This is bad review. Just by its accomodations Mazda5 is NOT great choice for families.
It has only 4 seats on which adult can actually sit, and with all seats in use there is practically no trunk space.
The only positive about interior here is flexible cargo area.

I disagree with Tony.  The Mazda5 is exactly what a lot of families need - the flexibility of having a small, easy to park, fuel efficient car with the capacity to carry extra folks when the need arises.

For my sister, it’s plenty room enough for a child seat and a booster seat and mom and dad, and room for two more when needed, all without being a gas guzzler.

And actually, it’s a blast to drive compared to minivans and most SUVs; very carlike!

I agree with Six.  The tight turning radius of the 5 makes it incredibly easy to maneuver.  For families wanting minivan-like flexibility without the size and bulk of a traditional van, the Mazda 5 is a great option at a great price.

Last week, I went with my family of 4 to IKEA. Oh, we decided to buy some furniture (in boxes). Good that I have a regular minivan. My family and furniture went together back home, both comfortably :o)
Now, lets see how Mazda5 will pull this trick. It might have doors of the minivan but nothing else. Not a serious family car.

Motherproof will be doing a complete review of the new Mazda5 next month. We’ll put it to the test and get back to you with all the juicy details. Happy Trails!

more detail would have been nice....like seeing how much room was in the back (seats up and down). i look forward to the full review.

The Mazda5 is actually quite useful for a family of 4.  In this case you are trading off size for better fuel economy and better handling.  Here are some useful pictures of the interior.

http://www.velocityjournal.com/journal/2007/mazda/15338/pictures.html

I was just wondering what kind of kid room there is in the 3rd row. Can you put a car seat or a booster seat in the 3rd row?

Just bought a 2008 Mazda5.  I have three kids, the youngest is 8.  Still needs to be in a booster seat where I live until age 10.  Forget putting a carseat on the 2nd row seats, if you plan on accessing the in-seat storage.  Ever tried moving a heavy car seat that is tethered?  Could put a carseat in the rear, however, contortions required to lift a preschool aged child in there, and buckle in safely.  Plus, with small children, you probably prefer them within arms reach.  Perfect size for my family - the 8 year old doesnt complain about footroom - and can buckle in his own booster.  The the girls ages 10 & 12 are still separated - which cuts down on the fighting!  And yes, it still does have the zoom zoom factor!  Did purchase the optional roof racks (which are removable) and the extra long locking cargo box.  Love this mini - minivan crossover.

Tony’s right - it’s not a serious faily car.  It’s a FUN family car.
We’ve taken our two kids and one octegenarian grandparent, with luggage in the box on the roof, on a 4 day road trip, with no complaints.  And got 30 mpg.  And had fun driving (it’s a 5-speed - another plus!).
Get serious - can you fit your family AND a couch in an Odyssey?  If you want to move furniture, buy a truck.