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Comments
For getting STANDARD a roof rack WITH crossbars, privacy glass ,Traction ctrl and Stability ctr - the extra bucks are worth it.
Not to mention the top notch q-ty...The only drawback....styling.
My initial post comparison betw. MZ5 and Highlander was regarding engine performance and gas mileage. A much bigger and heavier HL's engine gets better performance then MZ5 is delivering (so far) listed.... Ball is in Mazda's backyard:))
Dan
go back and read the posts of the 3,6,8 before they arrived...If we listened to many of the folks on here we should have boarded up the windows and dropped mazda from our line-up...good thing we didn't listen. Our mazda franchises havent been this profitable since the miata was introduced.
If they planned on selling this thing in huge volumes, I would agree the road might be a bit tough....but the low volume numbers make it an easy sell. our salesguys have a canny way of knowing what is going to sell and what isnt...they are all looking forward to this vehicle...I can't say they feel the same way about the some of the current and future line of some other brands we sell.
I hope it works....we will see soon enough. July/Aug arrival is the current schedule.
-juice
Meade
Head, meet nail. Nail, meet head.
-juice
http://www.mazdausa.com/MusaWeb/pdf/pricing_update/2006_MZ5_pricing_update.pdf
Camry wagon would be quicker, lighter, smoother and more efficient than the highlander. It would probably be a little longer (Camry is 5 inches longer than the Highlander) and would have less ground clearance.
Off topic, but I find it absurd that Toyata has 7 or 8 suv's and only 1 minivan, and no wagons (wagons are the same length as sedans, so the Matrix does not count being quite a bit shorter than the Corolla)
Despite all I don't like about the 5, I do applaud Mazda for bringing it here. Maybe they can address the shortcomings for future model years. I think the chasis is very sound. My only issues are the engine/gearing and the packaging.
What have we as a market spent our dollars on? SUV's - that's why Toyota has 4 of them.
I think he's also including Lexus models, too.
But yeah, AWD 2-boxes include Matrix, Highlander, RAV4, 4Runner, Sequoia, Land Cruiser, Lexus LX, RX330, GX, and that's not counting the AWD Sienna.
Mazda will add the Crossport soon, though.
-juice
My sentiment exactly. I have driven this type of vehicle in Europe over the years like Megane Scenic Turbo Diesels that get 50 honest mpg and I have been eagerly awaiting something close to that genre in NA. I had high hopes for the MZ5 and I hope it is a big success, because if it is, someone will soon execute it properly whether it be Mazda or someone else. I am certainly not going to buy it with a high winding engine and 22-27 mpg.
-Jaz
I know, it's bland, it's boring, it's got an auto. I felt the same when driving my ody too, but it's perfect for a family vehicle
For those of you who said they want an engaging driving experience in a family hauler, let me ask you this: are you going to nail that corner with wife and kids (or friends) on board? How "engaging" your drive can be when hauling whining kids?
And the MZ5 came with a 160hp 4cyl slush box, how big is the difference in driving dynamics when compared to say, a highlander or a CRV? :confuse:
The MZ5 is an innovative people hauler that we should be seeing more on our shores.
Does anyone know the S-plan pricing for it? The 5 is not listed on the S-plan booklet I have that lists all of Mazda's lineup.
I'm going to seriously consider this and the Chevy HHR.
Ok, nav is an (expensive) option, and apparently traction/stability control aren't offered. (hmmm, future additions?) But good lord, for less than $20k you get standard ABS, side/curtain airbags, sunroof, and 6-disk CD changer? All in a package which will seat 6 in a pinch or 4 comfortably with loads of cargo space. And offer (comparitively) 'engaging' performance at the same time?
What the heck do people EXPECT for less than $20k?
Avail. Automatic is 4 spd "Sport" mode
GT model features: 17" alloy wheels (vs 16" alloy), leather steering wheel, power moonroof, fog lights, spoiler, CD (not 6 disc changer) w/ 6 spkrs, center row fold-out table, heated mirrors, cruise.
A/C w/ climate control is optional on base, no mention of it being incl in GT pkg.
