"How do you plan to get 6 people AND 6 bikes in this vehicle?"
Easy... two people up front, all four rear seats folded with four bikes inside back of Vanlet, Two bikes on roof rack with two people on the bikes and two people strapped on the back...
or... six 220 pound adults in Vanlet, three bikes on roof and three in back...
or... four people in Vanlet, two on roof with two bikes and four bikes strapped on the back...
or... Six bikes in Vanlet, four people strapped to the roof and two people strapped on the back...
Well, finally had a chance to see a 5 up close and personal... some initial impressions of the Canadian GT model :
Space - there is probably space for one suitcase in the back with the third row up. As for leg room etc, I could sit in the second row (I'm 6'1") and my wife could comfortably sit in the third row (she's 5'5"), so I don't see this as being an issue. It's plenty big inside.
Driving position - it's a bit higher than a regular car, almost feels like a minivan driving position. I won't be test driving until Monday, but I'll give more on this when I drive it. Since the vehicle has a sunroof, my head was very close to the top of the vehicle. People over 6'4" should check this before buying.
Other stuff - the sliding doors are EASY to close, and the power assisted doors are very useful. I could close the door by barely even touching it. My 5-year old had to be told "he didn't have to close it so hard". :-)
There IS a 120v outlet in the rear of the vehicle, something I had previously asked about but was not sure of.
Looks - side sills? They look okay. The vehicle drew a lot of attention, it's VERY sharp and a very polished product. This will be a big big seller in Canada.
I'll post pictures when I upload them from my camera. :-)
Can anyone tell me where I can find the exterior color selection for the Mazda 5? It doesn't seem to be available on the Mazda USA site or any site that I can find. I assume that dark gray and beige are the two interior color options.
YOU GUYS ARE REALLY FUNNY!!! HOW ABOUT A ROOF RACK AND A TRAILER HITCH RACK??!! I CAN DO 4 BIKES ON TOP TWO ON REAR.....3 TOP 3 REAR....OR........2 TOP 4 REAR!!!! BIKES ON OUTSIDE OF CAR....PEOPLE ON INSIDE...... :P
Beyond the silly, I can't see how you're going to fit seven people in this car. There are three rows, but all three rows only fit two people each ... or a total of six people.
Thanks for the Edmunds link for the Mazda 5 colors. However, no color comes close to the color of one of the Mazda 5's in the photo in #1031 that is now in a California holding pen. It looks like a sort of sea foam green/blue. Also I noticed that Edmunds only lists black as an interior color but many photos show the beige/taupe interior color. I am surprised that the white is the only color that costs extra. Usually a more exotic color might be additional but rarely white. On my Mercedes, only white and black were standard. All other colors cost extra and silver was the most expensive. Go figure.
sorry, for what you wish, the only excitement is the manual tranny.... Better stick with the Venture. M5 IS VERY small for your 5 kids and 5 bikes. Even for half of them, is still small and with no cargo.
how's the cargo area with 3-rd row seats folded? Can they be extracted from the car for even more room? Could you please post any pictures with the cargo area? Dan
wow, that's cool. Thanks. Is this your M5, or at least a NA model? Because in your pictures, I am seeing that module betweend the 2-nd row seats, which can convert the 2 seats into a mini-bench. You don't see that on the Mazda-USA site, for NA models....and I wish it has that module like the Japan- Euro version has, for a mini bench... Thanks! Dan
It's a european model, but it's exactly the same as the NA model except for that module. In the NA model the inside arm rests fill that gap.
I will try and take some more pictures of a NA 5 tomorrow, if there's anything you want snapped or want me to look into (going to drive it) please let me know.
