Owner's Review: 2009 Chevrolet Traverse
Green
Trucks
Luxury
Family
Brand
Muscle
See more sites from  HighGear  M E D I A  >>
Compare this car to others like it Try our car compare tool now

2008 Mazda MAZDA5 Bottom Line

November 7, 2008

By Bengt Halvorson's avatar Bengt Halvorson, EditorBengt Halvorson

In assembling this review on the 2008 Mazda5, TheCarConnection.com's automotive experts read a number of critical reviews and included the most useful information from them. Then the editors at TheCarConnection.com brought their firsthand experience with the Mazda5 to this review to make it especially insightful.

Likes:

  • Seating for six in such a compact vehicle
  • Easy to maneuver and park
  • Handles like a small, nimble car on a curvy road
  • The only minivan to offer a manual transmission
  • One of the smallest vehicles with sliding doors

Dislikes:

  • Sorely lacking zoom-zoom with a full load
  • Skimpy front seats
  • Top of the range can get pricey

Buying Tips:


The newly improved 2008 Mazda5 is better in its baser forms. With a lot of options, it encroaches on full-size minivan prices.

The 2008 Mazda5 is a vehicle that's not closely rivaled in the U.S. market; it's a three-row, six-seat "sport minivan" that's slightly smaller than short-wheelbase versions of minivans, such as the Kia Sedona.

The 2008 Mazda5 shares its platform and powertrain with the Mazda3 sedan, and it promises especially good handling. That handling prowess is assured via MacPherson struts in the front and a multilink suspension in the rear, with 17-inch wheels and tires. Braking is provided by a surefooted four-wheel anti-lock disc system.

Nimble handling and excellent maneuverability distinguish the 2008 Mazda Mazda5 from other SUV and minivan possibilities on the road, but it's hindered by a 153-horsepower, 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine that is only somewhat peppy with the standard five-speed manual (a rarity among minivans). With the available five-speed automatic transmission, the engine is barely adequate with a light load and completely overwhelmed when carrying around half of your kid's soccer team.

The 2008 Mazda5 stands out among vehicles its size for its amazingly spacious interior, with seating for up to six people--although the rearmost two seats are kid's stuff only. "Theater-style" seating makes the most of those rear seats, although the front seats are skimpy in size for taller or larger people. A one-touch walk-in mechanism offers easy access to the third-row seats, and both the second- and third-row seats can fold down to create a virtually flat floor for transporting large objects. For more space in either the second or third row as needed, the second-row seats slide fore and aft. The Mazda5 rides well, too--smoothly but firmly and without much body motion.

Available in Sport or Touring trim levels, the 2008 Mazda5 includes a standard CD stereo, power windows and locks, and cruise control. Available equipment includes air conditioning, fog lamps, a CD changer, and a power moonroof. For 2008, the Mazda5 gets a touched-up exterior design, rear vents, an iPod input jack, and on some models, LED taillights. Grand Touring models also pick up standard alarm systems, a Bluetooth hands-free phone system, automatic headlights, heated sideview mirrors, and rain-sensing wipers.

Top options on the 2008 Mazda5 include a DVD-based navigation system, remote engine start, an overhead rear-seat DVD entertainment system, and Sirius Satellite Radio.

Four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes with electronic brake-force distribution are paired with stability control in the standard-features list, which also includes front side and side curtain airbags that cover all three rows of seating. The 2008 Mazda5 hasn't been crash-tested by either of the U.S. testing programs.

Other Choices:

If you like the 2008 Mazda Mazda5, also consider:

Reason Why:

With a base price of just under $18,000 for the base Sport, the Mazda5 is quite a deal for a sporty, economical people-mover, provided you watch the options; fully loaded, the Mazda5's top Grand Touring model can top $28,000. Kia has a lineup of vehicles that are especially friendly for urban dwellers who want a lot of people-hauling ability and yet need to fit into a compact-only parking space. The Sedona is one of the few remaining minivans sold in a maneuverable short-wheelbase version. But there's also the Rondo, a vehicle that looks a little odd but does everything right in terms of people-hauling and interior comfort. The Rondo has hinged rear doors, however, and only offers an automatic transmission. The Kia doesn't have the Mazda5's tight handling, though with either of the Rondo's four- or six-cylinder engines, it feels peppier and more refined than the Mazda5. Among other offerings, the RAV4 is one of the few compact SUVs to offer a usable third-row seat. The Scion xB might suit those who don't really need a third row of seating, as its stylish, boxy body affords a roomy interior, with perky performance and fuel economy that's as good as the Mazda5's.

