2013 Mazda 5

[Cujet]

I just spent a week and 1000 miles living with a 2013 Mazda 5. First off, it's not my kind of vehicle, however, I needed something I could carry large (but very light) pelican-tool boxes in. For test equipment and so on. So, 3 guys and a bunch of aircraft tools. Yes, we fit. No it was not comfortable. It really is too small for that. In fact, it's too small for the average American. The second row seats are kid sized and the third row seats are just large enough for toddlers. It's configured like a "mini" minivan, with sliding rear doors and folding 3rd row seats. But, once again, it's too small to carry bulky items.

It drove like a typical Mazda. Responsive steering and a willing feel to the overall driving dynamics. Throttle response was typical of modern cars, somewhat numb. Power was adequate for the task at hand. But acceleration for passing was non existent. Noise level was quite high on the highway. The drivers seat moved manually, by pumping it up/down while tilting, like some European cars. I was unable to find a comfortable position. Up high, the seat tilted forward, ugh. I like to sit high, but I like to recline the entire seat.

I am required to stick to the speed limits while working, so I drove it at an indicated 71 mph (actual 70 gps) on I-95. It returned a stunning 26MPG empty and 24MPG fully loaded on 200 mile highway trips. I expected more, but like so many new cars, the published numbers and the reality differ a bit.

Overall, I'd give it low marks for quality and comfort. Fairly good marks for driving dynamics (however it did lean a lot in corners) and poor marks for fuel economy. Around town, it's MPG dipped into the teens.

 

[badtlc]

I'm average sized and fit fine in all 3 rows of seats in the Mazda5. I even have a 6'4" 230 lb buddy that takes trips with me often. We had a mazda5 on one of them and he loved the space and had no problems in the front seats or captain middle seats.

We also had no problems averaging 30-31 MPGs at 70-75 MPH.

 

[CharBaby]

Good review! Deffinately different than CR Mag, as it's one of their higher scoring vehicles.

I do like the idea of a micro-van like the Mazda5 or a wagon such as the KIA Rondo. I like lots of glass to see from without all of the blind spots.

I understand your complaints of poor MPG and highway noise as still too many vehicles experience this. And I still think that better MPG is on the horizon for vehicles and I like that!

What I don't seem to have a issue with is 4 cylinder power. Even when traveling from NY to FL myself in two different 4 bangers with people and luggage, there is enough power for me but, MPG could improve

 

[SwampSurvivor]

I would have to have it in a manual - just much more fun.

Really like the new Transit connect ... just wish they had manual transmission.

 

[ems1]

Good review. The Mazda was on my shopping list last year but I ended up buying a Prius v. The Prius v is the station wagon version not the hatchback. The Prius v and Mazda 5 are nearly identical in exterior dimensions, although the Prius v does not have the 3rd row seating. The factor that swayed me to the Prius was the fuel mileage. It consistently gets over 40 on the highway and a little more in the city. At nearly $4 a gallon cutting fuel cost by almost half is important.

Yeah, the Mazda has more entertaining driving dynamics but the difference is not that noticeable in day-to-day traffic.

 

[ARCOgraphite]

They still make that?

 

[bepperb]

Originally Posted By: ems1
The Prius v and Mazda 5 are nearly identical in exterior dimensions, although the Prius v does not have the 3rd row seating.


Anyone who has sat in the third row of a Mazda 5 for more than 3 minutes might argue neither has a third row seat.

 

[badtlc]

Originally Posted By: bepperb
Originally Posted By: ems1
The Prius v and Mazda 5 are nearly identical in exterior dimensions, although the Prius v does not have the 3rd row seating.


Anyone who has sat in the third row of a Mazda 5 for more than 3 minutes might argue neither has a third row seat.


I have rode there. Seemed just fine to me for what it is. It isn't for cross country road trips. The 3rd row is meant for jetting around town and short drives.

 

[rjundi]

If 6 passenger is your goal a Honda Ody delivers slightly less MPG with far superior space packaging with 7-8 passengers and cargo. A friend has both Mazda5 and 14 Ody LX. Mazda5 is not my favorite vehicle for ski trips.

 

[gathermewool]

We just rented the same vehicle, in that neat burnt orange color (I liked it, but my wife did not,) down in FL for 4 days while attending a wedding.

With just the wife and me, we averaged just a hair over 30 MPG (maybe more if the tank wasnt entirely filled by the previous renter or was driven some between filling up and me resetting the Trip A.) Besides what we needed for the day, we had no other gear in the 5. Traffic was not pleasant, with so many stop lights, but the 2-hour round trip drive we took was all at highway speed.

The road noise was insignificant with the Windows cracked, driving down local streets, but very noticeable on the highway. Wind noise was pronounced, but acceptable; however, tire noise was at anything over 60 was loud. I dony remember the make of tire, but did note that tread depth was probably down to 50% or 5-6/32".

What I enjoyed was the steering and road feeel. While the handling was just ok, every day-type driving, for me at least, was enjoyable.

The sliding rear doors were neat, but seemed a little odd on such a small "micro van." We didn't have any one sitting in the second row, let alone the third, so I can't comment on how practical this feature might be.

I could be wrong, but I believe my Forester has more room behind the rear seats than the 5 with the third row flat, though the 5's 2nd row captains chair-style probably allows for a long item to be transported, even with the 2nd row fully occupied.

The front seats were not comfortable for my 6', 190# frame. I like to keep my seat as low as possible, but still felt that the thigh support was awkward and disallowed a comfortable position for my left leg to stretch out.

I liked the car overall, but would not choose it over many other options. I might consider it if it had more power, more features or even a more efficient package (skyactiv,) but not in its current minimalist state. Actually, maybe not...

 

[ARCOgraphite]

Foresters are absolutely cavernous for their weight.

 

[datech]

To me the Mazda 5 looks pretty long, with the third row, but kind of narrow.

It's kind of a niche product, not quite a regular mini van but bigger than a typical hatchback.

 

[badtlc]

Originally Posted By: datech
To me the Mazda 5 looks pretty long, with the third row, but kind of narrow.

It's kind of a niche product, not quite a regular mini van but bigger than a typical hatchback.


Yup. Its market is a family of 4 that need a utilitarian vehicle at times. The sliding doors are a great item for kids for numerous reasons. The #1 reason being kids can't sling them into the sides of cars parked in the next spot over and #2 is they make getting baby carriers in and out much easier. They also make it much easier to reach in and get a kid strapped into a car seat.

 

[BearZDefect]

IMO, the Mazda5 really needs the newer 2.5 liter sky engine used in the Mazda6. It would be more attractive with the lower fuel consumption and better performance.

 

[NateDN10]

I have no problem with space in the first 2 rows in our Mazda3. Yes, the 3rd row is kid-sized.

We get much better gas mileage than the OP - our average since we've had it is over 26mpg, and we got it last November, so most of that is winter. Now that it's warm, we get 25mpg around town and 29-30 on the highway.

 

[gathermewool]

Originally Posted By: badtlc
Originally Posted By: datech
To me the Mazda 5 looks pretty long, with the third row, but kind of narrow.

It's kind of a niche product, not quite a regular mini van but bigger than a typical hatchback.


Yup. Its market is a family of 4 that need a utilitarian vehicle at times. The sliding doors are a great item for kids for numerous reasons. The #1 reason being kids can't sling them into the sides of cars parked in the next spot over and #2 is they make getting baby carriers in and out much easier. They also make it much easier to reach in and get a kid strapped into a car seat.


Good comments re: sliding doors. I was thinking thy access would be easier, but the whole door dings and baby seats thing makes perfect sense.