Mazda5 Owner's Quiz

[mountjonas]

eh, why not
1. Which model / color / transmission / options / etc. did you get?
06 Touring, Carbon Grey Mica, Sport AT.

2. Whereabouts are you located?
Socal

3. Is this your first Mazda?
3rd. 91 FC, 02 Protege5, 06 Mz5

4. What other vehicles were you considering, and what would you have bought if the Mazda5 didn't exist?
Honda Odyssey, Toyota Sienna.

5. What were the main three reasons why you chose the Mazda5?
$10k less than those two above.

6. If you could change three things about the Mazda5 and/or the options avaliable for it, what would they be?
A little more power, power sliding doors.

7. Do you plan to make any modifications?
Already tinted to 30% all the way around. That's it.

8. Have you seen any other Mazda5s on the road yet?
Yup.

9. What kind of reactions have you received from others on your new Mazda5?
Nothing negative. My friends love it.

10. So, is the Mazda5 a MAV, a minivan, a space wagon, a microvan, crossover, toaster oven or what?
i'll go with space wagon.

11. What question did I forget to ask?yo mama.

 

[CrazyCaker]

1. Which model / color / transmission / options / etc. did you get?
06 Touring (GT), Carbon Grey, Sport AT.

2. Whereabouts are you located?
Mississauga, ON.

3. Is this your first Mazda?
Nope, 4th.

4. What other vehicles were you considering, and what would you have bought if the Mazda5 didn't exist?
CX-7.

5. What were the main three reasons why you chose the Mazda5?
Needed a family car, it wasn't a typical minivan, and it's a Mazda.

6. If you could change three things about the Mazda5 and/or the options avaliable for it, what would they be?
DVD option, NAV, and rear air.

7. Do you plan to make any modifications?
tint 30% all the way around, and DVD for rear seating.

8. Have you seen any other Mazda5s on the road yet?
Yes.

9. What kind of reactions have you received from others on your new Mazda5?
They like it, but are still confused and think it's a regular minivan.

10. So, is the Mazda5 a MAV, a minivan, a space wagon, a microvan, crossover, toaster oven or what?
whatever.

11. What question did I forget to ask?
Isn't there enough already?

 

[irloyal]

1. Which model / color / transmission / options / etc. did you get?
Touring/Phantom Blue/5 speed/Moonroof-CD Changer-Dimming compass mirror-Rubber mats
2. Whereabouts are you located?
Texas
3. Is this your first Mazda?
Yes
4. What other vehicles were you considering, and what would you have bought if the Mazda5 didn't exist?
Had a Caliber R/T on order. The pizz-poor Dodge dealer couldn't give me an updat on when it was gonna get built after 12 wks, so I stumbled on the Mazda 5 and really liked it.
5. What were the main three reasons why you chose the Mazda5?
Tilt/Telescope wheel. Decent get up and go. 4 Captains chair seating.
6. If you could change three things about the Mazda5 and/or the options avaliable for it, what would they be?
AWD option. Wider stock Tires. A bright yellow or sunburst Orange color option.
7. Do you plan to make any modifications?
Yes
8. Have you seen any other Mazda5s on the road yet?
One
9. What kind of reactions have you received from others on your new Mazda5?
A subdued, yeah, it's pretty cool.
10. So, is the Mazda5 a MAV, a minivan, a space wagon, a microvan, crossover, toaster oven or what?
A croisant toaster oven (crazy)
11. What question did I forget to ask?
How long is the wolf river?

 

[ladygrey]

Just realized I never filled this out...

