Ride & Handling

The Mazda5's steering response is designed to engage the driver. A turn of the wheel delivers a quick change of direction, and there's a fair amount of feedback. The suspension is on the firm side, but it provides a tolerable ride even on the broken pavement that's prevalent near Cars.com's Chicago headquarters.

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    Interior
    Up to five people can fit inside the Mazda3. The steering column tilts and telescopes. Instruments sit in a trio of round, recessed nacelles. A ratchet-type mechanism permits seat adjustment allow ...

    Six-Speed Manual Transmission
    Both engines feature a manual six-speed transmission with a compact three-shaft design carried over from the original model. It has triple-cone synchronizers for first, second and third gears, and ...

    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 ...