Its Really Not A Van

[Zoom5Zoom]

HI

Took the time to park a Mazda 5 between two 2006 Mazda MPV's. The spot I parked in was previously a MPV was parked real close to the others.

Remember one thing... as my son says to me when we pass other vans and cars: " hey its not a van eh" (looking at the vans or cars we pass) :)

[quatelate]

im sorry but its a van guy... a cool van but a van

[vcinsanity1523]

im sorry but its a van guy... a cool van but a van

im gunna have to agree its a more fun to drive van

[Wuster]

In the state of Virginia, it's classified as a wagon.

Says so right on my 2006 personal property tax form...:'(

[Prodigy]

"eh"

[86439]

I never thought it was a van until you bring it up... thanks a lot :)

Seriously, the other day I needed to drop off my CRV at the shop. My wife drove her 5 and we went together. I was following her, and for the first time had a good look at the back of the 5. It totally looked like a van!

Not the front, not the sides, but viewing straight from the back, the 5 is totally a scaled down version of a minivan. What I am gonna do now... I swore that I was never gonna buy a van!!!!!

[dracore]

My coworkers say that it is a SHUTTLE not a van :)

[Greenridge]

Yes is a Van but is a "Micro-Van" not a mini-van.

[canadianexpress]

It is a Big Matrix.

[the_saint]

It is a WAGON with sliding doors. The next person that calls it a van...POW! Right in the kisser. (fight)
lol

[Seamus]

Well...........not wanting to risk a punch in the kisser........I wish Mazda had at least "classified" as a van.......or some type of utility vehicle...............for regulatory purposes............so that we could have had factory-tinted glass. It still mystifies me how vehicles such as the Chevy HHR, PT Cruiser, Dodge Magnum Wagon, Scion xb can offer factory tint at least as an option while a vehicle such as the Mazda5 can't.

I kind of like the European term used for these vehicles.........Space Wagon.

[the_saint]

I'm glad it doesn't have factory tinted glass...gives people the choice to tint.

Good save BTW :)

[Wuster]

Because it's not classified as a van in VA. The tint shop wouldn't put 5% on it. They went by the law.

If it was classified as a van then there are no limits to how dark the tint can be...

[JAVI]

Luckily, my tint guy (Ziebart) said they would do whatever I wanted.

[Wuster]

Luckily, my tint guy (Ziebart) said they would do whatever I wanted.

I actually went in hoping to convince them that it was a van, but unfortunate for me, the car being tinted right before mine, was another 5 and they just finished looking it up. So they went by the law instead of doing 5% in the back liked I had hoped...

[Seamus]

The option of factory tinted glass would probably be welcomed by the majority of customers, but the way the "5" is classified evidently prevents that. I wonder who determines these classifications, the manufacturer or the Government? I assumed that a manufacturer submits a vehicle under a classification under which they determined it belongs. If other manufacturers could get their vehicles, vehicles which clearly are not real "trucks" , "vans" or true "SUV's", classified so as to offer factory tint at least as an option, I do not understand why Mazda didn't do the same.

If factory tint were optional, those who wanted no tint, or those who wanted to choose the degree of tint they prefer would still be free to have what they wanted. Also, someone correct me if I'm wrong, but factory-tinted glass is true tinted glass isn't it and not just window-film?

[the_saint]

Yes, factory "tinted" glass is actually colored glass, which offeres no UV protection and no shatter/breakage protecion.

[sugarqublex]

When my hubby and I bought the Mazda5, our sales rep said it wasn't a "van," it's a "multi-activity vehicle."(and if it was a van, wouldn't it replace the MPV?) And it also says it's a multi-activity vehicle in the Mazda5's brochure. And it's always compared to the Matrix, Vibe, Xb, etc. Not with the Dodge Caravan, Honda Odyssey, etc. The Mazda5 is the MPV and Mazda6 when they had a baby!

[Greenridge]

Check out a Mazda 5 parked next to a Ford Focus Wagon and a F150.

[Wytchdctr]

park it next to a vibe/matrix... they are almost the same size and look alot alike. We have the sliding doors so people call them vans. I for one, like those doors.

[Benfolio]

My wife and I had the discussion last night. Is it a van? A truck? A car? I think we decided "car".

