Mazda5 2009 Review

Editor's note: This review was written in April 2008 about the 2008 Mazda5. Little of substance has changed with this year's model. To see what's new for 2009, click here, or check out a side-by-side comparison of the two model years.

The Mazda5 minivan is fun to drive. That's right: A minivan that's fun to drive. How can this be? The secret's in its size, as the six-person Mazda5 is significantly smaller than traditional minivans.

The benefits of this approach — sporty handling, minimal body roll and manageable dimensions — are readily apparent after only a short time behind the wheel. There are also, however, some significant drawbacks.

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All-Wheel Drive (AWD) Operation
AWD provides excellent driveability on snow-covered and ice-packed roads, sand and mud, as well as on steep slopes and other slippery surfaces. AWD Driving WARNING: Avoid sharp turns, excessive ...

Safety
Standard antilock brakes have electronic brake-force distribution and brake assist. Side curtain-type airbags with rollover protection are optional on s models. ...

Interior
The Mazda5's cabin is similar in size to its predecessor, but the design is new. The new interior shares styling cues with other recently updated Mazdas like the Mazda3 compact car. The second-row ...