2009 Mazda MAZDA5

Just what is a Mazda 5? It's a terribly weak name for such a unique, standout vehicle.  Mazda, like many other manufacturers, need more creativity in product IDs.

Sure, the Japanese automaker (thirteen percent owned by Ford Motor Co.)  offers the compact Mazda 3 and mid-size Mazda 6 sedans in its lineup (no Mazda 4, however) so there is some numeric sense to this naming madness.  Mazda also markets the iconic MX-5.  What's an MX-5? It's Mazda's new designation for the two-door Miata Roadster, probably the best-recognized and certainly longest serving vehicle in Mazda's U.S. lineup.  A couple years ago, Mazda insisted that the Miata name be slowly phased out and replaced with MX-5, a name Mazda uses for the roadster outside the U.S.   MX-5 sounds too much like X5, BMW's mid-size sports utility vehicle. Mazda builds a better than average selection of vehicles.  Sometimes, the monikers don't do their lineup justice.

The mid-size Mazda 5 looks something like a minivan, but the folks at Mazda label it as a multi activity vehicle; which in this case is something of a cross between a station wagon and minivan.  Think of it as a lower riding mini minivan.

Mazda spends little to no advertising or marketing expenditure on the front-wheel-drive Mazda 5.  It's built in Japan originally intended for markets outside the United States.  In 2006, Mazda decided to test the water in the States with the vehicle. Mazda 5 received a major makeover in the 2008 model year with few changes for the 2009 model year.

Unlike most traditional minivans sold in the United States, Mazda 5's dual sliding side doors are manually operated.  No power option is available even in the top-of-the-line trim.  Same holds true for the rear lift gate.  It's also only available with a 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine while just about every other minivan sold from sea to shining sea offers six-cylinders under the hood.  And try ordering a manual transmission with a traditional minivan.  You'll get laughed out of the dealer unless you're in the Mazda showroom testing an entry-trim Mazda 5. 

At 181.5 inches in overall length, Mazda 5 is about 20 inches shorter that a V-6 powered Honda Odyssey minivan (measuring 202.1 inches in length). Mazda 5 also starts about $8,000 less. Exterior wise, 17 tires come standard across the board. Mazda 5 has a sleeker look than larger minivans.  Picture a sub compact Honda Fit....only longer.

When debuting in the 2006 model year, Mazda 5 eventually replaced the Mazda MPV, a short-wheelbased minivan with three rows that never quite caught the fancy of customers.  Both were sold in the 2006 model year, the last year for MPV. Shortly after the MPV's demise, Mazda brought out the better received three-seat CX-9 crossover.

Three Mazda 5 trim levels are available in 2009:  Sport, Touring and Grand Touring.  The entry-level Sport is the only trim available with either a five-speed automatic or five-speed manual.  Touring and Grand Touring come with five-speed automatic transmission standard.  The sole engine, a four-cylinder, 2.3-liter 16-valve beauty delivering 153 horsepower, also gives the peppy-looking compact Mazda 3 and the mid-size Mazda 6 its power. Regular 87-octane fuel fills the diminutive 15.9 gallon tank. Fuel estimates are 21 mpg city and 27 mpg highway with the five-speed automatic.  The five-speed manual Sport gets one mile better in each category.

Speaking of the compact Mazda 3, the Mazda 5 also shares many of the same unibody underpinnings. Don't be fooled. The Mazda 5 is more agile than it looks thanks to a relatively trim 3,475-pound weight.
Starting price for the base Sport model with standard five-speed manual transmission remains unchanged from 2008 at $17,997. With automatic transmission, pricing ends up at $19,105.  Touring models start at $20,920 for 2009 while a Grand Touring lists at $22,675. Mazda supplied a fully-loaded Grand Touring with all the bells and whistles and the price out the door with a $670 destination charge was $25,595.

Inside, Mazda 5 seats six. Two manually-operated captain's chairs come standard in row two.  No bench is optional or available in the middle row.  Each middle row captain's chair has fold up arm rests on each side. The two-seat third row is a 50/50 split bench.  When not in use, third row seatbacks fold flat on the cushions for extra storage capacity.  With the third row back rests up, very little room is left behind the seats  for cargo storage save for grocery bags or average-sized gym bags. Second-row captain's chairs incorporate easy-to-use under seat storage.  Just flip forward the cushion, stow an item or two, and fold back down.  Keep in mind second-row seatbacks also fold flat (once the seat cushion is flipped forward) for more cargo room.  Headrests do not need removal when folding second-row seatbacks flat.  Second-row seats are not removable.

Mazda incorporates theatre-style seating where the third row is slightly more elevated than the second, which is elevated more than front captain's chairs. Maneuvering into the third row is accomplished by walking between the second-row captain's chairs or by sliding either second row seat forward on its floor track.  The seats move easily, but an agile teen or pre-teen is best suited for the third row. My six-foot two-inch frame maneuvered A-OK in back, but for long-distance trips (over one hour)it is best left to the young or young at heart. Still it is a viable option when needed. 

Fabric seating comes standard in Sport and Touring models, while leather-trimmed surfaces are standard in Grand Touring. Headroom is average while leg room, in general, is tighter than other crossover or wagon-styled vehicles.  Drivers however have excellent visibility with limited blind spots. Mazda delivers more third-row comfort in its CX-9 crossover vehicle.

The two-tone dashboard has controls within easy reach of drivers.  Mazda incorporates a nifty curved lip separating the upper and lower dash area directly in front of the driver. It is useful for stowing loose change or pens. There is also a storage nook on the far left lower dashboard. The dual-level glove box is large and functional. The dashboard has a 'plastic' look and feel.  Many competitors have a better presentation. Ceiling handles are above all four side entrances.

Three large, easy-to-grab dials control ventilation, with a couple of buttons below for powering front and rear defrosters. Secondary volume and audio selection controls are on the left face of the steering wheel, with cruise control functions to the right (standard on all trims). The tilt and telescoping steering column is manually adjustable. Front captain's chairs also have fold-down arm rests that can be propped up when not needed. In between the seats are dual cup holders, a hand-operated parking brake and an open storage square.  No covered storage bin with this design. The transmission shifter is on an angle connecting the lower dash and floor-situated cup holders.

Even the base Sport model comes well equipped. Cruise control, air conditioning, rear window defroster, remote keyless entry, compact disc player, rear wiper and power locks, outside mirrors and windows come standard. Mazda 5 comes pre-wired for Sirius/XM Satellite radio, but it must be ordered separately.  A power sunroof is standard in Touring and Grand Touring while heated front leather seats come standard in Grand Touring only. An in-dash navigation system is only optional ($2,000) in Grand Touring.

Anti-lock brakes with brake assist comes standard as do front-seat side air bags, side curtain air bags for all three rows and child safety rear door locks. An anti-theft alarm system is only standard in Grand Touring. Traction control is not available.  Powertrain warranty coverage is for five years or 50,000 miles.

This is an excellent choice for those who need to transport elderly relatives or people with limited mobility.  The wide sliding rear side doors and low floor height make exiting and entering the second-row bucket seats extra accommodating.  The economical four-cylinder engine provides peace of mind during times of fluctuating gas prices. This vehicle handles better than larger conventional minivans.