We traded in a '05 CR-V for the 5 and MAN what a difference. The wife liked sitting up high in the Honda, and the AWD, but it had a horrible choppy ride, noisy tires, etc. And the sliding doors are sooooo much nicer, especially when you have kids in car seats and you're squeezed into a parking spot at WalMart. It'd be nice if Mazda offered the 5 with AWD, and a left side armrest for the front passenger, but for all the pros I'll take just those two cons.

[MD5]

I'll have to see what disc I put them on, but I took some pics of the 5 next to my wife's Excursion.

Now THAT'S a difference!

I could almost pull the 5 into the back of the Excurision!


Matt

[iam1ru12]

......We traded in a '05 CR-V for the 5 and MAN what a difference. The wife liked sitting up high in the Honda, and the AWD, but it had a horrible choppy ride, noisy tires, etc. ......

I recently replaced the stock Bridgestone Duellers on my CR-V with Yokoham Avid TRS...WOW what a difference. The road noise is all but gone. The ride is quite nice now, better than any other SUV in it's price range. I'm keeping the CR-V and my wife gets the 5.

....the sliding doors are sooooo much nicer, especially when you have kids in car seats and you're squeezed into a parking spot at WalMart. It'd be nice if Mazda offered the 5 with AWD, and a left side armrest for the front passenger, but for all the pros I'll take just those two cons....

The sliding doors are the big seller for us. That plus the size; as big as the CR-V with seating for 6 but not as big as an Odyssey or Sienna.

-Mike

[sugarqublex]

Here's my husband's Mazda5 next to my Protoge5. It's the almost the same size in length..but a little taller!
http://www.msprotege.com/members/sugarqublex/twobabies1.png
http://www.msprotege.com/members/sugarqublex/twobabies2.pnghttp://www.msprotege.com/members/sugarqublex/twobabies.png

[jandree22]

Your P5 wheels are mindblowingly sweet! I'd love to see what they'd look like on the Mazda5... haha

[iam1ru12]

Good News...Bad News.....

Good news, we're having a 3rd child!!!!! Bad news....the 2007 Mazda5 we were holding out for will not be big enough as our Family car. We'll be shopping for a used Ody by year's end.

I was very much looking forward to a Mazda5, however I'm thankful we did not purchase the 2006 we drove. Think trying to pack for a family of 5 in the 5 would have been very tough.

Who knows maybe when the CR-V dies I'll buy a Mazda5 for myself....however given the condition of my CR-V, it's might be another 110k miles before it even comes close.

[jandree22]

Congratulations! That's great news. Good luck for the next 9 months (esp to your wife!).

It's a good thing you found out now. You're probably doing the right thing as far as the Odyssey. The 5 will be a starter family car for us, then if we have 3-4 kids as planned, it'll be more of a 'commuting' family car and we'll step up to a Odyssey or Sienna for longer hauls.

Once again, congrats and good luck with everything!

[sugarqublex]

Your P5 wheels are mindblowingly sweet! I'd love to see what they'd look like on the Mazda5... haha

Thanks! My husband wants to put rims on it in the future. We have an exhaust but we haven't gotten installed either.

[nate0123]

When my hubby and I bought the Mazda5, our sales rep said it wasn't a "van," it's a "multi-activity vehicle."(and if it was a van, wouldn't it replace the MPV?)if the Mazda3 sedan were a sedan, wouldn't it replace the Mazda6? (hand)

[jlk_250]

if the Mazda3 sedan were a sedan, wouldn't it replace the Mazda6? (hand)

Even more importantly, I think the Mazda5 -is- going to replace the MPV in the USA for 2007. Yet it's not a van? I think Mazda is trying a different tack rather than competing directly with the Odyssey, Sienna, etc.

Jon

[jandree22]

Even more importantly, I think the Mazda5 -is- going to replace the MPV in the USA for 2007. Yet it's not a van? I think Mazda is trying a different tack rather than competing directly with the Odyssey, Sienna, etc.
Well, depends how you look on it. On one side of the coin you could say it's replacing the MPV because in this country the MPV's going bye bye. However on the tails side of that same coin, you could see that the MPV is continuing to be sold in many other countries around the world, therefore Mazda isn't 'replacing' the MPV model with the 5. After all, the 5 has been sold as the Premacy worldwide for years. But you're right, Mazda's smart for dropping out of the MPV/Odyssey/Sienna competition.

