it really depends on the color of your 5 as well, a dark color would absorb and radiate heat back into the cabin much more than a while or silver car, this would be especially felt for third row passengers since the top tapers down and they are closer to the ceiling...5 also got much larger cabin volume and window surface area for heat exchange with outside environment, but I do agree one car manufacturer often "makes" their compressors differently from another....my Focus sucks in that aspect
After reading so many posts arguing back and forth about a/c coldness in this and other forums, I am starting to think that the Mz-5's large dash structure might have something to do with it -- like when that dashboard (not just the top surface but the whole inner works) warms up, it probably takes a looong time to cool down. Maybe this is why some people are complaining the air isn't 'frigid' when it comes out the vents? Just my $0.02. Still waiting for my 5sp Indigo blue Touring to arrive.
Question from Canadian Purchaser -Thornhill, Ontario
Has anyone had difficulty with delivery? I was originally told 3-4 weeks for delivery, sounded ok so I put in my deposit (lease). Now they are telling me that all the current production models are spoken for by dealers and they have to "trade" for another car between dealers to get a platinum silver touring model (my order).If this does not produce the one I ordered, I would have to wait until the next production line is finished (scheduled to start in oct.) which means I would not get mine until november/December. I think I am being fed a line (but I don't know why), can anyone help? :mad:
We put a deposit (also lease) for indigo blue, 5sp, a/c, GT. We're in Ottawa, Ontario. We were very specific on colour and option pref. There were none "in the pipeline" and as dealer was reluctant to trade, and we reluctant to pay any extra for transportation costs, we were advised 6-8 weeks for delivery. Our deal was signed Aug 20th. So, no, I don't think you're being fed a line. I have heard in other forums similar stories of 4-8wk wait times if you require specific colour/option combo. Mazda USA only planned to bring in 4-5000 units for the remainder of '05 and it seems they're selling much faster than expected. I don't know how many Mazda Canada had planned for (Roots promotion talks about 1200, I think). All indications seem to show they're pretty scarce. I guess a good thing is worth waiting for, and I'm hoping that a few of the early-production bugs will be worked out by the time we get ours. Good luck. Keep us posted.
--EDIT-- Remember the contract you signed probably has a time limit. The fine print in mine indicates the dealer has 90days to supply the specified vehicle, or they must renegotiate/make alternate arrangements/cancel the contract. You can use this as an 'out' if you are unwilling to wait beyond 90 days. Read your contract closely.
I got my first close-up look at the Mazda5 yesterday at our state fair--so I didn't get to drive it.
One positive surprise was that I was able to adjust the three rows of seats to my 5'10" frame so that there was just enough leg room in all three rows--including the rear. Now, I wouldn't want to spend a lot of time in the rear seat, as my knees were a bit up in the air, and my hair brushed the roof, but it would be fine for short trips around town and plenty roomy for young children. It does show the Mazda5 can hold six average-sized adults for at least short distances. I also liked how the rear seat folds flat with ease. Also the steering wheel had a nice feel to it.
Unfortunately, my negative impressions were more numerous. Most/all of these have been mentioned before here, so they weren't surprises, but I do expect better in a $22k car. Biggest gripes are: limited adjustability of driver's seat (in order to make the seat bottom angle comfortable for me, I had to bring it down all the way, which left me lower than I'd like and compromises mid-row foot room); lack of arm rests for front and mid-row passengers; cheap feel of the large expanses of black plastic interior trim (Mazda3 interior looks much nicer IMO); and lack of a dead-pedal (isn't Mazda the "zoom zoom" company?).
I noticed that the rear cargo area, with the back seats folded, was about the same square footage as in my Elantra hatchback with the rear seat up. (That was eyeballed; I didn't measure.) The 5 is taller of course. But that would only be important if I regularly carried tall, thin cargo--something that could make use of the height without blocking the rear view. Which I don't. As far as everyday hauling, I don't see a big practical difference. The maximum load size with all seats folded is bigger in the 5. But I can count on one hand the times I've had to fold both seats in the Elantra to carry cargo in the 18 months I've owned it. And with the rear seat folded in the 5, I can carry only 4 people vs. 5 in a hatchback like the Elantra. As I have 3 kids, that is important.
