2006 Mazda Mazda5

Rating from Family Man

(4)
Comfort:		5 out of 5
Performance:		4 out of 5
Exterior Styling:		5 out of 5
Interior Design:		5 out of 5
Value for the Money:		5 out of 5
Reliability:		4 out of 5

"The Mazda5 is an almost perfect compromise for people who want something a little bit more roomy and functional than a wagon, but don't want something wallowy and overly-heavy like a minivan. It offers three rows of seating, for a total of 6 passengers, and all of the back seats fold flat to make a very large, very usable cargo area. The 50/50 split of the third row is something I use all the time when we pick up Grandma from the airport and need to put her bags in the back, but still have room for her and the kids. I have a total of 2 gripes about this car, one of which is specific to the 2006 model year, and the other of which applies to the entire first generation. The 2006 model comes with an in-dash 6-CD changer, but no AUX input for my iPhone. Later model years include this standard, so that makes this a pretty annoying (though small) omission from the 2006. The entire first generation (2006-2011) has a pretty mushy automatic transmission. It often seems like it is searching for the right gear, and usually settles on the one that is just too high. It's a 4-speed auto, and I find myself wanting to switch it into manual-selection mode just to force it into 3rd or 2nd gear a LOT sooner than it will do it on its own. Luckily, though, you can also find these with manual transmissions. They are rare, but would probably make my only real gripe about the performance of this car null and void."

I would recommend this car to a friend: Yes

This vehicle was purchased: Used

Primary use for this car: Transporting family

Rating from Japanese car enthusiast

(5)
Comfort:		5 out of 5
Performance:		5 out of 5
Exterior Styling:		4 out of 5
Interior Design:		4 out of 5
Value for the Money:		5 out of 5
Reliability:		5 out of 5

"I've owned vans before, and I've owned sedans before, but this is the best of both worlds. Mazda created a true crossover vehicle with the Mazda 5. It drives like a sports sedan, but is able to transport 6-7 people, or carry a van full of cargo. Granted it doesn't have the capacity of a full-size van, but it doesn't drive like a boat either. It's a fun vehicle to drive, and it gets 25-28 MPG. Test drive one, and you'll see."

I would recommend this car to a friend: Yes

This vehicle was purchased: Used

Primary use for this car: Commuting

Rating from #%$#%

(4)
Comfort:		4 out of 5
Performance:		5 out of 5
Exterior Styling:		5 out of 5
Interior Design:		5 out of 5
Value for the Money:		5 out of 5
Reliability:		4 out of 5

"This car has performance tires and sits pretty low so it's a pleasure to drive, but bumpy. Seats aren't all that comfortable either, but there are six bucket seats so everyone gets their own seat. Back seats fold down for nice roomy trunk. Mileage is 28.3mpg consistently. No major problems so far; We bought it used 4 months ago. Annoying: no armrest for front passenger. Can't turn off A/C on auto set."

I would recommend this car to a friend: Yes

This vehicle was purchased: Used

Primary use for this car: Transporting family

Rating from mom of three

(4)
Comfort:		4 out of 5
Performance:		4 out of 5
Exterior Styling:		5 out of 5
Interior Design:		5 out of 5
Value for the Money:		4 out of 5
Reliability:		4 out of 5

"We bought the Mazda5 before we had our third child. We were looking for something with a third row of seats, but not quite as big as a minivan, and we loved the sporty look of the Mazda5. We love this car. It is small enough that you still feel like you're driving a car, but large enough to fit two adults and three small children. The only problem is that when we want to take vacations, it is not large enough to hold all of our suitcases, baby items, etc. In this case, we wish we would've gotten a car with more cargo room. We can only fit our large stroller in the back, with one of the third row seats folded down. If we didn't need the third row seating, this car would be perfect for us. I think this would be better for a family who only needed the third row as occasional seating."

I would recommend this car to a friend: Yes

This vehicle was purchased: Used

Primary use for this car: Transporting family

Rating from The Family Guy

(5)
Comfort:		5 out of 5
Performance:		4 out of 5
Handling:		4 out of 5
Exterior Styling:		4 out of 5
Interior Design:		4 out of 5
Features:		3 out of 5
Value for the Money:		5 out of 5
Reliability:		5 out of 5

"An extremely flexible layout, that works for our 4 children between 11.5 and 3.5 years old. Easy in, and easy out. Very good handling, and decent enough acceleration to make it both safe and fun, especially in the city. Needs the roof container for long trips. Only average fuel economy in the city (read 20.0 mpg), but we get 31 on the highway. I'd buy it again."