:confuse: THIS WOULD BE OUR 2ND CAR (NOT PRIMARY VEHICLE). WE HAVE THE FAMILY VEHICLE FOR EVERYDAY USE AND ROAD TRIPS (VENTURE). THE "5" WOULD BE PRIMARILY DRIVEN BY ME (SOMETIMES I RIDE WITH FRIENDS OR GO TO HOCKEY......USED TO GO TO HOCKEY GAMES, ETC..... WHEN I GO MOUNTAIN BIKING I DRIVE 30 MINS TO THE TRAIL, MY WIFE DOES'NT COME WITH ME (I'VE ASKED HER, BUT SHE DOESN'T REALLY EVEN RIDE ON THE ROAD). THE KIDS USUALLY DON'T ALL COME WITH ME RIDING, BUT IT MAKES SENSE TO ME TO HAVE AN ECONOMICAL SEMI-SPORTY RIDE I CAN TAKE ALL OF MY CHILDREN WHEN THE NEED SHOULD ARISE, (SHORT DAY TRIPS TO POOL/BEACH/TRAIL ETC....NOT GOING TO NEED MUCH STORAGE FOR GEAR FOR THESE SHORT TRIPS), WHEN THE WIFE HAS ALTERNATE PLANS FOR THE DAY.....IF WE ARE ALL GOING SOMEWHERE TOGETHER WE TAKE THE VENTURE (PRIMARY VEHICLE)....THANKS AGAIN FOR THE COMICAL RESPONSES....AS FAR AS BEING A SMALL VEHICLE, THAT IS WHAT I WANT. A FUEL EFFICIENT, EASY TO DRIVE, MANUAL TRANS VEHICLE THAT CAN CARRY ME AND THE KIDS WHEN THE NEED SHOULD ARISE.
Just beware mpg7 - the fuel economy on the Mazda 5 is "not great" as I posted earlier in this thread. It's better than the big vans, and probably (i'll know tomorrow) a lot more sporty and fun to drive.
I have just contacted my salesman at my local Mazda dealer and he has confirmed that America will only get the dark gray/black interior. Since I am very interested in purchasing this car and much prefer a light interior, this is disappointing news but I understand that Mazda keeps costs down by keeping the option list to a bare minimum. The good news is that there will be a Mazda 5 at the showroom here in Arizona that I can test drive next week. I still have a question about the phantom blue. It is well-named. The phantom blue color chip on the Edmunds site and in the ads is quite dark and there seems to be very little contrast between the black surround the of the windows and the body color. However, the photo in message 1031 shows a very light color with marked contrast to the black surround. The other car colors in the photos all seem to be quite accurate so I am wondering if possibly a new body color has been added. In the photo it looks very much like the sea foam green color on the original Prius.
Edmunds' colours aren't accurate, and neither are those at Mazda USA's site - "Platinum Silver" is the goldy-silver colour as shown in those port pictures as well.
I drove a 5 speed MZ5 today!! It drove differently than I expected but it was a good thing...The ride is a little softer than the sedan/h-b but I don't mean that in a bad way.
Phantom blue leans towards teal.
also...the initial run is going to have alot of units with navigation. It seems some of the initial orders without nav got nav and those ordered with nav didnt get it....so don't be surprised at the mix you see initially.
"also...the initial run is going to have alot of units with navigation. It seems some of the initial orders without nav got nav and those ordered with nav didnt get it....so don't be surprised at the mix you see initially. "
Yes, I heard the same thing, which I must admit is pretty bogus, especially when you consider the fact that not everyone wants or needs a navi unit. Also, a navi unit costs $2000.
I just looked at your profile and I see you are in Moorpark. Since you are in the 805 you might be better off driving by the docks at Port Hueneme unless you want to drive down to the 949 where Mazda's R&D facility in Irvine near Red Hill and MacArthur is located. You might also catch a peek if you drive down to Mazda's NA HQ in the Irvine Spectrum.
after seeing the pics of the interior, it has a surprising amount of usable space with the seats folded.
In addition to the target demo (yuppies I suppose, or couples with small kids), it could be a hit with the empty nester/retiree crowd that likes to go antiquing (sp?), and occasionally needs room for the grand kids.
Big selling points for them? A tidy size, and the preferable higher seating position, and probablle easy access since you sit higher (older folks tend to hate low slung cars). Plus, the middle row should be easy for adults to get in (I doubt my 75+ yo parents want to cram into the back seat of a 3 hatch, but should be perfectly happy getting into the second row of the 5).
Dog owners might find it nice too. Easy for the muttlys to get in the side doors, and the rear if the lift over isn't too high. Plenty of room ro crates too.