With the price of an automatic (for DW) Mazda5 at around $19k, and the issues I mentioned (and some I didn't like the 20/26 EPA rating), it looks less and less like my next car will be a Mazda5. I will probably go with a 5-passenger vehicle like another Elantra hatchback or maybe a Mazda6 hatchback, or a Fit, or even a roomy sedan with a big trunk like the Sonata. Or even a 7-passenger vehicle like the Freestyle, if prices come down a little more next year.
It sounds like the Mazda5 may not be right for you. I'm just adding my comments so that readers of this forum don't only see one viewpoint:
Unfortunately, my negative impressions were more numerous. Most/all of these have been mentioned before here, so they weren't surprises, but I do expect better in a $22k car.
I got my Mazda5 for only $18k ((Sport auto with fog lights). In that price range, the Mazda5 is very competitive. Remember that the Mazda5's MSRP tops out at about $20 unless you add the NAV for an extra $2k.
limited adjustability of driver's seat
I'm very comfortable in the driver's seat, and I didn't need to lower it. Unfortunately, seat comfort is a subjective thing and not everyone will be comfortable in the same seat.
lack of arm rests for front and mid-row passengers
I agree that the lack of a front-passenger arm-rest is a shortcoming. Just to clarify though, the mid-row passengers DO have inside arm-rests, just not arm-rests on the outside. My owner's manual says that it's unsafe for passengers to be leaning outward (i.e. towards the windows) in a car that has side-curtain airbags. Perhaps this is why the outside arm-rests are missing in the middle row (i.e., because if people leaned on outside arm-rests, they'd be leaning towards the windows, which Mazda says is unsafe).
cheap feel of the large expanses of black plastic interior trim
Again, this is subjective. I agree that the interior could be more upscale, but I think it's an amazing interior for the $18k price range...I have no complaints about the interior.
I didn't like the 20/26 EPA rating
Just to clarify, the rating is 21/26 for the auto. Yes, could be better, but the "Mazda5 real-world MPG" forum here on Edmunds is reporting significantly better MPG than I've seen for anything in the minivan category.
note, it is not smart to put armrests on the driver's seat in a car that has a manual tranny. Think about the potential safety issues with an elbow getting caught up in the armrest while shifting.
Actually, the driver's seat does have a right-hand armrest. The passenger's seat doesn't (on the left side), nor do the mid-row passenger seats on the outside. I seriously doubt that's an airbag issue. If anything, armrests on the outside would help passengers sit up straight in the seat. And what about all the minivans with 2nd-row captain's chairs and side curtains--are all those vehicles unsafe?
The car I tested stickered for over $22k. I know they start at much less.
Why can't Mazda put a decent seat-height adjuster on a $22k (or $18k) vehicle when automakers like Suzuki, Kia, and Hyundai can do it on cars costing as little as $10k? This is not a criticism of just the Mazda5; many other cars have the same kind of seat height adjuster.
A lot of issues from various people, most seem to come from personal/comfort/visual perspectives. For me it is the overall presentation and what the Mazda5 represents. I have driven an SUV for over 10 years now (latest a full time 4 wheel drive, 8 cylindar gas guzzling Jeep Grand Cherokee!) I am really looking forward to the delivery of My Mazda5. Shifting lifestyles to be more enviro, etc. I like the combination of sleek, sporty, european styling, internal space for family, small & light in size for some fun driving. I know I will probably change up to the next generation Mazda5 in 3-5 years(?) which I am sure will correct a number of the issues listed on this forum. however, There is no way I will wait until then!! Give me the Current Mazda5 now and lets look forward to how things will improve, both with Mazda and I am sure with pending competitors. :shades:
well, naturally the rear cap seats don't require gear shifting operations. My MPV of course is an automatic and it does have great armrests for the driver and passenger.
Just checked out the interior pics on Mazda, now I see that the shifter is clear up on the dash area ala Honda Element. That poses much less of a problem than the cars which have the shifter lower and closer to the right hand.
How is the MT shifter reach, those of you so equipped?
Give me the Current Mazda5 now and lets look forward to how things will improve
I totally agree with you. I've bought a Mazda5, and I hope refined/improved versions arrive in future years. If the current Mazda5 doesn't sell, it'll be pulled from the US market and no future refined versions will be available...I definitely don't want to see that scenario play out.