1. Which model / color / transmission / options / etc. did you get?
Touring/Carbon Grey/5 speed/Moonroof deflector/Bumper step plate
2. Whereabouts are you located?
Colorado
3. Is this your first Mazda?
Yes
4. What other vehicles were you considering, and what would you have bought if the Mazda5 didn't exist?
Nothing probably for a year or so. We were driving a getting old Ford Windstar that we payed nearly nothing for. We have been waiting for a car like this to show up on the market (I thought it was a unattainable dream). We bought without looking at anything else a week after I saw the first info on it.
5. What were the main three reasons why you chose the Mazda5?
Manual Transmission, third row, gas milage
6. If you could change three things about the Mazda5 and/or the options avaliable for it, what would they be?
AWD option. Ability to tow. More air vents.
7. Do you plan to make any modifications?
I added the bumper step plate and I'll tint as soon as I have some extra $$, but otherwise probably not.
8. Have you seen any other Mazda5s on the road yet?
Yep, probably about 10 or so.
9. What kind of reactions have you received from others on your new Mazda5?
Most of my mom friends really like it though some of them torture me by calling it a van. But the surprising reactions have been from my single musician friend (who is obsessed with it) and my no kids, bike racing, friends who have a protege wagon and love my car.
10. So, is the Mazda5 a MAV, a minivan, a space wagon, a microvan, crossover, toaster oven or what?
I call it a wagon. Actually I usually just call it a car it feels like a car to drive.
11. What question did I forget to ask?
Demographic info. 34.9 yo, married, two daughters ages 10 & 8

 

[monsta]

Which model / color / transmission / options / etc. did you get?

Touring, green/silver whatever, auto, whatever came with it.

2. Whereabouts are you located?

Hawaii

3. Is this your first Mazda?

Yup.

4. What other vehicles were you considering, and what would you have bought if the Mazda5 didn't exist?

Boy...ran the gammot on that one! Since this car is our 3rd car and is used 98% for business I started with high end cars such as the 300C & Magnum / Charger R/T. I then made a list of what I needed. 6 passenger, nice looks, good economy, space for my product, easy to get in and out of etc. etc. oh...keep it around 20K. So that led me to the Pacifica (too darn much $$) and the Ford Freestyle (still a lot of $$) and minivans. minivans were out as far as my wife was concerned as we've always had those for business. Time for something new I guess. Enter: The Mazda 5. I saw it as a small Auto Show we have here every year. Once I saw it I knew it was the perfect business car. The one I had been looking for for many years. SOLD! (flash)

5. What were the main three reasons why you chose the Mazda5?

1. Price 2. Functionality 3. Content for price. (What you get for what you pay...or...value. )

6. If you could change three things about the Mazda5 and/or the options avaliable for it, what would they be?

You know...I think about this a lot. Having read all the other posts. I gotta say, some of those things would push the price up to non-value territory. I wouldn't have bought this car if is was even $1000-1500 more. I cannot limit it to 3. I also try to look at from a manufacturer's pointof view where cost vs. profit comes into play.

Interior:
The armrest thing is an understandable omission but it really should be added not only to the front but outboard on the 2nd row would be nive.
Door pockets in the sliding doors would be nice, too.
Another light over the 3rd row.
More fabric choices would be cool but would probably push the price up. It is the omission of many of the things we "complain" about that keeps the price low. Catch-22, I guess.
I love the European 2nd row but do not know if it offers the easy access to the 3rd row as the US/Canadian counterpart.

Exterior:
Nothing. I really like the exterior.
Well...a flip up glass in the hatch would be cool but I didn't even think of it until I read other here had it on their 'wish list".

Drivetrain:
Auto 5-speed w/ manual shift
Yes...beating a dead horse (deadhorse but more power is needed.
Clean up that diesel and bring over the pond. Do that: and the sales will go through the roof!!!!!

7. Do you plan to make any modifications?

Probably not.

8. Have you seen any other Mazda5s on the road yet?

Yes...a few. Seems to be fairly popular here even though Mazda does NO advertising of it at all!

9. What kind of reactions have you received from others on your new Mazda5?

WOW! That's cool! What is it?!

10. So, is the Mazda5 a MAV, a minivan, a space wagon, a microvan, crossover, toaster oven or what?

We call it the mini-minivan.

11. What question did I forget to ask?

Demographics...as stated above.