SOme of these groups are the same ones the supported the PT cruiser and Element in recent years.
yes please! a side view picture with the sliding door open, and IP with the auto stick. Thanks a lot! Too bad for that missing module. For decent cargo space, 3-rd row must be folded, which makes M5 a max 4 people mover... Dan
All pictures I've seen so far, doesn'tshow tinted glass and roof rack. Wish M5 had these at least as an option package. Anyone any input on this? Thanks, Dan
Not sure about the roof rack, but because it is classified as a car (as opposed to a light truck) windows can not be factory tinted. Just have to go aftermarket.
C'mon folks, you'd need a Sprinter van for that. )
Besides, I'm sure some family members would be happy to roller blade or ride one of those blade scooters. Slap 3 bikes on a hitch-mounted rack and you're all set.
I think people tend to overestimate how much space they need. You're not moving all your stuff at once, only getting around town. There's always U-Haul. LOL
We own a 1998 Honda Odyssey--the MUCH smaller version of the newer models. With two little kids, the size is perfect for us. We rarely pop up the third row--which gives us plenty of space for our frequent car trips--but are glad to know it is there when we need it (for instance, when the nieces and nephews come to visit). Space-wise, the Odyssey is perfect.
There are a couple of things we don't love about the Odyssey, which is still running in good condition and with relatively low mileage. First, it just doesn't have enough horsepower. It makes our 4-cylinder 2000 Camry feel like a racecar. It doesn't bother my wife, but when I drive on roadtrips, it annoys me to no end. I can feel the car huffing and puffing to get up to highway speeds, and don't bother trying to pass anyone.
Second, when we do use the third row, it is virtually impossible to get back there. Because we have two carseats (which we don't like to uninstall), third-row passengers have no choice but to jump over the second row or climb in through the back. Since we don't use the third row that frequently, it isn't such a problem--for now. But soon we are going to be running carpool, and eventually we may well have a third kid--so the third row will be a necessity.
For these reasons, I always assumed that we would replace the Odyssey within the next couple of years with a new Sienna or something similar. The large minivans are beautiful and comfortable--but expensive, not very fuel efficient, and a bit much if the main use is just running around town.
And so we find ourselves looking at the Mazda5. In many ways, it looks to be a successor to our old '98 Odyssey--only even smaller and with sliding doors. What we are trying to figure out is whether the Mazda5 would solve our two main problems with the Odyssey: horsepower/torque and access to the third row. Any answers and thoughts would be most helpful; and if anyone can show me a website that would allow me to compare the interior space, torque, and so forth of my '98 Odyssey to that of the Mazda5, I'd be very grateful.
(Note that I like the looks and versatility of the 5 so much that even if we decide to go with a bigger replacement to the Odyssey, the 5 may serve as a worthy successor to our Camry. Eventually.)
If you guys have seen the way you gain access to the Mazda5's third row (the videos from Mazda show a kid doing it), you pull a lever on the side of the second-row seat which causes the seatback to fold forward and then the seat bottom slides forward -- i.e. it appears it has to fold forward before the sliding process begins.
We have a four-year-old son and are very familiar with how child safety seats install in cars. And I know from experience that I cannot fold the rear seatbacks forward at all in our Protege and our Mazda3 without completely removing the child-safety seat on that side of the car, and it ain't no fun constantly removing and re-installing child seats. (Of course, this is not necessary very often in our cars since we don't have a third row we need to access, and we can always just open the trunk.)
It would seem that a child safety seat, properly installed in the second-row seat of a Mazda5, would prevent the seat from inclining forward and therefore inhibit the mechanism that slides the seat forward -- making access to the third row impossible from that side of the car.
And so ...
Two child safety seats in the second row of the Mazda5 would completely cut off access to the third row by adults -- unless you're really flexible and can squeeze in between the second-row seats -- which by the Mazda videos looks too tight even for a teenager.
