2009 Mazda 5 Review
2009 Mazda 5 Review
View more photos
View more photos
View more photos
View more photos
View more photos
+16
Used 5 for sale
Appraise This CarSee Edmunds pricing data
Has Your Car's Value Changed?
Used car values are constantly changing. Edmunds lets you track your vehicle's value over time so you can decide when to sell or trade in.
Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- More nimble and maneuverable than full-size minivans, convenient dual sliding doors, manageable size for small families, low price.
Cons
- Stability control not available, kids-only third row, no second-row bench option, engine can run out of steam when fully loaded.
What’s new
After significant updates last year, the 2009 Mazda 5 sees no major changes.
Edmunds says
Remember when minivans were somewhat mini? The 2009 Mazda 5 is such a vehicle, offering a nimble and practical solution for smaller families that are realistic about their space and performance needs.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2009 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 $3.50 per gallon for regular unleaded in Ohio.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio
$177/mo for 5 Sport
5 Sport
vs
$183/mo
Avg. Compact Minivan
Vehicle overview
Not everyone's going to dig the 2009 Mazda 5 -- aside from folks who resent redundancy. This is a mini minivan, a small version of an increasingly unpopular form of family transportation. But times are changing, and in 2009 more Americans are considering the purchase of smaller and more-fuel-efficient modes of transportation. For a small family, the Mazda 5 could fill the bill perfectly.
Under the Mazda 5's skin lies a lot of DNA from the Mazda 3, a class-leading compact sedan that sets itself apart with razor-sharp handling and a solid European-like ride. The sporting heritage gives the otherwise utilitarian 5 a more athletic, nimble handling nature than anything else that bears the descriptor of "van." The Mazda 5's compact dimensions also make maneuvering through traffic and squeezing into tight parking spots a breeze. And once you're in one of those tight parking spots, the 5's sliding side doors will make loading the little ones into the back easy. Plenty of folks think sliding doors are uncool, but there's no denying their superb family-friendly utility.
One inherent design compromise is that the 5's third-row seat is really only intended for children. Even then, you have to scoot up the sliding second-row captain's chairs. It's therefore best to think of the 5 as a good car for families with one or two small children that occasionally need room for the neighbor's kids or enough cargo space for trips to grandma's house. If you need enough room for three kids, Aunt Doris, a kayak and a week's worth of stuff for a road trip to Disney World, you probably should stick with a full-size minivan.
Given these size restrictions and its efficient but underpowered engine, the 2009 Mazda 5 won't be enough car for a lot of people. If you like the size and the body style but question the four-cylinder engine, the V6-powered Kia Rondo should fill the bill, although it has conventional rear doors. The highly rated Toyota RAV4 crossover SUV also has three rows of seating as well as a strong V6 that gets nearly the same fuel economy as the Mazda. But in this current climate of high gas prices and tight economic conditions, the affordable, efficient and reasonably practical Mazda 5 is making a lot more sense.
Performance & mpg
The 2009 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. Fuel economy for automatic-equipped 5s is 21 mpg city/27 mpg highway and 23 mpg combined.
Safety
Standard safety equipment on the 2009 Mazda 5 includes four-wheel antilock disc brakes, front side airbags and three-row side curtain airbags. Stability control is not available. In government crash tests, the 5 scored a perfect five stars for frontal crash protection and front side crash protection for front occupants. It got four stars for rear side protection.
Driving
The 2009 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, since it shares much of its underpinnings with the athletic Mazda 3, the 5 exhibits a nimble nature that will have it running tight little circles around conventional minivans, which behave like battleships by comparison. The sharp, communicative steering is particularly impressive. However, this is still a tallish vehicle, and it certainly feels more top-heavy and tippy than the compact sedan on which it's based. In our testing, the 5 also showed some instability in high-speed accident avoidance maneuvers; which might be of minor concern as no stability control is available.
Interior
Some might find sliding rear doors to be the epitome of minivan uncoolness, but there's no denying that the Mazda 5's sliders make loading passengers in tight parking spaces easy. 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. 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 bench seat with the center seating position for maximum safety. With the third-row seat folded flat, 44.4 cubic feet of luggage space are available.
2009 Mazda 5 models
The 2009 Mazda 5 is a small six-passenger minivan available in Sport, Touring and Grand Touring trim levels. The Sport comes standard with 17-inch alloy wheels, automatic climate control, rear-seat air-conditioning vents and controls, full power accessories, cruise control, fold-flat second- and third-row seats, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel with audio controls, a trip computer, electroluminescent gauges, and a six-speaker stereo with a CD player and an auxiliary audio jack. Stepping up to the Touring adds foglights, a rear spoiler, a sunroof, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, and an in-dash six-CD changer (optional on the Sport). The Grand Touring adds automatic xenon headlights, rain-sensing windshield wipers, leather upholstery, heated front seats and Bluetooth. The Touring and the Grand Touring can be equipped with a touchscreen navigation system, and all Mazda 5s are pre-wired for satellite radio.
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 2009 Mazda 5.
5 star(59%)
4 star(27%)
3 star(10%)
2 star(2%)
1 star(2%)
83 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
4 out of 5 stars
Love my mazda 5
Paul, 10/25/2015
2009 Mazda 5 Sport 4dr Minivan (2.3L 4cyl 5A)
So after reading several reviews on the mazda 5, ie, shocks struts and tire wear, not much else was negative. Bought my 2009 mazda 5, and immediately changed the tires to 215/50 ZR17 ( changed speedometer by 1 mph ), this gave a much better and smoother ride, also installed top of the line Bilsten shocks and struts. I'm at 38K on the tires with about 50% tread left, wearing even with … normal tire rotations, and two alighnments. No other issues at all. I purchased the car with 88K, from the original owner that had all service records ( 3 sets of tires and shocks ), I am at 130K on the car, and other than the normal recommended service, it has been Great. Commute 80 miles Daily.