 

[maramarrie]

1. Which model / color / transmission / options / etc. did you get?
Touring / Cardinal Red / Auto Trans / Auto-Dim mirror with compass, Moonroof wind deflector, Rear Bumper step plate, front mask

2. Whereabouts are you located?
Middle Tennessee

3. Is this your first Mazda?
yes

4. What other vehicles were you considering, and what would you have bought if the Mazda5 didn't exist?
probably nothing, spotted the 5 at a car show and fell in love; otherwise would have kept my VW Jetta until we had kids to fill a minivan

5. What were the main three reasons why you chose the Mazda5?
Extra seating, sliding doors, hatch, storage/cargo, looks,

6. If you could change three things about the Mazda5 and/or the options avaliable for it, what would they be?
passenger armrest, blue tinted anti-glare side view mirrors (Jetta had them, they were great), rear air vents

7. Do you plan to make any modifications?
probably not, but did tint the windows with 35% legal tint--looks pretty sharp

8. Have you seen any other Mazda5s on the road yet?
Me, no...but hubby had seen 3 between the first day we met the 5 (at the car show) and the day we bought

9. What kind of reactions have you received from others on your new Mazda5?
"That sure is different.", "This is sooo cool."

10. So, is the Mazda5 a MAV, a minivan, a space wagon, a microvan, crossover, toaster oven or what?
Hubby calls it a MAV, I call it a microvan or a minivan in a car.

11. What question did I forget to ask? I have no idea.

 

[doctorz]

1. Which model / color / transmission / options / etc. did you get?

Sport, Strato Blue, manual, no options off the lot. We added a cassette player and splash guards.

2. Whereabouts are you located?

Maryland

3. Is this your first Mazda?

No--we have a '99 Protege LX and we traded in an '04 MPV ES for the 5.

4. What other vehicles were you considering, and what would you have bought if the Mazda5 didn't exist?

No other vehicles. The MPV was perfectly fine, but it was bigger than what we really needed--we need the occasional third row seat for car pooling and grandparents, but that's it. One day I casually mentioned to my wife that a smaller alternative now existed to the MPV, and she jumped at the chance to have a smaller, efficient vehicle that's much more entertaining to drive.

5. What were the main three reasons why you chose the Mazda5?

(Down)size, handling, fuel efficiency.

6. If you could change three things about the Mazda5 and/or the options avaliable for it, what would they be?

Arm rests on the sliding doors; some other color for the interior besides black; carpet that doesn't attract dirt as easily.

7. Do you plan to make any modifications?

No. Heck, even my Protege is completely stock.

8. Have you seen any other Mazda5s on the road yet?

Yes--there's a Mazda5 several streets over from ours. However, we just went on a 2500 mile road trip and saw exactly one Mazda5 (in Nashville).

9. What kind of reactions have you received from others on your new Mazda5?

They LOVE it!

10. So, is the Mazda5 a MAV, a minivan, a space wagon, a microvan, crossover, toaster oven or what?

Microvan. Side note--Maryland has different license plates for passenger cars and minivans/SUVs, and the dealer incorrectly told us that the 5 needed a minivan/SUV class "M" plate. As you all probably know (or may not know!), the 5 is classified by the EPA as a car, and I spent countless hours straightening this goof out before I finally got the correct plates for the 5.

11. What question did I forget to ask?[/QUOTE]

Others have mentioned demographics. 34 years old, married, two kids (6-1/2 and 2 years), one dog, mired in suburbia.

 

[P_bouchr]

Hi there!

First post here as I discovered the forum searching for HIDs . Seems like a very nice forum board!

1. Which model / color / transmission / options / etc. did you get?
Canadian M5 GT, tints, cassette player for interfacing with ipod.

2. Whereabouts are you located?
Montreal, Canada!

3. Is this your first Mazda?
Oh yeah! And from my 1st experience, not the last I guess.

4. What other vehicles were you considering, and what would you have bought if the Mazda5 didn't exist?
Oh I don't know. Probably would have gone and renew my VW Jetta.

5. What were the main three reasons why you chose the Mazda5?
1. Price
2. Space
3. Sporty look

6. If you could change three things about the Mazda5 and/or the options avaliable for it, what would they be?
1. Add a standard option for an ipod interface
2. Heated front buckets
3. Mmmm, a Turbo!

7. Do you plan to make any modifications?
Since I'm renting, not really...

8. Have you seen any other Mazda5s on the road yet?
In QC, there are full of 'em, well sort of. Demand is sky high, there are some on roads, but there are delivery delays.

9. What kind of reactions have you received from others on your new Mazda5?
Very positive. I think they like.

10. So, is the Mazda5 a MAV, a minivan, a space wagon, a microvan, crossover, toaster oven or what?
I think microvan, though I have to be very careful not using the word "van" with my girlfriend lol ;-).

