Strengths

Sporty; compact with seating for six; economical both at the dealership and at the pump; small footprint for effortless parking and maneuverability

 

Changes

The MAZDA5 is largely unchanged for 2010, and dynamic stability control is now standard across the lineup.

 

Value

With the MAZDA5, Mazda embraces the "mini" element of minivan but doesn't neglect the need for seating capacity and versatility. Its economical starting price, compact frame and nimble handling make the MAZDA5 the perfect option for urban families with a tight budget and even tighter parking spaces. For "Zoom Zoom" fans, the MAZDA5 offers the only 5-speed manual transmission in its segment. Fuel economy is another feature where the MAZDA5 leads its class, with an EPA estimate of 28 mpg on the highway.

 

Overview

Taking the compact agility of its Mazda3 sibling and adding the convenience of fold-away third row seating and dual sliding rear doors, the MAZDA5 truly becomes a multi-tasking giant. The second row seats recline and come equipped with under-seat storage and a fold-out table that offers storage as well as dual cup holders. With just one touch the second row seats slide over and seatbacks tilt forward to allow for easy entry to the third row theater-style seats. Or, simply fold down the third row seat to haul everything for the weekend camping trip. Even the tailgate is flexible, featuring two stop positions that allow the door to open fully and to keep the hatch level safe for low garage doors.

The MAZDA5 comes in three trim levels-Sport, Touring and Grand Touring-and a 153-horsepower, 2.3L 4-cylinder engine is standard in all of them. A 5-speed manual is standard in the Sport, while a 5-speed automatic is optional in that model and standard in the Touring and Grand Touring.

Mazda gave the people carrier a fully independent suspension, and as a result, ride and handling are surprisingly sporty. Variable-ratio rack-and-pinion steering is standard, as are 4-wheel anti-lock disc brakes with electronic brakeforce distribution (EBD) and emergency brake assist (EBA), two innovations that help assure peak braking in emergency conditions.

Additional safety comes from the standard line-up of airbags and tire pressure monitoring, though it lacks traction and stability control. Still, the Mazda5 achieved a 5-Star Safety rating from the NHTSA.

Across the board, the MAZDA5 comes well equipped. With its comparably low starting price, the Sport edition is outfitted with automatic climate control and second-row fan speed controls, 17-inch alloy wheels, a 6-speaker CD sound system, power windows, door locks, and remote keyless entry. The Touring edition adds a power moonroof, fog lamps, LED taillights, a rear spoiler, side-sill extensions, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and an in-dash 6-disc CD changer. At the top of the range, the luxurious Grand Touring edition gets leather upholstery, heated front seats, an alarm system, a Bluetooth hands-free calling interface, heated door mirrors, rain-sensing wipers and manual-leveling HID headlamps. A voice-command DVD-based navigation system is optional.