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2010 Mazda MAZDA5 Review

September 30, 2009

STYLING | 7 out of 10

Expert Quotes:

the functionality of a minivan but without the minivan stigma
Edmunds

The 2009 Mazda 5 is largely unchanged
ConsumerGuide

looks sporty
Cars.com

Mazda introduced the Mazda5 to the U.S. market in 2006, and the 2010 Mazda5 has changed little since then. 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.

Although from a few paces back the Mazda5 looks like a minivan, it does have a lower, slightly more rakish appearance. 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."

“Sensible” is a good way to sum up the interior design in the 2010 Mazda Mazda5. A large speedometer dominates the three-gauge cluster, and the gearshift is mounted on a center panel. Cars.com notes 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." The interior has “too many competing materials and surfaces, which gives it a disjointed and busy feel," laments the Edmunds reviewer.

Conclusion

Smaller than a minivan, yet more useful than most compact wagons, the 2009 Mazda Mazda5 puts function before form.

STYLING | 7 out of 10Expert Quotes:the functionality of a minivan but without the minivan stigmaEdmundsThe 2009 Mazda 5 is largely unchangedConsumerGuidelooks sportyCars.com Mazda introduced the Mazda5 to the U.S. market in 2006, and the 2010 Mazda5 has changed little since then. 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. Although from a few paces back the Mazda5 looks like a minivan, it does have a lower, slightly more rakish appearance. 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." “Sensible” is a good way to sum up the interior design in the 2010 Mazda Mazda5. A large speedometer dominates the three-gauge cluster, and the gearshift is mounted on a center panel. Cars.com notes 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." The interior has “too many competing materials and surfaces, which gives it a disjointed and busy feel," laments the Edmunds reviewer. ConclusionSmaller than a minivan, yet more useful than most compact wagons, the 2009 Mazda Mazda5 puts function before form. 2010 MAZDA MAZDA5 STYLING | [7 out of 10] Edmunds: "the functionality of a minivan but without the minivan stigma" ConsumerGuide: "The 2009 Mazda 5 is largely unchanged" Cars.com: "looks sporty" Mazda introduced the Mazda5 to the U.S. market in 2006, and the 2010 Mazda5 has ...

Read More of this Review:

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

Other Choices:

The 2010 Mazda Mazda5 is quite a deal for a sporty, economical people-mover, provided you watch the options. The base 5 starts at around $18,000, yet fully loaded top-line Grand Touring models can come surprisingly close to the $30,000 mark—and that's a whole different landscape of vehicles. The Kia Rondo can be odd-looking to some, but it’s the closest match to the Mazda5, with an equally space-efficient interior and fuel-efficient base four-cylinder engine. The Rondo, however, has hinged rear doors, which makes it slightly less convenient in some cases. The Sedona minivan should also be considered; it’s one of the few remaining minivans sold in a maneuverable short-wheelbase version. The RAV4 is another fuel-efficient rival, and it’s one of the rare compact SUVs that offer a third-row seat good for kid duty. 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, while the Hyundai Elantra Touring is a new wagon that’s more an economical, sporty small car than a minivan.

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See the Mazda MAZDA5 in Other Years:

2010 | 2009 | 2008 | 2007 | 2006

Comments (1 total)

  1. By Anthony DiMeglio #1, Posted: 11/6/2009

    I waited for months for the 2010 model only to be disappointed that they left it virtually unchanged. The underpowered motor is my biggest gripe. What a mistake.

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