2008 Mazda5: SUBSTANTIAL CHANGES!!!!

[porschegt3]

Maybe the 5MT lives?

According to the offical 2008 Mazda5 Specification Deck the 5-Speed manual trasmission will be available for the Sport and Touring models.

 

[Ferdball]

Anyone know when production starts and when they are expected to hit the shores?

 

[monsta]

I asked MAZDA and the guy who responded claims "sometime this fall". He also said some 08s were already on some select dealer's lots. He musta been talking about a different model even though my email only spoke of the 5.

Neat thing...he is sending me some free replacement ZOOM-ZOOM stickers as mine was on my windshield that just got replaced.

 

[porschegt3]

According to the offical 2008 Mazda5 Specification Deck it lists the "Production Timing" as October 1, 2007. Now you may ask what is "Production Timing"...I have no idea.

 

[kyoshiro]

maybe we will see it march

 

[coolmazda5]

Well, at least it starts to have some coverage in more "common" NA news sources now...
http://autos.msn.com/advice/articles/previews/default.aspx?page=3&xml=preview2008#top

Meanwhile, the Mazda5 gets fresh styling for the 2008 model year as well as a number of new features, interior upgrades and a 5-speed automatic transmission

 

[starlightmica]

From Autoweek

Mazda5: The compact minivan will get a minor change for the 2008 model year. A five-speed automatic is planned, along with a revised interior and more powerful air conditioning.

If current volume can hit 15,000 units, Mazda will bring in a redesign. But if volume withers, or if North American homologation is a problem, it may be a one-generation vehicle.

 

[2ride4life]

Does this "one generation" thing worry any one else? I am planning on picking up an 08. I also hang on to my cars for a long time, but buying into a potentially orphaned car has me a little hesitant. Especially with regards to DIY repairs/parts in the future.
Any one else concerned? Would leasing it be a better option?

Any opinions welcome!

Thanks, love the forum.

 

[2cam16]

Does this "one generation" thing worry any one else? I am planning on picking up an 08. I also hang on to my cars for a long time, but buying into a potentially orphaned car has me a little hesitant. Especially with regards to DIY repairs/parts in the future.
Any one else concerned? Would leasing it be a better option?

Any opinions welcome!

Thanks, love the forum.

Doesn't really worry me since the 5 is based on the 3 platform and the 3 doesn't look like it's going away anytime soon.

 

[HotRodSaint]

Does this "one generation" thing worry any one else?

I'm not worried. The majority of it's mechanical parts are shared with the Mazda3.

Besides, there is no indication that it's going to be a one generation model.

Which really doesn't matter anyway, because most second generation cars don't share much, if anything, with their previous generation. So it could be the 4th generation model and you'd still have the same issues to worry about.

Which is a long way if saying, leasing any car is a waste of money unless you change your cars every 3 years and having equity is not an issue.

 

[07MZ5SA]

One generation means there will be no replacement (MPV) or different replacement (CX-9).

It does not sound like a good news since there's so much improvement can be made w/ MZ5 (7-seater, AWD, turbo, diesel, GDI.....) to make it a better than many crossovers.

 

[Benfolio]

Besides, Mazda is VERY good at keeping parts around for decades after a car is no longer produced. You'd be suprised how much wierd stuff I've found in the warehouse's inventory. Stuff that's been obsolete for decades. Comes in handy if you ever need a radiator hose for your '77 B-Series.

 

[coolmazda5]

2008 Mazda5 "Station Wagon" Pricing

Would this be it?

http://www.optimumautos.com/autos_newcar_main.jsp?id=9528&type=&subtype=&price=&make=Mazda

Note: Link find, credit to a member on a different forum...

 

[starlightmica]

I don't see anything different in the image gallery c/w the 2007, other than the wheels on the grey GT, image 16/38.

 

[coolmazda5]

Yeah, images are old, but what about the pricing itself? Note they are already indicating "5-Speed Auto Tranny" (2.3L 4cyl 5-speed automatic) in their list.

Oh, and I forgot, check the "Colors" tab as well. It is describing the 2008 model I believe.

 

[starlightmica]

The prices are identical to the 2007's on Yahoo Autos site. I think someone there threw up a page with the known information so far.

http://autos.yahoo.com/mazda_mazda5/

 

[coolmazda5]

The prices are identical to the 2007's on Yahoo Autos site. I think someone there threw up a page with the known information so far.

http://autos.yahoo.com/mazda_mazda5/

Damn. Gotcha (sleep)...

Last time I compared Mazda5 prices was on 05... good thing I didn't wait for the 08... LOL

 

[dbthompson]

From Autoweek

Mazda5: ... If current volume can hit 15,000 units, Mazda will bring in a redesign. But if volume withers, or if North American homologation is a problem, it may be a one-generation vehicle.

This is exactly what I said a couple weeks ago:
http://www.msprotege.com/forum/showpost.php?p=3314967&postcount=19
[from my thread pointing out the possible implications of monthly volumes dropping below 1000 units]

However, if what Benfolio says is right, at least you may not have to worry about being a parts orphan. As for me, I hope it makes it, because while it won't cut my needs now (no ESC), I'd like to have it as an option in a few more years when I'm in the market again.

 

[Whidbeyone]

Here are some good shots of the 2008 Mazda5. Look at those armrests!

http://www.autoblog.com/2007/09/07/mazda-releases-redesigned-premacy-aka-mazda5/

 

[P5w3kids]

I wish they'd added the seventh seat option to the list in the U.S. It's still available elsewhere, right?

I've got three kids, so one thing I like about the Kia Rondo is that it's a seven-seater. But no stick, and it doesn't handle like the Mazda.