Here is my personal opinion and review of the 2008 Mazda 5 GT
About a year ago we had a baby, and we realized very quickly that our 2007 2 door VW GTI, the car I loved so much, was just not going to cut it – so, we said goodbye to the fast little car, and hello to mini-van ownership.
But we didn’t want just any mini-van, we wanted a mini-mini-van, one that seems more like a care, and less like a van, one with a manual transmission. That’s when we discovered the 2008 Mazda 5.
We knew right away that it was the perfect car for us. The convenience of a mini-van with the size and agility of a car – it is built on the Mazda 3 platform after all. We find that most people don’t even realize it’s a van, and have heard the comment several times, “It has sliding doors?” “Sure does, and a third row of seats!” Many people see it and assume it’s a Toyota Matrix and are very surprised to see the sliding doors and third row.
This car is really perfect for us, lots of cargo room, its sporty, fun to drive, and it looks good.
Car Trouble
Since we got our 5, we have had only one small problem with it (see update below), a problem that was covered 100% under warranty. The gas cap. I went to buy gas before a trip one day, and for the life of me couldn’t get the gas cap off. The dealer broke it into several pieces trying to get it off, commented on how strange it was, and replaced it at no charge. Since then, no problems. (I have also heard of several other cases where people have had the same bizarre problem. You can read some of these stories over at Mazda Forums.
UPDATE: October 16, 2010
While we still love this car, and it suits our needs very well, since writing this post, there have been a few other warranty issues, some small, some significant. Here they are:
- rear wiper arm
- rear right shock
- rear left shock
- power steering pump
- leak detection pump
- Power window issues (just needed adjustment, not actually broken)
- dead headlight (surprisingly covered under warranty)
UPDATE: January 23, 2012
I had a nice long time without any issues. Then the same headlight died again. Not a big deal, $10 and 10 minutes later it was fixed. Still weird how I lost two lights on the same side while the other still shines on.Also, the right rear shock went AGAIN. Mazda would not cover it. No warranty on replacement shocks I guess? Anyways, I have vented bit time about this issue here “Why Courtenay Mazda Has Lost My Business“
Likes
I like a number of things about this car.
- Sliding doors
- Third row of seats
- Vehicle size
- Vehicle styling, Including Rims
- Available storage
- Great gas mileage
- Manual transmission
- Driveability (fun to drive & sporty, albeit a little underpowered)
Dislikes
There are a number of small things that bug me a little – none are enough to stop be from recommending the car however.
- Drivers seat should slide back a bit further
- Rear vent blows outside air only
- No heated mirror option on GT model
- No heated seats without leather option
- Stereo is way under-powered, and sounds average at best
- Stereo does not support MP3’s!
- Engine could use a little more power & torque. Currently it has about 157 HP, should probably be 200.
- Blind spot on right of car – passengers head, side pillar, and the head rest, block a quite a bit of the view.
- Buttons for rear defrost, rear vent, AMB, are in a bad location, should be up above the stereo instead of down by the shifter
Summary
All in all I would definitely recommend this car to anyone looking for a great family vehicle. If, however, you plan on having 3 or more kids, look elsewhere. For 2 kids this van would be great, but if you need to use the third row of seats often, you will lose a large portion of your cargo room. The third row is also fine for little kids, but for adults it is extremely tight. We found a good investment to be roof racks and a car top box. We ordered the racks aftermarket from Thule, found it to be cheaper than Mazda. The box came from Lordco, paid about $300. Ideal for big trips.
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Scott, I had a question on your roof rack for the Mazda 5. How does your Thule roof rack attach to the car? Are there points on the roof to attach or does it attach to the door frame?
Shawn
Scott,
One more question: Is the roof rack permeant or removable?
Shawn
Shawn,
The roof rack attaches to the car via fix points. You take off a couple little covers and the racks screw into the roof. You can get racks that attach around the doors if you like. Yakima makes a door attachment, but if you ask me, the fix points with the thule look a lot cleaner and nicer. Easy to attach and remove.
Scott,
Great review. Where did you get the Thule roof rack and do you know the model/part number?
Steve
I ordered my rack from Lordco, Total cost was around $400 (cant remember exactly now). Don’t recall the model # off hand, but if you “RackYourCar” at thuleracks.com you can easily look it up. You have to select the podium foot that you want (two different styles will work) and then the load bars (two different styles here too – one for each podium foot).
Bars that I got were around $80cdn for the pair, rest was in the low 300’s I think…
Note that Thule has just recalled the bolts that screw into the fixpoints. I just ordered replacement bolts on Friday (at no cost of course). I have had no problems with mine, but better to be safe. Thules Number (in Canada and the US is 1-800-238-2388.)
I really like this blog good job.
