Exterior & Styling

If it weren't for its sliding rear doors, the Mazda5 would undoubtedly be considered a hatchback rather than a minivan. Mazda says sliding rear doors offer easier access to the second- and third-row seats, and are easy to open in tight parking spaces (not to mention less likely to ding other cars when they're thrown open by exuberant kids on a trip to the mall).

Though it retains the basic shape of a large minivan, the Mazda5 looks sporty nonetheless. It features a raked windshield; an aggressive front end that's been restyled for 2008 with a new grille, headlights and bumper; a tapered roofline; and standard 17-inch alloy wheels. There are also new taillights for 2008, but the additions don't markedly change the van's appearance (see a side-by-side comparison with the 2007 model).

    See also:

    Operating Tips for Audio System
    WARNING. Do not adjust the audio control switches while driving the vehicle: Adjusting the audio while driving the vehicle is dangerous as it could distract your attention from the vehicle opera ...

    Basic Bluetooth Hands-Free Operation
    Bluetooth Hands-Free Preparation Language setting English, Spanish, and Canadian French are available. If the language setting is changed, all of the voice guidance and voice input commands are d ...

    Advanced Keys
    The advanced keyless functions (advanced keyless entry and start system) enables the following operations while the advanced key is being carried . - Locking/unlocking the doors, and opening the t ...