seats, lots of storage and drink holders, Auto climate control A/C, 225 watt 6 disk CD stereo with 6 speakers and controls on leather tilt/telescope steering wheel, cruise control on wheel too. Sliding side door opens wide for passenger entry. A joy to drive with ABS 4 wheel disk, 4 wheel coil independent suspension. Buy one quick, waiting list soon!

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  Sporty Mini Minivan w/Zoom-Zoom appeal! - 2012 Mazda Mazda5
  By mikeyg616 - December 2 - 12:24 pm

  i did so much research on the perfect family hauler without breaking the bank&also not looking like i gave up&was so happy to find the new 5!it has everything i was looking for to transport my family of 4,we chose the upgraded touring model which adds fogs,spoiler side skirts 17 rims nicer grill &leather wheel,power is surprisingly good w/ smooth tranny & good mpg!turning radius is great!the seats are really comfy,the dual slide doors are light and easy to use for wifey w kiddies!pass/cargo room is also more then adequate,this mpv is a hot seller in Europe and only car in its class that got rave reviews..much better ad easier then suv w 3rd row,i highly recommend,we love our 2012 5!

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  Re-evaluation - 2008 Mazda Mazda5
  By jc - November 21 - 7:16 am

  I read a lot of reviews about this vehicle from different websites and after some test drives, we bought this vehicle. I like the features but I totally dislike the stiff leather seats and the stiff ride. The road noise, harshness and vibration are pronounced. We used to have an 05 Toyota Sienna and this is not even a mile close to the comfort of it. This vehicle does have its strengths too but riding comfort is not one of them. I tried the other trims later, the sport and the touring with fabric seats, for comparison and they ride way better than the GT with leather, but still not even close though to the Sienna that I used to have. If I could just turn back the clock...

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  At Dealer Constantly - 2006 Mazda Mazda5
  By Dan - November 5 - 10:26 am

  Well, I was hoping that this vehicle would be perfect for my wife and kids. At 1st you think it should be with the long list of features etc. However, we have had nothing but problems. Have had the struts upfront changed 3 times in 25,000 miles, wind noise from the drivers side door is terrible, the locks have stopped working 4 times. Have had to change key fobs 2 times. The steering column has had to be changed twice because it would slide in and out with zero effort. The rear doors have had to change the locking mechanisms inside because they stopped working. The dealer told me that the car did not have an alarm after the passenger side mirror was broken over night by a thief.

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  It Just Feels Right - 2006 Mazda Mazda5
  By Richard lawrence - November 3 - 7:56 am

  Before Mazda went zoom-zoom, their slogan was "it just feels right." And that is exactly the way I feel about the Mazda5. Ordinarily you like a car that is well defined and has a specific purpose like the two seat sports car or the traditional minivan. However, the Mazda5 is one of those cars that is difficult to categorize. Is it a minivan or is it a wagon? Sure, it has sliding doors and three rows of seats like a minivan, but it is also compact and sporty like many of todays wagons. It even comes with a manual transmission. Imagine, the versatility of a minivan in a very unminivan like appearance. Thats what makes the Mazda5 feel so right.

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  Almost Perfect - 2012 Mazda Mazda5
  By oakwind - October 24 - 3:53 am

  I bought my 2012 Mazda 5 in February of 2013 with 10 miles on the odometer. Upgrading from a 96 Corolla with 166K and 27/34 mpg. I got all the room extra I wanted and more but was disappointed in the mpg (24mpg). I am more of an SUV kind of person rather than a "mini-van". Its size and body style is more inline with the Rav4 & CRV that I looked at with a better price and mpg than they offered. I wished the milage was better and there was a bigger covered center console. I could have gotten this with new Mazda CX-5, but the bench seat didnt fold FLAT and the front racing" seats were hard & uncomfortable. Every time I drive ZoomZoom, I find something else about it I like

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  I love this car. - 2008 Mazda Mazda5
  By fieryspirit - October 11 - 9:20 am

  With two babies, I love the fact that there are sliding doors. Its sleek design makes me feel like I am in a space shuttle. :) The fabric is easy to clean. I live in a small town with no highways, so driving around I get 29-30 mpg...which is awesome!! The price was decent too. Never thought that I would own a Mazda...went to buy a Nissan truck with my husband and saw this vehicle and fell in love. I am so happy that we bought it. Plus, the Mazda version of AAA is really reliable.

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  Very Good Find - 2006 Mazda Mazda5
  By Eugene Fowler - October 3 - 7:10 pm

  After 1500 miles with 20 city and 27 highway mpg driving (75 mph hwy) Ive found performance ideal for my needs as I do not intend to race up Pikes Peak, there are other vehicles built for that. I particular enjoy the cargo capacity and versatility. Im a previous Mazda 626 owner and was frustrated with the notchy transmission. This one is very smooth and satisfying. In short, no complaints and much satisfaction.

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  Car of my dreams - 2009 Mazda Mazda5
  By Ampster - September 21 - 4:46 am

  Finally got the car Ive had my eye on since the summer of 2005 when they first came out. Had been driving a 2007 CX-7 but just wasnt happy--had those famous fuel system issues/CEL 4 times. My 2009 GT was fresh off the truck. Ive never had so much fun driving in my life. Took a hit when I traded in a car soon after buying...and I couldnt care less. Our two kids love it, my husband loves it and I plan on holding on to this as long as it still rolls.