Hi there,
My wife and I are considering the Mazda5 since we now have 2 kids. I have one question: Does the roof rack obstruct the light/view through the moon-roof?
How much of the rack is seen through the moon-roof?
I’m worried that the moon-roof will be almost pointless if we get the roof rack.
Thanks,
Alirio
The roof rack does not obstruct the function from the moon roof, nor the light. That said, you can of course see the bar through the roof, but it is not enough that I would ever worry about it.
Also, I tend to take the roof rack off when not in use, as I find the majority of the time I don’t need it… with the fix point system it is very easy to put on/take off.
I definately like the moonroof, even with the rack on… (My biggest complaint about the moonroof is that it is somewhat loud when open (with or without the racks).
We are trying to decide which cargo box to get for our Mazda 5 and was wondering what size and or model yours is?
Hi Kris,
We bought the Thule 669ES Mountaineer. Picked it up at Lordco for $399 ($200 cheaper than the Thule Price)
Here’s a link to the Thule site with this box:
http://thule.com/en/CA/Products/CargoCarriers/Boxes/31150.aspx
Box has 17 Cubic feet of storage, is about 7 feet long, and so far has been perfect for us. My wife is 5’6″ and has trouble putting stuff in/out. I am 6’5″, and usually have to open the sliding door and step up on the sill to load/unload comfortably.
Hope this helps 🙂
Scott,
What size (thread) are the replacement bolts that thule sent you?
I know this is an old blog. Hopefully you can help me with this. I’m looking for the bolt size so I can put Ibolts in and put the tie down straps for my cargo rack through the I-bolts instead of strapping to the door frame.
Thanks,
D
To tell you the truth I have no idea at all what the actual size is… i just know they fit. Try contacting Thule (thuleracks.com) to ask them, I am sure they can help you – or check out one of the forums.
Good luck!
Hi, Scott —
I just purchased a Mazda5 — totaled my Sienna, which was way, wayyyy too big, IMO. Anyway, I had to laugh about your GTI comment; that’s kind of why I like the 5 also — it reminds me of my 1996 GTI. 🙂
My question: does your rear hatch open completely, unobstructed, with the cargo box on the car? I’m trying to figure out what sizes will work for us.
Thanks!
One more question – does the Thule you have interfere with the roof-mounted antenna?
Hi Allison,
Thanks for the comment.
The box we have I believe is 7 feet long by about 18″ wide. It does not interfere with the opening of the hatch, so assuming you bought the identical box (Thule Mountaineer I believe) and the same size, you should be okay. As for the radio antenna I have had no issues there either. I also have Sirius (separate antenna) and I get no interference from that either. 🙂
The GTI’s are great cars, even the older ones. I miss mine – but when it comes to “mini-vans” the 5 comes kinda close… at least closer than other vans 🙂
Scott, You are right on with the crappy stereo system. I own a fully loaded 2009 and I can’t understand the lack of premium in the premium stereo. . . crappy iPod integration, no bass to speak of, lack of MP3 playback.
The seats are too short and the thing rattles like a baby’s toy once the temp gets below 32F/0 Celcius. The dealer can’t fix them all and says its my problem.
Not a happy camper with the Mazda5 . . . I’d gladly go back to my 1990 GTI 16v
Can’t say I have the same “rattle” issue… Strange. ours is fine in sub-zero temperatures, coldest we have had it was about -10C. I agree with you on the seats. I am 6’5″ and pretty maxed out in the car.
I find it funny how many Mazda5 owners once owned VW GTI’s. Small world I guess…
Scott, great job with cargo box on top of the M5, When not carring bikes I load in the rear of the car. No wind noise or drag. In-fact you forget it’s there. I have loaded 19Cubic Ft with a total of 193 Lbs. I have air bags on my rear springs by Firestone. Class 1 hitch with a class II Rear cargo carrier. Regardless no problems. Drove from Miami Fla, to Maggie Valley North Carolina. We averaged around 25 mpg’s @ 80 mph. A 14 hr trip. Now we’ll use the cargo box when we carry four bikes in the rear. Yes we have the Thule 914 Xt 4bike carrier. They tell you two bikes when on a 1/4 inch hitch class 1. Man I have pushed the limits, no need to re-inforce by welding the hitch. Unless you feel more comfort by doing so.
Class 1 hitch is much stronger then suggested. I have picks of rear cargo carrier. Spring airbags are awesome. They keep the car leveled and great for balance & control. May car is your same car & color the Touring model 2008. Only difference Sunroof & LED in rear.
Peac
Nice review of the ’08. Some things have been fixed in the ’12 Mazda 5: Nicer console stack, those buttons you mentioned are bigger and up higher. Heated mirrors are now de rigeur. The new stereo is better, plays MP3’s, and I have the SIRIUS option.
