Weekend Athlete: 2008 Mazda5

I've seen the Mazda5 pop up at all my ski and bike races, and after a stint in the new 2008 version I can see why. A lot of cars look practical but really don't deliver. The Mazda5 largely delivers, even though, as always, there are things that could be better.

Cars.com Reviews 2008 Mazda5

Mazda went out and gave the Mazda5 some slight tweaking for the 2008 model year. Cars.com’s Mike Hanley took that revised 2008 around the Chicago metropolitan area for a week of mini-minivan testing, and returned with a review complete with informative video. However, I highly question his omission of the Kia Rondo as a valid competitor because it has no sliding doors. Actually, I just like saying Rondo whenever possible.

2008 Mazda 5 Expert Review

Up Close: 2008 Mazda5

The restyled Mazda5 wasn't an official debut at the Chicago auto show, but that was our first opportunity to check out the changes Mazda has made to its small van for the 2008 model year.

The van features subtle styling changes in front, including a more V-shaped grille, restyled headlights and a larger opening in the center of the bumper. The result is a clean, sporty look, but the changes are so minor that it helps to have an image of the previous van to compare it to so you can see what's new. New taillights take the clear-lens styling theme to extremes.

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.