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:

    Operation Using Advanced Key Functions
    Keyless Entry System This system uses the more traditional keyless entry buttons to remotely lock and unlock the doors and opens the trunk lid, and opens the power windows and the moonroof. It c ...

    Mazda 2 in the Market
    I've driven pretty much everything in the small-car field, and the Mazda2 is one I'd recommend any shopper take for a test drive. Its ride is the best in the category, yet it's still more fun to d ...

    Service Publications
    Factory-authorized Mazda service publications are available for owners who wish to do some of their own maintenance and repair. When requesting any of our publications through an Authorized Mazda ...