2009 Mazda MAZDA5 Consumer Reviews

Good Car, But Fragile and Unreliable

Written by: Charles Kroten on 12/29/2008

Vehicle

2009 Mazda MAZDA5 Touring 4dr Minivan (2.3L 4cyl 5A)

Review

My experience with this car has been quite an adventure, to put it lightly. In my most recent of exploits, which involved me driving this vehicle through an empty and ice-layered warehouse parking lot with three kids in back, ended when I hit an idle forklift, which rendered my inner frame. Let me repeat, a forklift. So, clearly this car's structure is not up to par. Past experiences include my seven year old daughter taking the rear passenger's door clear off the hinges while riding her tricycle down my rather inclinous driveway, and a brake failure as I pulled into my garage, dultimately destroying the entire building. The interior was monumentally disappointing as well, if you'll read on.

Favorite Features

I did like the interior design at first, but it proved to be very unstable and, quite frankly, fell apart rather quickly.

Suggested Improvements

I would say that the dashboard furnishing definitely needs to be more securely adhered to its bindings. I would like to testify that whilst I drove my laboring wife to the hospital for our third son's birth, she ripped it from its place in her struggles and we were never able to fix the damage.

0 out 3 people found this review helpful

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Our 2nd Mazda5!

Written by: GottaLoveIt! on 12/21/2008

Vehicle

2009 Mazda MAZDA5 Grand Touring 4dr Minivan (2.3L 4cyl 5A)

Review

We bought our 2007 Mazda5 afer running into it at the dealership, and not knowing what the heck it was. We were looking at the MPV van. We were amazed at the versitility, my wife was able to take my daughters basket ball high school team members to games in comfort, even tho some were pretty tall. The last row was a bit limited in the leg room area, but smaller girls did fine! It ngot great mileage, loads of cargo room (Christmas trees!) and build quality 2nd to none!

Favorite Features

It's a roomy van, yet looks and acts like a sporty sedan! A pleasure to take on road trips, even the dog had his place! MPG is reasonable for a 7 passenger van. Lots of stares when parked or driving, seems like a lot of people like the way it looks! Paint is supurb, layers deep, and beautiful.

Suggested Improvements

Our 07 had a weak A/C and no arm rests on rear doors or passenger seat, but Mazda listened to our complaints and took care of it for '09!

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Fun Factor Vehicle

Written by: Drey230 on 12/18/2008

Vehicle

2009 Mazda MAZDA5 Grand Touring 4dr Minivan (2.3L 4cyl 5A)

Review

My wife and I have a newborn. We needed a second car besides our Corolla and agreed that the main requirement of a new car was the fun factor. This car is a lot of fun from playing musical chairs between cargo, people, and space, it's cool. The ride is pretty cool too! I agree with most that a few more horses under the hood would be nice, but I'm OK because I like my gas mileage low. Handles well & looks great! No one ever knows what a Mazda5 is when you tell them but once they see it and ride in it, they become fans! We are young parents and knew this was a great car for our family but it's also a hit with friends parents night off. Who said you have to drive a Scion or Mini to be cool these days.

Favorite Features

Ride dynamics, sliding doors, and sliding second row seats.

Suggested Improvements

I'm jealous that the European version has a middle seat in the second row. A few more horses, and stability and traction control would be nice. Oh yeah, gas tank is a bit small too.

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Perfect Car?

Written by: supercane on 12/17/2008

Vehicle

2009 Mazda MAZDA5 Grand Touring 4dr Minivan (2.3L 4cyl 5A)

Review

Xenon headlights. Bluetooth. Auto rain sensing wipers. Heated seats. Room for 6. Low 20's sticker. Is there a better vehicle on the market? We purchased our Mazda 5 last month and have not only loved the car but enjoyed tanks averaging above 30 mpg around town. Our growing family fits perfectly, our four dogs love the folded down cargo area, and we just came home from Vegas through snow with the vehicle handling perfectly. Notwithstanding some minor build quality issues, is is the best new vehicle we have owned in the last five years - and we have purchased 6. I recommend this vehicle to anyone. Best of luck trying to find a better overall value.

Favorite Features

Xenon headlights, bluetooth, room, MPG, price.

Suggested Improvements

Slightly wider, 2nd row should have middle belt, 3rd row slightly more room, more cargo room with 3rd row up.

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A Great Minivan/Crossover

Written by: Robert G. on 12/11/2008

Vehicle

2009 Mazda MAZDA5 Sport 4dr Minivan (2.3L 4cyl 5A)

Review

Drives great, has sufficient power for everyday driving, quiet ride and no engine noise, versatile seating with many options. Japanese built with Japanese parts, nice stereo and it comes fully loaded with all the features I needed. Sliding doors are a blessing with four year old twins. Alloy wheels with low profile tires look sharp. Looks very attractive inside and out. For a purchase price of $16,888 I can't be any happier or satisfied.

Favorite Features

Dual sliding doors, variety of seating arrangements, radio controls on steering wheel, nice looking wheels, good mileage.

Suggested Improvements

The gas and brake pedals are a little too close to each other, even for my size 10 shoes.

