2009 Mazda MAZDA5 User Reviews

Pros

Great on gas. Very frugal but plenty of pep off the line. We bought the 5 speed.

Cons

Cubs and bins are lacking. Not enough hiding space.

The wife had to have a 5 speed. I really like it too. The first gear belongs on a racier car. The tires chirp way to much. Mazda may have over done the get up and go on this model. This was supposed to be a family mini van / SUV / wagon cross-over. We really got a raging WOLF in sheeps clothing. The stereo is weak at best. Six speakers, but the sound is vague and lacking in the mid to low ranges. The kids like the third row because they fit for now. Great vehicle for the money. This is a great time to get an '08 since the models will not change for '09. We got an unbelieveable deal. We paid less than what "Consumer Reports" magazine (we paid for their pricing guide / report) stated we should pay. We didn't even have to haggle. The salesperson gave us a price that was $ 1500.00 less than what I expected to pay. Wow, what a bargain. Get one soon, you will not regret it!...read morehide

Pros

a balance of driving fun, practicality and safety.

Cons

Off the line is great, 'needs more oomph at speed.

It's a blast to drive, easy to park, thrifty at gas and a high-scorer on safety crash-tests. The Mazda5 offers funky/swoopy styling, gobs of road-trip room for 4 and decent carrying ability for 6, it doesn't cost much and - way up there in importance, it has neither the faux-macho image of SUVs nor the I'm-defined-by-my-car-pool-mommy-van feeling. Add to the list you'll probably never have trouble finding it in a parking lot AND the amazing comment by my 11-year old that "it's an awesome car dad" and, well, you can probably tell I love my little red '5....read morehide

Pros

loaded with features that are options on other vehicles,FUN to drive!!!

Cons

lacking in engine power but not in a bad way,just wish it had more.

I have had my mazda5 for just over 2 years now,it`s a `06 sport model with a 5 speed.
This is and has been the best vehicle I have ever owned,it has given me no problems whatsoever,it is a blast to drive,gets good fuel economy,the styling is very cool and functional and the MAZDA dealer I purchased it from was incredible to work with and really went out of there way to get me the vehicle I wanted.Since my purchase we have added a mazda3 and a mazda6 to the cars in my family,we are extremely pleased with the overall quality and performance of all 3 mazda`s we have....as for the "5",I have added a few extra`s to mine and plan on possibly doing a major engine/driveline swap from a `06 speed6 into my "5"(turbocharge the engine,all-wheel drive & 6 speed manual transmission)that should raise the fun meter a little more!!!
This is definitely a vehicle you need to seriously consider....read morehide

Pros

SLIDING DOORS ! Easy Access To Rear Seat. Storage Under 2sd Row Seats. FoldDown-Flat Seats.

Cons

Could Be Alittle Bigger On Inside. 3rd Row BackSeat Mainly For Children . Needs More Cupholders

We traded in a 2002 Toyota Sienna, We were looking for a upgraded MiniVan or Suv , that seat 6-7, Under 20k. We have a family of 4, plus occasional family member pickups... So, when the dealer showed me the Madza 5, that looked sporty and showed me that it had Sliding doors with 6 seats, I was practically sold right there! My husband loves no more big minivan ! Its so cute and fun to drive around! We love the outter looks of the Madza 5, I do wish the backsides and Back window were tented, I think that would add alot to the looks. So, I asked my husband that for christmas now. Then inside we got black to hide little mistakes that may happen, and it adds to the overall look. I am 5'1 , and Plus Size, and I fit in the drivers seat VERY comfortably, But in the 2sd row, ALITTLE tight, but still doable for a couple hour drive, My husband is 6'2 and thin, and can sit in all 1st and 2sd row seats pretty comfortable, no complaints yet, he says. My children fit completely fine in the 2sd row and just ALITTLE tight in the 3rd. A child in a carseat in the 3rd row is pretty cramped but can be done for a couple hour drive to let 6 people in the vehicle. Storage under seats is a plus, and great to show off with! Flat folddown seats are a major PLUS. Great Price for what you get! My sister is looking into getting one now! If I could go back and go for a MiniVan or Stick with the Madza 5, I stay just where we're at ! Great gas mileage, Nice the windows on the Sliding Doors go down (unlike most minivans), and the turn radius is Extremely impressive....read morehide

Pros

Room in the back for dogs and dog crates.

Cons

Storage nooks and crannies are good only for flat items.

I JUST bought my '09 Mazda5 today, so have little experience with it. I haven't filled the tank yet, so can't comment on gas mileage. About the only thing I have done is to move my personal items from my old car to the new one. You would think, in all that space, that there would be a place to stow an umbrella, but no! A compact umbrella is too long for the glove compartment, too long for the pockets on the doors. It could be stowed under a rear seat, but that wouldn't be very convenient for access if it were raining. Also, had difficulty finding a place for emergency first aid kits, a box of Kleenex, emergency jackets and sweaters. Had to put some of these things down in the spare tire well because the other storage places are too small or too shallow. That's not a convenient place to keep Kleenex!...read morehide

Pros

Room for six, peppy, well conceived and two sliding doors. A mini - minivan, good mileage too.

Cons

It's still a minivan, some of the trim seems less than Honda or Toyota quality.

I rented one of these things on vacation with my wife, three kids and all our baggage - it was perfect for our needs. I can't tell you how it will hold up for years of driving, but if you are looking for a car that seats six and is well designed that doesn't cost $120 to fill up, you should check it out.
When the time comes to replace one of our cars, we will definitely consider the Mazda 5....read morehide

Pros

Inexpensive for a Van

Cons

Somewhat underpower

This is a nice van to own for a family of 4 or more. Cheap to own and maintain. Plenty of cargo room and spacious back seat. Recommend for a test drive for those looking for a van.