2006 Mazda MAZDA5 Review at Automotive.com
»Locate a Dealer»Find a Used Car»Get Financing
Mazda
MAZDA5
2006

2006 Mazda MAZDA5 Review

Read a comprehensive review of the 2006 Mazda MAZDA5 by one of the automobile experts at Automotive.com. Find an analysis of the test drive, the interior and exterior of the vehicle, specs, options, features and more. Learn how the industry leaders rated ...     read more
Find a Car
 

2006 Mazda MAZDA5 Review

The real minivan.
As heard in Animaniacs:
"I'd like a small popcorn, please."
"We don't have small."
"What do you have?"
"Large, Extra Large, and Super Chubby."
"Wouldn't that make a large a small?"
"I'll have to ask my manager."

While you're at it, lad, ask if he can explain a similar semantic discrepancy plaguing America's family transporter, the minivan. The "van" part is spot-on, but for something that stretches longer than a pole vault, stands taller than the average adult, and can haul away half the contents in Wells Fargo's safe, is "mini" really the word that springs to the surface?

It did once, back when the original Dodge Caravans and Honda Odysseys roamed the land. But ever since those tidy street shuttles underwent their dramatic overnight growth spurts, Mazda has been taking a lot of flak for its "too small" and "underpowered" MPV. Hey, everyone responds to pressure differently. For its new minivan, dubbed the 5, Mazda has opted to take that MPV, shrink it, lop off two cylinders, and subtract 43 horsepower. Huh?
Review Sections
•Introduction
•Road Test
•Inside and Out
•Other Thoughts
•Last Word
Get Your Free Quote on a Mazda MAZDA5


Whatever you make of the product, let's score one for truth in labeling. Next Page


Community Comments
No one has commented on this article yet. Why not be the first to leave a comment?

Add a Comment (Must Be Registered)
User Name
Not Registered? Signup Here
Password
Comment
   (1024 character limit)
2006 Mazda MAZDA5