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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  Absolutely Love my M5 - 2012 Mazda Mazda5
  By jdooleyvt - February 3 - 10:00 pm

  Weve spent about 10 months with our Mazda5 already. We have two daughters under the age of two. The car seats, strollers, diaper bags and other bulky kid stuff all fits in the Mazda 5 without any issue. This car is simply a blast to drive. It is easy to forget that you are driving a vehicle with sliding doors. Loading the girls into the back seat is easy and once they start opening the doors themselves I dont have to worry about them putting a dent in another car in the parking lot. This car is perfect size for a family of four and the extra seats are a great option. In mostly city driving I get about 25-26 mpg on a longer trip it gets over 30 mpg. My best is over 35 mpg.

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  Im in LOVE with my Mazda5 !! - 2008 Mazda Mazda5
  By krispy - February 1 - 11:53 am

  After lots of research we purchased our Mazda5 08 Touring Automatic. We are so happy we decided on this car. This replaced my 96 Explorer. We have 2 young kids & they love it. The 2 folding seats in the back are perfect for any little friends we bring along & when not in use the back fits all my Costco groceries. Love the sliding doors, steering wheel radio controls, power locks/doors & sunroof. I drive a pretty even combo of city/hwy & got 25 mpg. It looks so sporty! It drives great & is really quick. Im impressed with the engine I have no problem passing cars. Since going from a V8 I was little scared but for no reason. Great for the price, mpg & room! Go get one!

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  Ultimate Fuel Efficient People Mover - 2008 Mazda Mazda5
  By hondax2 - January 28 - 10:06 pm

  Made the quick decision to downsize once gas prices moved towards $4/gallon. This Mazda5 has the entire familys rapt adoration. We and our two kids (9 and 11) find it to be an ideal vehicle with its surprisingly versatile and roomy interior space and its remarkable fuel efficiency. In mixed driving situations, I am averaging 28 MPG with my lowest numbers at 25 MPG and my highest highway-only tank at 33 MPG. This car is peppy, sporty, and eye-catching (lots of comments from others). Well be taking it soon on its first cross-country trip. I may have more to report then. To this point, I say "Thumbs up. Way up, on this very cool little car!"

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  So happy with my Mazda 5! - 2007 Mazda Mazda5
  By del - January 20 - 7:16 pm

  After tons of research, with all my basic needs and wants listed, I narrowed my choices to about 15. Then the hard work of getting in them and checking them out. At my age, um, senior granny, it wasnt fun and games getting in and out of all those vehicles! My highest priorities were: ease of entry, comfort, mileage and a flat cargo space to use when I go camping which could double for sleeping space if necessary. Once I saw the Mazda5 I was hooked in every way plus it looks great, feels wonderful, and is so roomy for my needs. How perfect for me. Im one happy camper! I purchased aftermarket leather for just the two front seats which serves my purposes very well!

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  Excellent compact mini-van-wagon-thingy - 2009 Mazda Mazda5
  By 5-banger - January 19 - 10:33 pm

  Weve been looking for a compact, good on gas, more than 5 pax vehicle and the Mazda5 is just that. The only vehicle that would come close to its class is the Kia Rondo and IMO, looks somewhat weird. So far, the 5 has exceeded our expectations. Nice sporty styling, great utility, and standard features in this cute gas-sipper makes this vehicle an excellent value. Some people say that its underpowered, and probably is with a full load, but its more than adequate for my driving habits and the manual sport shift makes up for increased performance when needed. This 5 is fun to drive and you cant say that about a lot of minivans! Were very pleased with our 5!