This leads me to another question, something that really irks my wife and me. Why don't more cars come with optional built-in car seats? My sister drives an 8-year-old American minivan, and two of its seatbacks fold down in such a way as to create a carseat suitable for toddlers and preschoolers. Volvos have optional slide-out booster seats for preschoolers and young grade-schoolers. I'm sure there are a few others out there as well. But why haven't these caught on more? It would solve the problem I've identified for cars with third-row seats, because the second row built-ins could easily be stowed when folding the second row seat for access to the third row.
Plus, so many people install carseats improperly; if they were built in, you'd save a great deal of hassle, improve functionality, and so forth.
Now I understand that these built-ins typically have downsides. For instance, they don't provide side cushioning, which may make it a little more uncomfortable for the kid--and perhaps a bit less safe. But (1) you'd think the brilliant auto engineers could figure something out; and (2) even if not, it would be nice to at least have the option!
It is kind of sneaky that none of the images from Mazda (or any other company trying to sell innovative three-row cars like the Pacifica, the B9 Tribeca, etc) show you what it is really like with carseats installed.
If and when we test drive the Mazda5, we will bring our carseats and insist on installing them for the test.
Right -- and anyone wondering why they don't put car seat anchor points in the third row has obviously never tried to put a child in a car seat before! Imagine trying to place a baby in the third row while you're standing in the open doorway beside the second row! Whatcha gonna do -- try to crawl back there on your knees while you're holding Junior, rotate him around 180 degrees and plop him in the seat? My back's starting to hurt just thinking about it.
I rented a Dodge Caravan in New England in the fall of 2003, when our son was 2. It had the built-ins in the second row -- very, very convenient (but you could still get around to the third row without disturbing the second row -- this was a wide American "mini" van, after all!). Still, the way the child seats folded down out of the seatback, it left a "pocket" where the child's back rested -- making, in effect, the side bolsters you're talking about.
The only thing Sean didn't find comfortable was that since his legs had to rest on the normal "adult" seat cushion, he either had to sit cross-legged or just stretch his legs straight out in front of him, keeping them straight at the knee because of the length of the seat cushion. This was fine for trips of a half-hour or less, but he got very uncomfortable when we were spending a couple of hours in the car. (Kids this age have fat, stubby little legs that would rather bend downward at the knee than point straight or cross.) We spent many a two-hour trip back to our cottage in the evening with a screaming, uncomfortable kid.
Dodge even advertises this less-than-perfect seat design in its photos. It's the second photo down on the following page:
Meade - FYI I was in a 5 on Saturday and there are anchors in the third row. I'll let you know how easy (or difficult) it is to get my little one back there in her seat for today's test drive.
that if they could figure out how to stuff six seats flat into the floor of a car, they'd be able to make a reasonably comfortable built-in carseat.
Well, we are talking about Dodge, which makes the Stratus -- a mid-sized car with less interior room (and much less headroom) than my compact Mazda3. Where does all that room go? I dunno, but I seem to get a Stratus as a loaner car every time I have a service appointment at my Mazda dealer, who's also a Dodge dealer. Can't stand the Stratus!
Thanks! That helps a great deal--and makes me think that the 5 isn't much of an improvement. We'll take a look at it, but I'm a little less excited than I was. . . .
At least Dodge is trying! Give them (and Volvo) points for that. Why don't Mazda, Toyota, Honda, Nissan, Subaru, and all of the other makers of family cars even bother trying?
Well, horsepower and torque don't tell the whole story because their peaks occur at different points on the power band -- AND the Mazda5's engine has variable valve timing and a few other tricks. Consider a manual transmission in the Mazda5; that'll help you squeeze every ounce of power from the engine. (All Odysseys were automatic, as far as I can find.)
That said, consider the 0-60 times of a 1995 (closest I could find -- minivans aren't popular test-track subjects) Honda Odyssey automatic vs. a 2006 Mazda5 5-speed (as tested by Motor Trend magazine):
Odyssey, 0-60 in 10.3 seconds. Mazda5, 0-60 in 8.5 seconds.
Interesting. Like I said, it will be worth a look, either as a replacement to the Ody or the Camry. Although if we continue to live in New England, the Camry replacement is likely going to be a Subaru.
