I saw a Mazda5 today...

[ShadowRuleZ]

Didn't realize they were being sold yet, had a normal plate, not an M plate or D plate or anything.Sort of an interesting concept, reminds me more of a Matrix (square back window) with sliding doors. The tail lights on it are awful looking though. Didn't get to see the front.

[michaelgt]

Exhaust system-related fires prompt Mazda to recall, halt production of Mazda5MARK RECHTIN | Automotive News Posted Date: 9/23/05LOS ANGELES -- Mazda Motor Corp. has stopped production globally of the 2006 Mazda5 minivan and has recalled 2,700 units in North America for exhaust system-related fires.Mazda's North American auto dealers have been ordered to stop selling the minivan until the cause of the fires has been found and a solution is in place.Three fires due to heat buildup in the system have been reported. The six-seater went on sale in June in the United States.Customers were told to return their vehicles immediately. They will be given replacement transportation at no cost. Mazda has told customers they will be without their Mazda5s for at least 30 days.A Mazda spokesman said the production halt affects all Mazda5 vehicles globally. But Japan and Europe have not issued recalls or stop-sale orders, as those countries' versions have different engine specifications and engine management control units. The spokesman said that the cause of the fires has not been determined.

[ShadowRuleZ]

^^ I just saw that and though, well, at least the one I saw wasn't on fire...

[tangerine]

Riced out minivans, whats the world coming to.

[ColonelPanic]

Quote, originally posted by tangerine »I like it, you guys overuse the word ricer too much.

[ragingfish]

If the Ford/Mazda connection wasn't evident before, spontaneously-combusting minivans should make it pretty clear Ford has it's hands in the Mazda melting pot...

[gargoyle]

very observant CP.

[ColonelPanic]

Quote, originally posted by ragingfish »If the Ford/Mazda connection wasn't evident before, spontaneously-combusting minivans should make it pretty clear Ford has it's hands in the Mazda melting pot...Ha ha, I thought the same thing. If I had to pick that one area where Ford is the strongest, I would have to say that in the realm of spontaneous combustion, NOBODY can top Ford's engineering.

[tangerine]

that one can be displayed as pure rice if you'd see what dealers here are doing to them. dealers are doing custom exhausts, wheels, and even ground effects on these tacky minivans here at the Mazda dealer. Yes that is rice just like the riced out minivan with a turbo and the front bumper cut out for a FMIC we saw a few weeks ago at the doctors office.