First let me state that I am not your typical Mazda Speed Type. I am a 52 year old Father of 3 boys. We've been doing the minivan thing for 12 years. Our first was a 93 Dodge Grand Caravan. Our current van is a 98 Pontiac Transport extended van. We're now looking to downsize. For the past few months I've done the internet search on minivans and small SUV's. Really looked hard at the Honda, but didn't like the price. Both my older boys are in college, so new car budget is important. Although most of the posts have been about the 5 speed, we won't even consider it. This is the wife's vehicle, so AT only. My wife drives 24 miles round trip daily with occasional longer trips.
My test drive was in an AT Touring model. We live in western PA so I was concerned about the 5's climbing ability. Most 4 cylinder AT's I've driven in the past shifted contineously back and forth between 2nd and 3rd gear. I'm happy to say the 5 did none of that on my drive up various 4-8% grades. The ultimate test will be to pass an 18 wheel Trash Hauler with 2 adults, my 9 year old and some luggage on a two lane road up the mountain. I hope to accomplish that on Saturday when the wife takes her test drive. I didn't notice any lag in downshifting for acceleration during my test ride. On several smaller hills while rolling along at 35mph, I mashed the gas and was pleasently supprised at how quickly we hit 60mph
With a quoted price of $20,198 I hope to be driving one soon
My test drive was in an AT Touring model. We live in western PA so I was concerned about the 5's climbing ability. Most 4 cylinder AT's I've driven in the past shifted contineously back and forth between 2nd and 3rd gear. I'm happy to say the 5 did none of that on my drive up various 4-8% grades. The ultimate test will be to pass an 18 wheel Trash Hauler with 2 adults, my 9 year old and some luggage on a two lane road up the mountain. I hope to accomplish that on Saturday when the wife takes her test drive. I didn't notice any lag in downshifting for acceleration during my test ride. On several smaller hills while rolling along at 35mph, I mashed the gas and was pleasently supprised at how quickly we hit 60mph
With a quoted price of $20,198 I hope to be driving one soon