I was excited about the Pacifica before it came out; and then the B9 Tribeca before it came out. But then I saw them and realized that they are just so much less functional than a minivan--and only slightly better looking.
I'll have to see how the Mazda5 fares. My local dealer claims that they aren't getting in until the end of August.
The 1995 only had a 2.2l 140 hp engine the 1998 models got the 150 hp 2.3l. Also a manual transmission probably makes a 1.5 second difference in the times. Keep in mind that the current Honda 2.4 with 160 hp is actually more efficient than either the 2.2 or the 2.3 - we are talking about 10 year old technology with the Honda.
I think the Odyssey is also larger.
I have one, and like it very much. I would love it if it had a manual tranny like the 5.
First Motor Trend and now here. Let me preface by saying I don't mean to offend anyone, but when I read comparisons between the Mazda5 and 1st generation Honda Odyssey, I cringe.
It's just that the Mazda5 appears to be everything the Odyssey was (still isn't) in terms of appeal. The Mazda5 has a certain sexiness and sportiness that Odyssey has never had.
Styling: As always the case with mazda these days, it's a knockout... Power: It should be enough, but mazda definitely needs a 5-speed auto for the 2.3L 4 (mazda6, 3, 5, etc)
What I would do to it: Powertrain and options - The heart this vanlet needs is at Ford, in the shape of the same 2.3L plus electric motor in the escape hybrid with CVT transmission. They should make an upscale version with the keycard entry, xenon headlamps, leather with navi as the only major option, a la prius. It will be like a 6-person prius that is WAY better looking and more fun to drive. Price it below 24k (hybrid powertrains are expensive after all) and you'll be stealing sales from the prius and other similar cars. You can even advertise it like "The new mazda 5 - 40 (s)miles per gallon for the entire family!" It would be a very good place to introduce a Mazda hybrid vehicle. The non hybrid 2.3L version would still exist at the sub-20k price point...
Comments
Easy... two people up front, all four rear seats folded with four bikes inside back of Vanlet, Two bikes on roof rack with two people on the bikes and two people strapped on the back...
or... six 220 pound adults in Vanlet, three bikes on roof and three in back...
or... four people in Vanlet, two on roof with two bikes and four bikes strapped on the back...
or... Six bikes in Vanlet, four people strapped to the roof and two people strapped on the back...
Any other suggestions?
Space - there is probably space for one suitcase in the back with the third row up. As for leg room etc, I could sit in the second row (I'm 6'1") and my wife could comfortably sit in the third row (she's 5'5"), so I don't see this as being an issue. It's plenty big inside.
Driving position - it's a bit higher than a regular car, almost feels like a minivan driving position. I won't be test driving until Monday, but I'll give more on this when I drive it. Since the vehicle has a sunroof, my head was very close to the top of the vehicle. People over 6'4" should check this before buying.
Other stuff - the sliding doors are EASY to close, and the power assisted doors are very useful. I could close the door by barely even touching it. My 5-year old had to be told "he didn't have to close it so hard". :-)
There IS a 120v outlet in the rear of the vehicle, something I had previously asked about but was not sure of.
Looks - side sills? They look okay. The vehicle drew a lot of attention, it's VERY sharp and a very polished product. This will be a big big seller in Canada.
I'll post pictures when I upload them from my camera. :-)
http://www.edmunds.com/new/2006/mazda/mazda5/100533545/colors.html
Brilliant Black Clearcoat
Carbon Gray Mica
Cardinal Red Mica
Phantom Blue Mica
Platinum Silver Metallic
Stellar Silver Mica
Strato Blue Mica
Whitewater Pearl
Meade
Am I missing something??? :confuse:
Julia
Wait ... I know, fold all the seats and stack everybody in there laying down. You might be able to get a dozen bodies in there.
Hmmm, I'm seeing the '60s VW and phone booth stuffing contests here ...
:shades:
It looks like a sort of sea foam green/blue. Also I noticed that Edmunds only lists black as an interior color but many photos show the beige/taupe interior color.
I am surprised that the white is the only color that costs extra. Usually a more exotic color might be additional but rarely white. On my Mercedes, only white and black were standard. All other colors cost extra and silver was the most expensive. Go figure.
