Mazda5 is Too Cool to Be a Minivan

2009 Mazda5 Grand Touring

model as tested $25,395

Test Drove 10/29/08 – 11/5/08
reviewed by Sherrice Gilsbach

The Mazda5’s handling was sporty - even refined, with a fabulous turning radius (so we did a few doughnuts in the backyard, shhh!), and the 153-horsepower engine gave it just enough pep to make things exciting. The Mazda5 makes good use of its carlike qualities by hugging the road better than a minivan - no topsy-turvy feel around the corners here. Though I did notice there was a lot of engine noise when the car was idling.

The exterior was fun-looking, and it begged to be granted access into the spunky hatchback category, which proves that a minivan doesn’t have to be a boring blob-orb. The roomy and flexible interior was comfortable and noticeably well-appointed, especially when its price was taken into consideration. The leather upholstery, xenon headlights and rain-sensing windshield wipers (all standard only on the Grand Touring model) were just the right appointments to keep me feeling flattered. I found myself thinking, “Oh, how thoughtful,” regularly in this ride. Stumbling upon the Mazda5 might be like finding a half-off sale on a dozen long-stemmed roses - you can’t really pass that up, can you?

IT’S THE LITTLE THINGS THAT COUNT

Storage Compartments (Puny, Fair, Ample, Galore): Galore

Cargo/Trunk Space (Puny, Fair, Ample, Galore):   Ample

SENSE AND STYLE

Family Friendly (Not Really, Fair, Great, Excellent): Excellent

Fun-Factor (None, Some, Good Times, Groove-On): Good Times

FAMILY LIFE STAGE

Diapers: Their child-safety seats will fit in the Mazda5, and as an added bonus, you’ll still have room for your older kids, as well.

School: School-age kids will love the Mazda5’s flexibility. They’ll feel independent and mature with the second row’s individual bucket seats that recline and have their own armrests.

Teens: OK, so the older ones will see through the whole it’s-not-a-minivan thing. But maybe they’ll think it looks cool, and at the very least, it’ll fit all of their gear.

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