I think you're right. I just saw the August US sales results: 1,784 Mazda5's.
Multiply by 12, and that's a rate of 21,408 per year, slightly ahead of Mazda's forecast of 20,000 per year. Keeping in mind that lots of people don't even know the Mazda5 exists yet (there hasn't been much advertising), I think those are very good numbers.
Here in Central NJ, I've spotted a total of 2 Mazda5's (other than mine, of course). One was parallel-parked on the street as I drove by, and one pulled up next to me at a stop light.
I saw another M5 in Vancouver, BC on Sunday. That was the first sighting of another M5. I saw a stratos blue one last night, driving past it in Seattle. I really like the color.
I'm also very excited about the sales numbers considering how little promotion of the Mazda5 there has been.
5thave, you observation is excellent! I saw a top view picture somewhere in one of the foreign website (UK?), the dash area is astoundingly large, it is longer than the outside hood area! it is like half of the engine is inside the cabin, besides the large dark surface absorbs heat and radiates back into the car like Green house, the whole block drivetrain in front of you is probably a fairly warm object, MAZDA should seriously think redesign some of the components. Say at least make the dash board surface color lighter..
Since Crysler started this CAB-forward design thing, car's nose is getting shorter and shorter for better road vision but the DASH B area is definitely a problem if you live in hot climate, that might explain all the different numbers on milage people been getting under different conditions, depending on if you have a full blasting AC on all the time......
I have seen 3 so far. Each time from a a position on the road where traffic will not allow me to get close enough to get the full "appreciation factor". I feel like I am being taunted by the Mazda spirits!! Anyway, I saw one platinum silver (same as my order), it looks really sleek; I then saw a blue one, pretty good; just yesterday I saw a red one zipping around York University, I was really suprised by how much I liked the red. My wife thinks I am crazy, I am like a kid in a candy store... Every time I see one I start shouting and pointing.... maybe I need some pro help.....
"...the dash area is astoundingly large, it is longer than the outside hood area!"
Part of what you are seeing isn't necessarily a shorter nose. For aerodynamic and styling purposes, the base of the windshield is simply pulled forward so the windshield is more steeply raked.
I do agree however that it would make more sense if the large dashboard area were a lighter color to absorb less heat.
What would really seal the deal for me is if they offered a turbodiesel in the 5. About 140 horse and 220 lbs./ft. I figure that would give performance roughly equivalent if not slightly better than the current 2.3 MZR gas engine, along with even better MPG. I'm thinking 28 city/37 hwy. Of course, living in the Golden State, the availability of diesels is an ongoing question mark. Probably '08 at the earliest. But that's about when I'm going to have my P5 paid off, so maybe I might luck out.
Being the current owner of Protege5, with nearly 30,000 miles, I couldn't be happier with my Mazda experience. Having owned a 2000 VW GTI, all I can say to those that gripe about the "cheesy interior" of the 5, is don't be allured by skin-deep beauty. My VW had a very appealing interior from a tactile and materials standpoint, but that car was a constant source of problems for me. I'd gladly take hard plastics over a soft-touch dash if it meant a reliable, trouble-free ownership experience.
VWs are great for dash-strokers, but look at all the issues they've had over the years. In some cases it's those very nice features that are the exact problem - window regulators (power up/down windows).
Ah, the infamous window regulators! One of the many problems I had on my GTI. I replaced them, once out-of-pocket, and once under the recall. Strangely, I never got a notice in the mail, but found out about it, and found my car was eligible. They dragged their feet on reimbursing me for the original repair, but I finally got a check about 6 months later.
Yeah, it amazes me that all the car snobs and reviewers are so bowled over by VW and Audi interiors, and they seem to gloss over the quality problems. The VWs have a lot going for them, but unfortunately, quality is not one of them. I made a comment to a group of co-workers that I'd be more comfortable buying a Hyundai than a VW, quality-wise. A few years ago, I would have been laughed at, this time around, I got a "Yeah, I probably would too" from a few fellow VW owners. That said, Mazda has won my confidence so far. I'd absolutely consider another.
definitely can not be as light as white, if you left a map or piece of paper on your dash board, you will be seriously distracted by a ghost image reflection. Grainy surface might help in reducing the glare by scattering lights in different direction.
