2010 Mazda 5 Review
2010 Mazda 5 Review
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- More nimble and maneuverable than full-size minivans, convenient sliding doors, manageable size for small families, low price.
Cons
- Kids-only third row, no seven-seat option, engine can run out of steam when fully loaded.
What’s new
The 2010 Mazda 5 gains stability and traction control as standard equipment.
Edmunds says
The 2010 Mazda 5 is a smart alternative for families interested in trading a full-size minivan's substantial utility for a lower price tag, greater maneuverability and lower fuel costs.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2010 Mazda 5 Sport 4dr Minivan (2.3L 4cyl 5M) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.28 per gallon for regular unleaded in Iowa.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Iowa
$166/mo for 5 Sport
5 Sport
vs
$169/mo
Avg. Compact Minivan
Vehicle overview
Throughout 2009, families across America re-evaluated their automotive wants and needs. While "bigger and better" used to be the norm, many people started considering smaller and less expensive vehicles. Should you be one of these families and happen to be looking at minivans in 2010, we suggest taking a look at the 2010 Mazda 5. This mini-minivan of sorts doesn't offer the cavernous space normally expected of such vehicles, but the Mazda 5's lower price, increased maneuverability and better fuel economy are all welcome gains.
Under the 5's skin lies a lot of DNA from the Mazda 3, a class-leading compact sedan that sets itself apart with sharp handling and a solid European-like ride. This sporting heritage gives the otherwise utilitarian 5 a more athletic nature than anything else that shoulders the descriptor "van." This, in addition to the relatively sleek styling, should dilute some of the uncool stigma attached to a traditional minivan.
The Mazda 5 could be an alternative to another type of vehicle: the compact crossover. In tight parking lots, the 5's sliding rear doors make getting kids in and out of the backseat drama-free. The presence of a third row is another obvious advantage since only a handful of crossovers have one. Handling and on-road confidence is also better with the 5, especially with the addition of standard stability control for 2010.
There are, of course, drawbacks to the Mazda 5's smaller size. Notably, the small third-row seat is suitable only for children, and that's only if you scoot up the sliding second-row captain's chairs. The Mazda 5 also seats a maximum of six, one less than regular minivans. It's therefore best to think of the 5 as a good car for small, young families who occasionally need just a pinch of extra room. If, however, you need room for three kids, Aunt Doris, a kayak and a week's worth of stuff for a road trip to Dollywood, you probably should stick with a full-size minivan.
Of course, there are other vehicles to consider. The Kia Rondo is close to the Mazda 5 in design and concept, though it has traditional rear doors. The Honda Odyssey and Kia Sedona are strong minivan contenders, while the Kia Sorento and Toyota RAV4 are affordable crossover SUVs with available third-row seats. Yet the 2010 Mazda 5 is definitely worth a look for small families with an open mind to buying something a little different in these lean budgetary times.
Performance & mpg
The 2010 Mazda 5 is available with only one engine: a 2.3-liter four-cylinder that produces 153 horsepower and 148 pound-feet of torque. A five-speed automatic is standard on the Touring and Grand Touring but optional on the Sport, which has a five-speed manual standard. In performance testing, a Mazda 5 Grand Touring went from zero to 60 mph in 10 seconds, which is a bit slower than most minivans and compact crossovers. Fuel economy for the automatic-equipped 5 is 21 mpg city/27 mpg highway and 23 mpg combined.
Safety
Standard safety equipment includes antilock disc brakes, stability and traction control, front side airbags and three-row side curtain airbags. In government crash tests, the 5 received a perfect five stars for front and front-side crash protection. It got four stars for side-rear protection. In Edmunds brake testing, the 5 Grand Touring came to a stop from 60 mph in 123 feet -- a good distance among vans and crossovers.
Driving
The 2010 Mazda 5's four-cylinder engine is adequately powerful with a driver and youngster aboard, but when fully loaded, the 5 can start to wheeze. However, the 5 exhibits a nimble nature that will have it running tight little circles around conventional minivans. The sharp, communicative steering is particularly impressive. However, the 5 is still a tallish vehicle, and it certainly feels more top-heavy and tippy than the compact sedan on which it's based.
Interior
Some might find sliding rear doors to be the epitome of minivan uncoolness, but there's no denying their utility. Plus, you'll never have to worry about the kids flinging the doors open into the innocent sheet metal of a neighboring vehicle. Once inside, you'll find that the sliding second-row seats are a tad short on legroom, but they can definitely accommodate small-to-average-height teens and adults. The third row is really just for children who don't require child safety seats.
