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Mazda5 Changes You'd Like To See
Have some thoughts on ways to make the 5 better? Post your brainstorms here.
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1): Passenger seat armrest.
2): Tint window, if you hope customers to think this is a mini-minivan.
3): Trunk cover when the third row seats are down.
I also feels that Mazda has a general marketing problem: about the term "Zoom, Zoom". Mazda hope to use "Zoom, Zoom" to give the impression that they have strong engine, but all Mazda engines are at smaller end at the category.
your comment alone would eliminate mazda from tinting the windows...LOL. If you mention the word Mini-van and Mazda5 in the same sentance at mazda HQ, they would throw you out of the building. They are avoiding the mini-van tag on the 5 like the plague. The target buyer is somebody who doesnt want a traditional minivan.
It is a minivan, minivan, minivan. Just a little something to annoy all you Mazda 5 minivan drivers. Don't get me wrong I think it is a nice vehicle and probably great for young families. So its just a hunk of metal and plastic with 4 wheels and please don't call it your "baby".
I really don't disagree with you but so many folks are really hung up on names and titles. Call something an SUV and everyone wants one, call it a truck and nobody wants it. The word mini-van causes younger buyers to run away like the building is on fire but call it an All activity vehicle (AAV) and bingo it becomes appealing to younger people. Marketing is an amazing thing.
I do. Its nomenclature determines what it gets compared to, and what it gets compared to determines, in part, its success. Readers of this list are MUCH more likely than the average citizen to be aware of available models and their strengths and weaknesses. Hopefully the 5 will appear in comparisons with Caravan (eg Size Comparison)and Odyssey, AND in comparisons with Pacifica and R-Class, AND in comparisons with Jetta Wagon and HHR. That way everyone will be impressed with our farsighted early purchases, and when it comes time to trade in everyone will want a used one.
Incidentally, State of NJ registers it as a station wagon.
pagetuner
http://pagetuner.com/mazda5/
Depends on what the shopper's wish list starts with. You wouldn't call the Nissan Xterra and Mazda 5 direct competitors, but in 2000 I wanted a big station wagon with a 5-speed and the Xterra was as close as I could get. In 2005 I wanted the same thing and got the 5.
If the shopper's wish list starts with "occasional seating for 6", the R-class, Pacifica, and Mazda 5 are on the list. Once you've got that list, some people will want to pay $10- to $30-thousand more for a V-6 and some people won't. Doesn't mean the cars shouldn't be compared.
If the shopper's list starts with sliding doors so the kids don't dimple the other car, the 5 is on that list with the Odyssey. Is the 5 a good "only car" for a family of six? I wouldn't say so. Is the 5 a better value than the Odyssey for a family of three or four looking for a minivan? I think some people would agree it could be.
pagetuner
http://pagetuner.com/mazda5/
To me that's like comparing a Mazda 3 or Focus to a big Lexus, Ford 500 or Camry just because they all seat 5. There's a class difference because of space and luxury even though they all seat 5, and the same with the Mazda 5. I doubt if the guying buying a big Mercedes is going to suddenly say, hey, I'll just buy the cheapest Kia because it also seats 5 people. Just like I doubt if people buying an R-class would even consider the Mazda5.
And maybe it's just me, but I doubt if anyone's shopping list starts with looking for a vehicle iwth sliding doors
I like the Mazda5 as a the six seater version (station wagon version with sliding doors) of the small, economical Mazda3.
Mazda 5 vs Grand Caravan
Front legroom 1,034mm (40.7") 1,031mm (40.6")
Rear legroom 894mm (35.2") 991mm (39.0")
3rd row legroom 780mm (30.7") 988mm (38.9")
Front hiproom 1,344mm (52.9") 1,453mm (57.2")
Rear hiproom 1,481mm (58.3") 1,717mm (67.6")
3rd row hiproom 1,039mm (40.9") 1,245mm (49.0")
Front shoulder room 1,410mm (55.5") 1,598mm (62.9")
Rear shoulder room 1,412mm (55.6") 1,643mm (64.7")
3rd row shoulder room 1,250mm (49.2") 1,577mm (62.1")
Maximum cargo volume 1,257L (44.4 cu.ft.) 4,754L (167.9 cu.ft.)
