Used 2008 Mazda 5 Minivan Consumer Reviews
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Great little van
dharbin, 03/08/2014
2008 Mazda 5 Touring 4dr Minivan (2.3L 4cyl 5A)
34 of 35 people found this review helpful
We have almost 100K miles on the 5 -- purchased with 42K in 2011, and we have put almost 20K a year on it since. It's been reliable and economical to operate, and adequate for our family of 5 (including 3 young girls). A little tight for the several road trips we have taken (several times to Chicago, Connecticut and Florida), but a rooftop box solves the space problem. Fuel economy ranges from 23 in town to 30 on the highway (driving at 70 without cargo box.) Overall average of 25 mpg, usually with 3 kids inside.
Not Bad.
dudechuck, 06/21/2011
2008 Mazda 5 Touring 4dr Minivan (2.3L 4cyl 5A)
20 of 21 people found this review helpful
We bought the Mazda5 based on a my wife's friend. She had one and loved it. She had the '07, and by reading reviews we settled on the '08. It was nice for a family of four, once our child was able to seat forward facing. There is not enough room for a rear facing car seat in the second row. You can do it but the person in the front seat has to scoot way up for and it is not comfortable. It was reliable all except the power steering would go out. It was repleced on a recall for free and we did not have any further problems. It was terrible in the snow and got stuck several times in a few inches of snow. The engine is also way to small for the vehicle, with limited highway power.
What you see's what you get more or less
dctoronto, 05/05/2010
2008 Mazda 5 Touring 4dr Minivan (2.3L 4cyl 5A)
8 of 8 people found this review helpful
Okay forget the zoom, zoom. This is a small mini van for families who primarily take short trips around town carrying 2 kids and a lot of stuff or 3-4 kids with bare essentials. If that is what you want, then the Mazda5 will not disappoint you. Fuel economy ought to be better but is respectable, fit, finish etc. is also satisfactory, as is driving experience and comfort (note I'm a large person too). Reliability has been fine except for the brakes which need an expensive servicing that, so far, the dealer claims is not covered by the warranty. Please note, I'm writing from Canada, U.S. customers might have different experience with warranty service.
So far, very happy!
Nikki32, 05/06/2010
2008 Mazda 5 Sport 4dr Minivan (2.3L 4cyl 5A)
15 of 17 people found this review helpful
We needed a newer mini-van that would fit our family's needs and stay in budget. The Mazda5 drives great, much sportier than our sedans. Holds the corners very well, feeling very solid on the road. It is very comfortable for a family of 4. Easy to get the car seats in the bucket seats. Sliding doors make it super easy to get kids in and out, and we can park this car in a compact spot. It also fits in the garage easily. Even with our super height difference, my husband and I find it easy to drive and visibility is very good. Other minivans we test drove were bulky. This performs like a car. Even loaded with suitcases, it performs well. And the price was very reasonable.
Still love the little guy but
ajl, 11/21/2010
2008 Mazda 5 Grand Touring 4dr Minivan (2.3L 4cyl 5A)
14 of 16 people found this review helpful
An update to the previous review. I'd still buy this vehicle again. But I will echo previous reviewers comments. Still the original Toyos, but I have 4 snow tires for the winter,which I highly recommend (Low profile all seasons are not good for snow). The original Toyos might have 9000 miles on them and are half worn out.We have a suspension noise in the back that keeps coming back. Dealer has been great,even though we didn't buy it there. No steering issues, but there is a recall. A great little vehicle, but it does have its flaws (all cars do, they are complex machines) There is no such thing as a perfect car.