-juice
Phantom Blue.
"Also I noticed that Edmunds only lists black as an interior color but many photos show the beige/taupe interior color. "
Europe/Japan get the beige option. North America does not.
"I am surprised that the white is the only color that costs extra. Usually a more exotic color might be additional but rarely white."
This is the same white as the RX8, with "coloured flecks" in it. It's apparently very nice.
Better stick with the Venture.
M5 IS VERY small for your 5 kids and 5 bikes.
Even for half of them, is still small and with no cargo.
Could you please post any pictures with the cargo area?
Dan
With the third row seats folded :
http://www.parkers.co.uk/choosing/carreviews/getImage.aspx?file=/images/archive//Mazda/5/M- AZDA5_2005_077.jpg&width=590
With the second and third rows folded :
http://www.parkers.co.uk/choosing/carreviews/getImage.aspx?file=/images/archive//Mazda/5/M- AZDA5_2005_078.jpg&width=590
All up :
http://www.parkers.co.uk/choosing/carreviews/getImage.aspx?file=/images/archive//Mazda/5/M- AZDA5_2005_076.jpg&width=590
Is this your M5, or at least a NA model?
Because in your pictures, I am seeing that module betweend the 2-nd row seats, which can convert the 2 seats into a mini-bench.
You don't see that on the Mazda-USA site, for NA models....and I wish it has that module like the Japan- Euro version has, for a mini bench...
Thanks!
Dan
I will try and take some more pictures of a NA 5 tomorrow, if there's anything you want snapped or want me to look into (going to drive it) please let me know.
The good news is that there will be a Mazda 5 at the showroom here in Arizona that I can test drive next week.
I still have a question about the phantom blue. It is well-named. The phantom blue color chip on the Edmunds site and in the ads is quite dark and there seems to be very little contrast between the black surround the of the windows and the body color. However, the photo in message 1031 shows a very light color with marked contrast to the black surround. The other car colors in the photos all seem to be quite accurate so I am wondering if possibly a new body color has been added. In the photo it looks very much like the sea foam green color on the original Prius.
This is "Stellar Silver", if I am not mistaken. As shown on this page from Japan :
http://www.premacy.mazda.co.jp/style-20s.html
http://www.premacy.mazda.co.jp/color.html
Edmunds' colours aren't accurate, and neither are those at Mazda USA's site - "Platinum Silver" is the goldy-silver colour as shown in those port pictures as well.
Phantom blue leans towards teal.
also...the initial run is going to have alot of units with navigation. It seems some of the initial orders without nav got nav and those ordered with nav didnt get it....so don't be surprised at the mix you see initially.
Yes, I heard the same thing, which I must admit is pretty bogus, especially when you consider the fact that not everyone wants or needs a navi unit. Also, a navi unit costs $2000.
I just looked at your profile and I see you are in Moorpark. Since you are in the 805 you might be better off driving by the docks at Port Hueneme unless you want to drive down to the 949 where Mazda's R&D facility in Irvine near Red Hill and MacArthur is located. You might also catch a peek if you drive down to Mazda's NA HQ in the Irvine Spectrum.
http://homepage.mac.com/trancefusion/Mazda3/PhotoAlbum46.html
I'll try to get down there for a closer look.
In addition to the target demo (yuppies I suppose, or couples with small kids), it could be a hit with the empty nester/retiree crowd that likes to go antiquing (sp?), and occasionally needs room for the grand kids.
Big selling points for them? A tidy size, and the preferable higher seating position, and probablle easy access since you sit higher (older folks tend to hate low slung cars). Plus, the middle row should be easy for adults to get in (I doubt my 75+ yo parents want to cram into the back seat of a 3 hatch, but should be perfectly happy getting into the second row of the 5).
Dog owners might find it nice too. Easy for the muttlys to get in the side doors, and the rear if the lift over isn't too high. Plenty of room ro crates too.
SOme of these groups are the same ones the supported the PT cruiser and Element in recent years.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
a side view picture with the sliding door open, and IP with the auto stick.
Thanks a lot!
Too bad for that missing module. For decent cargo space, 3-rd row must be folded, which makes M5 a max 4 people mover...
