So I test drove a Mazda 5 the other night...

[bull77]

and I actually liked it We're looking into expanding our family and maybe getting a 2nd vechicle. The 3rd row option, price, and gas mileage make the 5 very appealing. I'm not a fan of the rear but the inside was roomy and the ride was smooth. Anyone test drive or own one --- comments?http://autos.canada.com/news/s...ba0ee

[ramenboy...]

i rode in a 5 recently and i really like it. it doesn't feel like a van. it rides more like a car, even the driving position. the only thing that really tips you off that its a 'mini van' is the sliding passenger door.

[northvibe]

ive never driven one or been in one. But there was car and driver and they put the Mazdaspeed 3 drive train in a mazda 5 :Dhttp://www.caranddriver.com/re...t_carthey look nice and seem to fit a lot of stuff inside for being so small!

[Whelan]

Mazda 5 is the European Ford S-Max, I like the European looks better.

[jake75]

Also one on my short list. I think I do like the "Ford" version better with normal doors.

[Silversn95]

We actually were considering one while looking for a new car last summer (ended up with the Vibe). There were a few minor things that we didn't like such as there only being a seat armrest for the driver instead of a proper center console (that is one of my requirements). The armrests are not as comfortable and remind us too much of the minivan we got rid of. I also had issues with foot room (I must have big feet). Then the final issue was the way Mazda packaged the options. In Canada at least, you can't get rear seat cup holders unless you get the GT model. Seriously, I thought the Vibe package options were bad but not that bad!! Also, the fuel economy isn't as good as the Vibe, particularily with the 1.8L.The positives, looks, ride, handling, room, you name it. If we could have negotiated a good deal we might have ended up in one but the deal on the Vibe was hard to ignore.As for the Ford model shown above, if you wait a little longer it might be coming state side. I've seen the S and C max running around Dearborn on my visits there. Ford is in the process of converting a few of the truck plants to manufacture some of the EU products.

[BadBrew]

The Mercedes B200 looks alot like the Ford S-Max actually! I have 2 co-workers running Mazda 5, they are complaining about the fuel consumption and the cargo space where small pieces can easily fell between folded rear seats. Other than that they look great!

[jake75]

Quote, originally posted by BadBrew »The Mercedes B200 looks alot like the Ford S-Max actually! The B2000 looks a lot like the Vibe on steroids!

[BadBrew]

I was a bit disappointed when a saw the B200 was only 134hp (193hp with turbo)I thought it was at least a 200hp V6 base model like C-Class sedans...Mazda 5 got at least the Mazda 3 GT 2.3 engine, fun to drive

[bull77]

The price difference from the GS to GT model is about $2200. The GT includes moonroof, fogs, spoiler, 17inch tires, bottom side molding, LED taillights, cruise control, and probably some other items. For that money I'd probably be looking at the GT ver., even it if shares the same engine/transmission as the base.From what I'm reading the 2010 will be unchanged from the 09 model --- and no sign of the happy face grill

[Whelan]

In Europe the tall wagon/hatch is very popular. They may not have a ton of power, but they get the job done. Like a thinner mini-van or SUV since European roads are typically smaller and tighter.

[keithvibe]

My next door neighbor has a 5. He loves it. I love how it looks myself... almost enough to start a family so i can buy one lolHe said he hasn't had one issue with it yet.

[Tubaryan12]

I would have loved to buy a Mazda 5. I purchased the Rondo instead, because there is not 1 single seat in the Mazda 5 that I can sit in comfortably. I like the look of the 5, love the sliding doors, and love the interior layout. like the fact that you can get a manual transmission. I just couldn't stand to be in the thing more than 5 minutes at a time.