It's a tradeoff in this sort of design for heat issue, I had similar problem with my FOCUS, but never had problem with an old SAAB which doesn't have much dash board area at all.
I was driving on HWY 410 in Toronto yesterday and saw an Opel Zafira. I have to say that I really liked the look and styling of the vehicle. It reminded me of a smaller version of the Dodge Caravan, but rounder and WITH a roof rack. It appeared a little smaller than the Mazda 5.
I was in the process of passing the car before I realized what it was.
The plates on the car were RED, which indicate the car belonged to a consulate. If they were to offer this car in North America, I am sure it would do well.
In the weekend paper, there was talk of Nissan launching a smaller version mini-van at the Frankfurt show that would compete with the 5. I wonder how long it would take to make it over to North America.
I went to pick up my mazda5 at a toronto dealer today 9/17, ... and the manager came out and said they just received word that mazda had put a freeze on all 5s now, and everyone who got it needs to bring the car in for a check up.
It seems somewhere in the southern US a problem was detected: temperature is too high in the exhaust pipe ... but nothing was detected in Canada ... yet. Needless to say I was disappointed and so was the dealer, because everything was ready to go. The dealer thinks this is a minor issue and will be resolved quickly. Meanwhile they gave me a mazda3 basemodel to get around.
Has anyone heard anything similar, any more details on this?
Yes, I saw 6 Mazda5s on the lot Friday afternoon. Saturday they were all gone. So much for test driving. Dealer did not tell me why they were pulled and now I know it's heat shield related. My first impression of this from the dealer was that this was long term. He said Mazda may "re-introduce" the car.
Roger Beasley Mazda in Austin still has a ton of 5s around--I just went and looked at one again with a friend. (She's got a Mazda3 with no AC problems and thinks I need to give the 5 another look.) Luckily there was a stellar silver one unlocked so we opened it up and moved the seats all around in various configurations and sat in it. There were a whole row of them there.
Audia8q, do you know anything about this "freeze"?
Before gas was $2.47 and up.. but now it can save you some $$$$$ over the course of a year if you drive 15000 mile per year and get 20 MPG then it would use 750 Gallons. At $2.50 a Gallon thats $1875.00 a year. Same miles but at 25 mpg thats 600 Gallond per year and a cost of $1500.00 a year. Saved $375 or say one months car paynment.. Not as much saved if prices are lower or save more if prices are higher.
I called my dealership today 9/19 to schedule my delivery of my Mazda 5 Touring and was told Mazda had stopped sales of the car. My salesman didn't have any details. My experience with Mazda has been that they are SUPER cautious about any problems and take immediate action. I hope they can resolve this soon with a dealer fix instead of "reintroducing" the car. Keep the info coming.
But still, other manufacturers get it right the first time.
Don't be so quick.... I believe it was last months issue of Consumers Reports that ran a break down of carmakers and their history with first, second and third year cars. The results didn't exactly mirrors consumer perceptions.
yep, I agree. It is just that some manufacturers have higher QC and engineering from the get-go.
Not to pick on Ford, but they are notorious for putting stuff out and then announcing major recall campaigns. Almost a preferred mode of operation for them. I guess they think being the first on the block with something new is more profitable than the inevitable recall risk associated with rushing something out.
I'm aware of the ownership of Mazda by Ford, but can you tell us what part of the Mazda5 is a Ford? Yes, the chassis is derived from the Mazda3, which is also the underpinnings for the European version of the Ford Focus. Beyond that, what Ford parts are in the Mazda5?
Is my guess. The engine was designed by Mazda, I believe, plus it's made in Japan. Besides some basic chassis hard points, I don't think there's much Ford in this at all.
Note how the Mazda3 scores far better than the Mazda6 in reliability ratings, for instance. So does the Miata.
With Mazda, at least, you tend to see higher scores in reliability for the ones made in Japan. I don't think that's so much an issue of domestic production as much as it is having assembly and parts supplied shared with Ford, but that's just my educated guess.
"I don't think that's so much an issue of domestic production as much as it is having assembly and parts supplied shared with Ford, but that's just my educated guess."