Dan
Wish M5 had these at least as an option package.
Anyone any input on this?
Thanks,
Dan
Besides, I'm sure some family members would be happy to roller blade or ride one of those blade scooters. Slap 3 bikes on a hitch-mounted rack and you're all set.
I think people tend to overestimate how much space they need. You're not moving all your stuff at once, only getting around town. There's always U-Haul. LOL
-juice
We own a 1998 Honda Odyssey--the MUCH smaller version of the newer models. With two little kids, the size is perfect for us. We rarely pop up the third row--which gives us plenty of space for our frequent car trips--but are glad to know it is there when we need it (for instance, when the nieces and nephews come to visit). Space-wise, the Odyssey is perfect.
There are a couple of things we don't love about the Odyssey, which is still running in good condition and with relatively low mileage. First, it just doesn't have enough horsepower. It makes our 4-cylinder 2000 Camry feel like a racecar. It doesn't bother my wife, but when I drive on roadtrips, it annoys me to no end. I can feel the car huffing and puffing to get up to highway speeds, and don't bother trying to pass anyone.
Second, when we do use the third row, it is virtually impossible to get back there. Because we have two carseats (which we don't like to uninstall), third-row passengers have no choice but to jump over the second row or climb in through the back. Since we don't use the third row that frequently, it isn't such a problem--for now. But soon we are going to be running carpool, and eventually we may well have a third kid--so the third row will be a necessity.
For these reasons, I always assumed that we would replace the Odyssey within the next couple of years with a new Sienna or something similar. The large minivans are beautiful and comfortable--but expensive, not very fuel efficient, and a bit much if the main use is just running around town.
And so we find ourselves looking at the Mazda5. In many ways, it looks to be a successor to our old '98 Odyssey--only even smaller and with sliding doors. What we are trying to figure out is whether the Mazda5 would solve our two main problems with the Odyssey: horsepower/torque and access to the third row. Any answers and thoughts would be most helpful; and if anyone can show me a website that would allow me to compare the interior space, torque, and so forth of my '98 Odyssey to that of the Mazda5, I'd be very grateful.
(Note that I like the looks and versatility of the 5 so much that even if we decide to go with a bigger replacement to the Odyssey, the 5 may serve as a worthy successor to our Camry. Eventually.)
We have a four-year-old son and are very familiar with how child safety seats install in cars. And I know from experience that I cannot fold the rear seatbacks forward at all in our Protege and our Mazda3 without completely removing the child-safety seat on that side of the car, and it ain't no fun constantly removing and re-installing child seats. (Of course, this is not necessary very often in our cars since we don't have a third row we need to access, and we can always just open the trunk.)
It would seem that a child safety seat, properly installed in the second-row seat of a Mazda5, would prevent the seat from inclining forward and therefore inhibit the mechanism that slides the seat forward -- making access to the third row impossible from that side of the car.
And so ...
Two child safety seats in the second row of the Mazda5 would completely cut off access to the third row by adults -- unless you're really flexible and can squeeze in between the second-row seats -- which by the Mazda videos looks too tight even for a teenager.
Hmmm.
Meade
Plus, so many people install carseats improperly; if they were built in, you'd save a great deal of hassle, improve functionality, and so forth.
Now I understand that these built-ins typically have downsides. For instance, they don't provide side cushioning, which may make it a little more uncomfortable for the kid--and perhaps a bit less safe. But (1) you'd think the brilliant auto engineers could figure something out; and (2) even if not, it would be nice to at least have the option!
It is kind of sneaky that none of the images from Mazda (or any other company trying to sell innovative three-row cars like the Pacifica, the B9 Tribeca, etc) show you what it is really like with carseats installed.
If and when we test drive the Mazda5, we will bring our carseats and insist on installing them for the test.
I rented a Dodge Caravan in New England in the fall of 2003, when our son was 2. It had the built-ins in the second row -- very, very convenient (but you could still get around to the third row without disturbing the second row -- this was a wide American "mini" van, after all!). Still, the way the child seats folded down out of the seatback, it left a "pocket" where the child's back rested -- making, in effect, the side bolsters you're talking about.
