2007 Mazda MAZDA5 Exterior Review [ 2009 , 2008 ]
Mazda MAZDA5 Exterior Review
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."
An overwhelming majority regard the Mazda5's sliding rear doors as its most distinctive trait. The Chicago Sun-Times suggests this design element gives the 5 a versatile edge over competitors like Toyota Matrix and Pontiac Vibe. MSN's reviewer thinks "more carmakers should install manually sliding doors on their smaller vehicles...in snug parking spots, I didn't have to worry about the Mazda5's open doors blocking my way or striking vehicles parked too close to me." Some reviewers are disappointed the sliding doors are not automatic, but the Detroit News enjoys them anyway. "The manual doors were easy to shut -- in fact, you could almost do it with one finger."
Exterior Trims
Touring trims
The Mazda5's Touring and Grand Touring trim adds a sill extension to the base design, as well as a roof spoiler, fog lights and a blacked-out grille. The resulting effect makes the 5 look "rather like a Mercedes R-Class as designed by Japanese wood nymphs," says the Los Angeles Times, which also compliments the Touring trims as "bedecked in sassy street couture."