Side airbags only avail as an option on GT
No mention of Stability control at all in brochure, nor 7th passenger seating.
Dealer said maxxed-out pricing should be under $25,000CDN.
Brochure does not mention any specs, not even EPA mileage.
I wish mz5 came with a stick too. I am also hoping that toyota would bring the wish into this country as well.
CDN base 16" alloy vs 17" alloy on US
no mention of rain-sensing wipers on US
side sils standard on CDN
A/C standard on US
Cruise standard on US
side airbags standard on US
So although the base price of the US model is about $1000USD more than the CDN model, it is more than made up by the extra features, but this depends on how much they will charge for the A/C and side airbags.
only diff on GT (CDN) model vs Touring (US) is the 6 disc CD changer
:confuse:
The standard mz5 is equipped with a 5-speed manual. A 4-speed automatic is listed as a $900 option.
That being said, I am looking forward to seeing the Mazda5 when it is in showrooms. The seating configuration intrigues me. I just hope they do a better job with the Mazda5 than Suzuki did with the XL-7. I used to drive a Sidekick and really enjoyed it ... but it only had 4 seatbelts and with my 3rd child on the way I needed something to fit more passengers. The XL-7 seemed to be a nice option but when I tried to sit my family in the vehicle it was obvious that there was not enough room.
Uh, no. I've driven the tC and while yeah, it's kinda sporty, it is a poor substitute for my Celica GTS.
Goodbye, Toyota......hellooooooo Mazda.
Case in point: I borrowed a loaded Mazda3 wagon (with the 2.3-liter four) from my dealership a few months ago and took it home for the weekend. The reason I borrowed it that weekend was to show it off at a Mazda owners' get-together we were having at our house, with people coming from several states (even one from Chicago, coming to our house in Richmond, Virginia!).
At one point, one of our group members was driving the car (a 5-speed) and another member was in the passenger seat, and all 260 pounds of yours truly was in the back seat. The three of us in the Mazda3 roughly equaled the weight of the Mazda5 and a normal (yuck yuck) sized driver. Still, the car was a rocket on wheels. (I know; we're still giving the driver a hard time for nearly making us lose our lunches on a particular hilly road near my house that day!)
I would really urge you guys to go out and drive a 3 with that engine. You'll see what I mean. This little baby has a lot to spare under its hood.
In fact, I couldn't wait, guys. Sorry, but a 2006 Mazda5 is a moot point for me now. If any of you keep up on the 3 discussions you'll know by now that I BOUGHT A VELOCITY RED MICA 2005 MAZDA3s WAGON (with a 5-speed, but of course) yesterday! Woo-hoo!!!
Good luck with the 5; I can't wait to see it!
Meade
Congrats Meade.
-juice
That creates an illusion that there is more leg room.
-juice
Anybody seen the new Honda airwave yet? Looks quite promising. There is info on it over on VTEC dot net (note no direct link and no promotion of the site)
Sounds like our lack of a +1 seat is no great loss....however, our lack of the hard drive music system and especially, the top diesel engine is a MAJOR LOSS! (are you listening, Mazda?) The diesel engine is easily the best of the bunch, and is the only one that can comfortably deal with a full load of people/luggage, while at the same time returning excellent fuel economy. The Brits also prefer the standard version (styling-wise) to the tarted-up "Active" version (the one we get stuck with).
At least they get a choice.
http://channel4.com/4car/road-tests/M/mazda/505-/505-.html
About a month ago I ran into a fellow in the parking lot of Bon Air Library with a brand new white Mazda3 wagon. He had bought it that week. I asked him how they liked it and mentioned that we were waiting for the Mazda5 to come out this summer. I probably should not have described the 5 because he seemed to have second thoughts about the 3 after my description of the 5. I think there were two booster seats in the back. I
f we like it, this will be our first Mazda. I'm driving an 03 manual Civic Hybrid and my wife drives a Camry wagon. I'm a pretty aggressive driver and the lack of horsepower in the five speed Civic doesn't keep me out of the fast lane. I've averaged 39.7 mpg for the first 28k. So, 160 hp sounds like a rocket to me. Zoom Zoom. I drove an 87 4runner for years while my wife has had several Toyotas. We always liked the older Oddesy and are glad to see a new mini minivan. We will probably get the sport with a moonroof. The big decision will be what color to get...
mdaffron@the-rma.org
Meade
-juice
Load up that 3 with 700 pounds in the back, and 4 passengers, and see what it does!