Agreed. Sometimes it just rubs me the wrong way when the inevitable 'Mazda is controlled by Ford ergo the product is a POS' type of comments start to come out of the woodwork. One of my many character flaws, I guess.
Our '04 MPV is made in Japan, my brother's '03 Mazda6 is made in the US. I feel the MPV is put together a bit more solidly, but I don't have any objective data to back that up. For example, even though most of the switchgear is the same style it somehow feels better in our van.
I'm certainly not slamming the 6 - that car is a lot more fun than any midsized 4 banger has a right to be. But I'm not as confident that bits and pieces won't start breaking and falling off.
again not picking on Ford, because their 3.0L Duratec in our 2002 MPV is one of the best V-6's available.
But Ford (not Mazda) has a high recall level on domestics. Yes, we did have 3 recalls on our MPV, and yes I do think that is high also. Nothing to do with the Ford engine (unless you want to call the PVC hose collapse an engine problem).
whew I thought I might be unsafe until I realized I had an MT. No seat belt issues either.
Well, it is always possible that statistics disprove my gut feeling. It is easy to think self has a good perspective on the world, but reality indicates that most of the time that perspective is shallow.
For example I see the Mazda 5 diesel 6 speed Europe version as a real hit in the US.
Time will tell, but I would personally be willing to plop down $ right now for one of them.
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Has anyone had difficulty with delivery? I was originally told 3-4 weeks for delivery, sounded ok so I put in my deposit (lease). Now they are telling me that all the current production models are spoken for by dealers and they have to "trade" for another car between dealers to get a platinum silver touring model (my order).If this does not produce the one I ordered, I would have to wait until the next production line is finished (scheduled to start in oct.) which means I would not get mine until november/December. I think I am being fed a line (but I don't know why), can anyone help? :mad:
--EDIT--
Remember the contract you signed probably has a time limit. The fine print in mine indicates the dealer has 90days to supply the specified vehicle, or they must renegotiate/make alternate arrangements/cancel the contract. You can use this as an 'out' if you are unwilling to wait beyond 90 days. Read your contract closely.
One positive surprise was that I was able to adjust the three rows of seats to my 5'10" frame so that there was just enough leg room in all three rows--including the rear. Now, I wouldn't want to spend a lot of time in the rear seat, as my knees were a bit up in the air, and my hair brushed the roof, but it would be fine for short trips around town and plenty roomy for young children. It does show the Mazda5 can hold six average-sized adults for at least short distances. I also liked how the rear seat folds flat with ease. Also the steering wheel had a nice feel to it.
Unfortunately, my negative impressions were more numerous. Most/all of these have been mentioned before here, so they weren't surprises, but I do expect better in a $22k car. Biggest gripes are: limited adjustability of driver's seat (in order to make the seat bottom angle comfortable for me, I had to bring it down all the way, which left me lower than I'd like and compromises mid-row foot room); lack of arm rests for front and mid-row passengers; cheap feel of the large expanses of black plastic interior trim (Mazda3 interior looks much nicer IMO); and lack of a dead-pedal (isn't Mazda the "zoom zoom" company?).
I noticed that the rear cargo area, with the back seats folded, was about the same square footage as in my Elantra hatchback with the rear seat up. (That was eyeballed; I didn't measure.) The 5 is taller of course. But that would only be important if I regularly carried tall, thin cargo--something that could make use of the height without blocking the rear view. Which I don't. As far as everyday hauling, I don't see a big practical difference. The maximum load size with all seats folded is bigger in the 5. But I can count on one hand the times I've had to fold both seats in the Elantra to carry cargo in the 18 months I've owned it. And with the rear seat folded in the 5, I can carry only 4 people vs. 5 in a hatchback like the Elantra. As I have 3 kids, that is important.
With the price of an automatic (for DW) Mazda5 at around $19k, and the issues I mentioned (and some I didn't like the 20/26 EPA rating), it looks less and less like my next car will be a Mazda5. I will probably go with a 5-passenger vehicle like another Elantra hatchback or maybe a Mazda6 hatchback, or a Fit, or even a roomy sedan with a big trunk like the Sonata. Or even a 7-passenger vehicle like the Freestyle, if prices come down a little more next year.