very good car for small family
dandepriest, 04/15/2014
2008 Mazda 5 Grand Touring 4dr Minivan (2.3L 4cyl 5A)
6 of 6 people found this review helpful
To be honest, at my age, I kind of miss the roominess and lush comfort of the Chrysler Town and Country we once had. But for value, fuel economy, utility, and reliability I can't say I've ever owned or even known of a better car than our Mazda 5 Grand Touring van. We've put 50K miles on it over two years. A lot of long trips. It's a bit compact for a van but it does seat six comfortably, although two adults in the rear-most bench seat would eventually feel a bit cramped on a long trip. And with six people on an over-night trip there won't be much room for luggage so pack light. The manual indicates that the Mazda 5 is not designed for towing and that it should never be used for that. Howeve
A good little MPV thats enjoyable to drive
ajl, 09/28/2017
updated 03/31/2021
2008 Mazda 5 Grand Touring 4dr Minivan (2.3L 4cyl 5A)
8 of 9 people found this review helpful
We just sold our 2008 Mazda 5 GT that we purchased new in 2009. Over 8 years, it was a reliable vehicle that served us well. It never left us stranded and rarely went in for service or it was something a do-it-yourself person of average skill (me) can handle. If you value the driving experience, Mazda is a good one to consider for any of their vehicles. Mazda's drive like Honda's used to, lots of feedback and engagement for the driver. If you're looking for refinement and quiet, this is not your vehicle. Pros: Fun to drive little box, excellent automatic transmission, unique character and utility. Cons: Road noise, corrosion protection lacking and "people or stuff" choices. If you need to carry 3-4 people and stuff, it's fine. More people or more stuff, you should buy something larger. Gas mileage is so-so, especially compared to many 2015+ vehicles, but it was the most efficient minivan you could buy in 2008. Our GT(Grand Touring) version lacked nothing in creature comfort and the HID headlights were worth the money. We enjoyed this vehicle, it worked for us and it was rare to see another one, which is nice. If you are looking for one, be sure to check underneath the rear wheel arches for rust, as well as underneath the vehicle, especially in salty areas. Problems were mostly suspension related, which were fixed fairly early on. Be warned that this vehicle is hard on tires and we never got more than 15000 miles out of a set, although western PA is hard on tires and brakes, the forum's will tell you the same story.
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Great car/van
mike, 10/07/2009
2008 Mazda 5 Sport 4dr Minivan (2.3L 4cyl 5A)
4 of 4 people found this review helpful
About 1.5 years of ownership now. Great reliable vehicle. We bought it as the perfect 4 person family car and then got a surprise #3 child and it is not perfect for that but its ok. I added a roof rack and cargo box and thats takes care of storage issues on long trips. I should add I got 28-29 mpg on a recent road trip fully loaded down , roof box on top, and bikes
Some problems to note, great interior
Chris1031, 05/26/2010
2008 Mazda 5 Sport 4dr Minivan (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
4 of 4 people found this review helpful
Great interior layout and having the various seating options. The seating work well with our children. Another pro has been the dual sliding doors, no need to worry about the children opening their doors and hitting another car. great gas mileage too! The cons of ownership of this car is that at 18,000 we needed to replace all 4 tires. Also, the bushings needed to be replaced as every time we went over a bump the car would squeak like it was 20 years old. The worst problem of all just happened last night. After 2 years of owning this car, I lost power steering suddenly while driving down the street - scary! Check out the TSB regarding steering.
Transmission failed at 65,000 miles
melissad1, 07/30/2012
2008 Mazda 5 Sport 4dr Minivan (2.3L 4cyl 5A)
31 of 43 people found this review helpful
I bought a used 2008 Mazda5 two years ago. It has been a fairly decent car, good interior space and gas mileage. Recently, the AT light came on. I took it to our local reliable mechanic. The car now needs a new transmission. I called and pleaded our case with the local Mazda dealership and with Mazda US. Neither of them will do anything to help us. They won't even offer discounted parts. It is ridiculous that the transmission would fail at 65,000 miles. It is even more ridiculous that Mazda doesn't stand behind their cars. I cannot recommend that anyone purchase this car or any Mazda for that matter.