11. What question did I forget to ask?
Dunno, but hey i'm 33, father of 2 beautiful lil' 18 months boys (twins) - so yeah, I needed the space lol).

 

[zoomzoom mazda5]

owners quiz

In an effort to learn more about new Mazda5 owners, I created a little quiz. Please answer only if you have bought a Mazda5:

1. Which model / color / transmission / options / etc. did you get?[mazda5 2006 sport , silver, auto, tinted mirror look, side sills, fog lights , 6cd changer, wheel locks, cargo cover, car cover, free washers and free wax jobs for 3 yrs, and extra 1 yr warranty.
2. Whereabouts are you located?palm harbor, florida
(tampa bay)
3. Is this your first Mazda?
yes
4. What other vehicles were you considering, and what would you have bought if the Mazda5 didn't exist?mini

5. What were the main three reasons why you chose the Mazda5?
price , ride, looks.
6. If you could change three things about the Mazda5 and/or the options avaliable for it, what would they be?more power, more colors, better sound system, arm rest.

7. Do you plan to make any modifications?yes, have a few acc. on order from hong kong.

8. Have you seen any other Mazda5s on the road yet?
yes about 3 more.
9. What kind of reactions have you received from others on your new Mazda5?
crazy looks
10. So, is the Mazda5 a MAV, a minivan, a space wagon, a microvan, crossover, toaster oven or what?my ride

11. What question did I forget to ask?

none(enguard)

 

[opus]

In an effort to learn more about new Mazda5 owners, I created a little quiz. Please answer only if you have bought a Mazda5:

1. Which model / color / transmission / options / etc. did you get?
Mazda5 Touring Edition, 5spd, true silver metallic
2. Whereabouts are you located?
Temperance, Michigan
3. Is this your first Mazda?
Yes
4. What other vehicles were you considering, and what would you have bought if the Mazda5 didn't exist?
Mazda6 wagon, Subaru Legacy Wagon, Passat Wagon, Chevy HHR
5. What were the main three reasons why you chose the Mazda5?
5spd, room for six, handling
6. If you could change three things about the Mazda5 and/or the options avaliable for it, what would they be?
1. Traction control, esp
2. Grey or more neutral interior color, I am so tired of sweeping the inside
3. 30 more hp
7. Do you plan to make any modifications?
Tint and KN until warranty is up then who knows
8. Have you seen any other Mazda5s on the road yet?
About six, three in town and three on road trip
9. What kind of reactions have you received from others on your new Mazda5?
A mix of confusion and smiles more or less "What the hell is that?"
10. So, is the Mazda5 a MAV, a minivan, a space wagon, a microvan, crossover, toaster oven or what?
space wagon, see the list of what else I was considering buying.
11. What question did I forget to ask?

None

 

[paging_drburgos]

1. Which model / color / transmission / options / etc. did you get?
Touring, Platinum, Auto, Navi and Sunroof wind deflector thingy

2. Whereabouts are you located?
So cal, OC area
3. Is this your first Mazda?
Nope, had a 00 protege a while back
4. What other vehicles were you considering, and what would you have bought if the Mazda5 didn't exist?
Mitsubishi Montero (glad the 5 exists)
5. What were the main three reasons why you chose the Mazda5?
It looked like the smartest car on the road (extremely practical), good gas mileage compared to most SUV's, 6 seats
6. If you could change three things about the Mazda5 and/or the options avaliable for it, what would they be?
.....ummm.......dont know yet
7. Do you plan to make any modifications?
tint, HID headlamps, and DVD
8. Have you seen any other Mazda5s on the road yet?
only a small handful although there are 2 others at the parking lot here at work
9. What kind of reactions have you received from others on your new Mazda5?
Whoa...what is it...a mini-minivan?
10. So, is the Mazda5 a MAV, a minivan, a space wagon, a microvan, crossover, toaster oven or what?
SPACEWAGON/PEOPLEMOVER/MAV

 

[crazycool78]

1. Which model / color / transmission / options / etc. did you get?
sport strato blue automatic(although being able to switch manny is cool) no special ops to leave room for the things i want to do

