Mazda MAZDA5 Reviews

"...the engine performed very well, both on city streets and a highway jaunt. An added bonus is a timing chain, eliminating the pricey maintenance of a belt."

"Once inside, adults who are not overly large can sit in reasonable comfort in all three rows as long as everyone is willing to compromise a bit on knee and leg room."

"Handling around curves is competent, and the tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, along with a variety of manual driver's seat adjustments, should allow most people to find a comfortable driving position."

"The Mazda5's interior is thoughtfully planned, with two sliding doors that open wider than on the full-size MPV minivan, and a clever liftgate that opens in two stages. Shorter users can access the rear cargo without the gate opening above their reach, while taller people can open it fully."

"The GT includes a clever storage system dubbed the "Karakuri table". The cushions on both second-row seats flip up, revealing storage bins; a small plastic table, with cupholders and net storage bag, pulls out of the passenger-side seat and fits between the two."

"If there's any downside to the Mazda5's design, it's in the lower sliding door hinge, which is large, flat and fully exposed, and in a position where it's perfect as a step in or out for tiny feet. There's a large warning sticker on it, but parents will have to be diligent about cautioning children not to step on or insert a hand into this potential pinch-point."

"...the only turnoff might be the minivan design, with sliding side doors."

"Interior space is 142 cubic feet. That means if you use the 5 as a vehicle for four, it has 98 cubic feet of passenger space-as much as a mid-size sedan-with a whopping 44 cubic feet of cargo space, or more than three times what you'd find in a mid-size car's trunk."

"...Mazda introduces its new 5, which resembles nothing else available in this country but seems poised-despite lingering prejudices-to carve yet another niche in a market pockmarked with them."