Interesting article. I see the similar sized Kia Rondo is up over half (50%) as well. I think it shows that consumers are making smarter choices.
Plus, let's face it, there's not much out there for a family on a budget that need some room. even an Altima/Camry sedan is as much or more than a Mazda 5 and seats 5 at most. The Rondo and 5 can seat 7/6 and with a more typical 2-4 on board, have room do haul some lumber and larger items.
Sure there are things like the Mazda 3s, Scion xB and Matrix/Vibe, but you are still seating 4, maybe 5 if they really are close to eachother. But again, luggage space it at a premium with 4 on board in most of these vehicles.
The really interesting thing is the continued lack of advertising for the Mazda 5. I mean I can understand people flocking to say the Ford Focus as there are huge ad blitzes (even if I don't get the mentality of buying what is essentially a "brand new" 5+ year-old technology car.)
The 5, while having decidedly Japanese styling, is for the most part a very classy vehicle at it's price point. Most anything that comes in cheaper will have steel wheels, more basic interior, less features, etc in comparison.
What I have found interesting in my time here (less than a year) is the types of people buying 5s. Some, like myself are younger families starting out. Many, however are coming from BMWs or Acuras into the 5. Not typically a move you see when dealing with a cheaper car. I love that my base sport basically looks as good as a high end GT model (to those not clued in to the subtle differences).
I mean honestly, I would never spring for 17s on a car if it were an option due to the cost/benefit ratio of larger/fancy rims. Yet our 5 has nice wheels and tilt/telescoping wheel. Plus, a car this cheap shouldn't handle this well at all! Certainly a Camry isn't near as fun of a ride. Perhaps an Accord would be pretty close.
But most of all, gas prices or not, I have a car that looks great, drives great, is good on gas and does make me embarrassed to pull up to the store because its a "minivan"
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