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  • zbxzbx Posts: 30
    No matter how cramped it might be, is the reason why Mazda doesn't offer (even as an option) as a 7th seat a Karakuri in between the middle row seats is becuz it doesn't meet safety requirements in North America? And since it's offered in UK, then this means that safety standards are laxer in the UK?
  • PF_FlyerPF_Flyer Pennsylvania Furnace, PAPosts: 5,854
    It's Tuesday, so that means Mazda chat night. If you haven't joined us before, stop in tonight for a little fun with the group!


    Share your vehicle reviews

  • microrepairmicrorepair Eastern MassachusettsPosts: 508
    "The lighter vehicle should get at least 5mpg better."

    OK, here's a real world example of upside down numbers..
    I have a 2003 Toyota Matrix XR w/auto and on the highway it does no better than 26-27 mpg.. I also have a 2001 Mercedes E320 that on the highway delivers 28-29 mpg.

    The MB is 220 HP and 4000+ pounds vs. the Matrix at 130 HP and less than 3000 pounds..

    So much for the 5 mpg MORE !!!

    Go figure...!

    I am convinced that Toyota fudges their numbers a LOT... I even took it back to the dealer complaining of the poor economy and they returned it after testing stating it was fine and giving 31 mpg...!! Maybe going downhill with the engine off..!!
    I have a friend with a Prius that gets around 40 mpg highway where they advertise 50 mpg !!!

    Keep in mind that the car companies do the testing, not the EPA. The testing procedure is defined by the EPA but they let the companies do the testing..

    Who do YOU trust ?? :( :(
  • idavidsonidavidson Posts: 41

    I love my Mazda5 for how quick it is off the mark.
    I especially appreciate this after driving a Chrysler
    PT cruiser and a Hyundai mid-size (can't forget the name).

    Both these cars really struggle when taking of at
    a traffic light, but my Mazda5 zips off.

    HOWEVER, both these other cars cruise at 70mph at
    about 2400 RPM but my auto Mazda5 does 70mph
    at 3000 RPM.

    Are the two connected? I think the Mazda5 gets not
    great fuel economy perhaps because the engine works
    harder to get to 70mph
  • bobw3bobw3 Posts: 2,997
    Weight doesn't necessarily have much to do with MPG. Once a vehicle is moving, it doesn't take much hp to keep it moving. The bigger engine in larger cars is to give it more initial speed and power. Aerodynamics are the biggest factor for highway MPG. That's why a small boxy car won't get much better MPG than a larger, more aerodynamic sedan.

    Plus larger engines run at much lower RPMs on the highway, which equals less gas usage. Think about it. If you have a V-8 with twice the engine size of a 4cyl but the 4cyl is going 3200rpm vs the V-8 going 1600 rpm to keep the speed at 60mph for example, which would get the better mpg?
  • microrepairmicrorepair Eastern MassachusettsPosts: 508
    is strongly related to the LOAD on an engine. An engine running at high RPM may be "loafing" in that it is under almost no load and therefore is sipping fuel where an engine that is running at 1500 rpm trying to get up a hill pulling a trailer is guzzling the fuel at a prodigious rate.

    A v-8 does not necessarily run at half the rpm of a 4-cyl engine for a given speed. That is determined by the overall drive train ratio for that particular car. Both the V8 and the 4 cylinder may be loafing at 70 mph if they are lightly loaded, such as no passengers, no luggage, etc.. Other factors come into play at the hi-way speeds; tire pressure, wind resistance, etc..

  • bobw3bobw3 Posts: 2,997 point was that it has to do with a lot more than vehicle weight. My V8 vs 4cyl engine comparision was just a hypothetical example.
  • twaintwain Posts: 185
    My main concern with the 5 is its small powerplant and whether or not its underpowered.

    IMO, every vehicle should offer an economy model and a performance model. For the Mazda5, that could mean the option of a turbo or a small V6. 200hp in a Mazda5 turbo would be very interesting. ;) I believe Mazda should offer that option because many people like you are concerned that the 2.3 4cyl isn't enough for a vehicle weighing 3400 pounds and might be carrying 6 people.
  • bostnwhalrbostnwhalr Posts: 128
    Really, really liked. Very nice handling vehicle. Definitely on the short list. I just want to check out the FWD Ford FreeStyle and believe it or not, the new Scion xB.

    Question: I've seen others talk a bit about roof racks, but has anyone tried the dealer installed roof rack? Do people like them. From the pictures, I wasn't too thrilled with the location, given the fact that their fixed. Wish one could have greater distance between the two bars. I ask because I haul a 17' kayak.

    I know Yakima makes a custom kit, but I've heard that it rubs the paint off the rear doors or something to that effect.


    Any thoughts.
  • bostnwhalrbostnwhalr Posts: 128
    Sorry, the above message should have been posted elsewhere. I'll repost there.