The Bottom Line:

Provided you don't expect too much of a zoom-zoom feel, the 2008 Mazda Mazda5 is one of the few good choices for buyers looking for minivan spaciousness in a vehicle that's especially fuel-efficient and maneuverable.

In assembling this review on the 2008 Mazda5, TheCarConnection.com's automotive experts read a number of critical reviews and included the most useful information from them. Then the editors at TheCarConnection.com brought their firsthand experience with the Mazda5 to this review to make it especially insightful. Likes:Seating for six in such a compact vehicleEasy to maneuver and parkHandles like a small, nimble car on a curvy roadThe only minivan to offer a manual transmissionOne of the smallest vehicles with sliding doorsDislikes:Sorely lacking zoom-zoom with a full loadSkimpy front seatsTop of the range can get priceyBuying Tips: The newly improved 2008 Mazda5 is better in its baser forms. With a lot of options, it encroaches on full-size minivan prices. The 2008 Mazda5 is a vehicle that's not closely rivaled in the U.S. market; it's a three-row, six-seat "sport minivan" that's slightly smaller than short-wheelbase versions of minivans, such as the Kia Sedona. The 2008 Mazda5 shares its platform and powertrain with the Mazda3 sedan, and it promises especially good handling. That handling prowess is assured via MacPherson struts in the front and a multilink suspension in the rear, with 17-inch wheels and tires. Braking is provided by a surefooted four-wheel anti-lock disc system. Nimble handling and excellent maneuverability distinguish the 2008 Mazda Mazda5 from other SUV and minivan possibilities on the road, but it's hindered by a 153-horsepower, 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine that is only somewhat peppy with the standard five-speed manual (a rarity among minivans). With the available five-speed automatic transmission, the engine is barely adequate with a light load and completely overwhelmed when carrying around half of your kid's soccer team. The 2008 Mazda5 stands out among vehicles its size for its amazingly spacious interior, with seating for up to six people--although the rearmost two seats are kid's stuff only. "Theater-style" seating makes the most of those rear seats, although the front seats are skimpy in size for taller or larger people. A one-touch walk-in mechanism offers easy access to the third-row seats, and both the second- and third-row seats can fold down to create a virtually flat floor for transporting large objects. For more space in either the second or third row as needed, the second-row seats slide fore and aft. The Mazda5 rides well, too--smoothly but firmly and without much body motion. Available in Sport or Touring trim levels, the 2008 Mazda5 includes a standard CD stereo, power windows and locks, and cruise control. Available equipment includes air conditioning, fog lamps, a CD changer, and a power moonroof. For 2008, the Mazda5 gets a touched-up exterior design, rear vents, an iPod input jack, and on some models, LED taillights. Grand Touring models also pick up standard alarm systems, a Bluetooth hands-free phone system, automatic headlights, heated sideview mirrors, and rain-sensing wipers. Top options on the 2008 Mazda5 include a DVD-based navigation system, remote engine start, an overhead rear-seat DVD entertainment system, and Sirius Satellite Radio. Four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes with electronic brake-force distribution are paired with stability control in the standard-features list, which also includes front side and side curtain airbags that cover all three rows of seating. The 2008 Mazda5 hasn't been crash-tested by either of the U.S. testing programs. Other Choices:If you like the 2008 Mazda Mazda5, also consider:Kia RondoKia Sedona SWBScion xBToyota RAV4Reason Why:With a base price of just under $18,000 for the base Sport, the Mazda5 is quite a deal for a sporty, economical people-mover, provided you watch the options; fully loaded, the Mazda5's top Grand Touring model can top $28,000. Kia has a lineup of vehicles that are especially friendly for urban dwellers who want a lot of people-hauling ability and yet need to fit into a compact-only parking space. The Sedona is one of the few remaining minivans sold in a maneuverable short-wheelbase version. But there's also the Rondo, a vehicle that looks a little odd but does everything right in terms of people-hauling and interior comfort. The Rondo has hinged rear doors, however, and only offers an automatic transmission. The Kia doesn't have the Mazda5's tight handling, though with either of the Rondo's four- or six-cylinder engines, it feels peppier and more refined than the Mazda5. Among other offerings, the RAV4 is one of the few compact SUVs to offer a usable third-row seat. The Scion xB might suit those who don't really need a third row of seating, as its stylish, boxy body affords a roomy interior, with perky performance and fuel economy that's as good as the Mazda5's. The Bottom Line:Provided you don't expect too much of a zoom-zoom feel, the 2008 Mazda Mazda5 is one of the few good choices for buyers looking for minivan spaciousness in a vehicle that's especially fuel-efficient and maneuverable. In assembling this review on the 2008 Mazda5, TheCarConnection.com's automotive experts read a number of critical reviews and included the most useful information from them. Then the editors at TheCarConnection.com brought their firsthand experience with the Mazda5 to this review to make it ...

