Overview & Reviews

The Mazda 5 mini minivan gets mildly freshened front and rear styling, and a revised center control panel for 2008. Electroluminescent gauges have been added, along with rear seat air vents and controls, additional passenger flip-down armrests and an auxiliary audio jack. A five-speed automatic replaces the old four-speed, and is now standard equipment on the Touring and Grand Touring trims. The five-speed manual remains standard on the base-trim Sport. The Grand Touring trim also gains additional features, while the optional navigation system benefits from a more user-friendly touchscreen design.

• Low price, ample features list, nimble handling, just-right space for small families.

• Performance suffers when loaded up with people and stuff, cramped third row, stability control not available.

User Reviews:

Showing 1 through 10 of 102.00

• 

  Transmission failed at 65,000 miles - 2008 Mazda Mazda5
  By melissad1 - October 12 - 8:18 pm

  I bought a used 2008 Mazda5 two years ago. It has been a fairly decent car, good interior space and gas mileage. Recently, the AT light came on. I took it to our local reliable mechanic. The car now needs a new transmission. I called and pleaded our case with the local Mazda dealership and with Mazda US. Neither of them will do anything to help us. They wont even offer discounted parts. It is ridiculous that the transmission would fail at 65,000 miles. It is even more ridiculous that Mazda doesnt stand behind their cars. I cannot recommend that anyone purchase this car or any Mazda for that matter.

• 

  A great vehicle - 2008 Mazda Mazda5
  By ajl - October 6 - 7:33 pm

  We looked at everything in this price class,new and used. CR-V, RAV 4, Subaru Forester, Kia Rondo,Suzuki Grand Vitara. Nothing offered the combination of fun and function like the Mazda. This is not meant as a replacement for the minivan from Honda, Toyota,etc. You must drive this "microvan" before passing judgment on it. If you appreciate sharp steering and handling over a softer ride, you will not be disappointed. Bottom line: If you need to haul a small family around or just some stuff AND have fun doing it, the Mazda 5 is for you! It was for us! For those complaining about snow traction. Get four snow tires. 205/50/17 all season tires were never meant for snow!

• 

  Safety Hazard - 2008 Mazda Mazda5
  By AndyM - September 13 - 3:53 am

  Less than 2 years old and the power steering failed with my wife and child in the car, rotors were replaced once as they were severely warped that affect stopping and are shuddering again, this is a piece of junk. Service costs are crazy and Mazda Customer Service is pointless - Ill never buy another Mazda. Im off to get a Ford or Chrysler

• 

  Loving the 5! - 2008 Mazda Mazda5
  By Johnny - August 3 - 2:40 pm

  Had to find a new car quickly and wanted good price, economy, and something that worked with two kids. Looked at numerous cars and the 5. Surprised that it was hard to find, but glad I did. Home town didnt have any and drove 60 miles to find the only Touring the dealer had. The white is really sharp! The 5 gets lots of stares and I think of it as a sport wagon rather than a mini van. I havent seen another on the road in the few days we have owned it, couldnt say that about the Taurus and Altima that I was considering. We made a GREAT purchase! The kids think its cool too! This will be my everyday car, my wife drives a Honda Ody.

• 

  ONLY 3 row US vehicle w/ manual tranny! - 2008 Mazda Mazda5
  By Dave - June 12 - 10:26 pm

  Perfect for a small family. If youre worried it wont do for the family vacation, dont fear! With the cash you save in purchase and fuel over a minivan you can rent a minivan if ever you need to!

• 

  I love my Mazda 5 - 2008 Mazda Mazda5
  By Heatherpoo - June 7 - 2:36 am

  I have been driving my Mazda 5 for about 3 months and couldnt be happier with it. I needed a larger car to accommodate my growing family (baby #2 is on the way). The Mazda 5 is perfect for my needs. Even though it is very compact on the inside, it is surprisingly roomy on the inside. It is easier to drive than a big, clunky mini-van. I can even fit it in most compact parking spaces. In addition it can seat 6, although I wouldnt recommend this car for a family of 4 unless youre not in need of much trunk space. The trunk is plenty roomy enough to fit my jogging stroller and groceries with the third row seats down, and the gas mileage is really good for a vehicle its size.

• 

  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

• 

  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.

• 

  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

• 

  Still love the little guy but - 2008 Mazda Mazda5
  By ajl - October 25 - 2:00 am

  An update to the previous review. Id still buy this vehicle again. But I will echo previous reviewers comments. Still the original Toyos, but I have 4 snow tires for the winter,which I highly recommend (Low profile all seasons are not good for snow). The original Toyos might have 9000 miles on them and are half worn out.We have a suspension noise in the back that keeps coming back. Dealer has been great,even though we didnt buy it there. No steering issues, but there is a recall. A great little vehicle, but it does have its flaws (all cars do, they are complex machines) There is no such thing as a perfect car.