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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  Thank God - 2006 Mazda Mazda5
  By Lepriapus - June 26 - 1:26 am

  We bought our car 31 Dec. 05. We knew we were going to purchase something to split up the kids, but had no desire to purchase a minivan, way too big for us. We also own a 2003 P5 with 103k+ miles and have had no problems with it. We love manuals, and when we saw this car, we knew we would be making a purchase as soon as the hit the market. Everyone one rides in comfort, because the kids each have their own little space where they can stretch out on the jaunts around town, or the trips from DC to Atlanta. We get great gas mileage; DC to Atlanta on 1.5 tanks of gas. Many people have asked us about the vehicle, and when they see it has most of the minivan items, they are stunned.

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  Miata with seats for six? - 2007 Mazda Mazda5
  By Zoom-zoom - June 9 - 5:53 am

  My family loves our Mazda5. I bought it for my wife and kid but occasionally drive it myself. My weekend toy is Mazda Miata and this little wagon (Mazda5 is not a minivan!) is the closest thing to it. Considering the size, the handling is amazing and it’s lots of fun on a long winding road. Brakes are excellent and on par to my daily driven 5 series BMW (they also dust as much though). Fuel economy is decent, with 32 mpg going 65 mph on a highway and 22-24 around town. It could’ve been better if Mazda offered more engine choices. However, I can see that this car is not for everyone, especially for people who hate driving.

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  Finally has stability control - 2010 Mazda Mazda5
  By Maine5 - May 31 - 4:10 pm

  The 5 is a unique car that fits the needs of most people. I held out on buying one for many years though due to the lack of stability control. I refused to buy a new car without it. As I was getting ready to buy a VW Jetta Wagon, I read a comparison review that said the 5 finally comes with stability/traction control for 2010. I was sold. Hopefully some of the quality issues reported in past years have been worked out. I have 3000mi on it now with no issues. I was also worried about how it might perform in the snow so I purchased a set of blizzaks for it. Drives incredibly well in deep snow as a result. Far better than paying thousands more for an AWD vehicle with less utility and mileage.

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  Micro Mini Van does the Job - 2008 Mazda Mazda5
  By Damian - May 25 - 7:53 am

  During the 15,000 miles Ive been through the initial up the middle down and back up. Dont change the tires for heavier ones, leave it with the toyos or use carlike light tires. Do that and youll like this vehicle forever. Its zoom zoom and I really like it. My wife and I cruise we dont race and all our cars last long and never go to repair shops.

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  Way to go Mazda 5 - 2006 Mazda Mazda5
  By PF - May 15 - 11:50 pm

  We have two kids and a very large dog and we all fit comfortably in the 5. We downsized from a Sienna and we love the car. I suggest getting a standard 5 speed. Very very zippy and a blast to drive. The power even though it is a 4 cylinder is no problem with a stick. Weve been getting 28 mpg with standard transmission.

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  Best Buy All Purpose Vehicle - 2006 Mazda Mazda5
  By azfamily - May 14 - 12:03 am

  One week after the purchase we had to turn our Mazda5 back to the dealer for the exhaust system recall. We have to say that Mazda handled it all very well. The vehicle is so correct in concept, design and timing that we could not resist it once we had driven it. We are car people and have owned many, many cars through the years. This one is the most versatile, useful, fun to drive package available. We have not experienced any power problems even loaded with 6 adults plus luggage. Family or not, this is one of the best buys out there.

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  Great little vehicle! - 2008 Mazda Mazda5
  By Steve - May 13 - 7:13 am

  We looked at all vans, but balked at the $! Mazda hit it right with price and features. We have 2 teens, and most of the time the 3rd seat is folded flat. Much usable space this way, and easy to convert if hauling more kids around. Tough going in the snow, the GT wheels look cool, but the wide, low profile tires are tough in the snow. As I told my wife, they do plow here, and we only had issue when everyone else did too, so no biggie. Love the Bluetooth, all the nooks and crannies, and total flexibility in this good looking little mover. We also love how sporty it drives, how well it parks and fits in the garage, and the zesty copper paint!

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  A great small family car to own and driv - 2008 Mazda Mazda5
  By coolmazda5 - April 2 - 5:13 am

  I own a 2006 and a 2008 Mazda5s. The purchase experience process for the 08 was much better and easier due to the fact that the dealer was friendlier, less pushy, knew more about the car and knew how to drive manual. It also helped that I knew exactly what I was looking for and that it was available.

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  Good, yet nothings perfect... - 2007 Mazda Mazda5
  By OVERmotivated - February 21 - 8:20 am

  My mom bought this car under my influence, and she likes it as much as I do. As the title states, nothing is perfect. Some of the flaws/missed things in this car would be the horsepower rating [153 hp], no DRLs, rear air conditioning, traction control/antiskid control, and at least a 5 speed auto to match. However, the rest of the car is nice, with automatic climate control and an available navigation system for under $22K. It has a nice suspension and its really fun to drive! Its also very flexible, and if your family is small, then you wont need to worry about space. At least consider this car if youre looking for something versatile and small.

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  Summer Love, Canadian Winters Hate - 2009 Mazda Mazda5
  By mazdarx75 - February 16 - 5:19 pm

  I have Mazda5 09 GT model. I love the styling inside and out on my GT model. Very functional for my family of 4 and a dog. Option for 6 is great when needed as long as it is the exception. Does everything I need in the summer but when cold weather hits, I think of getting rid of it every winter. The power locking sliding side doors, manual sliding, will not work in cold or freezing temps. Took to Mazda and all they did was lube the door latch. Problem did not go away. Door keeps trying to lock even when I am driving. Not a safe feeling when driving and kids are back there. So this is my 3rd winter with this Van and make both doors close, I cannot wash it till spring.