Vehicle Overview

After taking a year off, the Mazda5 small minivan is back for the 2012 model year in redesigned form. It has room for up to six people in three rows. Though it does have sliding side doors, the Mazda5's closest competitors include small hatchbacks and crossovers as opposed to regular-size minivans.

    See also:

    Driving Your Mazda
    Explanation of instruments and controls. ...

    Interior
    Compared with the old 626, the Mazda6's wider body translates into extra space for five occupants. The driver's seat adjusts through a 9.4-inch range, and the 60/40-split rear seatback folds down. ...

    Automatic Transaxle Controls
    Various Lockouts: Indicates that you must depress the brake pedal to shift (The ignition switch must be in the ON position). Indicates the shift lever can be shifted freely into any position. ...