2. Whereabouts are you located?
Los Angeles/Carson/Buena Park California

3. Is this your first Mazda?
nope, previously owned a 1997 626

4. What other vehicles were you considering, and what would you have bought if the Mazda5 didn't exist?
Really wasn't considering anything else

5. What were the main three reasons why you chose the Mazda5?
1. Can fit me, my hubby and our 4 kids in it.
2. Not ur typical mom vehicle
3. Look of a mini but 10x sportier

6. If you could change three things about the Mazda5 and/or the options avaliable for it, what would they be?
1. nothing
2. nothing
3. nothing

7. Do you plan to make any modifications?
researching in to what mods are available. Found a CAI and looking for some new shoes and whatever else is available

8. Have you seen any other Mazda5s on the road yet?
A couple

9. What kind of reactions have you received from others on your new Mazda5? Got stopped by the sherriffs here in Carson just so he could look at it. Then he ended up mistaking it for toyota matrix.

10. So, is the Mazda5 a MAV, a minivan, a space wagon, a microvan, crossover, toaster oven or what? crossover of a microminispacevanwagon

11. What question did I forget to ask?
10 questions was enough

 

[Scoot]

In an effort to learn more about new Mazda5 owners, I created a little quiz. Please answer only if you have bought a Mazda5:

1. Which model / color / transmission / options / etc. did you get?
2.3S Phantom Blue, AT, Door pack, HID etc

2. Whereabouts are you located?
Hiroshima ken, Japan

3. Is this your first Mazda?
No, RX7 (pre-fatherhood)

4. What other vehicles were you considering, and what would you have bought if the Mazda5 didn't exist?
Honda Oddysey, Honda StepWgn, Mitsubishi Outlander

5. What were the main three reasons why you chose the Mazda5?
Functionality, Style, Handling, Price, Isofix points

6. If you could change three things about the Mazda5 and/or the options avaliable for it, what would they be?
A. More tactile interior - less hard plastic.
B. CVT or 5Spd auto
C. Availability of DISI engine

7. Do you plan to make any modifications?
Probably not

8. Have you seen any other Mazda5s on the road yet?
Given that I live in Hiroshima (ie near the factory) not as many as I expected. White and Grey are the colours of choise in Japan, so Phantom Blue is a little less common.

9. What kind of reactions have you received from others on your new Mazda5?
Only positive ones

10. So, is the Mazda5 a MAV, a minivan, a space wagon, a microvan, crossover, toaster oven or what?
I guess it depends where you hail from. In Japan its defined as a minivan. I'm European, so its an MAV

11. What question did I forget to ask?

Only you could know the answer to that question

 

[paging_drburgos]

1. Which model / color / transmission / options / etc. did you get?
sport strato blue automatic(although being able to switch manny is cool) no special ops to leave room for the things i want to do

2. Whereabouts are you located?
Los Angeles/Carson/Buena Park California

3. Is this your first Mazda?
nope, previously owned a 1997 626

4. What other vehicles were you considering, and what would you have bought if the Mazda5 didn't exist?
Really wasn't considering anything else

5. What were the main three reasons why you chose the Mazda5?
1. Can fit me, my hubby and our 4 kids in it.
2. Not ur typical mom vehicle
3. Look of a mini but 10x sportier

6. If you could change three things about the Mazda5 and/or the options avaliable for it, what would they be?
1. nothing
2. nothing
3. nothing

7. Do you plan to make any modifications?
researching in to what mods are available. Found a CAI and looking for some new shoes and whatever else is available

8. Have you seen any other Mazda5s on the road yet?
A couple

9. What kind of reactions have you received from others on your new Mazda5? Got stopped by the sherriffs here in Carson just so he could look at it. Then he ended up mistaking it for toyota matrix.

