Used 2013 MAZDA MAZDA5

There’s nothing else quite like the Mazda5 among new cars today. The 2013 Mazda5 can best be thought of as a miniature minivan. In length it’s the size of a compact sedan, yet the Mazda5 can seat up to six passengers and has dual sliding doors and a rear liftgate that allow easy access for passengers and cargo. Unlike traditional minivans, the Mazda uses a smaller, more fuel-efficient engine and has a starting price under $21,000. Then there is the Mazda5’s biggest surprise: its driving dynamics. The words "minivan" and "fun to drive" usually don’t mix, but the Mazda5 is an exception. What the Mazda5 lacks in size and power compared to others, it makes up for in driving manners, fuel efficiency and value.

Consider the Mazda5’s road manners icing on the automotive cake. While we doubt any driving enthusiast’s first choice of vehicle would be a minivan, this people mover feels more nimble than its larger, heavier rivals. Off-the-line acceleration is not the Mazda5’s strength, but it redeems itself with its ability to hug corners and transmit road feel without compromising overall comfort. Among the 2013 Mazda5’s pragmatic highlights is its ease in parking lots. At nearly the same length – actually a smidge shorter – as the Mazda3 compact sedan on which it’s based, the Mazda5 is a snap to maneuver. Outward visibility is excellent, the seats are comfortable, and dash controls are laid out well. If you happen to be among the "save the manuals" crowd of shrinking buyers who actually enjoy shifting for themselves, the Mazda5 is your sole choice among minivans offering a manual transmission.

The Mazda5’s interior is best described in one word: functional. With room for six passengers, fold-flat second and third rows, and convenient storage areas such as under-seat cubbies in the 2nd-row captain’s chairs, there’s plenty of space for people and stuff. A caveat does come with that last row, though. The pair of 3rd-row seats are small and most suitable for children. The second row, on the other hand, offers plenty of individual space and commendable legroom. The leather-trimmed seats on the top-line Grand Touring model lend a nicer feel (literally), but overall, the interior amenities lag behind comparable versions of larger minivans.

Picture a minivan, and then shrink that visualization slightly. That’s the Mazda5, a mini minivan. Overall, you could say the 2013 Mazda5 has a friendly profile, starting with that grin-shaped face that adorns other Mazda front ends. Swooping, wave-like swaths make for stylish sides, and even the rear door is cute by minivan standards. Mid-level Touring models are spruced up with side sill extensions and a rear spoiler, while top-line Grand Touring models are adorned with a power moonroof and xenon high-intensity discharge headlights.

FLEXIBLE INTERIOR
For its small exterior, the Mazda5’s innards can hold a lot. With the 3rd-row seats folded flat, there is 44.4 cubic feet of space, perfect for hauling sports gear or the family pet. Built-in storage cubbies make further use of space.

PRICE
Whether in base or buffed-up form, the 2013 Mazda5 offers a lot for the money. Prices range from under $21,000 to just over $25,000 before options.

A base 2013 Mazda5 Sport comes with cruise control, automatic climate control, remote keyless entry, manual driver’s seat with height adjustment, a tilt/telescoping steering wheel, and a 6-speaker AM/FM/CD system with USB and auxiliary inputs. Touring versions add features such as backup sensors, Bluetooth connectivity, an automatic transmission, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob. Grand Touring models up the comfort factor with leather upholstery, a power moonroof, heated front seats, rain-sensing windshield wipers, and driver’s seat lumbar support. Safety features on all models include six airbags, traction control and anti-lock brakes with electronic brake-force distribution and brake assist.

All 2013 Mazda5 models can be outfitted with a rear-seat DVD entertainment system featuring a 7-inch monitor and two wireless headsets, remote engine start, and rearview mirror with a compass and a HomeLink remote transmitter for opening garages and gates. Base Sport models can be had with an automatic transmission, which is standard on other trims. If you want a navigation system, portable Garmin units are available from the dealer, as are roof racks to carry everything from luggage to a kayak.

The 2013 Mazda5 uses a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine that makes 157 horsepower and 163 lb-ft of torque. If that doesn’t sound like much power, it’s because it isn’t. A Mazda5 loaded with passengers won’t win many races, but for everyday duties, the powerplant is fine. Helping matters is the Mazda5’s 5-speed automatic transmission, which is a smooth and eager shifter. The base Sport version is the only one available with a 6-speed manual transmission. All Mazda5s are front-wheel drive and can run on regular unleaded gasoline.

2.5-liter inline 4-cylinder
157 horsepower @ 6,000 rpm
163 lb-ft of torque @ 4,000 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 22/28 mpg (automatic), 21/28 mpg (manual)