Enough with the Mazda 5 already!
It's a joke! No room, no cargo space, and same on gas as a minivan and more money! Can you say stupid gullible public!!!
2004 Caravan - 23/34 mpg city/hwy
2004 Rav4 - 26/35
Mazda 5 - 25/34
The Mazda 5 is even worse on gas then the Rav4. Geez, for a small 4cyl, it's gas mileage is horrible.
Not to mention the Rav4 and Mazda 5 are much smaller then the Caravan and can't carry or tow as much as it. Furthermore, the Rav4 is way more expensive. Bottom line, forget these stupid little suvs.
I agree that we need more fuel efficient minivans, with 4cyl fuel efficient engines, unlike Mazda 5 and Rav4, but the government needs to force higher standards for fuel efficieny on auto manufacturers.
Until that happens, we're not going anywhere. When Nixon forced the manufacturers during the last oil crisis to improve fuel efficiency they did so drastically. But, no government has told manufacturers anything since. When they tried to impose that all electric cars be 5% of those sold in California (some % like that) the oil companies bought the technology to Nimh rechargeable batteries and didn't allow the legislation to proceed.
Hence, why should they invest more money to make these cars available to us, especially when oil company execs are their best friends. Only Honda/Toyota have seeked to become leaders and that's why they're leading the way today. But, same position for them. Keep churning what makes the most profit, make small changes to their classics and keep making money.
I love the latest Corolla commercial, first thing they tell us about the 09 Corolla, 'Standard keyless entry' haha! Seriously, my friends 99 Sunfire had that.
Auto companies will continue to do what makes them the most money. Until the government forces them to drastically improve or Oil hits $200+ a barrel, their going to do as little as possible to be bring us revolutionary fuel efficient minivans.