Mazda does technically classify it as a "Mid-Size Wagon" in their specs (http://www.mazdausa.com/MusaWeb/displayPage.action?pageParameter=modelsSpecs&vehicleCode=MZ5), but despite the overall size and the actual EPA classification, to the normal Joe Shmoe everything else about it is minivan IMO. It's got a continuous slope to the hood/windshield, 3 rows of seats, and of course, sliding doors. People just need to stop tripping over their own ego and not worry so much about what people will think of them driving a mini-minivan.

After all, the fact that you drive a minivan is solid proof that you got laid somewhere along the line (naughty)

[iam1ru12]

[QUOTE=jandree22]......People just need to stop tripping over their own ego and not worry so much about what people will think of them driving a mini-minivan........QUOTE]

It's hard to believe there are people out there that are shallow enough to feel they cannot drive a certain type car because of their ego, but you are quite right. Who really cares what other people think? The reality is someone may pass a glancing judgement at you based on your vehicle however most folks are so self-absorbed that after that brief moment they go back to thinking of themselves (or talking on their cell phone). Sad but true.

-Mike

[opus]

Any time the mini-mini-van question comes up, all my wife does is point to the 5spd transmission and says "Have you ever seen one of those in a minivan?" The discussion usually ends right there. :) It is not a question of ego or self image, it is not wanting to appear to be another left lane hogging, cell phone talking, completely self absorbed mini van pilot.

[Sveivo]

My car is a wagon.

[jandree22]

Any time the mini-mini-van question comes up, all my wife does is point to the 5spd transmission and says "Have you ever seen one of those in a minivan?" The discussion usually ends right there. :)
You know, the Dodge Caravan was once available with a manual tranny ;)

Sorry, lol... I'll shut up and go sit in the corner now :D

[brightwhite]

As did the MPV back in the day.

Having driven a 5 while recenly car shopping, I have to say, it drives more like a van than a car.

[Rotary_Powered]

*cough* drop the MS3 engine in *cough* It's a micro van...I think... But it's built on the 3 platform...hmm...

I think this is just like asking is the Mazda 3 5 door a wagon? and not a hatch?

[winty87]

yes it is

[perfecto]

It's a big hatch. :) My insurance papers say it's a wagon, so that's what it is..

[Rac3rX]

They sell a completly new Focus in Europ, BUT keep the same garbage here.

Also in other parts of the country they sell cars with different modle names (even Manufatuer names, Acura, Honda [yes thhey are the same company, but it ilustrates my point]) Also Look at the Ford Tierra RS (Not sure of the name) but its a Protege with slightly differnt body work, and different headlights.

Then look at the original VW Beetle, that thing was produced untill just a few years back, even after it had been COMPLETLY replaced over here with a Completly new Edition.

Honestly The Mazda 5 is a Minivan, one coud go so far as to call it a "microvan" but its a van none the less.

Here is the Deciding factors That make it a Van, 3 rows of seats, sliding doors, and the overall shape.

What makes it a Minivan, Well First off a Van is built on a Truck frame, and a Minivan is Built on a Car frame & is usually smaller.

Name me another "Wagon", with 3 rows of seats & sliding doors & is also in the shape of a "Van" only Smaller. Smaller Van, hence "Minivan".

Things get labled different in different states, countries, ect, that doesnt change what it is by accepted definition, I dont see ANYBODY but Mazda5 owners calling it a "Wagon" with of course the acceptions that prove the rule.

[toucci]

Main Entry: micro·van
Pronunciation: 'mi-krO-"van
Function: noun
A van that is marketed to a demographic stigmatized to the more understood descriptor "mini-van"
etymology: self-conscious users on www.MazdaV.com
(ughdance)

[Rac3rX]

I agree, Microvan Fits best.

[jandree22]

I don't even really know why this matters. Why does it NEED a classification? It's a Mazda5/Premacy, leave it at that.

The bottom line is the Mazda5 is a head turner, not because it's drop dead sexy or an attention-getter, but it's a WTFWT car... that's right, a "What The Fuck Was That" car. When people see it for the first time they can't figure out what it is or what the point of it is, hence, a WTFWT car. It's too borderline to package it up in a nice neat little classification, so why bother. What matters is that you like looking at it, driving it, and that it fits your needs. If you really care that much about what others think, then like I said before... it's an ego or inferiority complex issue.

