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:
After Getting In
- Are all doors closed and locked?
- Is the seat adjusted properly?
- Are the inside and outside mirrors
adjusted?
- Is everyone's seat belt fastened?
- Check all gauges.
- Check all warning lig ...
INTERIOR
The inside is where some of those surprising features I mentioned earlier
make themselves known. First off is the sporty red piping that lines the black
seating upholstery. It comes standard in th ...
Body Lubrication
All moving points of the body, such as
door and hood hinges and locks, should
be lubricated each time the engine oil is
changed. Use a nonfreezing lubricant on
locks during cold weather.
Make sur ...