4 out of 5 stars
Summer Love, Winters Hate. Heart of a 3
mazdarx75, 10/08/2014
2009 Mazda 5 Grand Touring 4dr Minivan (2.3L 4cyl 5A)
I have Mazda5 09 GT model. I love the styling inside and out on my GT model. Very functional for my family of 4 and a dog. Option for 6 is great when needed as long as it is the exception. There is no trunk space with all 6 seats used. Does everything I need in the summer but when cold weather hits, I think of getting rid of it every winter. The power locking assist mechanism on … the sliding doors will not work in cold or freezing temps. Took to Mazda and all they did was lube the door latch. Problem did not go away. Door keeps trying to lock even when I am driving. Not a safe feeling when driving and kids are back there. So this is my 8th winter with this Van and to make both doors close, I cannot wash it till spring. (Wash only bottom half of door, so not to get water inside the door) Had to change the top engine mount at 60000 miles when the hydraulic fluid leaked out. Thought it was engine but just the fluid inside the mount. Mazda said it was normal to change these mounts! This was the first engine mount I had to change EVER! Also changed all the shocks and struts. Mazda could have beefed up the suspension a bit since they put a mini-mini Van for 6 on a compact chassis from a Mazda 3. Not recommended if commuting with more than 4 adults every day. Still driving it and still love it and hate it.
Year 6 now, still runs good and no troubles except the above. I only wash the bottom half of the doors which helps it close properly in winter. It is a good mini school bus!
Year 8 now, still runs good and reliable. Sway bar bushings wore out and makes grinding noise in summer when hot going over speed bumps. Thought it was the struts but was only the bushings. So go that repaired when the ball joints wore out. This was making the front tires inner tread wear out fast. Rust is showing fast now around the back fenders also. We bought a 2010 Ford Explorer last year and was having to fix some minor issues every 2-3 weeks. This made the Mazda5 look good. Just sold the Ford, and never again. Now looking for a TOYOTA.
4.25 out of 5 stars
Yes
vhabiru, 07/14/2014
2009 Mazda 5 Sport 4dr Minivan (2.3L 4cyl 5A)
After about 2 years with the 5, I'm still really happy.
We sold the sedan and bought the 5 when we realized we were having a second chlid. It's been really great and at no point have I had a second thought about the purchase. I only wish I had bought the manual and not the auto, but my wife was not keen to have the extra task of shifting in addition to keeping the kids happy. …
Overall, a solid A. I would definitely buy again.
4.63 out of 5 stars
Exactly What I wanted
spewgilist, 11/28/2012
2009 Mazda 5 Grand Touring 4dr Minivan (2.3L 4cyl 5A)
I bought my 2009 Mazda 5 GT new after stumbling on the model while looking for a car that would provide a comfortable ride for 4 adults and let me carry all the things for which I normally have to have a mini-van.
I wanted sliding rear doors, I wanted captain's chairs, I wanted a leather interior and heated seats and a few other amenities to which I have become accustomed and I was able … to get them all in the GT for around $10-$15K less than a regular minivan.
I've had the car for 4 years now and I have put over 76K miles on it and I still love it and find it an incredibly versatile and reliable car.
2009 5 Highlights
Sport
Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $17,995 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 24 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $177/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
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
Related Used 2009 Mazda 5 info
Vehicle reviews of used models
- Used Lexus IS F 2014
- Used Land Rover Range Rover 2021
- Used Lexus RX 500H 2021
- Used Volkswagen R32 2013
- Used Nissan 350Z 2016
Shop used vehicles in your area
- Used Mazda 5 2015
- Used Mazda 3 2015
- Used Mazda 6 2015
- Used Mazda CX-5 2014
- Used Mazda 5 2012
- Used Mazda CX-5 2015
- Used Mazda 5 2013
- Used Mazda 5 2014 For Sale
- Used Mazda 5 2010
- Used Mazda CX-5 2013
Popular new car reviews and ratings
- 2023 Toyota 86
- 2023 Mercedes-Benz S-Class
- 2024 Cayenne
- 08 Lexus Is 250
- BMW I5 Car
- SQ8
- 2023 Wagoneer
- Cooper Clubman Car
- 2023 BMW 3 Series
- 2025 BMW X7 News
Research other models of Mazda
- Mazda 3 Hatchback
- Mazda CX 30
- 2023 Mazda 3
- Mazda CX9
- Mazda CX 90
- Mazda CX 5
- CX50
- Miata
- 2023 CX-5
- 2024 Mazda 3
Research similar vehicles
- Toyota Sienna 2023
- Sienna Vans
- Ford Transit Connect Cargo Vans
- 2023 Honda Odyssey
- 2023 Pacifica
- Mercedes Metris
- 07 Odyssey
- Carnival Van
- 2023 Sedona
Other models
- Used Honda Cr-V-Hybrid in Richmond, CA
- Used Mazda 6 in Converse, TX
- Used Chevrolet Cavalier in Ennis, TX
- Used Ford Freestyle in Yorba Linda, CA
- Used Mitsubishi Raider in Mobile, AL
- Used Audi E-Tron-S-Sportback in Lawrence Township, NJ
- New Nissan Altima for Sale in Issaquah, WA
- Used Ferrari 430-Scuderia in York, PA
- Used Lexus Lc-500-Convertible in Rosenberg, TX
- New Alfa-Romeo Stelvio for Sale in Richmond, TX