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2008 Mazda MAZDA5 Features Review

July 14, 2008

FEATURES | 7 out of 10

Expert Quotes:

the optional navigation system benefits from a more user-friendly touchscreen design
Edmunds

A sunroof is available for Sport and is standard on the other models
ConsumerGuide

Air-vent controls for rear passengers are greatly appreciated
Car and Driver

For fans of Mazda, 2008’s Mazda5 offers many popular features that should satisfy most families.

There are three trim levels for the 2008 Mazda Mazda5: Sport, Touring, and Grand Touring (GT).

The base 2008 Mazda5 Sport is equipped with the five-speed manual transmission, 17-inch alloy wheels, automatic climate control, rear-seat air conditioning with separate controls, full power accessories, a tilt and telescoping steering wheel with audio controls, cruise control, a trip computer, and a six-speaker sound system with CD and an auxiliary audio jack, reports Edmunds.

The 2008 Mazda Mazda5 Touring trim adds the five-speed automatic, fog lights, a rear spoiler, moonroof, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, and an in-dash six-CD changer. The Grand Touring trim of the Mazda 2008 piles on automatic xenon headlights, rain-sensing wipers, leather upholstery, heated front seats, and Bluetooth, according to Edmunds, who add that "all Mazda 5s are pre-wired for [Sirius] satellite radio." Remote illuminated keyless entry is standard on all 2008 Mazda 5 trims, too, according to Mother Proof.

A DVD entertainment system, a HomeLink universal garage/gate opener, and a cargo cover are available on all trims. Options on the 2008 Mazda5 Sport trim include the moonroof and a rear spoiler but only with the five-speed auto transmission; it's odd that the sporty rear spoiler cannot be had with the sportscar-like manual transmission. Remote start is optional on the Touring and Grand Touring trims, but the DVD-navigation system with touchscreen is optional only on the Grand Touring trim, according to various reviews read by TheCarConnection.com. Mother Proof notes, "Leather is only available on the [top-of-the-line] Grand Touring trim."

To keep weight and cost down in this Mazda, 2008 Mazda5s do not have a power driver seat. They do, however, feature a pump lever to adjust seat height. On all trims, "a console emerges from under the second-row passenger seat and contains cupholders for both middle-row passengers and an ingenious net catch-all for odds and ends," describes Kelley Blue Book.

Conclusion

The 2008 Mazda Mazda5 has a good features list, but if you want one with a manual transmission, leather, and a navigation system, you’re out of luck.

FEATURES | 7 out of 10Expert Quotes:the optional navigation system benefits from a more user-friendly touchscreen designEdmundsA sunroof is available for Sport and is standard on the other modelsConsumerGuideAir-vent controls for rear passengers are greatly appreciatedCar and Driver For fans of Mazda, 2008’s Mazda5 offers many popular features that should satisfy most families. There are three trim levels for the 2008 Mazda Mazda5: Sport, Touring, and Grand Touring (GT). The base 2008 Mazda5 Sport is equipped with the five-speed manual transmission, 17-inch alloy wheels, automatic climate control, rear-seat air conditioning with separate controls, full power accessories, a tilt and telescoping steering wheel with audio controls, cruise control, a trip computer, and a six-speaker sound system with CD and an auxiliary audio jack, reports Edmunds. The 2008 Mazda Mazda5 Touring trim adds the five-speed automatic, fog lights, a rear spoiler, moonroof, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, and an in-dash six-CD changer. The Grand Touring trim of the Mazda 2008 piles on automatic xenon headlights, rain-sensing wipers, leather upholstery, heated front seats, and Bluetooth, according to Edmunds, who add that "all Mazda 5s are pre-wired for [Sirius] satellite radio." Remote illuminated keyless entry is standard on all 2008 Mazda 5 trims, too, according to Mother Proof. A DVD entertainment system, a HomeLink universal garage/gate opener, and a cargo cover are available on all trims. Options on the 2008 Mazda5 Sport trim include the moonroof and a rear spoiler but only with the five-speed auto transmission; it's odd that the sporty rear spoiler cannot be had with the sportscar-like manual transmission. Remote start is optional on the Touring and Grand Touring trims, but the DVD-navigation system with touchscreen is optional only on the Grand Touring trim, according to various reviews read by TheCarConnection.com. Mother Proof notes, "Leather is only available on the [top-of-the-line] Grand Touring trim." To keep weight and cost down in this Mazda, 2008 Mazda5s do not have a power driver seat. They do, however, feature a pump lever to adjust seat height. On all trims, "a console emerges from under the second-row passenger seat and contains cupholders for both middle-row passengers and an ingenious net catch-all for odds and ends," describes Kelley Blue Book. ConclusionThe 2008 Mazda Mazda5 has a good features list, but if you want one with a manual transmission, leather, and a navigation system, you’re out of luck. 2008 MAZDA MAZDA5 STYLING | [7 out of 10] Cars.com: "significantly smaller than traditional minivans " Edmunds: "mildly freshened front and rear styling" ConsumerGuide: "a sensibly sized wagon" The 2008 Mazda Madza5 is variously called a mini-minivan, microvan, vanlette, and tall ...

Read More of this Review:

  1. styling
  2. performance
  3. quality
  4. safety
  5. features

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:

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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.

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