Regardless of what you like to call it, a microvan, minivan, wagon, whatever.... in the end it's a truly unique vehicle that defies classification. Some people will love it, some will hate it. Oh well, that's life.

[sugarqublex]

True DAT!!! I doesn't matter. It's a nice "car" that turns heads. My hubby calls it a CAN... It's not a car and it's not a van!

[perfecto]

I think Mazda5 owners are just annoyed when people call it a minivan. We drive it because it's NOT a typical minivan.

[allday31]

Has anyone put on an aftermarket exhaust on their mazda5 yet. If you have let me know which one. Thanks

[jandree22]

Has anyone put on an aftermarket exhaust on their mazda5 yet. If you have let me know which one. Thanks
fucy626 did... his car can be seen here. http://www.msprotege.com/forum/showthread.php?t=123635897

Now, he did say his exhaust is custom which is always an option. However if you want a bolt-on exhaust system, here ya go http://www.srmotorsports.com/Mazda5_Performance_Exhaust_System_Parts.html

[flomobile]

They sell a completly new Focus in Europ, BUT keep the same garbage here.

Also in other parts of the country they sell cars with different modle names (even Manufatuer names, Acura, Honda [yes thhey are the same company, but it ilustrates my point]) Also Look at the Ford Tierra RS (Not sure of the name) but its a Protege with slightly differnt body work, and different headlights.

Then look at the original VW Beetle, that thing was produced untill just a few years back, even after it had been COMPLETLY replaced over here with a Completly new Edition.

Honestly The Mazda 5 is a Minivan, one coud go so far as to call it a "microvan" but its a van none the less.

Here is the Deciding factors That make it a Van, 3 rows of seats, sliding doors, and the overall shape.

What makes it a Minivan, Well First off a Van is built on a Truck frame, and a Minivan is Built on a Car frame & is usually smaller.

Name me another "Wagon", with 3 rows of seats & sliding doors & is also in the shape of a "Van" only Smaller. Smaller Van, hence "Minivan".

Things get labled different in different states, countries, ect, that doesnt change what it is by accepted definition, I dont see ANYBODY but Mazda5 owners calling it a "Wagon" with of course the acceptions that prove the rule.

Hey folks, Mazda5 owner (or married to Mazda5 owner technically) and lurker here whou couldn't resist repsponding to this thread!

The reason that the 5 is so hard to categorize is that it is the first of it's kind in the US in about a decade: the mini-MPV. MPV is the usual term for a minivan in the U.K. (and the rest of Europe), and mini-MPVs are a booming class over there.

The new Focus in Europe is quite nice, particularly the Focus C-Max... if you've seen one, you know exactly why I say that.
http://pub.tv2.no/multimedia/na/archive/00124/Ford_Focus_C-Max__b_124923a.jpg
http://pub.tv2.no/multimedia/na/archive/00124/Ford_Focus_C-Max__b_124922a.jpg

The Mazda5 seems most closely the descendant of the Mitsubishi Expo:
http://images.consumerguide.com/autoreview/400x266/1992-95-Mitsubishi-Expo-Expo-LRV-92808101990804.JPG
http://images.consumerguide.com/autoreview/400x266/1992-95-Mitsubishi-Expo-Expo-LRV-92808101990715.JPG
http://images.consumerguide.com/autoreview/400x266/1992-95-Mitsubishi-Expo-Expo-LRV-94808101990605.JPG
http://images.consumerguide.com/autoreview/400x266/1992-95-Mitsubishi-Expo-Expo-LRV-92808101990606.JPG
They offered 7 passenger seating, sliding rear door (though you couldn't get the two together!), and was powered by a I4 with either an auto or a manual. The Expo, and it's siblings (Eagle Vision, Plymouth Colt Vista) got lost in the SUV shuffle of the early 90s.

In Europe, it's hardly unique, with competition from the Corolla Versa, Opel/Vauxhall Zafira, Renault Scenic/Grand Scenic, and countless others. And, stick shifts in minivans, er, MPV's, is the norm there, even in larger "full size" MPVs like the Ford Galaxy. Sliding doors are a bit of a novelty over there though.

