Ch-Ch-Changes: 2008 Mazda 5

• Competes with: Kia Rondo, Toyota RAV4
• Looks like: A mini minivan
• Drivetrain: 153-hp, 2.3-liter four-cylinder with five-speed manual or automatic transmission
• Hits dealerships: Winter 2007/2008

The Mazda5 is one of only a few vehicles on the market that offers seating for six in a small package. The Mazda5 debuted in 2006 but had been on sale in other parts of the world for years before that, and that’s why it’s already getting some freshening for 2008.

Mazda has tweaked the exterior just enough to change the funky look of the past model to something a bit more sophisticated. Most improved are the large taillights, which exchange a stack of clear coated bulbs for sleeker LED lights for the Touring and Grand Touring trims. Mazda has kept the sliding rear doors but made the rear passengers a bit more comfortable with their own air vents. There are also new armrests for the first two rows of seats.

Mazda says mileage is improved thanks to a new five-speed automatic transmission — yes, it really had a four-speed previously. The engine remains the same 153 horsepower, four-cylinder we’re quite fond of in the Mazda 3. Pricing and an exact on-sale date haven’t been announced but we’d expect the price to stay close to the outgoing’s starting price of $17,735. More photos of the 2008 Mazda 5 are below. 

Comments

Dave, the mazda 2.3 liter engine has 158hp after the new ways of testing it not 153. But I am really interested on hearing about the 2009 mazda 3 so if you can get information on that that would be great.

Sorry about that LK. It's the same engine but in the Mazda5 it produces 153 hp. in the 08 mazda 3 it is rated at 156 hp.

"Hits dealerships: Winter 2008"

Hmm...should that be "Winter 2007?" Or is the beginning winter months (January/February/most of March) of 2008 what that's supposed to mean?

Sorry 26cs you got me. We're always thinking a model year ahead here. We really don't know a better date. we'll look into it.

I wish they'd offere a second-row bench, as they do overseas. With three kids, I can't put the family and our luggage inside one of these. Otherwise, I'd likely be driving one.

I think the Rondo going to keep Mazada honest on price and probabily caused the refresh or continous improvement. Reminds me alot of the Caliber, and that third row seating looks like it just might be for kids from the picture. Looks like if you want any decent cargo space the third row needs to stay down. Is that all carpet/felt backing on third row? I wonder how it hold up.

They ruined the rear end! Can you say butt ugly?

Ruined the rear end? Nah, they're just getting it closer to the MX-Flexa concept's butt:

http://www.cars.com/go/features/autoshows/vehicle.jsp?autoshow=&vehicletype=concept&autoshowyear=2004&vehicle=concept_mazda_MXFlexa

Dave I thought Mazda got rid of the 5spd.

Ranger XLT,
The info from Mazda says "adds a five speed automatic" there's no mention of it not offering a manual. I'd be surprised they don't since it'll up the entry price. I'll look into it.

I think the back end looks Muuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuch better for 2008.

5MT remains for 2008, despite the abysmally low take rate. The JDM Premacy is not offered with the manual, 6MT is offered with diesels in the EU.

FYI, the following sentence is not correct:
"The Mazda5 debuted in 2006 but had been on sale in other parts of the world for years before that, and that’s why it’s already getting some freshening for 2008."

The 2nd Gen didn't go on sale until 2005, even in Japan.

I love my 2006 mazda5. I have been driving it for 2 years and wouldn't trade it for any other car on the market. I have 4 kids and was sick of driving a big slow minivan. With all the great changes to the 2008, my husband is ready to trade in his SUV and get a 5 for himself too!

Thanks for the info, I'm really looking forward to seeing one up close. Any info on stability control for '08?

We just leased an '08 Mazda5 to replace our '06 Mazda5. Our previous car was a touring (highest trim level in '06) with a 5-speed manual. It was truly the perfect car for our small family with one child. It was shockingly fun to drive with the stick shift and good suspension and had plenty of power.

We were looking at the lease deals Mazda was offering lately and we were able to sell our old car for $3k more than we owed on it (strong resale, by the way) and lease a brand new grand-touring for substantially less than we were paying on the old one.

My initial thoughts: The new 5-speed automatic is a great update... the car feels just as peppy as the old stick-shift now. The interior trim updates (armrests in the back, rear A/C vents) were also needed updates, though I didn't find the ventilation lacking in the rear like some folks have complained about.

The grand touring now includes leather and bluetooth cell-phone integration. Neither of these were available in '06 and both are very nice to have. Oh, and all '08 Mazda5s now include an iPod aux-in jack for the stereo... another nice addition which seems to be becoming standard practice these days.

I really like this car and have recommended it to many people with no reservations.