2008 Mazda Mazda5 consumer reviews

We looked at everything in it's class but nothing came close. Comfortable ride yet it handles like a sports sedan. If you like to drive a car, this car likes to be driven. Exceptional feedback, great brakes, and power steering/brakes give great feedback. Grandma may not be as delighted with that. Rides well empty or full. We travel across West Texas where the posted speed limit is 80, and traffic flows at 85-90. The Mazda 5 still delivers 28MPG at those speeds with 4 adults and a few suitcases. Front seats feel a bit firm at first but after 30,000 miles they feel really good - and still firm. Back seats have more room then most SUV's. Third row seating is tight. It took us a few months to get a fully loaded manual shift. Shifts really well, and gears are matched exactly to the motor. Let out the clutch in first at an idle - even climbing a slight grade - no problem. Originally we felt it could use a 6th gear as it revs a bit higher in top gear, but we've since realized thats the nature of the delightful yet powerful 2.3 motor. Around town in stop & go we get 23-24 MPG. Thats the stop & go where it takes 45 minutes to go 17 miles on the freeway. The down sides; 1) Wind noise - not bad, but it's there. 2) Needs more armrests - Maybe Mazda overlooked the fact that most people have 2 arms. 3) Narrow headlight focal plane - say like when you're turning into an alley, it would help to have a little more peripheral light. 4) Open gas latch blocks rear door opening. 5) No advertising - maybe thats a good thing, because the car simply sells itself - drive one and nothing else in it's class comes close. We were prepared to spend up to 50% more on something that fit our needs. Thats value.