Unfortunately, my negative impressions were more numerous. Most/all of these have been mentioned before here, so they weren't surprises, but I do expect better in a $22k car.
I got my Mazda5 for only $18k ((Sport auto with fog lights). In that price range, the Mazda5 is very competitive. Remember that the Mazda5's MSRP tops out at about $20 unless you add the NAV for an extra $2k.
limited adjustability of driver's seat
I'm very comfortable in the driver's seat, and I didn't need to lower it. Unfortunately, seat comfort is a subjective thing and not everyone will be comfortable in the same seat.
lack of arm rests for front and mid-row passengers
I agree that the lack of a front-passenger arm-rest is a shortcoming. Just to clarify though, the mid-row passengers DO have inside arm-rests, just not arm-rests on the outside. My owner's manual says that it's unsafe for passengers to be leaning outward (i.e. towards the windows) in a car that has side-curtain airbags. Perhaps this is why the outside arm-rests are missing in the middle row (i.e., because if people leaned on outside arm-rests, they'd be leaning towards the windows, which Mazda says is unsafe).
cheap feel of the large expanses of black plastic interior trim
Again, this is subjective. I agree that the interior could be more upscale, but I think it's an amazing interior for the $18k price range...I have no complaints about the interior.
I didn't like the 20/26 EPA rating
Just to clarify, the rating is 21/26 for the auto. Yes, could be better, but the "Mazda5 real-world MPG" forum here on Edmunds is reporting significantly better MPG than I've seen for anything in the minivan category.
John
The car I tested stickered for over $22k. I know they start at much less.
Why can't Mazda put a decent seat-height adjuster on a $22k (or $18k) vehicle when automakers like Suzuki, Kia, and Hyundai can do it on cars costing as little as $10k? This is not a criticism of just the Mazda5; many other cars have the same kind of seat height adjuster.
I like the combination of sleek, sporty, european styling, internal space for family, small & light in size for some fun driving. I know I will probably change up to the next generation Mazda5 in 3-5 years(?) which I am sure will correct a number of the issues listed on this forum. however, There is no way I will wait until then!! Give me the Current Mazda5 now and lets look forward to how things will improve, both with Mazda and I am sure with pending competitors.
Just checked out the interior pics on Mazda, now I see that the shifter is clear up on the dash area ala Honda Element. That poses much less of a problem than the cars which have the shifter lower and closer to the right hand.
How is the MT shifter reach, those of you so equipped?
John
I totally agree with you. I've bought a Mazda5, and I hope refined/improved versions arrive in future years. If the current Mazda5 doesn't sell, it'll be pulled from the US market and no future refined versions will be available...I definitely don't want to see that scenario play out.
-juice
Multiply by 12, and that's a rate of 21,408 per year, slightly ahead of Mazda's forecast of 20,000 per year. Keeping in mind that lots of people don't even know the Mazda5 exists yet (there hasn't been much advertising), I think those are very good numbers.
-juice
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-juice
I'm also very excited about the sales numbers considering how little promotion of the Mazda5 there has been.
Since Crysler started this CAB-forward design thing, car's nose is getting shorter and shorter for better road vision but the DASH B area is definitely a problem if you live in hot climate, that might explain all the different numbers on milage people been getting under different conditions, depending on if you have a full blasting AC on all the time......
Part of what you are seeing isn't necessarily a shorter nose. For aerodynamic and styling purposes, the base of the windshield is simply pulled forward so the windshield is more steeply raked.
I do agree however that it would make more sense if the large dashboard area were a lighter color to absorb less heat.
Being the current owner of Protege5, with nearly 30,000 miles, I couldn't be happier with my Mazda experience. Having owned a 2000 VW GTI, all I can say to those that gripe about the "cheesy interior" of the 5, is don't be allured by skin-deep beauty. My VW had a very appealing interior from a tactile and materials standpoint, but that car was a constant source of problems for me. I'd gladly take hard plastics over a soft-touch dash if it meant a reliable, trouble-free ownership experience.
VWs are great for dash-strokers, but look at all the issues they've had over the years. In some cases it's those very nice features that are the exact problem - window regulators (power up/down windows).