I haven't loaded it up with 700 lbs and four passengers (yet), but I did load it to the ceiling with all the trimmings for our businesses' skybox at the ballpark two weeks ago. I'm posting this so that some of you who may be on the fence about the 5 vs. the 3 might get some idea of the 3's capabilities. Here's what I got in the Mazda3 wagon, along with my 270-pound self:
- Twelve 12-packs of sodas
- Eight 12-packs of beer
- Twelve 10-pound bags of ice
- One large cooler
- Three plastic tubs for the sodas (nested together)
- Boxes containing styrofoam plates & bowls, napkins, plastic utensils, etc.
- Five large deli trays (sandwiches, buffalo wings, veggie tray, etc.)
- Two large boxes of individual packs of chips and cookies from Costco
- Two pillow-size bags of peanuts in the shell
- Two cases of Cracker Jack and cookies
- One folding cart to carry all this stuff on
I took the parcel shelf out and left it at home, and folded down the seats too. I also had to use the front seat floor for a few 12-packs of beer. This was about all the Mazda3 could hold. Keep in mind some of this stuff was very irregularly shaped!
Meade
The 5 lists for $18-20, plus options.
Maybe a bare-bones stripped model will overlap slightly, but not much.
-juice
I just searched my dealership's inventory of about 20 MPVs. A "stripped" MPV LX was $25,440; a top-of-the-line ES with leather was $31,200. I don't think even a loaded Mazda5 will touch a base MPV.
Meade
ES w/ leather for $31,200? Who in their right mind would pay this? My wife and I purchased a new '05 Ody EX-L 3 months ago for $28,600+TTL.
My 2004 MPV LX bought in July of 2004 had MSRP of $26,000. With rebates taken off close to invoice price of car...my price was $20,500.
MPV's are not selling very well and can easily be had for close to invoice(minus the rebates) They are a great value for the money though. They are built in Japan and the quality of workmanship is excellent.
The MSRP on a 2005 MPV is $23,500.
Please, you guys -- I'm talking MSRP here. Any dealer can offer a discount, and I'm not counting rebates since they change or go away. Besides, we don't know if there will be any incentives on the Mazda5's when they come out. So let's compare apples to apples and compare MSRPs, OK?
Meade
P.S. You show me that $17,900 MPV (almost $6,000 off MSRP) and I'll buy it. Just make sure it's a 2005 model, OK? Mazda is offering up to $3,250 in "Customer Cash" right now, but that would only bring a base MPV down to $20,250.
http://www.mazdausa.com/MusaWeb/loadDealerSearch.action
Meade
The comment that made me start posting this morning (which wasn't a comment of yours) was a quote stating that "the 5 lists for $18-20, plus options."
It doesn't. Since at least one of you wants to be to-the-letter, according to MazdaUSA's website, the 5 lists for $17,435 to $18,950, plus options -- taking it even farther away from even your heavily discounted MPV.
Source: http://www.mazdausa.com/MusaWeb/pdf/pricing_update/2006_MZ5_pricing_update.pdf
(Of course, applying your incredible MPV pricing logic, you'll be able to find Mazda5's for as low as $12,000, won't you?)
Meade
MSRP is just fiction nowadays, but it's hard to find models without options, so jipster's prices sound low.
Any how, they have 6 MPVs under $21 grand, so it's reasonable to say those will likely overlap with loaded up Mazda5s.
Especially at first, because the 5 will command close to MSRP for a few months. So someone shopping right now will find some overlap.
I guess when the 5 arrives we can actually take another look and see, but I'll bet there will be overlap, just like there was with the 3 vs. the 6.
-juice