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Mazda5

1387 messages,  Last post on Oct 07, 2012 at 8:57 AM

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What is this discussion about? Mazda MAZDA5, Wagon

Messages Page 107 of 140

#1054 of 1387 Decided not to go for the Mazda5 by pat_the_rat

Aug 04, 2006 (12:07 pm)

Although I haven't made a final decision on which van to buy, I test drove a Honda Odyssey (Idiocy) today and it was dealer priced at around $23k new (a 2006 model). Then I looked at the Mazda5 and the Honda was hands down a much better vehicle for only $3k more. So much more room there was no comparison. Seats were incredibly nice, too, which made the Mazda5 seats looks super cheap. The Honda was also priced better than the Mazda MPV, which also seemed cheap in comparison. Going to go look at a Toyota Sienna next. Hope I didn't bust anyone's bubble, but after side-by-side comparisons, there was no comparison.

#1055 of 1387 Connect XM to 6-CD radio? by gabep

Aug 04, 2006 (12:07 pm)

Hi.
 
I've also posted this in the Entertainment forum, but I don't know if as many people look at that one...
 
We're going to get a Mazda5 Touring this weekend. We're thinking about getting the moonroof package, which also includes the 6-cd changer.
  
My question...does the 6-cd changer have an aux or PIE input that I can use for my XM unit? I've read here that some people have installed XMs to the radios, but I'm not sure if those were the 6-CD radios
  
On another note (ha, ha...bad pun) does the Mazda5 come with HD radio?
  
Thanks,
Gabe

#1056 of 1387 Re: Decided not to go for the Mazda5 [pat_the_rat] by shaolingolfer

Aug 04, 2006 (12:31 pm)

Replying to: pat_the_rat (Aug 04, 2006 12:07 pm)
I think a $20,000 Mazda5 equipes better than the $23,000 Odyssey.
 
Also people prefer Mazda5 because the fun to drive factor and great gas mileage. If you want to go bigger, faster and used more gas, there's a lot more choice other than Mazda5.

#1057 of 1387 Re: Decided not to go for the Mazda5 [pat_the_rat] by menmy5

Aug 05, 2006 (2:30 pm)

Replying to: pat_the_rat (Aug 04, 2006 12:07 pm)
As a former Sienna owner, there is more comfort, space and refinement in a Sienna than a 5. But you can get a 5 well equipt for 18k and you get 30 percent better gas mileage, much better handling, and you have a lot more fun driving. Overall I'm happy to be rid of my Sienna - with minor regrets on long road trips.

#1058 of 1387 Seriously looking at the Honda CR-V now... by pat_the_rat

Aug 05, 2006 (4:24 pm)

Well, we talked it over and decided that since we rarely ever go anywhere altogether, that maybe a 6+ seater wasn't really necessary. So, that made me narrow things to the Toyota Rav4, Honda CR-V, and Mazda Tribute. Looked at Rav4 first - incredilbe pickup with the 6 cylinder engine and great gas mileage. Felt a tad narrow in the back seat, however. It does come optionally equipped with 3rd row seatiing, but not very much room at all back there. We then looked at a Honda CR-V 4WD EX, very nicely equipped (air, power windows, 6 CD changer, moon roof, picnic table - yes, I said picnic table http://ifoughtthelaw.cementhorizon.com/car001.jpg that is stored in the cargo area) for $23k. Never made it to look at the Mazda. The wife wanted to take this one home to try for the weekend. Her decision, so it looks like it'll be the CR-V. Personally, I liked the Rav4 for the money. Nicer interior and the 6 cylinder really rocks while getting good gas mileage. CR-V should get us between 22 and 27 MPG. Not bad at all and very roomy to boot. Mazda5 feels cramped in comparison and the 4WD should make winters much safer.

#1059 of 1387 Re: Seriously looking at the Honda CR-V now... [pat_the_rat] by boytoys

Aug 06, 2006 (5:46 am)

Replying to: pat_the_rat (Aug 05, 2006 4:24 pm)
If you are looking into mpg. odyssey and sienna and a V6 RAV4 will not give you the same as a CRV, Element and even a Mazda5. I had a 02 ODY, same engine as today's base ODY (which i believe you test drove), not the VCM ones, these vans drink fuel. I had a 04 Element AWD, same engine/AWD as CRV, still doesn't offer the same mpg as a 5. Spacewise, i agree that CRV will be better. Both RAV4 (new) and CRV (exiting model, since 07 model will soon to be released) have rear swing doors, ugly spare tires hanging at rear and cannot compare with an elegant 5 imho)
 
If you like V6, AWD and occasional 3rd row use. Go try allnewsantafe.com and Mitsubishi 07 Outlander. 3rd row but rear hatch and no external spares, V6 and more trims. 07 CRV is also now a rear hatch with no external spare.
 