Seems to be a bit louder than the previous 2010. As for engine, I think yours was 153 hp/148 torque. The new one is 157 hp/163 torque, so just a little bit more powerful. Wish we could chip it to the same HP/Torque that the Escape gets (170/170). I like the car a lot. It’s great. Best thing for a family of three.
Hi,
I stumbled upon your blog. Someone in my hometown is selling a used Thule Mountaineer, and I wasn’t sure if that was too big for the Mazda 5. I see that you like the thule box. Did the mounting holes line up for the 32″ bar spread.
Thanks
Hey Scott, yes, the mounting holes line up perfectly, no problems at all. We use our box often, and its great, never a problem!
Thanks for the info. I bought the used Mountaineer and it worked perfectly. It doesn’t even look too big on the 5. It survived a 4800km trip to the Oregon coast and back. Lots of high speed freeway driving and such.
Scott G
Hi! Love the info you’ve provided, thanks! When the 3rd row of seats is in use, is there any cargo space to speak of left behind them? I’m eyeing the Mazda5 [probably an ’08 or ’09] for our 2nd child vehicle expansion and would like to be able to get at least a folded stroller in the back with all seats in use, but from pictures online it looks pretty tight back there… Not a deal-breaker either way, as I’m all for cargo boxes as well, but I’m curious! Thanks!
Hey Jesse,
With the third row up, there is VERY little storage back there. Enough for a few grocery bags, or some smaller items. For a family of 4, the car is perfect for us, a family of 5 would not be.
Scott, thanks very much for the additional info, that helps us for sure!
Just bought a roof rack and cargo bag from Rola for our 2010 5. Very excited to try them out for our trip south for christmas holiday. With two adults, one child, one dog, and all of our gear, things were a bit tigh. Second baby is due any day, so we’ll really need the extra storage room.
One thought about the third row… The seats are split, so trunk space is still quite good for 5 passengers. We can still fit a large jogging stroller.
Ps- My other car is a 2010 Jetta Wolfsburg Edition. Driving the 5 is almost as much fun!
I have a 2008 Mazda 5 and love it. The only problem is the rear shocks. I’ve had them replaced 2 time already and am going to have to have them replaced a third time. First time was under warranty, the second time it was not. I searched around and found out there is a problem with a bushing. I called Mazda and I can get no help from them.
Hi there,
Yes the rear shocks are a problem. Mine have been replaced 3 times, twice under warranty. Current ones are from Canadian Tire, they are Monroe, and have a LIFETIME warranty, something Mazda wont offer on theirs. You can hear about my shock experience here: https://www.scottblogs.com/courtenay-mazda-has-lost-my-business/
I have a Mazda 5 (2008) and it now has 240,000 km (150,000 mi) on the odometer. I’ve gone through 2 clutches (1st one replaced on warranty @ 35,000 km; never did see the clutch after it was taken out). About 100,000 Km later the 2nd needed to be replaced. The clutch pedal is now near the top of its travel so I’ll be looking at a whole new clutch soon as the mechanic showed me a few points indicating significant wear the last time it was on the bench. I have owned many MT vehicles so I am going to say that the clutch is on the weak side for the size and function of the vehicle.
I do carry heavy loads (400-500 lbs) occasionally and have a small utility trailer and a small sailboat trailer that gets towed once in a while. The salesman did not share with me that the vehicle was not designed for towing. It sure isn’t. I have not replace any shocks nor have the spark plugs or serpentine belt been replaced. I get almost 600 km on a tank of gas in the summer and 500 in the winter driving about 120km/hr on a 2 hour commute.
The power steering pump was replaced on recall warranty and I had to replace the steering column clock spring due to a air bag fault light.
I’ve had to replace my headlights more times than I should.
All that being said, for my family of 4 it has served us well. We too have roof racks that I use for carrying a canoe and a roof top carrier that we rent when needed for long trips. (definitely need the additional room for long trips.
I wish it had a 6 speed MT and heated side mirror. I always appreciate an amazing turning radius which gets me into and out of tight parking spots.
The very low profile is hell on both front and rear bumpers the outer panels now flap in the wind on all quarter panels.
Moon roof is nice. Heated seats only heat the center of the seat, while your outer cheeks freeze.
I will soon recondition my M5 with new bumpers, an engine tune up and full detailing. Should be good for another 240,000 kms.
Hi, I picked up a 2013 Mazda5 GT with 6 speed man. tranny. Gotta say, I really do enjoy driving this “mini” van. I traded in my 2008 caravan ( too big). I’m very surprised these cars are not more popular. For a family of 4, it is perfect. Last month we loaded it to the gills for a week long camping tip, no performance issues at all.. we did get rear ended in the us boarder line up. ($3300 damage) other than that, it was a great trip. Highly recommend the Mazda 5. BTW, got mine from Midway Mazda in south Surrey. Great service so far.