2007 Mazda Mazda5 Review

What the reviewers like:
The Mazda Mazda5 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 liked the fact that it has an available manual transmission, and also cited its low price and relatively good fuel economy.

What the reviewers don't like:
Most reviewers said the 2007 Mazda Mazda5 doesn’t have enough engine power, particularly when carrying a full load of passengers and gear, and its rear seats were described as too small for adults. Also, traction and stability control were not available options.

2007 Mazda Mazda5 review highlights

Reviewers said the Mazda5 is much different in concept than the Honda Odyssey (price when new: $25,645 to $39,095) and Toyota Sienna (price when new: $24,155 to $37,665). The Mazda5 is the smallest and lightest of minivans, targeting (according to Car and Driver) active youths rather than soccer moms. The ’07 model is about two feet shorter and 1,000 pounds lighter than the same model year’s Odyssey. But it still has the sliding rear doors typical of a minivan, and reviews said the Mazda5 makes sense for those who want cargo flexibility of a minivan in a more compact body size. Reliability and owner satisfaction ratings are both good.

The Mazda Mazda5 is hard to classify. It's a small minivan that can also be identified as a wagon. A detailed review at Edmunds.com classified the 2007 Mazda5 in the small minivan class, while Consumer Reports called 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 magazine.

Also see full report: Minivans

*In order of credibility (see our Ratings Criteria).

1. Edmunds.com
2007 Mazda Mazda5 Review
Editors of Edmunds.com

Edmunds.com didn't test the 2007 Mazda Mazda5 head-to-head with other minivans, but its editors did compare it to ‘07 minivan competition. Overall, they consider the Mazda5 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 smaller than a full-sized van that still has sliding rear doors.

2. Consumer Reports
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2006 Mazda Mazda5 Review
Editors of Consumer Reports

Consumer Reports classifies the Mazda Mazda5 as a station wagon rather than a minivan. Editors road-tested the 2006 Mazda5, rating it for performance, fuel economy, value and other factors. Also included is a chart listing historical reliability and owner satisfaction.

3. Automotive.com
2007 Mazda Mazda5 Review
Tom Lankard

This detailed review discussed features more than performance, and compared the Mazda Mazda5 to the competition in only an offhand way. The writer seemed a bit uncertain about this minivan's target audience, but said the Mazda5 has a lot going for it. This review is a bit more critical and balanced than some other offerings from the same site.

4. Car and Driver
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2006 Mazda Mazda5 Review
Barry Winfield
Nov. 2005

In this review for the 2006 Mazda Mazda5, Barry Winfield didn't actually test the Mazda5 head-to-head with other minivans, but he claimed that this model offers enough utility to fit the minivan category. This preview article focused more on features than any performance aspects.

5. CarCritic.com
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2007 Mazda Mazda5 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 stated that the 2007 Mazda Mazda5 is a nice compact minivan with an underpowered engine.

6. Consumer Guide.com
2005-2007 Mazda Mazda5 Review
Editors of ConsumerGuide.com

ConsumerGuide.com 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 does not compare models directly. However, this is one of the best places to find body style, options and engine information, along with pricing, and editors include data on used cars, including trouble spots and recall data. So far, there haven't been too many problems with the Kia Sedona.

Also see full report: Minivans