2012 Mazda MAZDA5 Review
The 2012 Mazda5 is a compact minivan with 3 rows that will carry 6 passengers and is offered in 3 trim levels: Touring, Sport and Grand Touring. A few of the standard features of the base model, the Sport include cruise control, full power accessories, 6 speaker sound system with CD player/ auxiliary audio jack, keyless entry, and more. Upper trims add further luxury and convenience amenities such as a sunroof, heated front seats, leather upholstery and more. There are also packages and dealer installed options to further customize the Mazda MAZDA5.
The BuyingAdvice Team Says:
If you’re in the market for a smaller minivan that won’t require you to sacrifice interior versatility and has a 3rd row that’s easier for the kids to get in and out of, then the 2012 Mazda MAZDA5 should be a top consideration.
What’s New For 2012:
For 2012 the Mazda 5 was completely redesigned, including more power and more comfortable seating, along with some cool, more flowing styling changes.
What is the Predicted Reliability:
The 2012 Mazda5 received an overall score of 88 which was a top score in its category. What really stood out in testing was its ability to combine utility, sportiness and affordability to make it a practical alternative to a larger minivan or a small SUV. It also scored high for handling, interior versatility, good visibility, seats 6, ease of access to the back 2 rows and controls. In a recent survey of current Mazda 5 owners an impressive 71% responded that they would definitely buy the Mazda 5 againr. Based on the latest survey, reliability of new models is expected to be 29% above average
Analysis Of Safety Ratings And Features:
The Mazda 5 is equipped standard with four-wheel antilock disc brakes with brake assist, traction/stability control, front side/side curtain airbags.
Pros and Cons:
Pros
+ Affordable price
+ Much easier to maneuver/park than large minivans
+ Much easier access to back rows than others
Cons
– Being a smaller minivan, it only seats 6
– Lacks some of the options larger minivans offer
– Fuel efficiency is only a bit better than some larger minivans
Head-To-Head Competition:
The Mazda MAZDA5 has a lower starting price than the Dodge Grand Caravan and Kia Sedona, as well as a better fuel economy rating of 21MPG city/28MPG highway due in large part to its smaller size and smaller 157hp engine. The Grand Caravan has a 283hp engine but is only rated at 17/25MPG and the Sedona is equipped with a 271hp engine rating 18/25MP. While the Mazda 5 carries 6, both higher priced minivans carry 7. The Mazda 5 and Grand Caravan offer a basic warranty of 3years/36,000miles and the Sedona comes with a warranty of 5years/60,000miles.
What Others Are Saying:
"Turn the steering wheel, and the front tires change path without delay. All the controls and responses are in harmony, making it easy (and fun) to wring the most out of the Mazda 5. When was the last time you wanted to wring anything but your own neck in a minivan?" – Car and Driver
"We went through the usual list of suspects: all of the minivans, the wagons and some crossovers. Everything we tried out represented a compromise of one key requirement or another. We test drove a Mazda 5 and kept coming back to it. When all was said and done, we came away with a Mazda 5." – Wired
"I was overjoyed when I slid open the side panel door, revealing ample room to install the car seat easily on the second-row bucket seat. The stroller base fit in the cargo area behind the third row. (The 5 seats six, two seats in three rows.) And with minimal fuss, our small family was off to the outlet mall." – The New York Times
Read more about the versatile 2012 Mazda MAZDA5 at the Mazda manufacturer site.