Low Profile Wheels=Lots of Trouble!
arecktenwald, 04/28/2014
2008 Mazda 5 Sport 4dr Minivan (2.3L 4cyl 5A)
9 of 12 people found this review helpful
We've had our Mazda 5 for 5 years now and have put three full sets of tires on it and at least 2 other random replacements- and it only has 95k miles on it- all highway. The low profile wheels don't last and are fairly expensive to replace. In addition, our transmission gave out in year 2 and had to be completely replaced (luckily all covered by the warranty). Also, the wheel alignment is not great (perhaps lending to the massive tire consumption) nor are the shocks at this point. So the ride is less than smooth. The first two years we LOVED the car, but it certainly has not aged well.
Loving the 5 II
Johnny, 08/01/2009
2008 Mazda 5 Touring 4dr Minivan (2.3L 4cyl 5A)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
It's been almost a year now since I bought the 5. It is my daily commuter. I was told to drive it like a sports car and I do. Commonly doing 85 in the interstate. Love the size and ease in parking. Still don't see many around and it fits our family of four. Better gas mileage than our Honda Oddy. Only issue with the 5 was that I couldn't get the gas cap off. It was a recall. All is fixed. I would buy another. Recently took it on four hour vacation, everything fit and mileage was great. Cant wait to see what the new one will look like. Most people don't know what it is. I like that. It stands out in a crowd.
Micro Mini Van does the Job
Damian, 04/24/2010
2008 Mazda 5 Sport 4dr Minivan (2.3L 4cyl 5A)
3 of 4 people found this review helpful
During the 15,000 miles I've been through the initial up the middle down and back up. Don't change the tires for heavier ones, leave it with the toyo's or use carlike light tires. Do that and you'll like this vehicle forever. It's zoom zoom and I really like it. My wife and I cruise we don't race and all our cars last long and never go to repair shops.
maintenance costs - beware
TKK, 02/19/2010
2008 Mazda 5 Touring 4dr Minivan (2.3L 4cyl 5A)
3 of 4 people found this review helpful
Have had the car almost two years. Every 30K miles maintenance runs $750! Cheap price to buy, with expensive maintenance. Wouldn't buy another Mazda for this reason. My past Honda's didn't require this much maintenance.
Not just mine
Maria, 02/21/2019
2008 Mazda 5 Grand Touring 4dr Minivan (2.3L 4cyl 5A)
2 of 3 people found this review helpful
I've read many reviews of Mazda 5 owners and pretty much the same problem I have, transmission problem!!! Seems that Mazda5 has this issue a lot. Now on the other hand, I've had it since 08 and it's a nice smooth drive, roomy, gas is great!! And it seats 7 which from the outside is very deceiving. Small on the outside, spacious in the inside, and did I mention speed? Well she's very fast to be a mini van.
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19 yrs old and still a mover and shaker, love it!
Jim B, 11/16/2016
updated 05/24/2017
2008 Mazda 5 Touring 4dr Minivan (2.3L 4cyl 5A)
2 of 3 people found this review helpful
After 19yrs I 0wn the car and they will probably have to pry the keys from my dead hands .. still the best car on the road.
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- Comfort
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- Value
Good and Bad
bsdgbach, 05/27/2011
2008 Mazda 5 Grand Touring 4dr Minivan (2.3L 4cyl 5A)
2 of 3 people found this review helpful
This van is nice for a short person (under 5'2") Even with the front seat all the way back a 6' person is crunched up. I get the recommended oil changes and every time I go there is a problem that ends up costing $$$. I even with warranty on it. I have replaced the tires. We bought this in mid 08. with in 6 months the 1 of the brakes had a problem. In the past 6 mo. there is a sorta squeaking sound. Coming from underneath every little bump/turn. Banging from underneath in back last year was fixed. Now another banging coming from front. Mechanic tightened up everything-But still there. Windshield wiper rarely work as supposed to-usually need to adjust manually.
