2007 Mazda5
Functionality on a Budget
Test drove: 10/9/2006 to 10/16/2006
When flipping though the pages of a parenting magazine whose subscription I've been meaning to cancel (my kids are 4 and 6, and I no longer need or want to read about great new birthing techniques every month), I became intrigued by ads for the Mazda5. What is it? A miniaturized minivan? A big sport wagon with sliding doors and room for six? My curiosity was matched by hordes of emails from other young mothers wanting to know about it as well.
I was a bit skeptical at first. Although I appreciate the ingenuity of a company that thinks outside the box wide enough to create a car that none can define, I have to admit I don't really like the way this car looks. The only thing dorkier than a minivan is a mini minivan. To me, the sloping nose and wedge shape of the vehicle is, well, lame.
However, after driving the Mazda5 Touring for a week, my opinion has taken a complete 180 and I'm now forced to bite my tongue and apologize profusely for my previous (and, I'll admit, slightly rude) comments regarding the car's aesthetics. Functionality always wins, and the Mazda5 is a fantastic specimen of functionality on a budget.
It all starts with the sliding doors. If you haven't experienced sliding minivan-esque doors, you should. The ones on the Mazda5 manually open to expose a 27.5-inch-wide by 42.6-inch-tall opening for easy access to both the second and third rows. They're easy for children to operate on their own (if you want them to), and they're more efficient in tight parking spaces because they take up much less space than traditional hinged doors (which inevitably trap passengers on one side or the other when trying to enter the vehicle). The one downside to the Mazda5's sliding doors is that the mechanics of the sliding hinge on the bottom of the door are exposed, and during my test drive they tended to trap my daughter's pant leg in the hinge when she was trying to enter the car, causing her leg to get stuck and pinched in the door. No harm done, but it's a point to be mentioned.
The seating configuration in the Mazda5 is two in the first row, two in the second row (both with Latch anchors and tethers) and two more in the third row. The seats in the second row sport under-seat storage bins. The space between the second-row captain's chairs can be left open as an alley to the third row, or more aptly utilized with a fold-up cargo net (ropes course for action figures), cupholders (deadly crocodile-laden pools for said action figures) and/or a pop-on tray (picnic table for dinner on the go). The seats slide forward and backward to create additional legroom when needed, plus they tip forward for access to the third row, recline and fold flat in one step. The third row splits 50/50 and can be folded in one step to create an infinite number of seating and cargo-storage configurations. Bravo, bravo!
Driving the Mazda5 is equally a pleasure. Expecting a floaty ride like I experience in most minivans, I'm pleasantly surprised by the Mazda5's nimble agility. With none of the tilt and sway that goes along with cornering in a taller vehicle, the Mazda5 drives more like a sport wagon. With a turning radius of just 34.8 feet, this vehicle can handle tight U-turns quickly, before anyone can catch me turning where I'm not supposed to — theoretically speaking, of course.
Also sporting plenty of standard safety features — such as front, side and curtain airbags for all three rows, "crushable" brake and accelerator pedals, and convenience features such as remote keyless entry and steering-wheel-mounted audio controls, all for dirt cheap — the Mazda5 is the perfect example of functionality on a budget. The Mazda5 Sport model starts at $17,695, the Touring version costs $19,150 and the Grand Touring is $21,300. Maybe now you can afford to have that third baby and still afford to marry them all off in the end (there is a light at the end of the tunnel, isn't there?).
*For more information on the Mazda5 and its safety features, visit www.cars.com. For questions or comments regarding this review, write to MotherProof@msn.com.
LET'S TALK NUMBERS
LATCH Connectors: 2
Seating Capacity (includes driver): 5
IT'S THE LITTLE THINGS THAT COUNT
Storage Compartments (Puny, Fair, Ample, Galore): Fair — Ample
Cargo/Trunk Space (Puny, Fair, Ample, Galore): Fair — Ample
SENSE AND STYLE
Family Friendly (Not Really, Fair, Great, Excellent): Fair — Great
Fun-Factor (None, Some, Good Times, Groove-On): Good Times
| Specs | |
|---|---|
| Base price: | $20,050 |
| Price as tested: | $21,040 |
| Engine: | 2.3 Liter, 4 Cylinder, 153 hp |
| Fuel: | 21/26 mpg |
| Length: | 181.5" |
| Width: | 69.1" |
| Step-in height: | 5.5" ground clearance |
| Cargo space: | 44.4 cu ft |
| NHTSA Crash-Test Ratings | |
|---|---|
| Frontal Impact | |
| Driver's side: | Not Tested |
| Passenger's side: | Not Tested |
| Side Impact | |
| Front occupant: | Not Tested |
| Rear occupant: | Not Tested |
| Rollover resistance: | Not Rated |
Comments
I own the Mazda5 & love it. There are LATCH connectors in the middle row AND the back row. The LATCH connectors in the middle row are not very obvious -- they are at the bottom of the rear of the seat back but they are there. Also, it's odd that the review says there aren't many storage compartments. There are actually dozens, including a huge glovebox. Every other review of this car mentions the humongous amount of storage. Final note: for some weird reason, Mazda lists this car as having 44 cubic feet of cargo space. That's behind the second row. When both rear rows are down the car has over 70 cubic feet of cargo space.
You may be considering the Rondo, but it's not designed primarily for 3 rows and doesn't have 3rd row curtain airbags like the Mazda5.
The 3rd row of the M5 is fine for kids or adults under 5' 4" and not too broad in the beam.
Posted by: Home Exchanger | Oct 8, 2007 9:51:54 PM
There are actually dozens, including a huge glovebox.
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Posted by: kris | Dec 8, 2007 5:50:15 PM
hat's behind the second row. When both rear rows are down the car has over 70 cubic feet of cargo space.
You may be considering the Rondo, but it's not designed primarily for 3 rows and doesn't have 3rd row curtain airbags like the Mazda5.
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Posted by: orby | Dec 8, 2007 5:52:04 PM
I have a o6 Mazda5. It's great on gas mileage and great around town. It does fit 6 people, but that's if the 6 people don't need to bring any belongings with them.
I want to trade in my mini minivan and get a full sized mini van!
Posted by: Holly | Mar 2, 2008 9:20:49 PM
I like the Mazda 5, but if you have 3 kids and travel, then it's completely useless. Unlike the Rondo, 3 kids requires you to use the 3rd row since the second row only seats 2. With the third row up, your storage space is a slight 9-10 cubic feet...or "puny". It's barely big enough to hold an umbrella stroller, let alone bags for your trip.
Posted by: GO | Apr 28, 2008 11:00:45 AM
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I bought the Mazda 5 and I have to say that after over a year of owning it, I am completely impressed with everything I have had to put this car through. The land-navigation feature saved our marriage and really cut costs in helping us get to destinations quicker. A must have but if you get the car just buy the basic package and upgrade with what's on the market as far as L-N and sound systems etc...
Posted by: anabelle walker | Sep 3, 2007 4:55:54 PM