    And no, I didn't feel it was underpowered on the highway. Of course with 4 of my larger friends onboard.....
  • deirdrefdeirdref Posts: 9
    Could somebody do me a huge favour and measure the width of one of the 2nd row seats, across the bottom and the back? I'm considering buying one and want to be sure my daughter's extra big car seat will fit ok.

  • jeffpurdjeffpurd Posts: 11
    by my rough measurement - about 19" wide. My daughter's monster Britax Marathon seat fits on it fine and results in a great height for loading her in 40 times a day. This is actually one of the nice things about the 5's second row being captains chairs - you can slide them forward and backward with the child seat on it. We were looking at a Saturn Outlook's second row bench - and for third row access - the second row essentially collapses/folds-up which seems great but my wife pointed out that this wouldn't work real well with a child seat in that location (good to have someone with common sense along when I'm car shopping).
  • deirdrefdeirdref Posts: 9
    Thank you so much! We have a Britax seat for kids with special needs (Traveller Plus), I measured and it's 20" wide. Hopefully it will work ok, guess I'll have to try it to be sure. It does have the Latch system so maybe that will help.
  • daharondaharon Posts: 24

    Seems the M5 isn't exactly the nicest place to spend time in if you intend to breathe. I bought mine to carry a couple of new babies in. Now what? Thanks Mazda, for using all those toxic flame-retardants. At least I didn't buy a Scion xB, which scores the worst.

    Look elsewhere on that site for explanations of what the chemicals are, what they do to you and how they break down. If I keep the car, I'm thinking of getting it tinted and using a windshield reflector to keep the heat down. In the meantime, you'll see me with all the windows open....
  • sir_timbitsir_timbit Posts: 39
    From Mazda's media site. I wonder when it'll be out. I'm willing to wait to get some of these features that are not available in the 2007 model, such as the 5 speed auto tranny and improved fuel econ, rear air vents, heated mirrors, alarm, Bluetooth, armrests (hopefully they mean the front passenger armrest), MP3 audio input jack, etc. Quite a number of nice improvements!



    Introduced in 2006, The MAZDA5 is a three-row, six-passenger multi-activity vehicle infused with sports car inspiration that efficiently transports people and equipment like a large SUV. MAZDA5 demonstrates Mazda&#146;s infusion of stylish, insightful and spirited vehicles. The 2008 MAZDA5 adds a freshened exterior design, five-speed automatic transmission, rear cool air vents, improved gas mileage, arm rests, standard auxiliary audio input jack, and new interior and exterior colors.

    The MAZDA5 is powered by an all-aluminum 2.3-liter, four-cylinder MZR series engine, producing 153 horsepower and 148 lb-ft of torque, shared with the popular MAZDA3. Inside, the MAZDA5 offers a flexible seating arrangement and a flowing wedge-shaped body with solid proportions, defining the vehicle as unmistakably Mazda. The MAZDA5&#146;s large sliding doors and low floor allow for fluid ingress and egress, and a one-touch walk-in mechanism offers easy access to the third-row seats. Pricing for the 2008 MAZDA5 will be announced at a later date.

    New or enhanced for 2008:

    * Freshened exterior design
    * Five-speed automatic transmission
    * Rear cool air vents
    * Improved gas mileage
    * Arm rests
    * Standard auxiliary audio input jack
    * LED taillights (Touring and Grand Touring)
    * New exterior colors &#150; Copper Red, Golden Sand, Stormy Blue, Sunlight Silver, Crystal White Pearl
    * Two new interior colors &#150; Black or Sand
    o cloth seat upholstery (Sport and Touring)
    o leather seat upholstery (Grand Touring)

    In addition, all 2008 MAZDA5 Grand Touring models will be equipped with standard:

    * Security alarm
    * Bluetooth hands-free phone system
    * Auto on/off headlights
    * Heated door mirrors
    * Rain-sensing wipers
  • kivokivo Posts: 64
    I don't own a Mazda5 yet, but I took a test drive and liked it very much except I could not see the end of the hood. Has that been a problem for anyone? How about parking? Thanks.
  • deirdrefdeirdref Posts: 9
    You can raise the height of the driver's seat. I forgot about this until recently. I'm 5'1" and find it makes a big difference.
  • kivokivo Posts: 64
    Does anyone know when the 2008 Mazda5's will be at the dealer's showrooms?
  • f14tomcatf14tomcat Posts: 9
    Is there any links to how the 2008 Mazda5 looks, or what the price will be? Will it go up from the 2007 models? Looking to buy really soon and I am trying to weigh the going for the 2007 option or waiting for the 2008. I like the rear air of the 2008, but I like the sticker of the 2007. How long do we have to wait before it arrives anyway?
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