AAA Car Review
One for the Road -
By John Paul, AAA Car Doctor
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The Car: Over the years, minivans have grown in size. Though they’re not the fad they once were, they’re practical for families or people who carry bulky items. One minivan that bucks the trend the Mazda5. It’s built on a larger version of the Mazda3, platform-seating six people in three rows of seats. The Mazda5 comes in sport, touring and grand touring versions. The sport is available in manual transmission. We tested the mid-level touring edition.
The Road Test: The Mazda5 had a sporty feel, with surprisingly precise steering and decent grip. It will never be considered a sports car, but overall handling shows influence from other sporty Mazdas.
The ride was firm but not harsh. Driving over pavement breaks and potholes, the Mazda5 thumped a bit but never lost its composure. On the highway, where most minivans suffer in strong winds and buffeting from tractor-trailers, it remained quite stable. The 153-horsepower four-cylinder engine is no powerhouse but should be adequate for most families. Drivers wanting a sportier feel may consider the stick-shift version. The brakes work well, though I’d like to see stability control offered. Manual transmission will improve fuel economy by 1 mile per gallon. During my test, I averaged 25 mpg.
The cabin is generally quiet, with some highway road noise and engine noise, but only at full throttle. The front seats, with higher-than-sedan seating position, give a clear view of the road. Front-seating comfort is OK, but drivers with long legs will be looking for more thigh support. The major controls are simple to use. Mazda added plenty of cup-holders and storage bins. The tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel should help shorter drivers find a comfortable position. The gear shifter is mounted in the dash, which works fine but looks unconventional. The second-row seats are adjustable and fairly r oomy but the cushions are firm. The cramped third-row seating is best suited to kids. The sliding rear doors allow easy entry for passengers and make car-seat installation easier.
Cargo area with the seats upright is limited to small parcels. Mazda designed both rows of seats to fold nearly flat to offer about the same cargo capacity as a mid-sized SUV in a much tidier package.
The Bottom Line: The Mazda5 is one of the company’s best kept secrets. It offers plenty of room and versatility in a small package with decent fuel economy and a full complement of standard equipment — all with a reasonable price tag.
This is a great vehicle for young families and empty nesters alike.
If Mazda could add a little more horsepower, the 5 might just be perfect.
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