2006 Mazda 5: Overview

Vehicle Highlights

This new compact wagon bows for 2006 with front-wheel drive, six-passenger seating, and minivanlike sliding side doors. The Mazda 5 is a longer, taller spinoff of the Mazda 3 compact cars. It comes in Sport and uplevel Touring trim, both with a 157-hp 4-cyl engine and 5-speed manual transmission or optional 4-speed automatic with manual shift gate. It has sliding rear side doors, a one-piece liftgate, and three rows of two seats. The 2nd-row seats recline and slide fore and aft to adjust cargo or passenger space. Along with the 3rd-row seats, they fold to create a flat load floor. Antilock 4-wheel disc brakes and 17-inch wheels are standard. So are front side airbags and curtain side airbags that cover all seating rows. A sunroof and aero body addenda are standard for Touring, available on Sport. Options include DVD entertainment and, for the Touring, a navigation system.

COMPETITION

Consumer Guide® Automotive places each vehicle into one of 17 classes based on size, price, and market position. Compact Cars comprise the smallest passengers cars. These vehicles range from tiny economy models to slightly larger, popularly priced sedans, hatchbacks, and wagons.

Our Best Buys include Chrysler PT Cruiser, Honda Civic, Mazda 3, and Pontiac Vibe/Toyota Matrix twins. Our Recommended picks include Chevrolet Cobalt, Ford Focus, Hyundai Elantra, Kia Spectra, and Toyota Corolla.

New or significantly redesigned models include Chevrolet HHR, Hyundai Accent, Kia Rio, and Volkswagen Golf and Jetta.