2008 Mazda 5: Overview

Vehicle Highlights

The 2008 Mazda 5 receives exterior and interior styling changes. The exterior changes include a new front fascia, grille, headlights, and taillights. The interior is updated with restyled gauges, center console, 2nd-row air vents with fan speed control, and additional armrests. Also new is a 5-speed automatic transmission, replacing the previously offered 4-speed. Mazda 5 is based on the front-wheel-drive Mazda 3 compact car, but has a longer, taller body with seating for six, minivan-style sliding rear side doors, and one-piece liftgate. Sport, Touring, and Grand Touring versions are available. All have a 153-hp 2.3-liter 4-cyl engine. A 5-speed manual transmission is standard on Sport. A 5-speed automatic is optional on Sport and standard on Touring and Grand Touring. Seating is in three rows of two. The 2nd and 3rd rows fold, and 2nd-row seats recline and slide fore and aft to adjust cargo or passenger space. Available safety features include ABS, front side airbags, and curtain side airbags. A sunroof is available for Sport and is standard on the other models. Grand Touring adds leather upholstery, heated front seats, and xenon headlamps. A navigation system is optional for Grand Touring.

COMPETITION

Consumer Guide Automotive places each vehicle into one of 18 classes based on size, price, and market position. Midsize Cars represent the heart of the U.S. car market. Most are price-sensitive, conservatively designed, family oriented sedans and wagons.

Our Best Buys include Honda Accord and Kia Rondo. Our Recommended picks are the Ford Fusion, Hyundai Sonata, Kia Optima, Mazda 5, Mercury Milan, Nissan Altima, Saturn Aura, and Toyota Camry.

New or significantly redesigned models include the Chevrolet Malibu, Dodge Avenger, Honda Accord, and Mazda 5.