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:
Showing 61 through 70 of 525.00-
150,000 KMs later... - 2007 Mazda Mazda5
By shawn303 - March 10 - 11:05 pmBought the car new in December 2006 and have put 150K on it. Good - reliable engine and tranny. - OK if you have 2 children - good on fuel - pulled an 8 foot tent trailer with it all the way to the east coast - no leaks Bad - front suspension components give up very fast - wheel bearings give up really fast - tires do not last long at all - low clearance so if theres snow or raod kill, youll hit it and cause damage - exhaust system is rotted out and needs replacing - rust under wheel wells - stiff ride - no arm rest for co-pilot in front seat?
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Mini Van?? - 2006 Mazda Mazda5
By Collin - March 4 - 2:13 pmWe have found the car to be the perfect car for us. Other than the tires wearing out @30,000 miles, premature death of the battery and 1 bad rear door lock actuator it has been reliable. I have loaded it full to go camping and mountain biking several times; it will lots of stuff, however the 4 cyl does struggle in the mountains when loaded. MPG is great wife gets 24 around town. Doesnt drive like a mini van! Fun to drive.
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mazda 5 - 2010 Mazda Mazda5
By asneden - February 26 - 2:00 pmwe bought this mazda 5 from don elliot dealership in wharton,texas . We had a yery good experience! I love this mazda especially the sliding doors they help with my son. If I get another vechile again it will be a mazda 5
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low profile tires - 2007 Mazda Mazda5
By Catherine Hoff - February 7 - 8:16 amI found that the Mazda 5 has its advantages as well as disadvantages. The interior and seats are very comfortable. We went from a mini van and I do miss the leg room on the drives side that the mazda 5 lacks. My husband finds the gas peddle small and close to the brake.
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09 Mazda 5 - 2009 Mazda Mazda5
By MazdaFan09 - January 17 - 11:13 pmI purchased my Mazda5 Grand Touring about a month ago. I love this car. This is my 4th Mazda and by far my favorite. Build quality is great, transmission is smooth as well as the ride. I was looking for an alternative to an SUV with good MPG and easy to drive. I probably will never use the third row, but the cargo room is great. It has all the features of my Mazda3 with more space and better ride. This is not a minivan, more like a sport wagon with sliding doors. I agree if it were fully loaded it may be a little underpowered. For the two of us around town or roadtrip its perfect and now theres room for the dogs. Theres not an SUV as well as equipped as this for the price.
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my Mazda5 - 2006 Mazda Mazda5
By jessica - January 17 - 9:00 pmJust what I expected it to be. Great handling, great look, exact amount of room for my family, fun to drive and a great gas mileage and great price for my budget.
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Great car - 2006 Mazda Mazda5
By Rick - January 12 - 7:50 pmWe searched high and low for a car for a family of 4, with good gas mileage, around $20k, sporty, lots of room and/or a 3rd row using regular unleaded. Sorry, it just didnt happen. The 5 comes with Navigation for $20k automatic and gets 25 mpg or so! I came from a Jetta so materials and final touches arent as top notch on the 5, but Id place it right behind Toyota and above Nissan. Its a GREAT value car. Lots of storage, but lacks some practical storage. Not a lot of options for the US, but overall its so fun to drive. We get looks all the time. Unfortunately, the model is new so I estimate a few features were left off for cost reasons and to see if it had a market.
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Wow! Im in the cutest car on the road! - 2009 Mazda Mazda5
By Joni - January 11 - 11:36 pmI have only owned my "5" for a few weeks but I am in love with this cute thing!! I have always enjoyed driving but now I want to drive all day long. I have only seen 2 others on the road... what is everyone waiting for? It is so easy to get in and out of and I love all the features especially the dash and all the bright, easy-to-read displays. The 6-CD changer is a bonus that I am really enjoying, no more boring radio! I find myself looking around to see if people are watching my car! I drove the Mitsubishi Lancer, the Nissan Versa, the Chevy HHR and just stumbled across the "5"... best fall I ever took! Gotta go drive... bye!
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Most convenient thing I ever heard of - 2006 Mazda Mazda5
By Mark - December 29 - 2:26 amMine is a Sport with a five speed, phantom blue mica, with added on cassette player. I couldnt want any other vehicle.
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wife loves this car - 2010 Mazda Mazda5
By russell over65 - December 28 - 3:36 amThis is our 2nd mazda5 had a 2008gt traded for a 2010gt we both drive this car it is realy fun to drive. Great to park steering is unbelievable. Gas mileage is also very good. I highly recommend this vehicle to any age group. My wife is 65 and I am 69 great to haul grand kids around. Sliding side doors are great for parking lots.