Since this is my first post, I'll go ahead and add:

Silver Mazda5 Sport, 5-speed. Very cool, my wife loves it, and it's about even in gas consumption and footprint to my CR-V. After once driving a Dodge Grand Caravan through narrow winding streets in continental Europe (long story, strange situation) and trying to find places to park the lumbering behemoth, I decided that I would never own a fullsize minivan if I could avoid it.

[iam1ru12]

Silver Mazda5 Sport, 5-speed. Very cool, my wife loves it, and it's about even in gas consumption and footprint to my CR-V......

As a CR-V owner, have you checked out www.hondasuv.com? Great CR-V site.

-Mike

[doctorz]

Long story here...Maryland requires different license plates for passenger cars (class "A" tags), minivans/SUVs (class "M" tags), and pickups (have no idea what they call them).

For those of you who aren't from Maryland, standard license plates have three letters/numbers, whereas minivans/SUVs plates have six numbers with an "M' stuck somewhere on the plate depending on when the plate was issued (right now it's three digits, M, three digits). In theory you can be pulled over if you have the wrong plate.

When we bought our 5, I asked the dealer what plate we needed--they said the "M" plates. So we transferred our MPV's "M" plate to the 5 and drove away. One week later I got my insurance card saying the 5 was a station wagon. I called the MD Motor Vehicle Administration--they said the 5 was a car and that a minivan/truck registration would be returned to the dealer. So I call the dealer back, they promise to submit a passenger car registration, give me temporary plates, and I return the "M" plate.

Six weeks later I get a title for the 5 that says "truck". Turned out the dealer took another look at the 5, still thought it was a minivan/truck, and resubmitted the registration as a plate transfer (for my old "M" plate).

I call the MVA back and finally get the story straight. At the end of March 2006, a memo was circulated saying the Mazda5 was a car and needed passenger car tags. Evidently the MVA couldn't get it straight either. Nothing in the MVA's computers rejects the Mazda5 from getting minivan plates, though, which is why I got a title saying the Mazda5 was a truck. Of course, the MVA was telling me that I could get pulled over for having the wrong plates. By this time, though, I'd already returned the "M" plates, so I now had a title saying the Mazda5 was a truck...but I had no plates.

I spent an afternoon at an MVA straightening this mess out and finally got the correct plates. I've noticed that of the handful of Mazda5's I've seen around here, they all do have passenger car plates, so I guess most people get it right. Interesting factoid--an easy way to tell 2004 and earlier Subaru Outbacks from 2005 and later Outbacks? Because the Outback was classified as a truck beginning in 2005, they have "M" plates.

Question of the day: when I take the Mazda5 to the car wash in the winter, I wonder if they'll try and charge me car price or minivan price ($4 higher). What do you think?

[the_saint]

Question of the day: when I take the Mazda5 to the car wash in the winter, I wonder if they'll try and charge me car price or minivan price ($4 higher). What do you think?
Tell 'em to look at the [car]plates, if they don't like it tell 'em to pound sand. lol


*they want $4 more for a minivan???? That's ridiculous...I wouldn't go to a carwash that charges like that in the first place.

[nate0123]

it's a compact minivan

why are you too stubborn to admit it?

and I consider minivans "passenger cars"

[jandree22]

Mazda and the EPA clasify it as a Mid-Sized Wagon. Clearcut dry answer, it's a wagon.

However sliding doors will always cause people to see it as a minivan.

But in the end, seriously, why does it really matter?

[the_saint]

Because it's 4 bucks cheaper to wash a car. (screwy)

[doctorz]

Because it's 4 bucks cheaper to wash a car. (screwy)

Okay, I double checked this place's web site. Depending on the wash package, minivans are between $2 and $5 more expensive. Unfortunately, this place happens to be the best place to get a car washed within about 20 miles, considering price and wash quality.

I suppose you can make a case that it takes more time to clean the third row. When it's above freezing I wash my own cars anyway, so we'll what happens in January. I do plan to point to my plates and see what they say.

In retrospect our experience with getting plates was amusing, but it was a big pain in the butt when it was happening. My wife and I call the 5 a microvan, but truthfully, we could care less what it really is (other than perfect for our needs!).

[the_saint]

Is this one of those 'hand over the keys and we wash the entire vehicle' car wash places?

If it is then I can understand the price difference. I was assuming you were talking about a drive through car wash.

