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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Mazda5 in the Market
The Mazda5 is alone in the small-minivan segment, and its closest competitors
are likely four-door hatchbacks — including the Mazda3 — rather than traditional
minivans like the Dodge Grand Caravan ...
How the Air BagsWork
How the Front Air BagsWork
When air bag crash sensors detect a frontal impact of greater than moderate
force, an
electrical current is sent to the inflators.
Gases are produced to inflate the fro ...
Vehicle Overview
Ford owns a controlling interest in Mazda, so there's a close kinship between
the popular Ford Escape sport utility vehicle and the related Mazda Tribute.
Both SUVs were introduced for the 2001 mo ...