10. So, is the Mazda5 a MAV, a minivan, a space wagon, a microvan, crossover, toaster oven or what? crossover of a microminispacevanwagon

11. What question did I forget to ask?
10 questions was enough

I'll be seein' you around crazycool...I live in BP
(burnout) .. zoom zoom

 

[2cam16]

1. Which model / color / transmission / options / etc. did you get?
Sport Plat Silver/AT/whatever comes with a Sport

2. Whereabouts are you located?
Peninsula Area, NorCal

3. Is this your first Mazda?
2nd

4. What other vehicles were you considering, and what would you have bought if the Mazda5 didn't exist?
Honda Element

5. What were the main three reasons why you chose the Mazda5?
Price,Reputation of the 3 chassis,flexibility


6. If you could change three things about the Mazda5 and/or the options avaliable for it, what would they be?
Easier access to rear speakers, more generic stereo fascia, a bit more power

7. Do you plan to make any modifications?
Already started !


8. Have you seen any other Mazda5s on the road yet?
Yes


9. What kind of reactions have you received from others on your new Mazda5?
Some quizzical


10. So, is the Mazda5 a MAV, a minivan, a space wagon, a microvan, crossover, toaster oven or what?

MAV,mini-minivan

11. What question did I forget to ask?

??

 

[Lazy Glen]

1. Which model / color / transmission / options / etc. did you get?
Touring, Stellar greensilver, Manual, 6 disc changer

2. Whereabouts are you located?
RTP NC

3. Is this your first Mazda?
No, this replaced a 95 Protege

4. What other vehicles were you considering, and what would you have bought if the Mazda5 didn't exist?
Subaru Outback, Forester
Ford Freestyle, Focus, Five hundred
Mazda6

5. What were the main three reasons why you chose the Mazda5?
Price, Price/Space, Mileage

6. If you could change three things about the Mazda5 and/or the options avaliable for it, what would they be?
Passenger seat armrest
Outboard armrests for 2nd row seats
Bluetooth phone compatable

7. Do you plan to make any modifications?
Roof racks

8. Have you seen any other Mazda5s on the road yet?
A few. The first one we noticed, we crawled through at our daughters school, which caused us to research it more.

9. What kind of reactions have you received from others on your new Mazda5?
What is it?

10. So, is the Mazda5 a MAV, a minivan, a space wagon, a microvan, crossover, toaster oven or what?
When forced I call it a space wagon or a cross between a minivan and a station wagon. Usually I call it "The Mazda".

11. What question did I forget to ask?
Demographics:
mid 30's, married, 6.5 year old and 1 year old.

 

[Mazda5wannabe]

1. Which model / color / transmission / options / etc. did you get?
GT / Platinum Silver / Manual 5 spd / Climate Control / Roof Rack

2. Whereabouts are you located?
Kelowna BC Canada

3. Is this your first Mazda?
No, but the last one was a 1976 808 Station Wagon! Drove that puppy until it died a dignified death.

4. What other vehicles were you considering, and what would you have bought if the Mazda5 didn't exist?
I was looking for station wagons that would fit 5 comfortably along with my dog. If I hadn't found the Mazda 5 I would have bought the Passat Wagon for $10K more!

5. What were the main three reasons why you chose the Mazda5?
Price / Space / Uniqueness

6. If you could change three things about the Mazda5 and/or the options avaliable for it, what would they be?
V6 engine / iPod/MP3 player compatible / additional data port in console

7. Do you plan to make any modifications?
Window tinting

8. Have you seen any other Mazda5s on the road yet?
More and more, we give each other waves and thumb ups!

9. What kind of reactions have you received from others on your new Mazda5?
"You're right, it's not a van!" and "Sporty", (disbelievingly) "How much?"

10. So, is the Mazda5 a MAV, a minivan, a space wagon, a microvan, crossover, toaster oven or what?
It's Cooooool!

11. What question did I forget to ask?[/QUOTE]
Where can I send the winning lottery ticket to?

 

[We&2kids]

In an effort to learn more about new Mazda5 owners, I created a little quiz. Please answer only if you have bought a Mazda5:

1. Which model / color / transmission / options / etc. did you get?

I ordered my 07 GT Automatic (yawn) in platinum silver with expresso colour leather seat. That's the only colour for leather that they offer, and I have yet to see/feel it.

2. Whereabouts are you located?

Just north of Toronto, Canada

3. Is this your first Mazda?

No. I drove a Miata (MX5) before we had our first kid. Still missing it.

4. What other vehicles were you considering, and what would you have bought if the Mazda5 didn't exist?

Other regular minivans. If not for the Mazda5, we would keep driving our 2002 Sienna for a few more years.

