|
The Mazda5 is hard to classify. It's a small minivan that can also be identified as a wagon. A detailed review at Edmunds.com puts the Mazda5 in the small minivan class, while Consumer Reports calls it a station wagon. We found detailed and objective reviews for the Mazda5 at these two publications, and additional reviews at Automotive.com and Car and Driver magazines.
Reviewers say the Mazda 5 is much different in concept than the Honda Odyssey (*est. $25,645 to $39,095) and Toyota Sienna (*est. $24,155 to $37,665). The Mazda 5 is the smallest and lightest of minivans, targeting (according to Car and Driver) active youths rather than soccer moms. It's about two feet shorter and 1,000 pounds lighter than the Odyssey. But it still has the sliding rear doors typical of a minivan, and reviews say it makes sense for those who want the cargo flexibility of a minivan in a more compact body size.
2007 Mazda 5 review highlights
What the reviewers like:
The Mazda 5 is among the smallest and lightest minivans on the market, and its small size makes it easier to drive and park than other minivans, according to reviewers. Some experts like the fact that it has an available manual transmission, and they also cite its low price and relatively good fuel economy.
What the reviewers don't like:
Most reviewers say the Mazda 5 doesn’t have enough engine power, particularly when carrying a full load of passengers and gear, and its rear seats are described as too small for adults. Also, traction and stability control are not available options.
Also see full report: Minivans
2007 Mazda 5 Reviews
*In order of credibility (see our Ratings
Criteria).
1.
Edmunds.com
2007 Mazda 5 Review
Editors of Edmunds.com
Edmunds.com doesn't test the Mazda 5 head-to-head with other minivans, but its editors do compare it to the minivan competition. Overall, they consider the Mazda 5 to be a real minivan -- in spite of its small size. While this compact minivan is hard to quantify, it's an option for those who want something that has sliding rear doors but is smaller than a full-sized van.
2.
Consumer Reports
>>
Details/Subscribe
2007 Mazda 5 Review
Editors of Consumer Reports
Consumer Reports classifies the Mazda 5 as a station wagon rather than a minivan. Editors road test the 2006 Mazda 5, rating it for performance, fuel economy, value and other factors. Also included is a chart listing historical reliability and owner satisfaction, but the Mazda 5 hasn't been on the market long enough to have much data.
3.
Automotive.com
2007 Mazda 5 Review
Mitch McCullough and Michelle Krebs
Automotive.com reviewed the Mazda 5 in 2006, the year it debuted. This detailed review focuses more on features than performance, and it compares the Mazda 5 to the competition in only an offhand way. The writers seem a bit uncertain about this minivan's target audience, but say the Mazda 5 has a lot going for it. This review isn't as critical and balanced as some others.
4.
Car and Driver
>>
Details/Subscribe
2006 Mazda 5 Review
Barry Winfield
Nov. 2005
In this review for the 2006 Mazda 5, Barry Winfield doesn't actually test the Mazda 5 head-to-head with other minivans, but he does claim that this minivan offers enough utility to fit the category. This preview article focuses more on features than on any performance aspects.
5.
CarCritic.com
2007 Mazda 5 Review
Don Vorderman
Rather than going into detail about performance and features, CarCritic.com's Don Vorderman looks at a vehicle's history and reputation among owners to come up with a quick assessment. Vorderman thinks the Mazda 5 is a nice compact minivan with an underpowered engine.
6.
Consumer Guide.com
2007 Mazda 5 Review
Editors of ConsumerGuide.com
Consumer Guide isn't the best source if you like to read article-type reviews, mainly because it breaks down its tests and ratings into somewhat hard-to-read charts and numerical scores, and it doesn’t compare models. However, this is one of the best places to find body style, options and engine information, along with pricing. Several vehicles are selected each model year as "recommended" or "best buys." The Mazda 5 is a "recommended" vehicle.
Also see full report: Minivans
|
Email
Yahoo!
Digg
Google
Reddit
del.icio.us
(What's this?)
, a part of The New York Times Company. All Rights Reserved.
