Mazad5 in CanadianDriver "minivan challenge"

[diogenes]

CanadianDriver recently set out to have one family test six different minivans for a month each in its "minivan challenge." They were supposed to be all the big, V6-powered usual suspects, including the Odyssey and Sienna, but because of problems with availability, it recently slipped a Mazda5 into the mix. Here's week one of the results (scheduled to be updated weekly): http://www.canadiandriver.com/minivans/comments1_07mazda5.htm
The reviewers had shown a preference for conveniences such as power hatch doors and DVD entertainment systems, so I wonder how the 5 will fare.

 

[slvrsleeper]

It seems the 5 is the odd man out in that comparison. The only real chance it has at a positive review is when comparing the economy and fun-to-drive factors to the larger vans. For me and my family the 5 was the perfect choice we never cross shopped the larger vans (Too much mon$y)

 

[doctorz]

Parents, one child, and one dog, and comments throughout saying the minivans are too big for everyday use, so the 5 might just be perfect for them. I can understand the comment about going from first class to coach, having ourselves gone from an MPV to the 5, but I think that's just a warped perception of what we feel like we need with those enormous minivans. We certainly got over it pretty quickly.

 

[kyoshiro]

j spec has powered doors

 

[coolmazda5]

Not bad comments given the fact that it has been compared to minivans.

The Mazda5, introduced to Canada in 2006, is still the only vehicle of its type on the market here (the vehicle style is widespread in Europe, where several manufactures have similar models).

What about the Rondo? IMO that is the closest MAV competition (...or possibly the Rondo is so ugly that it has been disqualified as a direct Mazda5 contender ).

 

[diogenes]

After four weeks of evaluation, the testers at CanadianDriver have rendered a verdict on the Mazda5 of ....pretty good, considering. Here's the website: http://www.canadiandriver.com/minivans/comments4_07mazda5.htm

I think the conclusions reinforce the thesis that the 5 is a "just enough" vehicle (just enough space, just enough power, just enough cupholders, etc.) while other minivans are "just in case" vehicles (space for seven passengers, AND luggage, just in case; enough cupholders for two drinks for everyone, just in case; enough width to fit in plywood, just in case, etc.)

 

[crempel]

I'm surprised by the poor gas mileage. We took our 5 through the Rockies with 4 adults and two kids plus luggage. The temperature was in the mid to high 30's so the A/C was blasting and we averaged better than 8.0L/100km. The van was definitely working hard and I got to know the shifter quite well, but coming from an AWD Dodge Caravan, I was amazed at the mileage.

 

[mountjonas]

I think the conclusions reinforce the thesis that the 5 is a "just enough" vehicle (just enough space, just enough power, just enough cupholders, etc.)

i once got a fortune that said "Enough is as good as a feast." cheesy, but it kinda changed the way i looked at things

our 5 fits my family perfectly.

 

[SparkyBhoy]

After four weeks of evaluation, the testers at CanadianDriver have rendered a verdict on the Mazda5 of ....pretty good, considering. Here's the website: http://www.canadiandriver.com/minivans/comments4_07mazda5.htm

Interesting article, but I can't help feeling (yet again) that these guys are making unfair comparisons between the 5 and three other different vehicles.

I guess that's the issue auto writers have as they try to figure out which category to shoehorn the 5 into.

 

[doctorz]

reasonable evaluation, all in all. And it's nice to see the 5 get some attention and stand up to the big boys.

 

[kyoshiro]

my family consists of 6 people, so yeah the 5 was perfect as well. When I get kids and a wife, maybe i need a bus... but before then, it should be fine for another 5-10 years

 

[mazdadude]

i once got a fortune that said "Enough is as good as a feast." cheesy, but it kinda changed the way i looked at things

our 5 fits my family perfectly.

Hey I like that quote/fortune! Thanks.(rei)

 

[AIMWO4]

There is no way he only managed 10.3L/100km with mostly highway driving unless he had an automatic trans, lead foot, "no mileage vehicle" and was always stuck in traffic. (silly)

I'm surprised by the poor gas mileage. We took our 5 through the Rockies with 4 adults and two kids plus luggage. The temperature was in the mid to high 30's so the A/C was blasting and we averaged better than 8.0L/100km. The van was definitely working hard and I got to know the shifter quite well, but coming from an AWD Dodge Caravan, I was amazed at the mileage.