Almost got it
JH, 08/25/2010
2008 Mazda 5 Sport 4dr Minivan (2.3L 4cyl 5A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Mazda5 is very good overall. Mileage is about what the EPA says it should be; we do a bit better on the highway than their rating. Performance is good. We had the power steering defect for which Mazda has a technical service bulletin and are hoping they will recall it (there is a recall in Canada) because the tab was $600+ for the repair. Uneven tire wear is a problem. They wore unevenly early generating a wowwowwow sound. Wheel alignment must be on the outer fringes of possible to correct this. There is not enough travel for the driver's seat. Another inch or two of driver leg room is badly needed. Overall, it is a very good package and I would buy again esp. if driver position is improved
Get the touring model if you buy used
Ken, 08/30/2010
2008 Mazda 5 Touring 4dr Minivan (2.3L 4cyl 5A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
The Mazda 5's (2009 new models at the time) became very popular in cash for clunkers.If buying used (Hertz, Enterprise, etc have them) get the Touring model with CD changer, moonroof, leather wheel/shifter, LED taillights, fog lights, spoiler and side skirts for about $1,000 over a Sport (nearly $2,000 premium when new). We got ours at 32K in 8/09. Only negative is that nice looking low profile 17" tires do wear out faster than conventional wheels.Steering and versatility are outstanding. We love the Alpine 10.2" overhead DVD that we installed behind the moonroof. Note the recent 2007-2009 recall (also Mazda 3) for power steering. Stability control and traction control were not added until '09
Excellent mileage!
bonboa, 09/19/2008
2008 Mazda 5 Sport 4dr Minivan (2.3L 4cyl 5A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I purchased this vehicle on a Monday and it was delivered to me on Wednesday September 10, 2008, and it was worth the extra wait. The silver is (in my opinion) the best color for this vehicle! I am a confirmed Honda man. I only purchase Honda products just because that is what I've always done. All I have to say is this, Honda better watch their "6". This is a wonderful car 30.5 mpg mixed cty/hwy! This car is better than a Honda. I've owned 5 so far and may dedicate all future purchases to Mazda.
Great Vehicle, Snow Far
MattC, 03/01/2010
2008 Mazda 5 Sport 4dr Minivan (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
We leased for 2 years and would probably buy it, but for the issue of snow driving. It is a problem for my wife, and I notice a big difference from our other car, which is a wagon. If you live nearer to the equator, it's really a great car.
Still Happy After a Year
cobracoach, 01/18/2010
2008 Mazda 5 Sport 4dr Minivan (2.3L 4cyl 5A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I traded a Tribute on this car and have not regretted the decision, other than my need for towing my lawn mower on occasion. Fuel economy is consistently in the 27-28 mpg area and have two tanks to go 33 and 35 on trips. I've owned several Hondas and find this comparable to Honda quality and performance, and greatly superior to the 1999 Odessey I owned. Space is adequate and the hidden cubbies are fantastic. Others complain about the short seat, but I find them extremely comfortable. I got stranded one time when I couldn't get the gas cap off and the tank was almost on empty and I was 100 miles from home. Had to break out the cap, but problem has not reoccurred.
Wagon? Van? Whatever! It's fun!!
ajl, 12/21/2009
2008 Mazda 5 Grand Touring 4dr Minivan (2.3L 4cyl 5A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
After shopping every small SUV out there, and the only real competitor to the 5 when we bought it (the Kia Rondo), we bought our 08 Mazda 5 Grand Touring new in May of 09. After 6000 miles, it's still fun to drive and the mileage keeps getting better as the motor breaks in.It's based on the Mazda 3, considered one of the best driving small cars out there, so it drives and handles like a taller version of that car. If you need a capable vehicle for a small family that's fun to drive, look no further! I cannot say enough about how great this vehicle is to drive. Averaging about 21 mpg in mostly hilly, stop and go driving.