The Mazda5 is a great vehicle, just in a different class than a full size minivan. Again, it's a great Econ car with an extra seat.
Also don't be so sure on the sliding doors. I did not set out to buy a car with sliding doors, but it is what sold me on the Mazda. Plus, I liked the 4 year warranty and the timing chain instead of a timing belt.
But then again, I might be a bit more quirky than the typical buyer...
:surprise: :P
And on your zoom-zoom issue, notice it is called zoom-zoom, not vroom-vroom. I was just noticing today how crisp and flat the cornering is. I would call the acceleration adequate, the braking good, and the handling very good.
pagetuner
http://pagetuner.com/mazda5/
About the seats...no, I wouldn't feel too safe sitting in those back seats. But I also think 3 across seating in a small vehicle is ridiculous. 2+2 or 2+2+2 is the way to go. Fold down those back seats for more cargo or only use them on rare occasions. I don't think a family of six should buy a Mazda5.
*) IPOD CONNECTIVITY!!!!
1) variable wipers
2) DTR lights with auto off/on
3) struts on the hood (IIRC the one I saw had the old stick for support)
4) leather
5) bose, infinity, JBL, something not stock for the audio, and 2 more speakers in the back
6) lights on the door buttons for night time visibility ( more design related)
7) power slide doors
8) euro roof rack
9) euro trays on the rear of front seats
10) bumper step plate should be standard
I think that's all I would want over the touring with NAV with Sirius and cargo cover.
1) heated front seats
2) leather seats
3) iPod connectivity
4) intermittant wipers
5) 5 speed auto
6) a different red than cardinal
middle temp./foldout seat for 2nd row.
armrests
heated seats
leather
awd?
tow hitch (I need for bike carrier)
rear vents and a/c boost
Then I'll trade in my wrx wagon
Do you think the rear vents alone will do it? I am thinking a full rear AC/Heater is needed, just like the MPV.
I love the diesel suggestion. Bring it in with the 6 speed.
I am a Subaru guy too, but I don't think the 5 is set up for AWD. Leave it out, or make it optional.
John
You can get leather seats from the dealer. The seats are just seat covers so most dealers will get their seamstress to leather up some seat covers for the 5. Around $800-$900 I think.
People have installed a hitch to the 5 for their bikes.
I think I read that the US can't have the middle row because of a law or something. Also, that makes it much more difficult to get into the 3rd row.
Trade in your wagon, you won't regret it. THe 5 is so much fun to drive and I love the looks I get.
Even the Mazda3 has HID headlight, it is weird that HID is not even an option on the Mazda5. Will this be added to the Mazda5 in the future?
Other than the lack of HID, I'm pertty impressed by the Mazda5. It is a good looking car with a lot of funtions.
Yes, the name makes a diffence. You have a Mazda3 with HID, and you want another car for your family with the equal safe driving feature at night on a model that is named more than a 3. But the let down on the higher model named 5 has less content. It's a big "no no," and an insult like I have previously posted on many many Mazda website.
Of course, there are some people around that don't dig this 'thing.' And those people would say: "Why the 'thing' would you need it anyway? I rather have no AC, no airbag, and have 2 door and 2 speakers only in my car. That's just my 2 cents." Bless you, and welcome back to the 1960. Here's a new commercial for the marketing folks: "What's in your wallet :confuse: " I guess there's something call Yaris... PLEASE!
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Back to the subject. I would like to see the Special Edition with the chrome grille from Japan in the US.
Some of the features I would like to have are,
1) LED signal in side mirrors
2) power retractable side mirrors
3) blue tinted wide angle and heated side mirrors
4) memorized side mirrors position for different drivers (e.g. husband and wife)
5) (alright, enought about the side mirrors) tinted rear windows
6) power rear hatch (better than power side doors)
7) lights on the doors when opened (for night safety)
8) rear ventilation ducts (not necessarily rear AC)
9) better sounds system for the family PLEASE!
