Mazda Mazda5

Price Paid:  $25000.00 from Windsor Mazda

Year / Model Reviewed:
2007 Mazda5

Summary:
So far I'm enjoying my 'VAR' as my kids nicknamed it... gas mileage not quite as high as touted, handling is great, mechanically sound so far.. 3mths only but have 6500kms on it... am averaging the 22mpg, not the 27... i think they could add a middle seatbelt to the third row seats to seat 7 just like a van instead of the 6... so far so good...

Strengths:
a/c cools the car down VERY quickly... back storage is awesome with third row seat folded flat... had just as much space as i used to in my montana van

Weaknesses:
new noise in the brakes as i reverse, but could be dust as i've been on a lot of gravel roads lately... only thing i don't like is that mazda only offers the black interior (a pain to keep clean with pre-teen kids) and that the windows don't come factory tinted..

Similar Products Used:
not similar but had a 2001 pontiac montana ... didn't mind it, but mechanically was starting to cost a lot!!

Price Paid:  $14998.00 from Freemont Ford, Freem

Year / Model Reviewed:
2006 Mazda 5

Summary:
Purchased used with 26K. Handles, brakes, etc., all very nicely. Seats are firm but comfortable. Excellent use of space. 6 disc cd changer is good; speakers could be better. Steering is sporty, though a bit heavy. I am very pleased with the mpg so far; averaging in the high 20's. A mini-minivan is a good description. So far does everything my '99 Olds minivan does, just in more compact dimensions and with better mpg.

Strengths:
Size is perfect for urban and freeway use. Good mpg. Nice ride characteristics; sporty but on the soft side; quiet. Nice interior layout; I especially like the center console. Seats and interior room fit me perfectly - I'm 5'11, 200 lbs.

Weaknesses:
Read the owner's manual before loading up the 6 disc cd changer. Steering wheel controls for cruise and radio/cd could be better, but still very good. Satin silver finish of transmission console - a darker color would be better. Needs a very small light in the center storage console.

Similar Products Used:
2007 Honda Fit, 2005 Buick Century, 1999 Oldsmobile mini-van

Overall Rating
 4 of 5

Value Rating
 5 of 5

Used product for
More than 1 year

Visitors rate this review
4.50 of 5, 2.00 votes

Price Paid:  $20000.00

Year / Model Reviewed:
2006 Mazda 5

Summary:
Great car/van/wagon...whatever you want to call it. Fun to drive good MPG 24 around town. We have driven this vehicle lots of highway miles well loaded and it has done everything we need it to..was a lttle small with 4 adults traveling. Fully loded it struggles to get up hills when on the highway.

Strengths:
Lots of room for it's size. Manual option on auto transmission is great! Handles great.

Weaknesses:
Expensive tires wore out @30,000 miles. Front passenger's side seat needs a arm rest, sun visors too short.

Similar Products Used:
2 Mazda MPVs 2000 and 2003