5. What were the main three reasons why you chose the Mazda5?

Sliding door (so the kids won't open the door and ding my other car in the garage); fuel economy; extra seats for occasional passengers.

6. If you could change three things about the Mazda5 and/or the options avaliable for it, what would they be?

I only test drove it and love it so far. I guess I will feel the need for some other practical improvements (e.g. passenger arm rest) when I drive it everyday.

7. Do you plan to make any modifications?

Looking at iPod integration. The 1-disk CD & no cassette is not sufficient for even my daily commute.

8. Have you seen any other Mazda5s on the road yet?

Lots in the Toronto area. I was concerned about the earlier recalls, otherwise I could have got my Mazda5 last year.

9. What kind of reactions have you received from others on your new Mazda5?

Will answer when I get it, hopefully by the end of September.

10. So, is the Mazda5 a MAV, a minivan, a space wagon, a microvan, crossover, toaster oven or what?

Call it whatever you like. It is the start of a new trend, at least in North America. Be the first!

11. What question did I forget to ask?

How about: How do you want people to see you as a Mazda5 owner? Trend setter? Chic parent? Environmentalist? For me it's all of the above.

 

[STIMIK01]

Just love it!!

In an effort to learn more about new Mazda5 owners, I created a little quiz. Please answer only if you have bought a Mazda5:

1. Which model / color / transmission / options / etc. did you get?
GT / Silver / AT...window tint (dealer film type), optional carpets, bumper protector
2. Whereabouts are you located?
Montreal
3. Is this your first Mazda?
Yes
4. What other vehicles were you considering, and what would you have bought if the Mazda5 didn't exist?
Considered Honda sedan. No, would not have bought another Mazda
5. What were the main three reasons why you chose the Mazda5?
1. Versatilty 2. Price 3 Car size
6. If you could change three things about the Mazda5 and/or the options avaliable for it, what would they be?
Higher quality cargo carpeting, Passenger arm rest, Better paint (if it really is a problem)
7. Do you plan to make any modifications?
No
8. Have you seen any other Mazda5s on the road yet?
All kinds
9. What kind of reactions have you received from others on your new Mazda5?
Sexy look, versality
10. So, is the Mazda5 a MAV, a minivan, a space wagon, a microvan, crossover, toaster oven or what?
Although I hate to admit it..it is a van even if a small one
11. What question did I forget to ask?

Age group....I in my 60s and this is the perfect vehicle for my wife and I to use in town and occasionally snowbirding

 

[WhiteStar III]

1. Which model / color / transmission / options / etc. did you get?
2006 Mazda 5 [Mz5] Sport / Stratos Blue / Auto / Pop Pkg (6 Disc CD, Extd Side Sills, Spoiler); Chrome Exhaust Tip; Door Bump Strips; Cargo Net;
2. Whereabouts are you located?
NorthEast PA - Poconos
3. Is this your first Mazda?
Yes; I own a Toyota 4R & a Nissan Titan. Traded in a Honda Accord Coupe (2nd one!).
4. What other vehicles were you considering, and what would you have bought if the Mazda5 didn't exist?
Nissan Versa / Mazda 3-5dr / Toyota Matrix-Pontiac Vibe / Honda Civic sdn / Honda Fit / Toyota Yaris
Would have bought the Versa.
5. What were the main three reasons why you chose the Mazda5?
Size / Value / Standard Safety
6. If you could change three things about the Mazda5 and/or the options avaliable for it, what would they be?
Changes? A 5sd or CVT Auto to increase fuel economy, acceleration / Armrest for front passenger / More storage space near driver (sunglasses, coins, maps, CDs) / Rear AC vents / Auto Locking Doors
Options? Power Lowering Rear Hatch Window / AWD / CVT / Skid Control
7. Do you plan to make any modifications?
Yes Fog Lights at least
8. Have you seen any other Mazda5s on the road yet?
One
9. What kind of reactions have you received from others on your new Mazda5?
None yet Just got it!
10. So, is the Mazda5 a MAV, a minivan, a space wagon, a microvan, crossover, toaster oven or what?
Me-36: Microvan/wagon
Wife: Perfect
17 mo. Son: Buu Car
11. What question did I forget to ask?
Why did you purchase the Mazda 5?