I Love My Minivan mazda5
nmac, 11/30/2009
2008 Mazda 5 Sport 4dr Minivan (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I ended up buying Mazda 5 over a year ago after giving my Jeep Grand Cherokee to my daughter who needed a car desperately at the time. I did a research on which vehicle will have a good decent mileage and can seat 6 people and I found this one with the help of edmunds.com...Thanks again for your support! I surely do appreciate this free service here. I love this car because it drives like a car and not like those regular family vans. The MPG is also a factor that's why I went for this Mazda. I put in about 450 miles on average trip such as grocery shopping and taking my teenager to and from school activities. Overall, this is very nice and it does the job of minivan/car that carries 6 pax.>
Suprisingly fun to drive van!
tristanboy, 06/11/2013
2008 Mazda 5 Sport 4dr Minivan (2.3L 4cyl 5A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Bought this car used. Currently around 34,000 miles. Averaging around 24 mpg mixed. Car has a decent amount of pep for around town, lacking in passing power. Responsive 5-speed auto, with manual control. Love the space for 6, although if all seats are up there is small cargo space behind the third row. Clever packaging and storage with the huge glovebox and flip open second row bottoms. Love the armrests. Steering feel is lively. A bit of wind noise at highway speeds. Beware of suspension problems with the 5. I have noticed some creaking, look into it before buying.
Good if you own a tire factory
CWF, 04/17/2010
2008 Mazda 5 Sport 4dr Minivan (2.3L 4cyl 5A)
2 of 5 people found this review helpful
Bought new in '08 and initially really liked the sporty handling and versatility. But, tires got really loud before 10,000 miles. Dealership was useless; said we should rotate more often, even though we always rotate at 5-6K. Disappointed in Edmunds and other car sites for not warning about design flaw that eats tires, and has been doing so for years. A Google search will turn up hundreds of complaints about excessive tire wear. Looking at another car mag, it appears that Mazda may have fixed the suspension problem in the 09's. To bad for us that we bought the 08. Anyone looking to buy a sharp looking, tire eating, used micro van?
owned it 1 month & have tried to sell it
mary , 04/13/2009
2008 Mazda 5 Sport 4dr Minivan (2.3L 4cyl 5A)
2 of 5 people found this review helpful
Hate it, way too small, cheaply made, inside scuffs easily, only 2 choices for exterior color if you don't want the too light cream interior-ugly gray and too hot black. The front passenger seat is so small it's claustrophobic, useless trunk with 3rd row up, 2nd row barely fits 2 small kids and their back packs. The worst vehicle I've had in 35+ years of driving. My 13 year old van I got rid of for this car was far superior. AC is not intuitive. Car is too narrow to fit my soccer foldable chair in. I guess if you buy cheap,you get cheap.
Who would have ever thought!
3girlsmom, 05/31/2008
2008 Mazda 5 Grand Touring 4dr Minivan (2.3L 4cyl 5A)
1 of 2 people found this review helpful
I traded in a Lexus LS 430 for this Mazda5 and I don't miss my Lexus! I have 3 girls and the room is just perfect and the MPG is an addition plus. Very fun to drive, awesome turning radius, just the right amount of features, unbelieveable price, gas efficient... all to say my kids love it! If you are in the market, you will have to test drive this one. I have a feeling that the Mazda5 is going to gain popularity very quickly! I love the white on tan, the tan isn't too light, and the white is pearl... beautiful!
ITS A REALLY NICCE CAR
Ellianna, 05/08/2023
2008 Mazda 5 Sport 4dr Minivan (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
1 of 2 people found this review helpful
It has very good qualty
Lovely ride in very good condition
SteveASTL, 03/23/2023
2008 Mazda 5 Grand Touring 4dr Minivan (2.3L 4cyl 5A)
1 of 2 people found this review helpful
Its been a steady performer.
Own an 06 and an 08. Both are great cars
coolmazda5, 01/02/2008
2008 Mazda 5 Sport 4dr Minivan (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
1 of 2 people found this review helpful
Great car to ride and drive. Sporty feeling. Manual transmission available. Very decent fuel economy for a family car.
