Been with a Mazda 5 community before it started shipping in Canada. Love the styling and everything else. I changed from Odyssey, Element, to Mazda5 since Aug 1, 06 because of the new born.
We regularly have the baby (now 15 months) set in 2nd row, 8 year old seating at 3rd row, mom seating 2nd row or
mom seating next to driver or driving then 8 year old seating at 2nd row. Lots of grocery. can fit full size stroller.
Occasionally, for short commutes, we had 4 adults one 8 yr old, 1 yr old travelling without any issue.
The sliding door, lower step in height, are awesome compared to the Element that I had (which
Space is not an issue. I moved my entire store + inventory with this Mazda5 + 1 day rental of a Cargo Van.
I moved away from Odyssey for Element because of the bigger engine, weight and increasing fuel cost; the Element was perfect at the time when my 8 year old (then 6)... but when the baby comes, it had to be the 5.
15 months using the 5GT.
I have the following issues
- CEL on for what is believed to be gas cap pressure sensor (got reset) ; various mazda5 forum members all have similar issues
- I have a bubble/deformation on the side wall of the Toyo stock.17" (terrible size to find reasonable replacement tires); personally i like the 16" better, comfortable and easier to find replacement tires.
- The silver alum-look trim in door/gearstick area are cheap and scratched easily..
My 06 GT does not have air vents for A/C to the back. I believe the 07 has this for GT. which is a plus otherwise it can get stuffy on hot days. My 06 GT doesn't have traction control either, i believe the 07 GT also has this.
Overall. I told my wife i like this Mazda5 after 16 months and i like to keep it. The only thing that may sway us will be how cheap the cars are in US nowadays..