I would recommend this car to a friend: Yes

This vehicle was purchased: Used

Primary use for this car: Transporting family

Rating from College Dad

(4)
Comfort:		4 out of 5
Performance:		5 out of 5
Handling:		4 out of 5
Exterior Styling:		5 out of 5
Interior Design:		4 out of 5
Features:		5 out of 5
Value for the Money:		5 out of 5
Reliability:		4 out of 5

"Bought mine used after the family hit the time between the need for a van and getting away with a sedan. This was the great in between. One son took it to college. It seats six for when he takes his friends on road trips. The side air bags ease my mind. Good gas mileage. Best part is, with mid and rear seats down he can load his entire dorm room in the car...fridge, desktop computers, instruments and all. Only complaint...need the best snows you can get in winter. But, then you will have all the traction you need."

I would recommend this car to a friend: Yes

This vehicle was purchased: Used

Primary use for this car: Just getting around

Rating from family guy

(3)
Comfort:		4 out of 5
Performance:		3 out of 5
Handling:		3 out of 5
Exterior Styling:		4 out of 5
Interior Design:		4 out of 5
Features:		3 out of 5
Value for the Money:		4 out of 5
Reliability:		3 out of 5

"I got this car used a couple years ago, cuz I was looking for something that could carry kids and stuff flexibly in a manual trans. It feels more like a mini-van than a car when driving and has been only somewhat reliable. Brakes and suspension are not durable. Engine sometimes hesitates or feels uneven. Some of the plastic bits inside the car around the bottom of the seats, etc, have broken easily with children's abuse. But it is smooth on the highway and fairly comfortable for a tall guy. Still I wouldn't recommend it highly. It has been a disappointment, overall."

I would recommend this car to a friend: No

This vehicle was purchased: Used

Primary use for this car: Transporting family

Rating from Car Nook

(5)
Comfort:		5 out of 5
Performance:		5 out of 5
Handling:		5 out of 5
Exterior Styling:		5 out of 5
Interior Design:		5 out of 5
Features:		5 out of 5
Value for the Money:		5 out of 5
Reliability:		5 out of 5

"This may look small but it is HUGE! and I got it for a HUGE discount!I would give it a HUGE recommendation! By and don't keep thinking about HUGE!"

I would recommend this car to a friend: Yes

This vehicle was purchased: New

Primary use for this car: Transporting family

Rating from Brooks

(4)
Comfort:		3 out of 5
Performance:		5 out of 5
Handling:		5 out of 5
Exterior Styling:		5 out of 5
Interior Design:		4 out of 5
Features:		4 out of 5
Value for the Money:		5 out of 5
Reliability:		5 out of 5

"Bought used last January. Love the mileage and handling. 3rd row is ok for once in awhile small passengers. Ride is rough, but great value for the dollar. Every time I hit a bump I remember that I got a great deal on this car. Tried the Rondo, but it felt cheaper...but the ride might have been better."

I would recommend this car to a friend: Yes

This vehicle was purchased: Used

Primary use for this car: Transporting family

Rating from "Not a Soccer Mom"

(5)
Comfort:		5 out of 5
Performance:		5 out of 5
Handling:		5 out of 5
Exterior Styling:		5 out of 5
Interior Design:		4 out of 5
Features:		4 out of 5
Value for the Money:		5 out of 5
Reliability:		5 out of 5

"I just bought a Mazda 5 used. My old minivan blew up and I needed a replacement. I really wanted another minivan, but did not have the budget available for a late model traditional m-v. Enter the Mazda 5! With 2 young kids, an active lifestyle for all and a 20 mile congested commute this car is an all-in-wonder machine. The ride is comfortable for four, and although occasional passengers 5 & 6 don't get the same cushy seating, the rear seats are still a bit roomier than the average 2 door compact car. Since I'm a guy I really appreciate having a more "car-like" vehicle that still works for my family and carries cargo. The low-profile driver's seat, excellent snappy handling and smaller vehicle size make driving a little more sporting than a minivan or wagon."

I would recommend this car to a friend: Yes

This vehicle was purchased: Used

Primary use for this car: N/A