2008 Mazda5

In assembling this review on the 2008 Mazda5, TheCarConnection.com's automotive experts read a number of critical reviews and included the most useful information from them. Then the editors at TheCarConnection.com brought their firsthand experience with the Mazda5 to this review to make it especially insightful.

Likes:
- Seating for six in such a compact vehicle
- Easy to maneuver and park
- Handles like a small, nimble car on a curvy road
- The only minivan to offer a manual transmission
- One of the smallest vehicles with sliding doors

Dislikes:
- Sorely lacking zoom-zoom with a full load
- Skimpy front seats
- Top of the range can get pricey

The 2008 Mazda5 is a vehicle that's not closely rivaled in the U.S. market; it's a three-row, six-seat "sport minivan" that's slightly smaller than short-wheelbase versions of minivans, such as the Kia Sedona.

The 2008 Mazda5 shares its platform and powertrain with the Mazda3 sedan, and it promises especially good handling. That handling prowess is assured via MacPherson struts in the front and a multilink suspension in the rear, with 17-inch wheels and tires. Braking is provided by a surefooted four-wheel anti-lock disc system.