A great small family car to own and driv
coolmazda5, 12/14/2007
2008 Mazda 5 Sport 4dr Minivan (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
1 of 2 people found this review helpful
I own a 2006 and a 2008 Mazda5s. The purchase experience process for the 08 was much better and easier due to the fact that the dealer was friendlier, less pushy, knew more about the car and knew how to drive manual. It also helped that I knew exactly what I was looking for and that it was available.
Mazda5 Sport; The jury is still out
PFZ, 03/20/2010
2008 Mazda 5 Sport 4dr Minivan (2.3L 4cyl 5A)
1 of 3 people found this review helpful
Bought "Zoom-zoom" 10 days ago to replace a 1992 Mitsubishi Expo 2.4 which died a natural mechanical death. The Expo beat this Zoom-zoom hands down for roominess, steering, visibility. Zoom-zoom's SMALL third side window prevents decent rear visibility for backing up. From the front seats the front of the car is out of sight, the shifting console lights are misplaced, the steering wheel covers the top third of the speed indicator dial, the key is built into remote control case. The outside trim is too close to the ground. The lack of separate bumpers look like an attempt at profiteering. My ratings reflect lack of trust rather than long standing observations.
I just cant wait to get rid of it!!!!!!
Really not liking it, 09/21/2009
2008 Mazda 5 Sport 4dr Minivan (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
1 of 7 people found this review helpful
So we have now had this car for a little over a year and i would honestly say that i have had nothing but problems.After two months of purchase we hit a stick in the middle of the road and ended up with a whole the size of a softball in the gas tank and that was not covered by warranty. We have had to purchase several gas caps costing $65 each and a new gas intake. I also have had water spraying out the vents with the air conditioner on.This should not happen when you buy a new car all we have done is put more money in to this car then its worth and to top it off its such a hard car to try and trade in for a better car the dealerships DON'T WANT IT. I will never purchase a Mazda AGAIN ~!!!
I love this car!
Jay and Emme, 10/21/2008
2008 Mazda 5 Grand Touring 4dr Minivan (2.3L 4cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
The Mazda5 has been one of the most fun cars I've owned. After finding out we were going to become a family of six rather than five, we needed a vehicle that could hold us all and traded in our sedan. We already have a large minivan and I wanted something better on gas and a bit sportier, so we bought the Grand Touring. The four kids fit fine, though it is umbrella stroller only as there is almost no trunk space. Trips require use of the luggage rack with 5+ people. I love the nimbleness in traffic and the tight turn base and size makes parking a breeze. It definitely has some zoom-zoom compared to other family vans. The 5 is fun to drive, has nice features and I get about 26 mpg.
Downsizing
drumnow, 08/10/2008
2008 Mazda 5 Touring 4dr Minivan (2.3L 4cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Traded down (size wise) from a Chrysler town and country, also have Jeep Cherokee and Mazda miata. As far as size, there is a noticeable difference. Some things also seem 'cheap' compared to the Chrysler. But we bought this car because of the price and gas mileage and sliding doors. Mostly for the gas mileage. Wish we could have found a galaxy grey with leather this late in the season.
Mazda5 Notes
KHS, 10/25/2008
2008 Mazda 5 Grand Touring 4dr Minivan (2.3L 4cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Traded my Volvo 940 Wagon for the Mazda5 GT. Use primarily for business. I need cargo room, and hate SUVs. First, the gas mileage is awesome... 39 mpg on my recent road trip. Easy vehicle to work from. Sliding doors help. No mechanical issues, noises, squeaks or rattles. Really solid car. However, I miss the comfort of my Volvo. The seat bottoms are too short, and too narrow. The climate controls are way too complicated. The gas & brake pedals are too close together. As others have noted, the interior plastics are poor quality, and scuff easily. Storage is sparse. Map pockets in the doors are preferred to the bottle holders. There is a storage pocket behind the driver's seat only.
My New Mini- MiniVan !
