Review. Mazda Mini-Minivan Hauls Kids and Parks Tight

[coolmazda5]

Nothing really new, but I found interesting that made it to one of the magazines I read as they are usually brand stiff and style elitist on reviews (blah).

The review also covered the Infiniti EX35 and the Subaru Forester

There comes a point when every new parent has to face what seems like the inevitable: the minivan. Or there's the Mazda 5, a sort of mini-minivan. Two sliding doors make it easy to get the kids in and out, and a spacious hatchback has ample room for all their gear. The ride is more sedan than truckster, and you can still squeeze into tight parking spaces.

Wired: More fun to drive and more conveniently designed than most so-called family cars. Fold-down third row kills cargo room but allows seating for six. Gets 27 mpg on the highway, 21 in the city. Excellent stereo for your Dan Zanes CDs. Inexpensive.

Tired: Styling still smacks of minivan. Interior feels a little spartan.

* Body Style: Smaller Haulers
* Manufacturer: Mazda
* Price: $23,725

Source:
http://www.wired.com/reviews/product/mazda_5

 

[skylar2ups]

I don't think the 5 looks like a minivan at all people never know until you open the rear doors... I think it looks less like a minivan then the Versa.

 

[coolmazda5]

I know the Versa is fugly, but come on, the Mazda5 has a minivan air to it, especially when parked next to an Odyssey or a Sienna

But anyway, I noticed the online review here is not as explicit as the printed one and the ranking given is not very clear. The Mazda5 beats up the ranking of the other "Smaller Haulers" contenders.

Although yeah, a little bit of an irrelevant comparo anyway:

• Mazda5 - 9 out of 10 - Nearly flawless, buy it now
• Subaru Forester 2.5x - 7 out of 10 - Very good, but not quite great
• Infiniti EX-35 - 5 out of 10 - Recommended with reservations
• BMW X3 3.0si - 7 out of 10 - Very good, but not quite great

 

[skylar2ups]

It's much cooler then a minivan. Why did they pick these cars to compare?

 

[AIMWO4]

Probably couldn't find US versions of the only comparable models.

It's much cooler then a minivan. Why did they pick these cars to compare?