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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  Its Okay but I would not buy another - 2008 Mazda Mazda5
  By crankychick - May 2 - 6:20 pm

  Have had our vehicle for over a year. Power steering keeps cutting out, brakes squeak like mad in the rain, dealer seems unable to fix either problem. We drive 34,000 km per year, are a family of 5 with 3 smaller sized teens, this is our only car. No where in the middle seats to put a drink down (our vehicle does not have the under seat fold out holder - which is annoying in itself). The back window never seems to stay clean, no matter how often we wash it, car washes seem to never get the whole back of the car. It is fun to drive, and looks great, gets excellent mileage BUT it is uncomfortable, and the person in the back row is either hot or cold. Needs AWD for North American snow

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  Regretting decision to buy the Mazda5 - 2006 Mazda Mazda5
  By taeleen1 - May 1 - 5:50 am

  So far, I have to say it is just ok. Biggest complaint is very poor climate control, poor kids are cooking in second and third rows. Second big issue is the key that costs nearly $300 to replace if lost or damaged, with no alternative. To top that off, the key is manufactured mainly of plastic, which is just too easily broken. I feel like I am walking around with a porcelain egg or something, if I drop it will it break, yikes! Overall I would go back to my crowded Pontiac Grand Prix or even the gas guzzling Durango. Serously regret the decision to purchase this vehicle.

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  Best Idea Currently Available - 2006 Mazda Mazda5
  By Mark - April 25 - 7:23 pm

  Historically when a vehicle of this type is available with a stick shift it doesnt sell very well and an automatic becomes the only choice. A Mazda5 with a five speed should not be overlooked. An automatic would take too much fun away from driving this car. I recently had five co-workers in the car and nobody complained of a lack of room in the rear seats or a lack of rear A/C. The car had no problems performing with six adults. Around town or on the road this is the best vehicle Ive ever had. I show 20.5 to 21 MPG locally and 26 to 29 MPG on a long road trip. If thats not enough check out the standard features, power windows, power door locks and cruise to name a few.

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  Good for a few years.... - 2006 Mazda Mazda5
  By carrobbi - April 15 - 12:57 am

  First, I really, really enjoy driving this car! Had it almost 2.5 yrs. We are a family of 5. (Kids are 2,4,6yrs)Have few overall complaints, the biggest being driving in snow: it doesnt. It goes NOWHERE in snow. Never experienced anything like it before. Regarding tires, our local mechanic put the new ones on (since weve owned it, weve replaced just once) and told us that wed have to make rotating them a priority in order to help with wear. He suggested once every other oil change. (So, every 6,000 miles.) This car looks good (esp with sunroof), gets good MPG, great sound system, gets around easily. Other moms tell me frequently they love my "can" (Car/van)!!

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  Excellent mileage! - 2008 Mazda Mazda5
  By bonboa - April 13 - 2:20 pm

  I purchased this vehicle on a Monday and it was delivered to me on Wednesday September 10, 2008, and it was worth the extra wait. The silver is (in my opinion) the best color for this vehicle! I am a confirmed Honda man. I only purchase Honda products just because that is what Ive always done. All I have to say is this, Honda better watch their "6". This is a wonderful car 30.5 mpg mixed cty/hwy! This car is better than a Honda. Ive owned 5 so far and may dedicate all future purchases to Mazda.

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  Love Love Love my Mazda5! - 2006 Mazda Mazda5
  By treyscrap - April 10 - 3:30 am

  Bought this used last week and I am loving it! Drives like a dream for its price. Feels like a more expensive ride. Seats are super comfy and the fabric is really durable and easy to clean. Love the different seat configurations. Mine had the navigation system but since I bought it used, the maps arent as updated as they need to be. My street isnt even on it! For me, its a wasted feature and I wouldnt suggest spending the money on it. The only change Id make is more storage in the doors and a bigger glove box.

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  Base model Mazda5 Sport impresses - 2007 Mazda Mazda5
  By Minneapolitan - April 9 - 1:13 am

  Traveling in Europe, I was taken with the compact minivan "space wagons." With our second child on the way, my wife and I were ready to give up her Saturn SL2 and get into something w/ easier access to car seats. She was also anxious to get that higher vantage point a minivan or SUV driver seat could offer. So we picked up a 2007 Mazda5 Sport automatic. What went into our decision to purchase the Mazda5 was (in order of importance) the exterior styling, the sliding rear doors (great for tight parking spots), Mazdas superb fit and finish (both interior and exterior), ride (quiet, responsive, comfortable). Price. Small outside, big inside.

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  Almost got it - 2008 Mazda Mazda5
  By JH - March 18 - 11:23 pm

  Mazda5 is very good overall. Mileage is about what the EPA says it should be; we do a bit better on the highway than their rating. Performance is good. We had the power steering defect for which Mazda has a technical service bulletin and are hoping they will recall it (there is a recall in Canada) because the tab was $600+ for the repair. Uneven tire wear is a problem. They wore unevenly early generating a wowwowwow sound. Wheel alignment must be on the outer fringes of possible to correct this. There is not enough travel for the drivers seat. Another inch or two of driver leg room is badly needed. Overall, it is a very good package and I would buy again esp. if driver position is improved

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  Its practically perfect - 2009 Mazda Mazda5
  By ccg - March 14 - 5:10 am

  Even though the car had good reviews, I didnt want to drive it because, well, its a minivan. So glad I saw it in person. Its so much cuter than a big ol behemoth "mini" van. Its perfect. Im hauling kids to college in 2 short years and I wanted something small enough to park and maneuver, but with room for "stuff." I knew sliders were great for little kids, but it didnt occur to me until I took my mom to church how nice that access is for an elderly person, too. My in town mileage has been around 24.5 mpg. The "auto" climate control is taking some getting used to.

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  Great Vehicle! - 2006 Mazda Mazda5
  By Mazdaguy - March 11 - 8:53 am

  Great vehicle. You cant beat the ride, quality, reliability and performance for the money. After much searching, this is the perfect vehicle.