-juice
Yeah, it amazes me that all the car snobs and reviewers are so bowled over by VW and Audi interiors, and they seem to gloss over the quality problems. The VWs have a lot going for them, but unfortunately, quality is not one of them. I made a comment to a group of co-workers that I'd be more comfortable buying a Hyundai than a VW, quality-wise. A few years ago, I would have been laughed at, this time around, I got a "Yeah, I probably would too" from a few fellow VW owners. That said, Mazda has won my confidence so far. I'd absolutely consider another.
It's a tradeoff in this sort of design for heat issue, I had similar problem with my FOCUS, but never had problem with an old SAAB which doesn't have much dash board area at all.
I was in the process of passing the car before I realized what it was.
The plates on the car were RED, which indicate the car belonged to a consulate. If they were to offer this car in North America, I am sure it would do well.
In the weekend paper, there was talk of Nissan launching a smaller version mini-van at the Frankfurt show that would compete with the 5. I wonder how long it would take to make it over to North America.
John
It seems somewhere in the southern US a problem was detected: temperature is too high in the exhaust pipe ... but nothing was detected in Canada ... yet. Needless to say I was disappointed
Has anyone heard anything similar, any more details on this?
-YL
Audia8q, do you know anything about this "freeze"?
At $2.50 a Gallon thats $1875.00 a year.
Same miles but at 25 mpg thats 600 Gallond per year and a cost of $1500.00 a year.
Saved $375 or say one months car paynment.. Not as much saved if prices are lower or save more if prices are higher.
My experience with Mazda has been that they are SUPER cautious about any problems and take immediate action. I hope they can resolve this soon with a dealer fix instead of "reintroducing" the car.
Keep the info coming.
Our MPV had 3 recalls, one was simply the door sticker which had the wrong weights on it. But still, other manufacturers get it right the first time.
John
Don't be so quick....
I believe it was last months issue of Consumers Reports that ran a break down of carmakers and their history with first, second and third year cars. The results didn't exactly mirrors consumer perceptions.
-juice
Subaru got it right. Zero recalls on my Forester.
John
http://www.carpages.co.uk/mazda/mazda-mazda5-19-09-05.asp
If any car manufacturer makes a perfect car with no recalls and 0 defects on all units produced let me know cause I'd like to buy one. :P
Not to pick on Ford, but they are notorious for putting stuff out and then announcing major recall campaigns. Almost a preferred mode of operation for them. I guess they think being the first on the block with something new is more profitable than the inevitable recall risk associated with rushing something out.
John
I'm aware of the ownership of Mazda by Ford, but can you tell us what part of the Mazda5 is a Ford? Yes, the chassis is derived from the Mazda3, which is also the underpinnings for the European version of the Ford Focus. Beyond that, what Ford parts are in the Mazda5?
Note how the Mazda3 scores far better than the Mazda6 in reliability ratings, for instance. So does the Miata.
With Mazda, at least, you tend to see higher scores in reliability for the ones made in Japan. I don't think that's so much an issue of domestic production as much as it is having assembly and parts supplied shared with Ford, but that's just my educated guess.
-juice
Agreed. Sometimes it just rubs me the wrong way when the inevitable 'Mazda is controlled by Ford ergo the product is a POS' type of comments start to come out of the woodwork. One of my many character flaws, I guess.
Mazda is certainly capable of building an very high quality, reliable car.
-juice
I'm certainly not slamming the 6 - that car is a lot more fun than any midsized 4 banger has a right to be. But I'm not as confident that bits and pieces won't start breaking and falling off.
-Jason
But Ford (not Mazda) has a high recall level on domestics. Yes, we did have 3 recalls on our MPV, and yes I do think that is high also. Nothing to do with the Ford engine (unless you want to call the PVC hose collapse an engine problem).
John
You sure? There have been two recalls on the 2003 Forester.
Some 2003s were recalled for a faulty automatic transmission:
http://www.consumeraffairs.com/recalls/subaru.html
NHTSA also lists a recall on a few hundred 2003 Foresters that had faulty seat belts.
Meade
Well, it is always possible that statistics disprove my gut feeling. It is easy to think self has a good perspective on the world, but reality indicates that most of the time that perspective is shallow.
For example I see the Mazda 5 diesel 6 speed Europe version as a real hit in the US.
Time will tell, but I would personally be willing to plop down $ right now for one of them.
John