NAA, 11/10/2008
2008 Mazda 5 Grand Touring 4dr Minivan (2.3L 4cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
We were looking for good gas mileage, the right price with optional 6 passenger seating when we spotted a 2008 Mazda 5. It is easy for the kids to open the sliding doors to get in and out. The second row seating is comfortable and has a great bin for toys and cups. Now I can pick up my friends kids or transport family when I need to. The Mazda 5 third row folds down so easily when not in use. I can't believe the ergonomic storage room . I bought a snow blower for my husband and there was no problem sliding it in the back of the car with room to spare. My 6'4 husband fits in the drivers seat but the glove box in the pass is tight. We are pleased with the overall performance of the 5.
2008 Grand Touring
rotorbaru, 07/03/2008
2008 Mazda 5 Grand Touring 4dr Minivan (2.3L 4cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Very nice vehicle, particularly for the money. The HID headlight are great, the ride very smooth and yet sporty, engine power is fine, nice interior layout and decent fuel mileage. I highly recommend this vehicle to anyone with the need to transport 4 people (it can take six for shorter trips, less than 2 hours). The 5 spd auto is very nice, it auto downshifts when breaking for a corner coming down a hill to add engine breaking.
Enjoying the zoom-zoom
jmason, 08/09/2008
2008 Mazda 5 Sport 4dr Minivan (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
We've had this car about 8 months (first 2008 out of the dealership) and have been very satisfied with it. Gas mileage is about what was estimated (actual- 22 city, 30 highway), which is good for a minivan. For a family of 4, each person gets their own seat with a huge trunk (rear seats down), with the option of ferrying a couple of friends around for short trips. For the price and value, I don't know why I don't see more on the road (although I see more in Canada). Only issue that I see so far is the front grille seems too low to the ground and I worry about hitting it on a concrete divider when parking in a public lot.
I am in love!!
dopey, 11/14/2008
2008 Mazda 5 Touring 4dr Minivan (2.3L 4cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I love this car!! It has every feature you want. I didn't want an suv or mini- van. This car is perfect. It is so much fun to drive. I didn't like the style at first. The car grows on you. All my neighbors compliment the car every time I see them. It's great for a small family. My 2 and half year old loves having his own seat too. The only down fall is my stroller fits on an angle. Also, the automatic car starter from Mazda is awesome. It worth every penny.
Dad's Cool Car
Kevin, 08/12/2008
2008 Mazda 5 Sport 4dr Minivan (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I needed a roomy vehicle to accommodate our new baby (and all the stuff that comes along too) as well as provide good gas mileage for commuting 60 miles per day for work. Seeing as a manual transmission is almost a requirement for me, my choices were limited. I compared the Mazda5 to a few mid-size sedans and found that none could compare in terms of space or price. My wife, who always swore she would never drive a minivan, loves it so much that she now wants to learn how to drive a manual so that she can drive my car instead of her CR-V. Our baby loves it too :) The 5 is so fun to drive that I feel like I'm driving a sporty car, not a Micro-Van - great mix of fun and practicality.
Highly Recommended!!
ArthurFour, 07/02/2008
2008 Mazda 5 Sport 4dr Minivan (2.3L 4cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I am in love with our Mazda5 Sport automatic! My husband and I were in the market for a vehicle that could seat our family of four, plus an additional 2 friends, grandparents, etc. I didn't want to go the minivan route - and we were trying to avoid a hulking SUV. We looked at the RAV-4 with a third-row seat and the Highlander, but decided to test the Mazda. We immediately loved the handling, seat configuration, fuel economy, and general versatility! It is also quite unique - and several of our friends have been really impressed by it. If you are considering getting the touring for the engine, we recommend just the sport auto because the engine is very peppy... no need to spend extra $
Great Car
AdoboDude, 11/24/2008
2008 Mazda 5 Grand Touring 4dr Minivan (2.3L 4cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Bought the car on Dec 31, 2007. 2008 Mazda 5 GT. Power is adequate. Acceleration is ok, handling is superb, great gas mileage. About 23-25 mpg in LA traffic, but I did log 31 mpg going to San Francisco with 3 adults and 2 kids. Took me a long time to decide between the new CRV to the 5, but I sincerely believe that I made the right choice.
