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2009 Mazda MAZDA5 Review

November 12, 2008

STYLING | 7 out of 10

Expert Quotes:

looks sporty
Cars.com

the functionality of a minivan but without the minivan stigma
Edmunds

The 2009 Mazda 5 is largely unchanged
ConsumerGuide

The 2009 Mazda Mazda5 is an evolution of the people-hauler that Mazda introduced to the market in model year 2006. Variously described as a multi-activity vehicle, a mini-minivan, and a space wagon, the Mazda5 looks sporty and offers room for six passengers in the footprint of one of Mazda's smallest vehicles.

ConsumerGuide says the 2009 Mazda5 is "largely unchanged." It would not be a stretch to call the Mazda5 a "sensibly sized wagon," in the words of ConsumerGuide, if you overlook its sliding rear doors. A good idea, the Mazda 2009 Mazda5's sliders "make loading passengers in tight parking spaces easy," reports Edmunds, attributing the feature to the Mazda5's European roots. Cars.com notes "the Mazda5 has a wedge shape that's characterized by a raked windshield and a relatively upright rear liftgate." Changes for 2009 include the replacement of Sunlight Silver paint with Liquid Silver.

The interior design of the Mazda5 can be summed up as "sensible." A large speedometer dominates the three-gauge cluster, and the gearshift is mounted on a center panel. Cars.com confirms this, noting that the 2009 Mazda's "controls are sensibly arranged." The Mazda5 features electroluminescent gauges, which are lit day and night and especially easy to read, "along with rear sear air vents and controls [and] additional passenger flip-down armrests," according to Edmunds. That said, they lament that "the interior is filled with too many competing materials and surfaces, which gives it a disjointed and busy feel."

Conclusion

The 2009 Mazda Mazda5 continues Mazda's sport design theme in a package sized between a wagon and a minivan.

STYLING | 7 out of 10Expert Quotes:looks sportyCars.comthe functionality of a minivan but without the minivan stigmaEdmundsThe 2009 Mazda 5 is largely unchangedConsumerGuide The 2009 Mazda Mazda5 is an evolution of the people-hauler that Mazda introduced to the market in model year 2006. Variously described as a multi-activity vehicle, a mini-minivan, and a space wagon, the Mazda5 looks sporty and offers room for six passengers in the footprint of one of Mazda's smallest vehicles. ConsumerGuide says the 2009 Mazda5 is "largely unchanged." It would not be a stretch to call the Mazda5 a "sensibly sized wagon," in the words of ConsumerGuide, if you overlook its sliding rear doors. A good idea, the Mazda 2009 Mazda5's sliders "make loading passengers in tight parking spaces easy," reports Edmunds, attributing the feature to the Mazda5's European roots. Cars.com notes "the Mazda5 has a wedge shape that's characterized by a raked windshield and a relatively upright rear liftgate." Changes for 2009 include the replacement of Sunlight Silver paint with Liquid Silver. The interior design of the Mazda5 can be summed up as "sensible." A large speedometer dominates the three-gauge cluster, and the gearshift is mounted on a center panel. Cars.com confirms this, noting that the 2009 Mazda's "controls are sensibly arranged." The Mazda5 features electroluminescent gauges, which are lit day and night and especially easy to read, "along with rear sear air vents and controls [and] additional passenger flip-down armrests," according to Edmunds. That said, they lament that "the interior is filled with too many competing materials and surfaces, which gives it a disjointed and busy feel." ConclusionThe 2009 Mazda Mazda5 continues Mazda's sport design theme in a package sized between a wagon and a minivan. 2009 MAZDA MAZDA5 STYLING | [7 out of 10] Cars.com: "looks sporty" Edmunds: "the functionality of a minivan but without the minivan stigma" ConsumerGuide: "The 2009 Mazda 5 is largely unchanged" The 2009 Mazda Mazda5 is an evolution of the people-hauler that Mazda introduced to ...

Read More of this Review:

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

Other Choices:

With a starting price of just under $18,000 for the base Sport, the 2009 Mazda Mazda5 is quite a deal for a sporty, economical people-mover, provided you watch the options; fully loaded top-line Grand Touring models 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 passenger transport 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, though only for short trips or small kids. The perky Scion xB might suit those who don't really need a third row of seating, as its stylish, boxy body affords a roomy interior.

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See the Mazda MAZDA5 in Other Years:

2010 | 2009 | 2008 | 2007 | 2006

Comments (1 total)

  1. By Smithers #1, Posted: 11/19/2008

    DSC--just not for US

    Yup, yup: Mazda offers traction and stability control on this model--ELSEWHERE!
    Seriously, Mazda: not only do safety experts state this as a near-requirement, the US is thinking about *requiring* it! Without AWD, DSC is a MUST, at LEAST as an OPTION!
    I *love* this vehicle, but can not, WILL not purchase it w/o stability & traction; instead, I will pay MORE for the perfectly acceptable and reliable and EXPENSIVE Toyota Sienna--where I will get EITHER awd OR traction/stability.
    It is unconscionable, unimaginable that Mazda offers these options, just not in the U.S.

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