Other Choices:

With a base price of just under $18,000 for the base Sport, the Mazda5 is quite a deal for a sporty, economical people-mover, provided you watch the options; fully loaded, the Mazda5's top Grand Touring model can top $28,000. Kia has a lineup of vehicles that are especially friendly for urban dwellers who want a lot of people-hauling ability and yet need to fit into a compact-only parking space. The Sedona is one of the few remaining minivans sold in a maneuverable short-wheelbase version. But there's also the Rondo, a vehicle that looks a little odd but does everything right in terms of people-hauling and interior comfort. The Rondo has hinged rear doors, however, and only offers an automatic transmission. The Kia doesn't have the Mazda5's tight handling, though with either of the Rondo's four- or six-cylinder engines, it feels peppier and more refined than the Mazda5. Among other offerings, the RAV4 is one of the few compact SUVs to offer a usable third-row seat. The Scion xB might suit those who don't really need a third row of seating, as its stylish, boxy body affords a roomy interior, with perky performance and fuel economy that's as good as the Mazda5's.

Next Steps:

Check Insurance Rates

for the 2008 Mazda MAZDA5

Check Financing Rates

for the 2008 Mazda MAZDA5

Check Local Classifieds

for a 2008 Mazda MAZDA5 near you

See the Mazda MAZDA5 in Other Years:

2010 | 2009 | 2008 | 2007 | 2006

Comments (1 total)

  1. By Steve #1, Posted: 7/7/2008

    Mazda5 Owner

    We're actually on our second Mazda5. We had a 2006 Touring with a manual transmission that we really loved. The car held its value really well and we actually decided to sell our car, pocket some cash, and lease a new '08 Grand Touring using some of Mazda's recent incentives. We lowered our payments by about $150/month and got some great new features. Primarily, the Grand Touring model includes standard Bluetooth integration which is very nice given California's new law requiring hands-free cell phone use.
    Anyway, I consider myself a real car nut having owned cars like the Miata, Porsche 911, E320 Cabriolet. The predecessor to the Mazda5 as our family car was a BMW 5-series wagon, also with a manual transmission. In other words, I like fast cars and consider performance an important part of my car purchasing decision and I don't find the Mazda5's engine performance lacking at all. The manual transmission was great but the new (for '08) 5-speed auto doesn't give up any noticeable performance. The power is more than adequate for four passengers and luggage and the fuel economy for us averages about 25 mpg in mixed driving... not Earth shattering economy, but pretty good.
    Other thoughts: road noise is a bit high at freeway speeds but the engine is very smooth and quiet around town. Less agressive tires might help with the noise issue but at a bit of cost to handling.
    The car is much easier to drive and park than "full size" minivans and loading the kids into the back (middle)row is super easy with the sliding doors.
    I really like the car and know at least two others who have bought them after riding in ours. They simply had never heard of the car before but found it to be the perfect solution for a small family after experiencing it.
    If you have only one or two kids and will use it primarily as a four seater with occasional use of the third row, you owe it to yourself to check out this car.

Post a comment

Post anonymously, or
(Required)
(Required - will not be published, sold or shared)
(Optional - your 'posted by' name will link to the URL)

Remember Me?

I have read TheCarConnection.com's privacy policy