2008 Mazda Mazda5 consumer reviews

We owned Mazda5 for 4.5 yrs made 75K, Comfort -not so much very small seats for a big guy, third row seats only for small kids not for an adult, but when folded great cargo space. performance- car is too heavy for a 2.3L engine, and if you step on the pedal, gas economy holds around 20mpg, great exterior and interior design, we had grand touring fully equipped navigation, entertainment system for kids etc. reliability- had to replace suspension twice, transmission very rough, when driving uphill you can expect some difficulty. Very expensive tires and not much to choose from, tpms pain in the the behind every year had to replace them because corrosion from the winter time, had to align front every year lots of knocking, at 25K transmission started to be very rough on 3rd and 4th gear this is known problem to mazda but they do not care they will leave you with the cost,at 35k pressure switch on transmission failed, not covered by warranty, had to replace trans fluid 4 times, last 25K cost exceeded $3000 in maintenance that is more than my 2000 old intrigue ever,

I have had my Mazda5 for about 2 months now and I love it! I am consistantly getting about 27 MPG. I think it looks sharp(tinted windows really make it look sharp). It is very powerful for a 4cyl. and handles like a sports car. It is very comfortable and versatile inside. Have not driven it in a lot of snow yet but I think with the standard wide low profile tires that I am going to have to get at least some front snow tires. Overall I am very happy with my Mazda....Zoom, Zoom!!

First the positives: Though two will be seated uncomfortably, it does seat 6. With the back seats dropped, the cargo area is huge. I put the Mazda roof rack on and fit it with bike and ski racks, so it keeps pace with an outdoors lifestyle. Handling is great and it turns tight for the size which is great in the city. Now the negatives: Super weak suspension. I'm replacing shocks and struts every 35,000 miles. The transmission cooling is also a sore point and you'll find it shifts rough on long climbs or on hot days. The low profile tires ride rough, are more difficult to find and fewer options for snowtires. It lacks traction control, too, so winter driving is sketchy. This car has already cost me more in total maintenance than the last 3 cars combined that I've owned, so it's not really an economy car. Finally, the fuel economy is lacking. I've learned to hold it under 2500 RPM and then I can get better than 28 MPG. Rev'ing more than that results in fuel economy down in the low 20's.

I really like this Mazda. It is comfortable and it loos good. It is 4 CYLINDER but it has good pick up. I was worrid when I went from a 6 cyl but it is just as good. The only issue that really isn't an issue at all is the road noise. It does tend to be a little load especially if you sit in the very back.

Good car, great handling, very tight. Interesting setup. Good quality, however it is made of mostly plastic (interior). No automatic headlights on our model. Storage in every nook and cranny.

Overall, the car has been good. Two issues: 1. The tires seem to be more prone to flats than other cars. Very premature Clutch failure - 18,000 miles. Here are experts from two letters to Mazda concerning the clutch: Letter 1 to Mazda USA "We bought a 2009 Mazda 5 with a manual transmission new in October 2008. We were very disappointed when the clutch started slipping with only 18,000 miles on the odometer. We have only owned manual transmission cars for over 28 years. During this time period we have owned 6 other cars from 4 manufacturers. We have always received good life from the clutch in our cars. Until now, The shortest time that a clutch has lasted was 90,000 miles with many lasting over 120,000 miles when we got rid of the car. Our driving habits have not changed during this time period and we have maintained the car. Based on our experience and normal usage, we consider the life of the clutch on this car to be unacceptable." Letter 2 to Mazda Corporate in Hiroshima "Attached is a series of correspondence with Mazda USA concerning a problem with premature Clutch replacement with our 2009 Mazda5. We feel that the response from the Mazda USA is narrow and inadequate. It did not answer the primary question that Mazda needs to deal with: Why did the Mazda clutch fail at 18,000 miles when, with the same drivers and driving style, clutches from other manufacturers have lasted over 90,000 miles? Note that we did not ask about the details of the warranty; we can read that ourselves. We believe it was caused by a manufacturing problem, either in the Hiroshima factory or with a supplier. It seems as if Mazda USA is trying to avoid responsibility. Quality Control is something that Japanese automakers are known for; it seems that Mazda is losing its reputation, especially with us. Regardless of the particular response of Mazda USA in this case or the costs incurred in this case, this problem needs to be dealt with, or Mazda will suffer because of inadequate quality control or management, as has lead to the fall of some of your American competitors."

Good room, handles great and with the pearl paint and tinted glass... looks great! Love the 5 speed, very easy to drive and since it's geared low it hauls around town pretty quick, even with people on board. The low gearing does cause higher revs on the highway which is why fuel economy isn't any higher. With a 6 speed I think it would probably get low 30's on the highway.

The 2008 Mazda 5 is an excellent vehicle for the money. I've had MANY cars in my 43 years including 4 other Mazda models. I have a family now so I'm limited to a vehicle that has a 6 person seating capacity. The 5 is the perfect combination of space and performance.

Started looking to replace my 4th Chrysler minivan a year ago. Google revealed only the Mazda5 as an alternative to the traditional minivan for rear sliders. While I was downsizing due to no more kids at home, getting my work equipment in and out of sliding doors stood out as a priority. I can still seat 6, but haven't yet. Ended up with a used '08. Love the handling, sportiness (zoom-zoom!), and glad I have my first moonroof. Surprised, though, that the gas mileage isn't a tad higher.

Bought a used 2008 with 43,000+ miles. Wheels spun before biting on slightly wet pavement and on loose pebbles over pavement when starting up after stopping.I live in a part of the country where in winter it snows. My driveway is on a slight incline down to the garage. In a plowed but snow covered driveway it could not back all the way up, it could not go over tiny ridges of loose snow without getting stuck. Had brand new tires too. Forget driving on snow covered roads before the plowed and salted. The antenna hit the top of my garage door coming and going. A most useful vehicle for people who live where the road conditions are always perfect. I traded it in after less than 2 weeks.