Consumer Guide spent 466 miles in the 2008 Mazda 5.
Price: $22,365
Options: Rear bumper step plate, Sirius satellite radio, navigation system
Price as Tested: $25,480
Total Miles Tested: 466 miles
Fuel Economy: 24.1 mpgEditors' Comments Tom Appel:
The affordable, frugal Mazda 5 makes a whole lot of sense for small
families and empty nesters who only occasionally need extra seating.
This likable vanlette has plenty of room for four adults and rides and
handles like a sedan. If the 5 is working for you, be sure to check out
Kia's equally impressive Rondo. Both of these rides are slightly ahead
of the curve. Damon Bell:
The Mazda 5 is a sensibly sized, space-efficient "mini minivan" that's
also really fun to drive. It offers more cargo versatility than a
traditional sedan, but better handling and fuel economy than a typical
minivan. Ed
Piotrowski: Mazda recently sponsored a press dinner to extol the
virtues of the freshened-for-2008 5. During that time, company
officials said this vehicle was designed primarily for the European and
Japanese markets. The 5 is still a profitable vehicle in North America,
despite modest sales of 10,000-12,000. Those who do select this
vehicle, I think, know something that the rest of the auto-buying
market needs to discover. This unconventional people and cargo hauler
is surprisingly refined and fun to drive. Though fuel economy could be
a bit better, 5 is a good value for the money overall, provided you
stick with the Sport or Touring trim. Don
Sikora: The Mazda 5 is an interesting substitute for a small or
midsize SUV. The prices are attractive, it has a sporty
personality, and a surprising amount of passenger or cargo room inside
its modestly sized package. The Mazda
5 is sportier and more stylish than the similar-in-concept Kia Rondo,
but the Rondo seems a bit more refined and just generally more pleasant
in everyday commuting. Drive them both.
Consumer Guide's test 2008 Mazda 5 Grand Touring stickered for a little over $25,000.
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