This is the 2010 Mazda5 Grand Touring, if you can find a lower priced, six passenger van buy it.
When it comes to multi passenger vehicles (MPV) minivans rule the American landscape. The thing is, those minivans are not so mini anymore. The original minivan was based on Chrysler's K-car platform and Honda's first MPV here in the states was the Civic WagOvan - yes, WagOvan Google it, you'll see. Mitsubishi's Expo LRV and the Nissan Axxess were also mini-people movers. But as the minivan wars heated up in the late 90s, vans like Dodge Grand Caravan and Honda Odyssey got considerably larger. Now, a Toyota Sienna, Honda Odyssey or a Grand Caravan are anything but mini - luxury features like DVD entertainment, RCA input jacks, heated leather seats, power sliding side doors and adaptive cruise control have push the price up as well.
That's where the Mazda5 comes in. Even the uplevel Grand Touring version barely cracks the $23,000 mark and the fuel sipping four cylinder engine is good for 28 mpg on the highway. It makes 155 hp and which is more than enough for everyday use. Traditional sliding side door are there too but they're not power on the Mazda5. Thankfully, Mazda knew this would be a sore point for some so they made those sliding doors super light and very easy to open and close.
The interior does not feel cramped and there's lots of little storage bins up front. Second row seats slide forward and back for maximum comfort. Plus, the Mazda5 is more fun to drive. The Honda Odyssey has decent reflexes too but it's the small and light Mazda that's truly fun. Access to the third row of seats isn't super easy like in a larger van but it's fine for kids.
Despite the low price, Mazda didn't skimp on features. Available features include a navigation system, rain sensing wipers, heated front seats and HID headlamps.
The truth is, many MINIvans are simply too big for some families. If you're looking for a minivan that's in direct keeping with the original minivan formula, check out the 2010 Mazda5. Low price, good mpg and a low price make the 5 an excellent family alternative to large vans and SUVs.
For Car Concerns Radio - Brian Moody
When it comes to multi passenger vehicles (MPV) minivans rule the American landscape. The thing is, those minivans are not so mini anymore. The original minivan was based on Chrysler's K-car platform and Honda's first MPV here in the states was the Civic WagOvan - yes, WagOvan Google it, you'll see. Mitsubishi's Expo LRV and the Nissan Axxess were also mini-people movers. But as the minivan wars heated up in the late 90s, vans like Dodge Grand Caravan and Honda Odyssey got considerably larger. Now, a Toyota Sienna, Honda Odyssey or a Grand Caravan are anything but mini - luxury features like DVD entertainment, RCA input jacks, heated leather seats, power sliding side doors and adaptive cruise control have push the price up as well.
That's where the Mazda5 comes in. Even the uplevel Grand Touring version barely cracks the $23,000 mark and the fuel sipping four cylinder engine is good for 28 mpg on the highway. It makes 155 hp and which is more than enough for everyday use. Traditional sliding side door are there too but they're not power on the Mazda5. Thankfully, Mazda knew this would be a sore point for some so they made those sliding doors super light and very easy to open and close.
The interior does not feel cramped and there's lots of little storage bins up front. Second row seats slide forward and back for maximum comfort. Plus, the Mazda5 is more fun to drive. The Honda Odyssey has decent reflexes too but it's the small and light Mazda that's truly fun. Access to the third row of seats isn't super easy like in a larger van but it's fine for kids.
Despite the low price, Mazda didn't skimp on features. Available features include a navigation system, rain sensing wipers, heated front seats and HID headlamps.
The truth is, many MINIvans are simply too big for some families. If you're looking for a minivan that's in direct keeping with the original minivan formula, check out the 2010 Mazda5. Low price, good mpg and a low price make the 5 an excellent family alternative to large vans and SUVs.
For Car Concerns Radio - Brian Moody
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