[ladygrey]

I got sent to the "car" area of the drive-in movie theater the other night. Then I popped the hatch up and the teenaged parking-nazi boy came to check that we were parked where we were told to. We showed him the slip and he looked at the car funny and said ok.

We determined that it is the ultimate drive-in movie vehicle for just this reason. You can also fit a fair number of people in the back with all four seats down when it starts to pour rain...

[jandree22]

We determined that it is the ultimate drive-in movie vehicle for just this reason. You can also fit a fair number of people in the back with all four seats down when it starts to pour rain...
let's see... the Guiness World Record for people crammed into a new beetle is 25. The Mazda5's GOTTA be able to fit at least 45 or 50 (lol2)

[flomobile]

Mazda and the EPA clasify it as a Mid-Sized Wagon. Clearcut dry answer, it's a wagon.

However sliding doors will always cause people to see it as a minivan.

But in the end, seriously, why does it really matter?

The EPA classes it as a Mid-Sized wagon. The EPA views the HHR and the PT Crusier as SUVs. It's all about fuel economy. Mazda doesn't need the Mazda5's fuel economy to pull up the average for larger trucks. Because CAFE requires an average 21.5 (Correct me if I'm wrong on that figure), automakers try to classify as many vehicles as possible as light trucks. Light trucks include SUV's, vans, minivans, and pickups. HHR and PT Cruiser keep the Ram and Silverado legal. Mazda has no large pickups or SUVs to offset.

So, it's a small minivan, small MPV, small people carrier... whatever the local term for a minivan may be. You know what a small wagon like a Toyota Matrix would be if you made it a smidge longer, added two sliding doors, third row seating, center row captains chairs, optional satnav and DVD entertainment system? A friggin' minivan.

[perfecto]

It's like 3 inches longer than a Matrix. God forbid that Mazda use the size more efficiently than Toyota!

[jandree22]

Looks like you didn't read back far enough to see my original thoughts on this issue....
Mazda does technically classify it as a "Mid-Size Wagon" in their specs, but despite the overall size and the actual EPA classification, to the normal Joe Shmoe everything else about it is minivan IMO. It's got a continuous slope to the hood/windshield, 3 rows of seats, and of course, sliding doors. People just need to stop tripping over their own ego and not worry so much about what people will think of them driving a mini-minivan.

I just get a kick how worked up some people get defending that it's either DEFINATELY a minivan or DEFINATELY NOT a minivan. Whoppty doo, who cares... either person can argue about it until they're blue in the face, but where will it leave you? Right back where you started... the Mazda5, a vehicle that contains attributes from BOTH a car AND a minivan. To claim that it's specifically one or the other is a proof of your ignorance about the qualities/features/specs about it.

Yes, it has many features of a minivan... BUT it's also the ONLY "minivan" in production with a 5spd manual, small 4cyl engine, low seating position, amazingly tiny package, lively tight suspension. These are all attributes of cars.

[nate0123]

it's a car-like compact minivan

[Brian MP5T]

but its a van

[jandree22]

Everytime I see a 5 driving on the road I can't help but stare at it and get more impatient to take delivery. Call it a car, wagon, minivan, pickup truck I don't care... it's a sweet lil son 'bitch and I can't wait to have it in my driveway. I announce my retirement from this topic, have fun all. :D

[the_saint]

I'll settle this once and for all!
It's a UFO: Unidentifiable Friggin' Object

The end.

[Zoom5Zoom]

A classic for sure.... I will remind you when its on that classic auction show we all watch weekly.

[flomobile]

Looks like you didn't read back far enough to see my original thoughts on this issue....


I just get a kick how worked up some people get defending that it's either DEFINATELY a minivan or DEFINATELY NOT a minivan. Whoppty doo, who cares... either person can argue about it until they're blue in the face, but where will it leave you? Right back where you started... the Mazda5, a vehicle that contains attributes from BOTH a car AND a minivan. To claim that it's specifically one or the other is a proof of your ignorance about the qualities/features/specs about it.

Yes, it has many features of a minivan... BUT it's also the ONLY "minivan" in production with a 5spd manual, small 4cyl engine, low seating position, amazingly tiny package, lively tight suspension. These are all attributes of cars.

