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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  Exactly What I wanted - 2009 Mazda Mazda5
  By spewgilist - September 9 - 4:05 pm

  I bought my 2009 Mazda 5 GT new after stumbling on the model while looking for a car that would provide a comfortable ride for 4 adults and let me carry all the things for which I normally have to have a mini-van. I wanted sliding rear doors, I wanted captains chairs, I wanted a leather interior and heated seats and a few other amenities to which I have become accustomed and I was able to get them all in the GT for around $10-$15K less than a regular minivan. Ive had the car for 4 years now and I have put over 76K miles on it and I still love it and find it an incredibly versatile and reliable car.

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  my zoom zoom - 2006 Mazda Mazda5
  By Kimberly - September 8 - 6:56 am

  I told my husband I didnt want that typical soccer mom look and we both wanted something that was economical for the whole family. We went online to find something that would work for us and came across the Mazda 5. Immediately the next morning we went to a dealership (3 hours from home) and found there were only TWO or THREE Mazda 5s available around this area. We opted for the Mazda Sport which has almost all the features of the touring including the 6 CD changer and sunroof but not the navigation system. We drove it home that same day. The only thing that I can find to improve the Mazda 5 would be a better A/C for the front and back of the vehicle.

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  The total package in one vehicle! - 2006 Mazda Mazda5
  By mr06mz5 - September 3 - 2:13 am

  All right, its a minivan thats a hoot" to drive. I bought my "5" based on looks, features, color (whitewaterpearl), price and the most important item of all, its a 5-speed. As I have owned it now for 6 months I am thoroughly pleased with what this vehicle gives me... dirving enjoyment! Mazda really did a great job in the overall design and build of this MAV. I have had no issues as of yet and find the fit and finish is excellent. My only complaint is that mazda didnt make a "speed5" version.

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  2 yr follow up review - 2009 Mazda Mazda5
  By terrimca - September 2 - 11:56 pm

  I gave this car a glowing review a year ago. Recently, Ive experienced several problems which Ive discovered others have encountered too. 1. entire power steering unit needed replacement (covered under warranty) lost power steering suddenly while driving, was restored after shutting and restarting car-known problem. 2. Lots of squeaking rea-rend, dealer repl. rear sway bar bushings. 3. Front seat squeaks fixed but now squeaking again. 4. Tires which I rotated faithfully, needed replacement at 26,000 miles-also common problem. Love the way the car drives but feel like Ive experienced a lot of problems for such a new car.Also not a great car on the snow-at all. Disappointed.

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  Best value of R class or Pacifica - 2006 Mazda Mazda5
  By rb - August 19 - 4:50 am

  Got the Sport model with 4-speed auto and Popular Equipment package. Awesome styling. Very flexible and spacious interior. About time this kind of vehicle came to the U.S. Great value for for below $20k and over 20 mpg in town. The sliding rear doors make it real convenient to access the third row unlike similar vehicles such as Chrysler Pacifica or Mercedes R Class. Ideal for 4 people in good comfort with plenty of cargo, or 6 people in reasonable comfort. This is one cool Crossover. Mazda proactively recalled and fixed exhaust issue and gave $500 in return.

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  Stay Away From This Car and Mazda - 2009 Mazda Mazda5
  By Home Theater Guy - August 15 - 10:00 am

  We purchased this car for our family because of the dual sliding doors, size and fuel economy. What we got was a lemon. Within the first 2000 miles the A/C went out. Four months later, the A/C went out again. We had this car at the dealer 4 times for A/C repairs alone. In the 14 months we had this vehicle we also had the radio replaced because the sound wouldnt come on. The check engine light came one twice, which required two more visits to the dealer for engine jerking and sluggishness. Up to the day we traded this vehicle, it would wobble or bounce on perfect roads as if it were out of line or the wheels were not balanced. We had those items checked many times, with no changes.

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  Not Bad. - 2008 Mazda Mazda5
  By dudechuck - August 12 - 1:49 pm

  We bought the Mazda5 based on a my wifes friend. She had one and loved it. She had the 07, and by reading reviews we settled on the 08. It was nice for a family of four, once our child was able to seat forward facing. There is not enough room for a rear facing car seat in the second row. You can do it but the person in the front seat has to scoot way up for and it is not comfortable. It was reliable all except the power steering would go out. It was repleced on a recall for free and we did not have any further problems. It was terrible in the snow and got stuck several times in a few inches of snow. The engine is also way to small for the vehicle, with limited highway power.

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  Love My Mazda5!!! - 2012 Mazda Mazda5
  By kbstagg - August 8 - 1:37 am

  So far I am loving the Mazda5. After extensive research and needing to be able to seat 6. This vehicle had the most bang for the buck, without the horrible SUV gas mileage. Engine could use a few more HP, but really not bad. Acceleration is good and the transmission shift is so smooth. I traded a 2011 Honda Civic for the 2012 Mazda5 and couldnt be happier. I drive about 70% Hwy and am avg 25 mpg with a little over 1000 miles( I was only avg 27 mpg with my Civic). Even has all the bells and whistles, with a great sticker price. It really is fun to drive and handles just like a car. I cant say enough good things about this vehicle.

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  One more good review for mazda 5 - 2010 Mazda Mazda5
  By ras1305 - July 24 - 10:38 am

  one more good review for mazda 5

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  Happy for the most part. - 2007 Mazda Mazda5
  By Artistsoulnme - July 10 - 3:16 pm

  Prev. owned large minivan, but after we were looking for compact SUV or 4 door sedan. What sold me on the Mazda 5 was the design. I loved the fact that its so roomy, has 3rd seat, has storage in the second row seats and its sporty, not to mention the cargo capacity and the double rear sliding doors are fantastic getting my 2 year old in and out of his carseat. Im happy with the performance of the vehicle and gas mileage is great, but things that have disappointed me: No Vents in 2nd or 3rd row. Takes a WHILE for the back of the car to cool off/warm up. Way too noisy,Not a quiet ride: Noise is off the chain due to the sport tires I assume. Not happy with that. Overall though, pleased.