Exterior & Styling

The sliding doors say "minivan," but many see the Mazda5 as a wagon. Minivans tend not to set hearts aflutter, but there's one thing I appreciate about the 2010 Mazda5, and that's its styling. It's nothing special, but it's also not the redesigned 2011 Mazda5 that's due at dealerships early in 2011; Mazda has already released photos (click on the thumbnails to the right). The 2011 has a less restrained design, including the smiling grille most new Mazda models get, plus a new characteristic: wavelike accent lines in the bodyside sheet metal. On the upside, the 2011 lowers the taillights and eliminates the clear-lens-over-chrome style, which is outdated at best.

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    Exterior & Styling
    Technically the same generation as the 2008, the 2009 model's restyling is definitely noticeable, as the nose extends lower and the grille is now larger and smile-shaped. Unlike the Mazda3, this s ...

    Push-Starting
    Do not push-start your Mazda. NOTE: You can't start a vehicle with an automatic transaxle by pushing it. ...

    Fuel-Filler Lid and Cap
    WARNING: When removing the fuel cap, loosen the cap slightly and wait for any hissing to stop. Then remove it: Fuel spray is dangerous. Fuel can burn skin and eyes and cause illness if ingested. ...