In assembling this review on the 2008 Mazda5, TheCarConnection.com's automotive experts read a number of critical reviews and included the most useful information from them. Then the editors at TheCarConnection.com brought their firsthand experience with the Mazda5 to this review to make it especially insightful.
Likes:
- Seating for six in such a compact vehicle
- Easy to maneuver and park
- Handles like a small, nimble car on a curvy road
- The only minivan to offer a manual transmission
- One of the smallest vehicles with sliding doors
Dislikes:
- Sorely lacking zoom-zoom with a full load
- Skimpy front seats
- Top of the range can get pricey
The 2008 Mazda5 is a vehicle that's not closely rivaled in the U.S. market; it's a three-row, six-seat "sport minivan" that's slightly smaller than short-wheelbase versions of minivans, such as the Kia Sedona.
The 2008 Mazda5 shares its platform and powertrain with the Mazda3 sedan, and it promises especially good handling. That handling prowess is assured via MacPherson struts in the front and a multilink suspension in the rear, with 17-inch wheels and tires. Braking is provided by a surefooted four-wheel anti-lock disc system.
Nimble handling and excellent maneuverability distinguish the 2008 Mazda Mazda5 from other SUV and minivan possibilities on the road, but it's hindered by a 153-horsepower, 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine that is only somewhat peppy with the standard five-speed manual (a rarity among minivans). With the available five-speed automatic transmission, the engine is barely adequate with a light load and completely overwhelmed when carrying around half of your kid's soccer team.
The 2008 Mazda5 stands out among vehicles its size for its amazingly spacious interior, with seating for up to six people--although the rearmost two seats are kid's stuff only. "Theater-style" seating makes the most of those rear seats, although the front seats are skimpy in size for taller or larger people. A one-touch walk-in mechanism offers easy access to the third-row seats, and both the second- and third-row seats can fold down to create a virtually flat floor for transporting large objects. For more space in either the second or third row as needed, the second-row seats slide fore and aft. The Mazda5 rides well, too--smoothly but firmly and without much body motion.
Available in Sport or Touring trim levels, the 2008 Mazda5 includes a standard CD stereo, power windows and locks, and cruise control. Available equipment includes air conditioning, fog lamps, a CD changer, and a power moonroof. For 2008, the Mazda5 gets a touched-up exterior design, rear vents, an iPod input jack, and on some models, LED taillights. Grand Touring models also pick up standard alarm systems, a Bluetooth hands-free phone system, automatic headlights, heated sideview mirrors, and rain-sensing wipers.
Top options on the 2008 Mazda5 include a DVD-based navigation system, remote engine start, an overhead rear-seat DVD entertainment system, and Sirius Satellite Radio.
Four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes with electronic brake-force distribution are paired with stability control in the standard-features list, which also includes front side and side curtain airbags that cover all three rows of seating. The 2008 Mazda5 hasn't been crash-tested by either of the U.S. testing programs.
The Bottom Line:
Provided you don't expect too much of a zoom-zoom feel, the 2008 Mazda Mazda5 is one of the few good choices for buyers looking for minivan spaciousness in a vehicle that's especially fuel-efficient and maneuverable.
Other Choices:
If you like the 2008 Mazda Mazda5, also consider:
- Kia Rondo
- Kia Sedona SWB
- Scion xB
- Toyota RAV4
Reason why
With a base price of just under $18,000 for the base Sport, the Mazda5 is quite a deal for a sporty, economical people-mover, provided you watch the options; fully loaded, the Mazda5's top Grand Touring model can top $28,000. Kia has a lineup of vehicles that are especially friendly for urban dwellers who want a lot of people-hauling ability and yet need to fit into a compact-only parking space. The Sedona is one of the few remaining minivans sold in a maneuverable short-wheelbase version. But there's also the Rondo, a vehicle that looks a little odd but does everything right in terms of people-hauling and interior comfort. The Rondo has hinged rear doors, however, and only offers an automatic transmission. The Kia doesn't have the Mazda5's tight handling, though with either of the Rondo's four- or six-cylinder engines, it feels peppier and more refined than the Mazda5. Among other offerings, the RAV4 is one of the few compact SUVs to offer a usable third-row seat. The Scion xB might suit those who don't really need a third row of seating, as its stylish, boxy body affords a roomy interior, with perky performance and fuel economy that's as good as the Mazda5's.
Buying Tip:
The newly improved 2008 Mazda5 is better in its baser forms. With a lot of options, it encroaches on full-size minivan prices.
Read Full Review at TheCarConnection.com
Review was originally published at TheCarConnection.com
© 2009 TheCarConnection.com