Mazda5 2009 Review

Editor's note: This review was written in April 2008 about the 2008 Mazda5. Little of substance has changed with this year's model. To see what's new for 2009, click here, or check out a side-by-side comparison of the two model years.

The Mazda5 minivan is fun to drive. That's right: A minivan that's fun to drive. How can this be? The secret's in its size, as the six-person Mazda5 is significantly smaller than traditional minivans.

The benefits of this approach — sporty handling, minimal body roll and manageable dimensions — are readily apparent after only a short time behind the wheel. There are also, however, some significant drawbacks.

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Exterior
The CX-9 manages to avoid the chunkiness of many SUVs, in part because of its angular nose and car-like honeycomb grille. The SUV's beltline rises as it heads rearward, and the sides are free of c ...

Rear Window Defroster
The rear window defroster clears frost, fog, and thin ice from the rear window. The ignition must be switched ON. Press the switch to turn on the rear window defroster. The rear window defroster ...

Convenient Use of the Hands-Free System
Phonebook usage Phonebook registration Phone numbers can be registered to the Bluetooth Hands-Free phonebook. 1. Activate Bluetooth Hands-Free. 2. Say: [Beep] “Phonebook”. 3. Prompt: “Select one ...