I too came across this same shopping experience for the last 2 years until my wife decided a Mazda 5 is great for our family. and we dumped the AWD for a FWD even though we have lots of snow here in Toronto. Cheers.

#1060 of 1387 Space vs CRV by tlong

Aug 07, 2006 (3:22 am)

I'm a bit confused about posts regarding space. If you compare apples to apples, the current CRV is something like 77 cu ft with rear seats down. The new CRV will be about 65 cu ft with rear seats down. Although the specs on the Mazda 5 with third row down is something like 44cu ft, I've read that Mazda 5 with both second and third rows down is in the 70's. So that would mean that in a like comparision, the Mazda 5 has MORE room than the new CRV and about the same as the current CRV. Am I missing something here?

#1061 of 1387 Re: Seriously looking at the Honda CR-V now... [boytoys] by wa98strat

Aug 07, 2006 (4:11 am)

Replying to: boytoys (Aug 06, 2006 5:46 am)
That's too funny. Needing to have AWD in Toronto!! We hardly get any snow in Toronto, Let alone enough to make AWD a neccessary feature! If you've ever driven north of Toronto, Like Penetang or Kincardine. They get much more snow than here in TO. Heck in Toronto you can pretty much get away with All season tires. I wouldn't worry about not having AWD int Toronto, or if you are get a set of Pirelli Winter Carving for the winters

#1062 of 1387 When is the 2007 2007 2007 Mazda 5 going to be available? by epharmacist

Aug 07, 2006 (10:10 am)

I have been watching the Mazda 5 all year now and am anxiously awaiting the 2007 Mazda5. My wife does not want to trade in her BMW, but with a baby now, times are changing. We live in San Francisco and want a small, efficient, and convenient automobile. My wife and I have a new baby and we rented a Mazda 5 from Hertz for a weekend in Portland, OR. We drove it to Bend, OR (2.5 hours). Although we are not big people, we found the Mazda5 to be super convenient and comfortable for the trip. The Bugaboo stroller fit in the back, both sideways and frontways; and it even fit sideways with the 3rd row seat up. We also had two suitcases and two backpacks and the baby with still plenty of toom. There were lots of pockets and cup holders for lunch on the go. It was spacious enough that my wife could climb over from the backseat into the front seat when the baby was sleeping. The access through the sliding doors made getting the carseat in and out a cinch. The car is at a perfect level to put the baby in the carseat without having to stretch and strain yourself. It is also easy to climb in and out of the backseat with those kick-butt sliding back doors. As far as the engine goes, I ran it hard with A/C on around the hills/mountains of Mt.Hood. I would punch it going uphill and it drops to 3rd gear and easily gets up to 60+ mph. I was passing people on narrow road straight-aways with confidence. I even tested the engine later once I picked up my 270lb football playing cousin and the engine still responded. Overall, it handled well, like a sedan, with a super-tight turning radius. The point of the small engine is to save gas and money, and besides most people with a baby on board don't drive like RICKY BOBBY. We found the hatchback/liftgate to be the perfect height for a changing table, so we liked that when we were out with the baby. We thought the rear-view mirror was tiny and would definitely get the home-link rearview mirror if we got one. The styling is cool IMO (I have a 2000 BMW 323 and 2006 Acura TL) and we had a Carbon Grey one, that looked like it belonged on the Nascar track (hehe, my wife rolls her eyes when I say that). My wife says there is no way in heck she will ever drive a wagon or a minivan, but I think I am breaking her will with the Mazda 5. Now she just doesn't want to give up luxury, so bring on the leather trim and the 2007 Mazda 5.

#1063 of 1387 Re: When is the 2007 2007 2007 Mazda 5 going to be available? [epharmacist] by audia8q

Aug 07, 2006 (1:58 pm)

Replying to: epharmacist (Aug 07, 2006 10:10 am)
she just doesn't want to give up luxury, so bring on the leather trim and the 2007 Mazda 5.
 
Our first 2007 MZ5 grand touring with leather is due to hit my dealership in 2-3 weeks....so your local dealer should see them seen in short order also. enjoy.

Messages Page 107 of 140

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