2007 Mazda MAZDA5 [ 2008 ]
Mazda MAZDA5
Overall Score - 8.4 (Very Good)
The Mazda5 offers the seating and cargo versatility of a minivan with a wagon's size and pricing. However, it does not have the peppy engine performance associated with Mazda cars, and might not be suited for those who need to carry both a lot of people and cargo. If you're interested in a minivan, you should consider the Toyota Sienna's reputation for quality and value. If you're in the market for a wagon, you should consider Chrysler PT Cruiser's retro-style.
The 2007 Mazda5 is an attempt to create a car with the cargo space and practicality of a minivan, while keeping the size of a wagon. Generally reviewers receive this experiment favorably. "What are they putting in the guava juice at Mazda's design headquarters?" U.S. News reviewer Rick Newman wonders. "Whatever it is I want some. In a market filled with nichebusters and me-too copycats, the No. 4 Japanese automaker keeps finding ways to turn out clever, affordable funmobiles that are a bit more creative than the competition." Edmunds praises the Mazda5 for having "all the amenities of a minivan without the bulk. It fits neatly into compact parking spots without coveting thy neighbor's space."
MSN also highlights the Mazda5's appeal, while touching on its shortcomings. "Good things can come in smaller packages, as evidenced by the Mazda5. This compactly sized vehicle has six seats, versatile cargo space, nifty features -- all in a body that's smaller than a typical minivan's. The Mazda5 could use a bit more power, though." Kelley Blue Book also sees both sides. "Offering sliding side doors and three-row seating, the Mazda5 can certainly swallow its share of people and cargo, and its willing suspension is delightful. If the Mazda5 has a weak point it's that the standard 2.3-liter engine lacks enough muscle to give this family-friendly vehicle the 'Zoom-Zoom' attitude."
Despite a so-so engine, reviewers generally agree the Mazda5 is a great bargain. "If you're peddling a shrunken van in the land of the large, you'd better at least be offering a big bargain. That's something we Americans can appreciate," Automobile Magazine notes. The Los Angeles Times says the 5 fits that description -- it's "a lot of minivan -- or space wagon, or multi-activity vehicle, or snow blower -- for the money." IntelliChoice gives the 2007 Mazda5 a rating of "better than average" for its predicted five-year total cost of ownership compared to others in its class.
The 5 is available in three trims, the Sport, Touring and Grand Touring, all of which have the same four-cylinder engine. It's part of Ford's C1 platform, along with the Mazda3.
MAZDA5 Performance - 7.4 (Good)
Reviewers' No. 1 issue with driving the 5 is that it's missing Mazda's typical "zoom zoom." Newsday jokes "you'll probably see pigs fly before you ever encounter a Mazda that isn't enjoyable to drive. The new 5 skirts the edge though." However, the Mazda5's handling is noted as a plus. continue
MAZDA5 Exterior - 7.3 (Good)
There is no consensus on the Mazda5's appearance. The Los Angeles Times and Road & Travel Magazine respectively think the wagon is "a pretty decent-looking vehicle" with a wedge shape that "sports a no-apologies look of fun." But the Chicago Tribune thinks the 5 looks "a tad weird" and U.S. News' Rick Newman calls it "tall and ungainly." continue
MAZDA5 Interior - 7.7 (Good)
The Mazda5's interior is all practicality, from the seats, to the space and the design. MSN comments "the overall look isn't luxurious, by any means. But it's pleasant and functional." continue
MAZDA5 Safety - NA
The Mazda5 has had neither government nor insurance industry tests administered to determine its crash protection. continue
MAZDA5 Reliability - 7.0 (Good)
The 2007 Mazda MAZDA5 reliability score shown is the Predicted Reliability rating provided by J.D. Power and Associates. This score is based on trending the past three years of historical initial quality and dependability data from J.D. Power's automotive studies, specifically the Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS) and the Initial Quality Study (IQS). Mazda offers a basic warranty for three years or 36,000 miles. continue