NO... it's the only small minivan with a small 4cyl, 5 speed manual, low seating position, amazingly tiny package, and lively suspension that is imported to the US. Again, these things are a dime a dozen in Europe. This would be like arguing that the Mazda3 5-door is not a wagon because it's smaller than a Vista Cruiser, or that a Jeep Liberty is not an SUV because it has a unibody chassis and is smaller than a Tahoe.

Here are a few other small MPVs:
http://www.caradisiac.com/media/images/le_mag/mag166/nouv_renault_scenic_01.jpghttp://www.autoplus.fr/horsserie/photo/AAUS-6JWGCP/$file/renault-grand_scenic-2.jpg
Renault Grand Scenic

http://www.opel.de/res/img/content/shop/cars/zafira/intro2.jpghttp://www.lifecar.de/berichte/bilder/opel/zafira_2005_innen.jpg
Opel Zafira

http://www.motoringlife.ie/images/news_cit0806.jpghttp://www.itv-motoring.com/images/cm_images/citroen/c4/ct_c4012.jpg
Citroen C4 Picasso

http://carpictures.duble.com/Honda/Stream/1.jpghttp://www.etrend.sk/images/obrazky/19141d0f009fdd83985f3a560f78fb9a.gif
Honda Stream

Notice what they all have in common? They are all small MPVs, with small 4 cylinder engines, and offer manual transmissions. The Mazda5 is a niche here, but this C-segment MPV market is practically bread-and-butter in other countries.

Here is what should be the Mazda7 in my mind:
http://clabedan.typepad.com/photos/uncategorized/smax.jpg
http://autoarena.ru/newauto/base/image/767/ford_s-max_4.jpg
It uses the EuCD chassis, an enlarged version of the C1. It also uses a larger engine, a turbocharged 2.5L I5, mated to a 6 speed manual.

See a TopGear review of the Ford S-Max and a couple of other sporty small MPVs here (http://youtube.com/watch?v=RrNDnpwnyC8) on YouTube.

[perfecto]

MPV means something totally different here than it does in Britain. MPV in Britain means multi-purpose. Here it screams minivan.

I've driven an S-Max, and it's way bigger and heavier than a 5. :)

[flomobile]

MPV means something totally different here than it does in Britain. MPV in Britain means multi-purpose. Here it screams minivan.

I've driven an S-Max, and it's way bigger and heavier than a 5. :)

Multi-purpose in Britain still means a wagon that parents use to haul their kids. Hence when Top Gear did their first intro of the S-Max (not the clip I linked above), James May said "I don't have a family and I'd still drive this! It looks awesome!"

[doctorz]

Is this one of those 'hand over the keys and we wash the entire vehicle' car wash places?

Yes.

[doctorz]

The EPA classes it as a Mid-Sized wagon. The EPA views the HHR and the PT Crusier as SUVs. It's all about fuel economy. Mazda doesn't need the Mazda5's fuel economy to pull up the average for larger trucks. Because CAFE requires an average 21.5 (Correct me if I'm wrong on that figure), automakers try to classify as many vehicles as possible as light trucks. Light trucks include SUV's, vans, minivans, and pickups. HHR and PT Cruiser keep the Ram and Silverado legal. Mazda has no large pickups or SUVs to offset.

CAFE has been 27.5 mpg since 1990, which is kind of pathetic considering the first year 27.5 mpg was mandated was 1985. Light truck CAFE is currently 21.6 mpg and slowly rising.

Bear in mind that these requirements are based on actual EPA mileage test results, not the published mileage, which is about 15% lower (city and highway are lowered by different amounts). My guess is that the Mazda5's EPA actual mileage test results sit close to 27.5 mpg, at least for the 5-speed.

[Brian MP5T]

It's a VAN!

Let This Die!

[zoomzoom mazda5]

its just what you want it to be, to me its a car with a minivan look, i love my ride and i know you all feel the same, also when jandree 22 get his mazda5 he won't sleep in his home for a week! zoomzoom(ughdance) (drive2)

[nate0123]

I think you mean it's a minivan "with the soul of a sports car" lol

[the_saint]

It's a moped.(silly)

[nate0123]

clearly... it's a pogo stick

[dfskinner]

Wuster, I paid the tint guys extra and in cash and he did whatever I wanted as far as tint was concerned......... I'm in Va Beach....... you just got to go to the right person....... I'm even thinking of having all the back darkened up..... what I've got on now cost me $ 50.00.....