Six-foot-plus drivers will also find space a tad pinched, even if driver seat comfort and steering-wheel adjustment are commendable. The driving position is far more carlike than in traditional minivans, though. Families with a child who still requires a car seat will find it easy to install in the second-row captain's chairs, but Mazda loses points for not offering a center seating position for maximum safety. With the third-row seat folded flat, 44.4 cubic feet of luggage space are available.
The 5's interior materials are acceptable, and the controls are easy to reach and pretty simple in design. We'd skip the optional navigation system, though, as its graphics are a bit behind the times and its controls can be convoluted.
2010 Mazda 5 models
The 2010 Mazda 5 is a six-passenger small minivan available in Sport, Touring and Grand Touring trims. Standard equipment includes 17-inch alloy wheels, cruise control, full power accessories, keyless entry, automatic climate control, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, driver seat height adjustment, and a six-speaker stereo with auxiliary audio jack and steering-wheel controls. The Touring trim adds foglights, a sunroof, a roof spoiler, LED taillights, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and a six-CD changer (optional on automatic-equipped Sport models). The Grand Touring adds automatic xenon headlights, automatic wipers, leather upholstery, heated front seats and Bluetooth.
Satellite radio, an auto-dimming rearview mirror and a rear entertainment system are optional on all models. The Grand Touring can also be equipped with a touchscreen navigation system.
Reliability Ratings by RepairPal
3.5 out of 5 stars3.5/5Above Average
#43 out of 46 among Compact Cars
RepairPal Reliability Ratings are based on the actual cost, frequency, and severity of unscheduled repairs and maintenance on make/model data for select 2008-2022 vehicles. The reliability of a specific vehicle may vary depending on its maintenance and driving history, model year, trim, and features.
Cost
The average total annual cost for unscheduled repairs and maintenance across all model years of the Mazda 5 from 2008-2022.$473/yr
vs. $416/yr
for Average Compact Car
for Average Compact Car
Frequency
The average number of times this model is brought into the shop for unscheduled repairs and maintenance in a single year. RepairPal calculates this metric by tracking millions of unique vehicles over multiple years to determine an average number of visits per year (omitting small routine visits, e.g., oil changes).1.84x/yr
vs. 1.01x/yr
for Average Compact Car
for Average Compact Car
Severity
The probability that a repair will be a major issue, meaning the repair costs 3x the average annual repair cost for all models. This threshold will be higher for vehicles that have higher labor rates and parts costs (such as a premium brand).13.3%
vs. 10.4%
for Average Compact Car
for Average Compact Car
powered by RepairPal Based on RepairPal reliability data as of 8/23/2023. Ratings are provided by RepairPal and Edmunds is not responsible for their accuracy.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2010 Mazda 5.
5 star(55%)
4 star(34%)
3 star(7%)
2 star(4%)
1 star(0%)
47 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
5 out of 5 stars
Versatile and Fun, but MPG way off!
gliese876d, 01/11/2011
2010 Mazda 5 Sport 4dr Minivan (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
In general I really love my Mazda5.
It is fun to drive and highly versatile for my growing family.
What I loved most was that I did not have to give up a manual transmission to get a mini-van, and assumed I could get good gas mileage given the advertised 22-28mpg, especially with a 5-speed.
That was an important selling point to me because I was trading in a fuel efficient sedan, and did … not want to sacrifice fuel efficiency.
But so far this car has yet to deliver anywhere close to the adverstised gas mileage.
It has not yet *once* even gotten the lowest value of 22mpg since I purchased the vehicle almost 3 months and 3200 miles ago.
It is usually an abyssmal 19.5 mpg.
5 out of 5 stars
2010 mazda 5 extreem commuter................
