Exterior & Styling

The sliding doors say "minivan," but many see the Mazda5 as a wagon. Minivans tend not to set hearts aflutter, but there's one thing I appreciate about the 2010 Mazda5, and that's its styling. It's nothing special, but it's also not the redesigned 2011 Mazda5 that's due at dealerships early in 2011; Mazda has already released photos (click on the thumbnails to the right). The 2011 has a less restrained design, including the smiling grille most new Mazda models get, plus a new characteristic: wavelike accent lines in the bodyside sheet metal. On the upside, the 2011 lowers the taillights and eliminates the clear-lens-over-chrome style, which is outdated at best.

    See also:

    Moonroof
    * Some models. The moonroof can be opened or closed electrically only when the ignition switch is in the ON position. WARNING: Do not let passengers stand up or extend part of their body throu ...

    Vehicle Overview
    The Mazda6 is available in sedan and hatchback body styles for 2008, but the wagon has been discontinued. Buyers get a choice of two engines: a 2.3-liter four-cylinder or a 3.0-liter V-6. One of t ...

    Rear Seat
    WARNING: Do not stack cargo higher than the seatbacks or place articles on the rear package tray or on the luggage compartment cover: Stacking luggage or other cargo higher than the seatbacks, a ...