Your membership has expired

The payment for your account couldn't be processed or you've canceled your account with us.

Re-activate

Mazda 5

EPA MPG: 24 mpg
Average Retail Price
$4,975 - $5,875

RECALL ALERT:
There is 1 recall on this vehicle. Learn More.

Road Test

Tremendously practical, the Mazda5 has a wide range of attributes unmatched by any other vehicle on the market. Sliding side doors and seats for six make it an alternative for larger and more-expensive minivans and SUVs. Lots of windows provide a good view out and the tidy footprint aids maneuverability and parking. Nimble and agile handling means it doesn't sacrifice being fun-to-drive either. Despite all of these qualities, the Mazda5 sold in relatively low numbers, it was an underappreciated gem.

For complete Road Test Report and to see Highs and Lows, become a member

2012 Minivans & 3-Row SUVs Reliability

This Car
vs. Similar Cars

Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap
Good
IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver
NA
IIHS Side Crash
Marginal
NHTSA Overall Crash
NA
NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash
NA
NHTSA Overall Side-Crash
NA

Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap
Good
IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver
NA
IIHS Side Crash
Marginal
NHTSA Overall Crash
NA
NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash
NA
NHTSA Overall Side-Crash
NA

Mazda vs. Other New Car Brands

Mazda vs. Other New Car Brands

Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap
Good
IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver
NA
IIHS Side Crash
Marginal
NHTSA Overall Crash
NA
NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash
NA
NHTSA Overall Side-Crash
NA

2012 Minivans 3-row Ratings

$4,925 - $5,825
economy-icon
EPA MPG 24 mpg
Road test
Reliability
Owner Satisfaction
$5,675 - $6,100
economy-icon
EPA MPG 20 mpg
Road test
Reliability
Owner Satisfaction
$5,025 - $5,325
economy-icon
EPA MPG 20 mpg
Road test
Reliability
Owner Satisfaction
$5,825 - $10,950
economy-icon
EPA MPG NA
Road test
Reliability
Owner Satisfaction
$7,150 - $8,275
economy-icon
EPA MPG 21 mpg
Road test
Reliability
Owner Satisfaction
Features & Specs
Body Style
    minivan
Seating
2 front, 2 rear, 2 third
Drive Wheels
Front
Engines Available
  • 2.5-liter 4 (157 hp)
Transmissions Available
  • 5-speed automatic
  • 6-speed manual
Warranty
Coverage varies among versions of this vehicle

In most cases, automotive warranties are based on the vehicle identification number (VIN), and the warranty will be valid regardless of ownership. The dealership can tell you exactly how much warranty is left.

Read more about extended warranties
Model History
2012-
Current Generation

An underappreciated gem, the Mazda5 has a wide range of attributes, unmatched by any other vehicle on the market. Sliding side doors and seats for six make it an alternative for larger and more-expensive minivans and SUVs. Lots of windows provide a good view out and the tidy footprint aids maneuverability and parking. Nimble and agile handling means it doesn't sacrifice being fun-to-drive either. Further, antilock brakes, traction control, and electronic stability control are standard. Still, there are some downsides. The four-cylinder engine can be overtaxed on hills, or with a full load. Higher noise levels can make it feel less substantial than some larger alternatives. Unlike larger minivans or three-row SUVs; you can't fit six adults and luggage in the Mazda5. If you want cargo space, you're limited to carrying four people.

2006-2010
2006 Redesign Year
Delivering the utility of a minivan in a package with the agility, maneuverability and economy of a small car, the Mazda5 boasts responsive handling, a comfortable ride and a relatively quiet interior. Though fuel economy is a decent 23 mpg overall, the 2.3-liter, four-cylinder engine feels weak when hauling full loads or climbing hills. On the other hand, visibility and access are excellent. The Mazda also has flexible seating for four passengers and their luggage, or it can accommodate six people with little luggage. Model year 2008 brought a five-speed automatic transmission, which improved fuel economy slightly. Stability control was added as a standard feature for 2010.