The only thing Sean didn't find comfortable was that since his legs had to rest on the normal "adult" seat cushion, he either had to sit cross-legged or just stretch his legs straight out in front of him, keeping them straight at the knee because of the length of the seat cushion. This was fine for trips of a half-hour or less, but he got very uncomfortable when we were spending a couple of hours in the car. (Kids this age have fat, stubby little legs that would rather bend downward at the knee than point straight or cross.) We spent many a two-hour trip back to our cottage in the evening with a screaming, uncomfortable kid.
Dodge even advertises this less-than-perfect seat design in its photos. It's the second photo down on the following page:
http://www.daimlerchrysler.ca/EN/DODGE/1,,EN-DODGE-CARAVAN-SAFETY-CHILDSEAT,.html
Meade
Meade
I hope these links work:
1998 Odyssey: http://www.edmunds.com/used/1998/honda/odyssey/7713/specs.html?tid=edmunds.u.standard.left- sidenav..6.Honda*
2006 Mazda5:
http://www.edmunds.com/new/2006/mazda/mazda5/100533545/specs.html?tid=edmunds.n.researchla- nding.leftsidenav..8.Mazda*
Some comparisons (Odyssey/Mazda5):
Weight: 3483/3333
Horsepower: 150/157
Max. Torque: 152/148
EPA Fuel Ecomony: 21/26 for both vehicles
So, the Mazda5 has more horsepower but less torque than the Odyssey, and the Mazda5 weighs 150 pounds less.
Well, we are talking about Dodge, which makes the Stratus -- a mid-sized car with less interior room (and much less headroom) than my compact Mazda3. Where does all that room go? I dunno, but I seem to get a Stratus as a loaner car every time I have a service appointment at my Mazda dealer, who's also a Dodge dealer. Can't stand the Stratus!
Meade
At least Dodge is trying! Give them (and Volvo) points for that. Why don't Mazda, Toyota, Honda, Nissan, Subaru, and all of the other makers of family cars even bother trying?
That said, consider the 0-60 times of a 1995 (closest I could find -- minivans aren't popular test-track subjects) Honda Odyssey automatic vs. a 2006 Mazda5 5-speed (as tested by Motor Trend magazine):
Odyssey, 0-60 in 10.3 seconds.
Mazda5, 0-60 in 8.5 seconds.
Meade
I was excited about the Pacifica before it came out; and then the B9 Tribeca before it came out. But then I saw them and realized that they are just so much less functional than a minivan--and only slightly better looking.
I'll have to see how the Mazda5 fares. My local dealer claims that they aren't getting in until the end of August.
-juice
The 1995 only had a 2.2l 140 hp engine the 1998 models got the 150 hp 2.3l. Also a manual transmission probably makes a 1.5 second difference in the times. Keep in mind that the current Honda 2.4 with 160 hp is actually more efficient than either the 2.2 or the 2.3 - we are talking about 10 year old technology with the Honda.
I think the Odyssey is also larger.
I have one, and like it very much. I would love it if it had a manual tranny like the 5.
It's just that the Mazda5 appears to be everything the Odyssey was (still isn't) in terms of appeal. The Mazda5 has a certain sexiness and sportiness that Odyssey has never had.
Styling: As always the case with mazda these days, it's a knockout...
Power: It should be enough, but mazda definitely needs a 5-speed auto for the 2.3L 4 (mazda6, 3, 5, etc)
What I would do to it:
Powertrain and options - The heart this vanlet needs is at Ford, in the shape of the same 2.3L plus electric motor in the escape hybrid with CVT transmission. They should make an upscale version with the keycard entry, xenon headlamps, leather with navi as the only major option, a la prius. It will be like a 6-person prius that is WAY better looking and more fun to drive. Price it below 24k (hybrid powertrains are expensive after all) and you'll be stealing sales from the prius and other similar cars. You can even advertise it like "The new mazda 5 - 40 (s)miles per gallon for the entire family!" It would be a very good place to introduce a Mazda hybrid vehicle.
The non hybrid 2.3L version would still exist at the sub-20k price point...