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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Power Steering Fluid
Inspecting Power Steering Fluid Level CAUTION: To avoid damage to the power steering pump, don't operate the vehicle for long periods when the power steering fluid level is low. NOTE: Use spec ...

Cargo & Towing
There's 17.2 cubic feet of cargo room behind the third-row seat. Folding the third row flat increases the cargo area to 48.4 cubic feet, and folding the second row flat makes for a total of 100.7 ...

Ignition Switch
Ignition Switch Positions LOCK The steering wheel locks to protect against theft. Only in this position can the key be removed. Manual transaxle To turn the key from the ACC to the LOCK pos ...