2006 Mazda MAZDA5 New Car Buyer's Guide

What's New for the 2006 Mazda MAZDA5?
The Mazda 5 is an all-new vehicle for 2006. It's essentially a compact minivan, though Mazda likes to call it a "multi-activity" vehicle. It's shorter and taller than a Mazda 6 wagon and has two backward-sliding rear doors and a lift-up rear hatch. Three rows of seating provide a maximum capacity of six, and the second-row chairs slide fore and aft and can be folded flat without having to remove the headrests. The split-folding rear seat can also be dropped forward to give the 5 a flat load floor. Available in either Sport or Touring trim, the 2006 Mazda 5 comes equipped with a 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine worth 157 horsepower. Shifting power to the front wheels is either a standard five-speed manual or a four-speed automatic. The Sport trim is pretty well equipped and includes power windows, locks and mirrors; 17-inch alloy wheels; air conditioning; keyless entry; antilock brakes; and side and side-curtain airbags. The Touring adds a better audio system, a sunroof and an optional navigation system. The Mazda 5 hits dealerships in the summer of 2005 and is priced under $20,000.

Advantages of the 2006 Mazda MAZDA5:

• Minivan utility in a smaller and more efficient package
• Can seat six people, one more than almost all wagons
• Sharp steering and handling

Objections to the 2006 Mazda MAZDA5:

• Can seem slow when fully loaded
• Rear seating better suited for children rather than adults

Editor's Advice:
With the possible exceptions of cocktail weenies and midget wrestling, miniaturized versions of consumables have rarely caught on in America. This certainly holds true for small minivans. For Americans, the past logic seems to have been as such: "If I'm going to buy a minivan and suffer from its associated stigmas, I might as well buy one that provides the most room, practicality and features." That logic has, alas, led to automakers building ever bigger, thirstier and more expensive minivans. So we see a small opening of opportunity for the Mazda 5. It will work best as a niche vehicle, something well suited for those needing something to schlep a young family around town and haul the occasional ficus plant back from Home Depot. For what Mazda intends it for, the 5 works quite well. This is the vehicle that puts "mini" back into "minivan."