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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Features
Mazda offers Sport, Touring and Grand Touring trim levels for both
four-cylinder and V-6 sedans, with increasing levels of equipment in each.
There's also a budget-minded SV four-cylinder trim lev ...
Ride & Handling
The Mazda5's steering response is designed to engage the driver. A turn of
the wheel delivers a quick change of direction, and there's a fair amount of
feedback. The suspension is on the firm side ...
Cargo
Mazda has done a nice job arranging the CX-7's cargo area. The space measures
29.9 cubic feet with the backseat up and 58.6 cubic feet when it's folded, but
perhaps more importantly, the few intru ...