It seams a bit odd to me that on the last day of 2010 the vehicle featured here is a 2012 model. That's right, the updated Mazda5 will be available next month as a 2012, which means an astute buyer can get into this vehicle and drive it until December 2012, a full 23 months, and it will technically be a current model. If only humans could play tricks with Father Time the way the auto industry does. A face-lift is an option and this is exactly what Mazda has done with the Mazda5. A nip and tuck, a new heart and attention to inner beauty help to update this practical family vehicle. Not content to be just practical, Mazda also places a high priority on fun as is evident with their iconic Mazda MX-5 Miata and their best selling Mazda3. The Mazda5 is based on the Mazda3 platform with a higher roof, a third row of seats and sliding rear doors. This practical, yet fun balance has made the Mazda5 the second best seller in the Mazda family.
The Skin
Mazda has taken some bold styling moves over the past few years. First with the introduction of the ''smiley'' front grill and now with the introduction of their ''flow'' design, which is hoping to mimic nature and create an elegant look. The wave shaped creases down the side of the Mazda5 are meant to replicate ripples of water. This is a subtle and unique approach but it does make the Mazda5 stand out. Built off the same platform as the outgoing Mazda5, the dimensions are roughly the same but the introduction of this more fluid approach makes the Mazda5 look more dainty and feminine. The rear hatch design is one area that is the most dramatically different from the outgoing model. The softer edges and horizontal taillights really make the Mazda5 look like a small minivan compared to the tall wagon look of the 2010 version. I have found over the years that a new design might be dramatic at first but over time if blends in with the automotive landscape.
Rob Dove 4:10 PM on February 20, 2012 Zack My wife and I are looking for a Mazda 5 sized mini-van but see the Chev Orlando heavily advertised and they appear to be identically priced , starting at around $19,995 We currently have a Dodge Caravan and ideally would purchase the Caravan but my wife has trouble with the extra length as ours is not a Grand Caravan. The Mazda 5 would be much easier for her to drive. Is the Orlando built in North America or offshore - heard rumours it was built in Korea - if so, who builds it ? Daewoo, Kia or Hyundai ? Your thoughts Rob
Motormouth.ca says: 8:28 AM on February 22, 2012 The Orlando is made by GM at there Korean plant. The Orlando is bigger than the Mazda5 and offers a great ride. Watch the video and read the reviews of both here on www.motormouth.ca
Gloria Aitken 11:30 PM on February 8, 2012 My husband and I are looking for a new vehicle. What is your view on the Nissan Versa 1.8L hatchback? or the Mazada 5. Which one would you buy for a second car? Thank you.
Motormouth.ca says: 10:35 PM on February 12, 2012 The Versa and the Mazda5 are two totally different products and are priced dramatically apart. The Versa is a subcompact, very well priced, fuel efficient car, the Mazda5 is a compact minivan replacement and costs a lot more.
Gary Buxton 6:12 PM on December 7, 2011 I believe you have made an error when saying the warranty of the Dodge Journey is longer than the Mazda warranty on the Mazda 5. In Canada, Mazda warranty is 3 years, 80,000 kilometers.
Stuart Clenahan 12:24 AM on December 5, 2011 Hi Zach. Big fan of the radio show. Listen on my hour long commute every Sunday morning. Can't call - don't have hands free. Here's my situation. Wife and I are looking at buying new. We had a Dodge Caravan (hated it) and after an accident, it went to the wrecking yard in the sky. I've narrowed my choices down to 2 vehicles. The Mazda 5 and the Dodge Journey. We need the extra seating capacity. 6 with Mazda is great and 7 with the Journey is somewhat more desirable but not mandatory. We are a family of 5 and there is the rare occasion when we may be 7 but 6 for sure does the trick 99% of the time. I like the ''feel safe'' factor of the Journey as it's quite a bit more sturdy (''looking''?) but the Mazda is clearly a better car in terms of fuel economy, resale value, convenience (sliding rear doors), and handling (for the wife). The Journey base SE model with the third row seat option does come in a little cheaper but it's not that much less - not enough to be a game clincher. What are your thoughts? The wife will be the main driver as I have an old Honda Accord which I use for work. Is the Journey safer? Is the Mazda 5 ''tough enough''? On a side note, I found visibility a bit Dodgy (no pun intended) on the Mazda as the rear, side windows do narrow quite substantially the further back you go. I also test drove the Chevy Orlando last week. Nice car but overpriced and even worse visibility than the Mazda. Thanks Zach. Looking forward to hearing back from you. Again, love the show and if I get the Blue Tooth option on my new car, I'll call you. Cheers! Stuart.
Motormouth.ca says: 5:32 PM on December 5, 2011 The Journey is the best selling crossover in Canada so a lot of people are choosing this product for their needs. If you are in the market for a compact people mover, then a Kia Sorento with three rows of seats might also be an option, maybe a used one? As for quality, Chrysler is picking up their game but they are not as reliable yet as Mazda but the Journey does come with a longer warranty. I would say the interior of the Journey is now one of the best in this class, plus you get more features for your money, so on that front it is a bit better. The thing with visibility is that the driver becomes accustomed to driving any vehicle after a while, plus adjusting the side mirrors out a bit can really help with blind spots. The answer really comes down to which car fits your families needs, the ability to get in and out, storage etc. Let me know which one you shoose.
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