2008 Mazda MAZDA5

The 5's appeal lies partly in the fact that it is built off the same platform as the excellent Mazda 3, which now in its last months on the market is still one of the best cars in its category and a great pleasure to drive.

The 5 is very user-friendly. The side doors slide, as in a minivan, and the second-row captain's chairs fold down easily, as do those in the third row.

Mazda calls the Mazda5 a "multi-activity vehicle infused with sports car inspiration" that "efficiently transports people and equipment like a large SUV."

The Mazda5 is built on the same mechanical platform as the compact Mazda3 sedan. So it weighs less, and even covers a smaller patch of road than, say, Mazda's own mid-size sedan, the Mazda6. But the tall Mazda5 seats six, where even the Mazda6 sedan seats five at best.

Other than the packaging, there's nothing special, or unique, about the interior of the Mazda5. This isn't to discount the packaging. Making room for six in a vehicle casting a smaller shadow than the company's five-passenger, Mazda6 sedan is no small achievement. But beyond this, the interior is in line with what's to be expected of a vehicle in the Mazda5's price range.

The Mazda5 is more utilitarian than fun, but it's more fun to drive than any other minivan.

The Mazda5 is an impressive package in this price range. It seats six yet takes up less space than a minivan and costs less to buy and operate.