dave, 08/28/2016
2010 Mazda 5 Sport 4dr Minivan (2.3L 4cyl 5A)
I bought my 2010 mazda 5 used with 15,000 miles on it in early 2012, it had remaining 3yr 36000 full coverage 5yr 60000 power train warranty. I now have 170,000 miles on it. Here is what I have had done to it over the 4.5 yrs I have owned it. I will start by saying I change oil/filter every 4000 miles. I change the air filter and cabin filter regular intervals as well. The 5 disc cd … changer was replace free the first week under warranty, it did not work properly. At 50,000 miles the water pump was replaced...mechanic said it was weeping water, free by mazda under warranty. At 80,000 miles the rear struts were replaced 180$ part and labor. At that time I replaced spark plugs, battery, flushed the antifreeze, and transmission fluid 300$. I also at that time had the front brakes replaced rotors and pads 225$. At 110,000 I had to replace a rear hub assembly 160$ I bought part mechanic installed...saved 60$ that way. I also had the rear rotors and pads replaced at that time as well 225$ I recently had the front rotors and pads replaced 225$... front stabilizer links replaced 100$.... power steering fluid flushed 50$. replaced spark plugs again as well at 160,000 miles. 3 sets of tires with regular rotations every 8,000 miles....There you have it. May sound like a lot but I have been pleased....I got a bit nervous around 100000 miles and almost traded it in but its so nice to drive, economical and just the right size....I tell people its like driving a bmw sporty handling...they do not believe me but it is true. Mazdas are very fun to drive cars.....Hope I can get many more miles....car still very good! I recommend it!
5 out of 5 stars
Bought M5 7\10 still own 12\15 w\116k Miles
Momof3, 12/06/2015
2010 Mazda 5 Sport 4dr Minivan (2.3L 4cyl 5A)
Love my car, traded in my Suburban for a sporty mom car paid $15,000 out the door. I purchased the basic sport model.
I have only had to replace front struts and the usual maintenance of oil and tranny fluid flush, oh and tires of course. Tires last maybe 2 yrs if you buy quality tires and rotate religiously. I bought after market racks and a cargo box for the top and use it for luggage … or chairs for soccer with the easy up and gear. Cargo box was a must, for my family of 5, especially for long road trips! Usually day to day driving, it's just 3 in the car so my M5 has ample room for Costco runs or school back packs.
I just came back from AZ, I live in Nor Cal, with 6 people and the car performed great. I drove to AZ 14 hours & hubby drove back. My 13 yr old son & I sat in the third row I'm 5'5" & so is he. My 21 yr old 5'11" and his tiny gf sat in the middle. My 16yr old 5'3" daughter & hubby 5'9" sat up front. I found the back row very comfy. Of course we had the middle seats up some, but overall a nice ride.
This car has been a very reliable car, I have done many long road trips in it & have never had a single problem. It has a timing chain so that never needs replacing. I have been to WA a few times, AZ a few times, OR a few times, L.A. a few times, San Fran and surrounding areas a lot for soccer, like every weekend for 3 months in a row. Never had a problem.
It is not the quietest car on the road, but I enjoy driving it. I find it easier to get out of the seats than my hubbys 2012 Honda Accord. It handles nice, great turning radius, zippy, easy to park and drive. I may just hand it down to my 16yr old and get the 2015 model since they aren't making these in 2016.
I have never owned a Mazda but I have to say my experience has been good and that makes me very happy since I talked my hubby into buying it for me. Nobody in our families have ever owned Mazda they have been diehard Chevy or Ford people. Other than tire wear which is a pain and costly the car has been a good car.
4.25 out of 5 stars
First Mazda Experience
First Mazda, 12/12/2009
2010 Mazda 5 Grand Touring 4dr Minivan (2.3L 4cyl 5A)
The Mazda 5 is a unique vehicle that blends traits from a mini van and station wagon. This vehicle is a good bang for the buck. I purchased this car 6 weeks ago and it has met my expectations. The engine is very smooth and despite some reviews that I have read, does not lack adequate acceleration. The trans shifts smoothly. Standard DSC for 2010 was a nice safety addition. Climate … control system works well as do the power heated seats. The only problem I have noticed with the car is the windshield seems to creek when the car goes over bumps.The Blue Tooth and Home Link are great features. The audio system is nothing special. Overall it's a solid buy for the money.
2010 5 Highlights
Sport
Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $18,510 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 24 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $166/month |
Seating | 6 seats |
Drivetrain | front wheel drive |
Warranty | 3 years / 36,000 miles |
Safety
Key safety features on the 5 include:
- Alarm
- Tire Pressure Warning
- Stability Control
NHTSA Overall Rating
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
- Frontal Barrier Crash RatingOverallNot RatedDriver5 / 5Passenger5 / 5
- Side Crash RatingOverallNot Rated
- Side Barrier RatingOverallNot RatedDriver5 / 5Passenger4 / 5
- Combined Side Barrier & Pole RatingsFront SeatNot RatedBack SeatNot Rated
- RolloverRollover4 / 5Dynamic Test ResultNo TipRisk Of RolloverNot Rated
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