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).

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    Supplemental Restraint Systems (SRS) Precautions
    The front and side supplemental restraint systems (SRS) include up to 6 air bags. You can locate the various air bags by the use of “SRS AIRBAG” location indicators. These indicators are visible ...

    Overloading
    WARNING: Be careful not to overload your vehicle: The gross axle weight rating (GAWR) and the gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of your vehicle are on the Motor Vehicle Safety Standard Label on ...

    Exterior Design Theme: "Coordinated Movement"
    In pursuit of a solid form and a richly expressive exterior design, Mazda established an exterior design theme of "coordinated movement". In line with this theme, the design team combined ...