[mrbwa1]

Remember that commercial with Peyton Manning about the Minivan. He asks "Is it at least a sport turbo minivan?" At least our 5 is a Sport model. So no flames or numbers on the side for me!

Anyway, count me in the van column. I'd like to say sportwagen, but it's the sliders firmly plant it in the van category. This isn't a bad thing, as van and cool have had an off an on relationship over the years (in the US at least) I mean there was the A team and the WV Microbus to name a few.

[coolmazda5]

Who revived this thread to call my zoom-zoom escape pods vans? (protest)

LOL, just kidding (lol2), cool pictures around :D

[jandree22]

"Min-i-van! Min-i-van! Min-i-van!" (protest)

;)

[reMarkable]

As I've said in previous posts - my '08 Mazda window sticker in the EPA mileage section compared it other cars in its class - and the class was in all caps - MINIVAN. On the other hand - my NY State registration calls it a 4DSD - which is a 4 Door Sedan - so go figure!

[mrbwa1]

"Min-i-van! Min-i-van! Min-i-van!" (protest)

;)

Make That "Mini-Mini-Van" then say it 5 time fast! Also, I have noticed then when anyone first sees or asks about the 5, they always seem to ask "What kind of CAR is that?"

[antlind]

Even Consumers Report cannot decide how to classify the Mazda5.
In their latest 2008 Cars Reviews and Ratings magazine they classify the Mazda5 as a minivan on page 25 and then as a wagon/hatchback on page 35.....what gives?
Anthony

[skyhawk]

If it was a car, you would stoop down to get in the driver's seat. If it was a minivan or SUV, you would climb up to get to driver's seat. If it is a Mazda 5,
There's almost no bending or stooping down to get on the seat... errr at least for my height. Loading the baby seat for example.. No bending at all just walk towards the door, slide it open and the seat is just at the right height. Anyway I think the MZ5 as a vehicle is a bargain for its price.

[dfskinner]

I like the idea that the insurance company considers it a minivan...... I'll enjoy driving it, just don't tell my insurance company it drives like a small sports car.....

[dann & misti]

our 4-year-old calls it a van, our 6-year-old says "no, it's a Mazda 5".

[Kojack]

its not a minivan, its a wagon with sliding doors. try to corner a minivan llike you can corner a 5.....it would be in the weeds. the 5 handles better, gets good milage and is quicker than most minivans. plus it's a helluva lot better looking than any minivan including the MPV....

[dfskinner]

Like I said, don't tell the insurance company's or they'll figure a way to change how it's classified... and charge us more.....

[coolmazda5]

Like I said, don't tell the insurance company's or they'll figure a way to change how it's classified... and charge us more.....

Agreed, let's keep mum (sssh)

[mrbwa1]

Like I said, don't tell the insurance company's or they'll figure a way to change how it's classified... and charge us more.....

Yeah... And please don't tell my Insurance company that I have a "Sport" model. They might get ideas. Interesting enough, our 5 is classed as a Wagon rather than minivan. The EPA classification is also Wagon per the window sticker. I always wanted a sportwagon, just couldn't afford, say a BMW!

[rtalain]

On the other hand - my NY State registration calls it a 4DSD - which is a 4 Door Sedan - so go figure!

My California State registration says "Wagon". And the first time I had it washed, it was at a place that charged $6 for cars and $8 for vans. When it came time to collect the money, the person looked at the car with a puzzled look on his face, rubbed his chin, then charged me $6.

Personally, I didn't think it mattered to me what other people call it, but I find myself correcting everyone who calls it a minivan. It's a wagon, dammit! I also make sure I keep the 3rd row folded down as much as possible.

[mrbwa1]

My California State registration says "Wagon". And the first time I had it washed, it was at a place that charged $6 for cars and $8 for vans. When it came time to collect the money, the person looked at the car with a puzzled look on his face, rubbed his chin, then charged me $6.

Personally, I didn't think it mattered to me what other people call it, but I find myself correcting everyone who calls it a minivan. It's a wagon, dammit! I also make sure I keep the 3rd row folded down as much as possible.

Ironically, I had the same kind of thing happen. I go to the same car was and was wondering if I would have to pay the "truck/SUV/Van tax" and have to buy the premium wash. The figured it's too small to be a van so it's all good. Score another little plus for the 5.