Comfortable with power to spare!
SHAWN HILL, 12/03/2008
2008 Mazda 5 Sport 4dr Minivan (2.3L 4cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
We purchased the Mazda5 to replace an aging and not very fuel efficient Ford Freestar minivan. As we still needed a vehicle that could sit at least 6 people but we wanted something more economical the scope of our search was limited. After test driving the Ford TaurusX, Rio Rondo and the Mazda5 and comparing the prices for each it was quickly obvious that the Mazda5 was the best choice. After 6 months of use we are thrilled with our choice. We've been getting 26 mpg in all around driving and 30 mpg on exclusively highway miles. The engine has plenty of pep and you can chirp the tires at a moments notice.
Great alternative
Dave, 06/09/2008
2008 Mazda 5 Touring 4dr Minivan (2.3L 4cyl 5A)
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Traded a 2004 Kia Sorento 4x4 and looked at over thirty different vehicles before purchasing the Mazda5. I feel it is without a doubt the best on the market for the price and features available. I would like to see auto locking/unlocking doors, power seats and tinted windows. Offer a turbo version and just try to keep these in stock.
SUCH a great car! Hidden gem!
Hector, 06/12/2008
2008 Mazda 5 Grand Touring 4dr Minivan (2.3L 4cyl 5A)
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I really feel this is one gem of a car. It does so many things well that one wouldn't expect in a family car of this type. It's refined and performs well, yet it's still economical and affordable. It handles like a much smaller sports car (Miata/MX-5 and 3 DNA immediately apparent), has good pick up, a nice ride, a quiet interior, many luxury features, safety, comfort, convenience, good fuel economy AND loads of style/good looks. Can you get any better? I drive my 5 with pride and sing "Zoom Zoom Zoom" in my head while doing so.
Lots to like, a little to dislike
Dennis, 08/19/2008
2008 Mazda 5 Sport 4dr Minivan (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
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I bought the Sport with M/T. Vehicle meets all my needs, lots of room, decent fuel economy, good price. The manual trans takes some getting used to. It has a very light engagement and is very easy to "top" a gear. I definitely will be tinting the rear windows to keep things cooler but the A/C works great. With almost 3,000 miles on it I am averaging about 22 mpg. Since all my driving is around town I find this acceptable but wished for more. Manual adjusting seats required me to get out of the car to raise the seat level. If you are willing to keep the RPMs up, acceleration is good. Overall I am very pleased and hope time will prove me right.
6 month review
Mark, 02/23/2009
2008 Mazda 5 Sport 4dr Minivan (2.3L 4cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Well we have had our 2008 mazda5 sport for over 6 mos now and figured it was time to give our thoughts. First living in a snowy, hilly area the winter handling and hill climbing power are both average at best. It lags at hill climbing, especially at highway speeds. Fuel efficiency has been pretty good maybe even a little better than rated. The interior design is very accommodating &comfortable. The rear seats are easy to fold/unfold and the design of the controls is very intuitive. Cargo space with the third row up is minimal but with it down we can easily fit our two week groceries and more in the back. Reliability has been perfect so far. Black interior impossible to keep clean.
I was looking for you all this time
xabo, 08/28/2008
2008 Mazda 5 Touring 4dr Minivan (2.3L 4cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This is "the almost perfect family car". I studied every possibility for our family and couldn't find the right match. I finally discovered the 5 and realized quickly it was the one. Space, quality, price, doors, features, design and MPG, it has it all. It's a pleasure to drive this car. I must admit some jealousy as we found the 5 in Switzerland with dark tinted glass and a sporty luggage rack system. It looks even better. The seating possibilities are endless and easy to play with.
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