A: It came down to the Mazda5 and the Nissan Versa with a $2K price advantage.

I already had a commuter vehicle (~ 160mi/day w/ 90% Highway) an Accord Coupe but needed something with more doors and room so I can fit an infant car seat. So Ive got a requirement for a five door hatch with 450-500 mi/tank range, similar or better safety features (full airbag coverage, ABS) and unwilling to pay higher monthly payments than compared with my current commuter. The wife has reservations against used vehicles so I initially looked at the Fit, Versa, Yaris, & Matrix/Vibe, so let me share my experiences:

1. Since the Fit, Versa, Yaris are all new vehicles with limited availability, there is little to no dealing off MSRP. Although with the Toyota it wouldnt matter anyway; they didnt budge on the Matrix even though I was looking at an 06 model (record sales and limited inventory means no negotiation is required on the dealers part). Pontiac dealer was willing to bend more but not enough to match current vehicle monthly payments. And with everyone jumping on economy cars I dont think pricing will change much in the future.

2. Since these are for the most part entry level vehicles where price point is a major concern the majority of these vehicles are basically strippers. Not a big issue with the Fit & Versa as they are fairly well equipped in base models; much more problematic with the Yaris & Matrix/Vibe as you have to deal with Toyota regional distributors who decide what option packages will be available (which indirectly affects the Vibe as it is produced at the same plant as the trix).

I decided against the Trix/Vibe as the requirement for full airbags, ABS forced me to look at fully loaded and/or AWD versions (where the range would have been less than 350 mi per tank). In addition the Corrolla on which these vehicles are based is due to be replaced next year so there would be a significant depreciation hit (& even worse for the Pontiac version).

Yaris was the next to go as it lacks the five door body style and to get the full airbags & ABS would have been difficult even without the lack of availability.

The Fit had everything I was looking for standard but lacks range so that left me with the Versa.

Versas got a surprising amount of interior space and compared to its competition a fairly powerful motor. Its well equipped (although considering its Tiida roots as a B segment luxury car it lacks ABS as standard) including tire pressure monitoring system as an added safety enhancement and with the CVT comparable fuel economy to its competitors with ~ 475 mi range.

So Im ready to make the plunge on a red Versa SL with CVT & ABS @ MSRP ($16,500) however, very few ABS equipped Versas are being shipped. To the dealers credit they were able to locate two due to be delivered in the region and they were hoping to pull a trade for it; but due to limited availability they were unable to get the vehicle and will probably have to order one.

Now I love my special order Titan that I had to wait almost four months for; but I dont want to wait until January for one because by then winter will be in full force and Versas will not be selling at MSRP.

So I expand my search to include previously disregarded vehicles the Honda Civic (EX because we would want a 60/40 rear seat, alloys, rear discs and the sunroof would have been nice no deal consummated because record sales and limited inventory means no real negotiation is required on the dealers part -- just $500 off MSRP @ Accords original dealership) and the Mazda3-5dr.

I decide to take the wife to the local Mazda/Honda dealership to compare and see what deals we could get on the 06s.

We walk in to the Mazda side and inspect the nearest 3-5dr on the showroom (the lack of rear legroom and range vrs the Versa in addition to limited inventory of 06s [black-too maintenance intensive color] and 07s means no real negotiation is required on the dealers part off MSRP). As the salesman looks for the keys of a 3-5dr for a test drive I notice this thing on the showroom floor

What the heck is it? It looks like a I dunno its got 5 doors a scaled up Matrix Wait! The rear door slides open. WTF? a MINIVAN? its got a 3rd row, center and front captain chairs, very roomy & full airbags WTF? NO! It doesnt really look like a minivan; its way too small to be a minivan WHAT IS THIS THING?

Sticker says Mazda 5 $19,495 too bad Wait its an 06! Marked down to $18,500 Interesting Does it have ABS? EBD? Curtain airbag coverage for the 3rd row? ISO/LATCH? Even in the third row? YES-STANDARD! How big is the tank? 16 gal. 16*26 = 416mi, a little short Whats under the hood? 160hp/150tq, 2.3l. Not bad What does it weigh? 3400lbs its definitely bigger than everything else Ive thought about Sure Ill take it for a test drive