10) knob control for the sunroof. The push buttons are pain in the 'thing'
11) HID
12) rear LED
13) Euro chrome roof bar please.
14) tire pressure monitoring system
15) 5 speed automatic
16) the foldable trays that everyone has forgotten
17) the foldable 7 seats
Well, basically bring the Japanese version here, and name it Premacy. We will all be happy. :sick:
BTW, I have all that in my Mazda3, except #4, 6, 8, 10, 13, 16 and 17. #15 is getting standard in 2007 model. The rest of that do not show as regular features have been upgraded with parts from Asia (e.g. #1, 2, and 3), and or custome made (e.g. #7). Even the lowest VW's model (i.e. Golf) has some better safety lightning system than a family Mazda5. Again, it's not just absurd but an insult to precious members of a family. Yes, like the name Mazda.
2. 7 seat option, even if it is a fold down jumpseat in between the middle seats, though a bench seat is preferable.
3. Maybe some optional suspensions. An inch or two ground clearance would be excellent. Don't like cars that have trouble clearing speed bumps.
I don't give a crap about bling-bling lighting or any other bling bling. You people watch pimp my ride too much.
The Mazda5 roof rack does not accomdate the Yakima Load Warrior basket that is sold as an accessory - SHAME!! on Mazda for not testing this more thoroughly (check the pictures on their site). After purchasing my rack and basket from Rosenthal Mazda, I was not able to get the basket installed on the rack - the roof rack spread is greater than the basket brackets will accomdate. I've talked with Yakima, my Mazda dealer and a specialty car rack retailer/installer (Rack & Road in Seattle). The first 2 were no help - Rack & Road says without moveable roof rack bars, the Load Warrior will not fit.
The Mazda Club Chat is on tonight. The chat room opens at 8:45PM ET Hope to see YOU there! Check out the schedule
The 5 is a vehicle that my wife and I are seriously considering when the lease on our 2003 Protege is up next spring. We have a little one on the way and would like to increase practicality without sacrificing "fun-to-drive".
He's 6'4" (all legs) and he couldn't get in to the driver's seat with it pushed all the way back. His knees would hit the dash under the steering wheel. There was no way that he could get comfortable in that space. The funny thing is that he has no problems fitting into a standard compact car like Mazda3 or a Corolla. This either needs a longer track for the seats, or some kind of redesign of the dash around the driver.
It looks like we'll have to get a real minivan... :-(
* seventh seat;
* 6 speed manual or taller gearing;
* better fuel economy... diesel?;
I think the 5 spoke rims on the Mazda5 look great and along with the lower profile 205/50/17 tires really goes a long way in enhancing the sporty look of the vehicle.
The 6 speed or taller gearing would definitely help with the mileage. I think the variable-valve engine doesn't necessarily provide the mileage that a normal-valve engine would -- probably just technology for technology's sake. I'd rather have something simpler, without the zoom-zoom.
I'd be happy with a bit more low-end grunt (torque), even if it took a few ponies off the top.
The Mazda Club Chat is on tonight. The chat room opens at 8:45PM ET Hope to see YOU there! Check out the schedule
The Mazda Club Chat is on tonight. The chat room opens at 8:45PM ET Hope to see YOU there! Check out the schedule
It bothers me more that there is no pocket on back of passenger seat than lack of arm rest.
I'm also not a fan of drinking in the car, so think that the numerous cup holders could be replaced by more storage compartments.
The pockets in the drivers and passenger side doors are also not long enough.
I would also like a "jam plate" that I can brace my left foot against when driving.
The centre console is also not big enough (conversely I think the glove compartment is huge, probably becuz the manual is as big as a phone book).
I'm also used to a moon roof which retracts horizontally 100% into the roof, rather than only 1/2 way on top of roof.
But for the price, I'm happy with the Mazda5 GT.