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2009 Red Touring

Written by: pat555 on 12/04/2008

Vehicle

2009 Mazda MAZDA5 Touring 4dr Minivan (2.3L 4cyl 5A)

Review

Got the vehicle for 2 weeks. It has plenty of power thanks to the extra gear, and it handles well. It is easy to park, thanks to the large side mirrors. It stops quickly, but with a noticeable nose dip. The sliding doors and the hatch are easy to close. The vehicle accommodates two car seats easily. The back seat is fine for small adult or teenager without a growth spurt.

Favorite Features

Steering wheel audio control, sliding doors, moonroof, handling, easy to drive, 5-AT, the seat fabric, easy to stow 3rd row seats, 2nd row under seat storage

Suggested Improvements

The aux plug in cable should be standard, seat height and back support for passenger side seat, map pocket instead of drink holders on the door, better interior carpeting. More height adjustment for the head restrain in the 2nd row.

5 out 5 people found this review helpful

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Large SUV to a Mazda5? Yes it works

Written by: John Q on 11/20/2008

Vehicle

2009 Mazda MAZDA5 Grand Touring 4dr Minivan (2.3L 4cyl 5A)

Review

Traded in my 2002 Dodge Durango for a Copper Red Mica GT. Loved the Durango, but not the 13 MPG. Only 460 miles on "Matt D Mazda" and my expectations have been met. Third row is too tight for adults, but fine for kids up to middle school. MPG running in low to mid 20s with mixed city and highway (22 and 24). I have not had the opportunity for a long drive (300 + miles), but feel advertised 27 MPG for automatic is not only achievable, but beatable. Vehicle feels quick. Some reviews critical of pick up, but I find more than adequate. Excellent ride and comfortable. Perfect vehicle to run errands with the family.

Favorite Features

Bluetooth, sliding doors, expansive view from driver's seat, heated seats, and Zoom Zoom

Suggested Improvements

Armrests should be bigger and beefier. Better console with a lid.

8 out 8 people found this review helpful

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My mini mini van........

Written by: toskeysam on 11/09/2008

Vehicle

2009 Mazda MAZDA5 Touring 4dr Minivan (2.3L 4cyl 5A)

Review

Have fullsize minivan for long trips, but needed small transportation with room for golf stuff et al (for local). The "5" fits the bill and then some. Handles great! Plenty of pep! Fun to drive! Comfortable seating up front. Retired couple, so only grandkids in back rows. Good visibility. Easy entry and exit!

Favorite Features

Sliding side doors.

Suggested Improvements

Darker window tint, MPG computer, auto locks.

3 out 3 people found this review helpful

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"Enthusiast minivan"

Written by: Mike St. on 11/04/2008

Vehicle

2009 Mazda MAZDA5 Sport 4dr Minivan (2.3L 4cyl 5M)

Review

We bought ours in September, sold a 2002 Town and Country LXi, traded a 08 Honda Odyssey in on that. We were looking for something affordable, kind of needed a 3rd row seat at times, better gas mileage. Our Odyssey averaged 16mpg, the T&C 17mpg. This car averages 23, we've seen 27+ highway. The 5 speed manual is as easy as it gets to drive. The suspension tuning is 2nd to none, sucks up all bumps with aplomb. Brakes are fantastic, steering response is spot on. As you would expect, acceleration isn't a strong point, it's about power to weight. Can't have MPG and HP it seems. We didn't like the 3's ride.

Favorite Features

Looks, MPG, flexibility, easy sliding doors, iPod interface. 3rd row seat simple enough for a caveman. Rear ac/heat vent controls.

Suggested Improvements

Front seats don't adjust the bottom cushion up in the front, lack of storage compartments up front, no center console. 10-15 more horsepower would be nice.

5 out 5 people found this review helpful

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From a GTI to a Mazda 5 GT

Written by: Dan on 11/04/2008

Vehicle

2009 Mazda MAZDA5 Grand Touring 4dr Minivan (2.3L 4cyl 5A)

Review

As a father of 4, it was finally time to move on from my little five speed VW GTI. We needed an alternative to my wife's Chevy Suburban that would fit the entire family, while getting decent gas mileage and being fun to drive. The Mazda 5 fits the bill. Got the Grand Touring in Silver with black leather. While the quality of materials is a definite step down from the VW, the car is a great value for the price. This car offers everything I need in a tidy and sporty package: room for six (with some compromises on the part of all), very well equipped for the price, good looks, he "wow, this is cool" factor from my daughters' friends, solid handling. Very happy with my purchase!

Favorite Features

Love the Bluetooth for my mobile phone, though it has been a bit glitchy at times. Extremely flexible interior with fold flat seats. Auto climate control, which I missed from my Audi A6 (two cars ago). Auxiliary jack for iPod. Rear air and middle row captain's chairs for my girls. Regular gas!

Suggested Improvements

A bit more power, but sticking with a four cylinder. Automatically locking doors. Larger sunroof that retracts into the roof, rather than jutting out above the roof. Better quality interior materials. Standard iPod module, rather than just an aux jack.

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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