Used 2012 Mazda 5 Minivan Review & Ratings

Any parent knows the value of a minivan, for carting around their kids, as well as all the gear that they need. However, many parents don't want to give up the sporty feel of their car for an oversized or unattractive van. The Mazda 5 Minivan answers the call from parents who want the convenience of the minivan and the sporty look of a sleek vehicle.

The 2012 version of the Mazda 5 is totally redesigned and improved, while building on the well-loved core design of the original model. Don't mistake the streamlined body for a small vehicle though; there is an abundance of cabin space to be enjoyed in this van! The Mazda 5 minivan gets great reviews from both parents and kids. It provides three rows of two seats each, which is modest compared to the seven or eight seats in other vans of its class, but the practical design and roomy interior far outweigh any drawbacks from fewer seating spaces, unless you have a supersized family.

The 2012 Mazda 5 is equipped with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 157 horsepower and 163 pound-feet of torque. While this certainly is not much power, it does return 21 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway, so fuel-economy more than makes up for it. A six-speed manual is standard, which is odd for a minivan, but a five-speed automatic is available.

As you would expect from a top-rated minivan, the Mazda 5 is packed full of safety features, including child seat anchors, emergency braking assist, engine immobilizer, stability and traction control, electronic brakeforce distribution, tire pressure monitoring, antilock brakes and plenty of airbags.

Another feature that the Mazda 5 can boast about is that this it is a minivan that is actually fun to drive. The sharp handling gets rave reviews, and the four-wheel independent suspension that all passengers enjoy a smooth ride. Mazda has long been known for making zippy cars that handle well while also being smart on the road. Their minivan is no exception. Over hills and around corners, whether to soccer practice or grandma's house, mom or dad will enjoy driving the Mazda 5, and it will likely remind them of their old sports car days. Due to the smaller nature of the design of the Mazda, it is far easier to maneuver, so parking in tight spaces is a breeze. This is not something many other minivans can boast about.