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2008 Mazda MAZDA5 Performance Review

July 14, 2008

PERFORMANCE | 6 out of 10

Expert Quotes:

Performance suffers when loaded up with people and stuff
Edmunds

Mazda5 is responsive with the slick, easy-shifting manual transmission
ConsumerGuide

A minivan that's fun to drive
Cars.com

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. Car and Driver tested the Mazda5's 0-60 mph acceleration, clocking it at a "ho-hum 9.4 seconds." Loaded with passengers and/or cargo, "performance suffers," says Edmunds. Cars.com finds the Mazda5's engine is "smooth-revving"; they also claim it "can sound buzzy at higher rpm," but also contradict themselves when they write the engine is "strong enough for its purposes" and, later, "it wouldn't be hard for the...Mazda5 to be underpowered."

The 2008 Mazda Mazda5 is only somewhat peppy with the standard five-speed manual (a rarity among minivans). The base Sport is only available with a five-speed manual transmission that ConsumerGuide calls "slick [and] easy-shifting." The Mazda 2008 Touring and Grand Touring trims have as standard a new five-speed automatic. 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. Car and Driver claims "just five percent [of buyers] opt to shift for themselves" but feels "the new auto tranny preserves enough of the fun quotient for most drivers." The auto transmission's shifts are "smooth," writes Cars.com "and it features a clutchless-manual mode" for those drivers who only occasionally want to shift for themselves.

The 2008 Mazda Mazda5's fuel economy reflects the small engine's power output. Fueleconomy.gov reports that manual-equipped Mazda5s achieve 22 mpg city/28 mpg highway, while automatic-equipped units achieve 21/27 mpg. In testing an automatic version, ConsumerGuide "achieved 21.4 mpg." They add, "the 5 uses regular-grade gas." Mother Proof also tested an automatic, reporting, "The Mazda5 got about 20 mpg in [a] hilly neighborhood."

Introduced in 2006 by Mazda, 2008’s Mazda5 still shares the suspension and underbody with the automaker's compact Mazda3. Consisting of MacPherson struts up front and a multilink rear suspension, the Mazda5's handling, steering, and ride garnered praise in reviews read by TheCarConnection.com. ConsumerGuide gushes, "The Mazda5 is surprisingly sporty. Grip is good and body lean is modest." At 0.80 g, the Mazda5 "outgripped...full-sizers on the skidpad," finds Car and Driver. Cars.com feels the Mazda5's steering "is designed to engage the driver" and that a turn of the wheel "delivers a quick change of direction [with] a fair amount of feedback." They also assert that while the suspension is "on the firm side...it provides a tolerable ride."

All models are equipped with ABS with electronic brake-force distribution and brake assist that, says Cars.com, "stops the Mazda5 easily and pedal feel is natural, which is a plus."

Conclusion

The 2008 Mazda Mazda5 has responsive steering, a firm but comfortable ride, and a choice of two transmissions, but its engine is undersized for the task.

PERFORMANCE | 6 out of 10Expert Quotes:Performance suffers when loaded up with people and stuffEdmundsMazda5 is responsive with the slick, easy-shifting manual transmissionConsumerGuideA minivan that's fun to driveCars.com 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. Car and Driver tested the Mazda5's 0-60 mph acceleration, clocking it at a "ho-hum 9.4 seconds." Loaded with passengers and/or cargo, "performance suffers," says Edmunds. Cars.com finds the Mazda5's engine is "smooth-revving"; they also claim it "can sound buzzy at higher rpm," but also contradict themselves when they write the engine is "strong enough for its purposes" and, later, "it wouldn't be hard for the...Mazda5 to be underpowered." The 2008 Mazda Mazda5 is only somewhat peppy with the standard five-speed manual (a rarity among minivans). The base Sport is only available with a five-speed manual transmission that ConsumerGuide calls "slick [and] easy-shifting." The Mazda 2008 Touring and Grand Touring trims have as standard a new five-speed automatic. 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. Car and Driver claims "just five percent [of buyers] opt to shift for themselves" but feels "the new auto tranny preserves enough of the fun quotient for most drivers." The auto transmission's shifts are "smooth," writes Cars.com "and it features a clutchless-manual mode" for those drivers who only occasionally want to shift for themselves. The 2008 Mazda Mazda5's fuel economy reflects the small engine's power output. Fueleconomy.gov reports that manual-equipped Mazda5s achieve 22 mpg city/28 mpg highway, while automatic-equipped units achieve 21/27 mpg. In testing an automatic version, ConsumerGuide "achieved 21.4 mpg." They add, "the 5 uses regular-grade gas." Mother Proof also tested an automatic, reporting, "The Mazda5 got about 20 mpg in [a] hilly neighborhood." Introduced in 2006 by Mazda, 2008’s Mazda5 still shares the suspension and underbody with the automaker's compact Mazda3. Consisting of MacPherson struts up front and a multilink rear suspension, the Mazda5's handling, steering, and ride garnered praise in reviews read by TheCarConnection.com. ConsumerGuide gushes, "The Mazda5 is surprisingly sporty. Grip is good and body lean is modest." At 0.80 g, the Mazda5 "outgripped...full-sizers on the skidpad," finds Car and Driver. Cars.com feels the Mazda5's steering "is designed to engage the driver" and that a turn of the wheel "delivers a quick change of direction [with] a fair amount of feedback." They also assert that while the suspension is "on the firm side...it provides a tolerable ride." All models are equipped with ABS with electronic brake-force distribution and brake assist that, says Cars.com, "stops the Mazda5 easily and pedal feel is natural, which is a plus." ConclusionThe 2008 Mazda Mazda5 has responsive steering, a firm but comfortable ride, and a choice of two transmissions, but its engine is undersized for the task. 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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