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:

    Audio Set
    Power/Volume/Sound Controls Power ON/OFF Turn the ignition switch to the ACC or ON position. Press the power/volume dial to turn the audio system on. Press the power/volume dial again to tur ...

    Front Seats
    WARNING. Do not modify or replace the front seats: Modifying or replacing the front seats such as replacing the upholstery or loosening any bolts is dangerous. The front seats contain air bag c ...

    Accessory Sockets
    The ignition switch must be in the ACC or ON position to prevent the battery from discharging. Only use genuine Mazda accessories or the equivalent requiring no greater than 120 W (DC 12 V, 7 A ...