"I recently added extra ground wire from throttle body housing to factory grounding screw, and now, it drives and feel like a completely different car. Something the Mazda engineers overlooked with throttle-by-wire setup". Can't say I like the idea of throttle-by-wire, had 04 Honda and hated to sell it as last year with linkage. But who knows how long until our cars come pick us up after picking up some fast food.
Overall a very practical and cool ride...."MazdaSpeed3 is an uncomfortable to drive as a daily car" that's what I was thinking....but I'd sure like more power on par with the Honda Odyssey.
@JohnFHendry I recently added extra ground wire from throttle body housing to factory grounding screw, and now, it drives and feel like a completely different car. Something the Mazda engineers overlooked with throttle-by-wire setup.
When you compare it to Mazdaspeed3 you see they should add a real sports model and could do it as easy as I post this. Good luck trying to do "right" yourself.
@JohnFHendry MazdaSpeed3 is an uncomfortable to drive as a daily car. I had the Speed3, yes, there's power, and yes, it handles like a Corvette, but missing that refinement. I'll take the Mazda5 GT for simple fact that it handles like a VW, and has power to boot, and you can fold the 50/50 rear seat as well as middle row seat and sleep two adults comfortably, which is something I am looking forward to when I do my second X-country driving in a few years.
@greigorypparker Road noise is like any other car, but the factory tires are indeed noisy. I'd probably be putting on either Michelin Pilots or Yokohama AVID's when these wear out. Now for wind noise: that's the problem. A lot of wind noise during highway cruise. It's probably because the sheetmetal around the sunroof and A-pillars. I wound up Dynamatting the whole car. Now the car is quiet like an expensive luxury car.
After owning this car, the 2012 Mazda5 GT, I am convinced that this car was well thought out from ground up. Everything on this car works flawlessly, and the sheet metal is top notch with smooth power delivery to the front wheels. Driving dynamics are nothing short of precise and agile, in line with the Mazda3 tradition. I would love to see a turbo charged version with option for a Manual in GT trim level. Now that would be an awesome 'sleeper soccer mom's car'
@kc2zxl I agree with you..though I think that Mazda should have included electric sliding doors for the Touring and Grand Touring. Someone posted about looking forward to driving the 5, and I agree--I enjoy getting in this car no matter where I have to go.
@bigvirgotube European/Asian version of Mazda5 not only has the power sliding doors, but also, headlight washers, side fender mounted turn signals, iSTOP, better looking headrest, middle second row seats, diesel engine option, and navigation option. Why did Mazda leave out so much for the U.S. market? Maybe they'd thought no one would actually buy it?
@kc2zxl Sadly, this is probably their thoughts exactly, based on previous attempts by other manufacturers to promote the idea of 'space wagons' (Nissan Axxess, anyone?) No, we have Caravans/Odysseys/Siennas that rule the minivan road here, though most families would be fine with a 5 or something 5-like for their needs--or as the second car to their minivan. But I do believe that the US GT SHOULD have, at least, had electric sliding doors as standard.
@peterkim1999 ... I'm glad you like it ... my neighbour has the previous version and I thought it looks pretty sleek ... don't get me wrong, I like all the refreshments Mazda did with the 5, it's just the rear tailight that's bugging me especailly viewed from behind with everything pointing down towards the middle @ 3:33
@davidhalifax Yeah, I like both designs; previous and current. I like however the current gen gauge pod better as well as larger 2.5L engine. Mazda5 is an ingenious design, and I just tinted the rear windows 5% VLT along with Dynamats. Now it feels and drive like a $40K+ car.
You know the car's good when you look forward to driving it after a long day at work. That's an ideal car is my opinion. My VW's were like that but then it had too many problems, not to mention most VW dealers that wants to rob you blind with parts and service.
John was disappointed with the braking at 135 feet. I'd say add a slotted brakes, extra sticky pads, and upgraded brake lines. Use some German brand ATE brake fluids.
Have no idea what Ford C-Max looks like. I'm glad that mine came from Japan with 95% parts from Japan and not from elsewhere like Mexico. Not that I have anything against Mexico, just that I know I can count on my Mazda 5. Ford's version of Mazda 5 I'm not so sure because remember back in the 90's with Ford and Mazda venture produced the Ford Probe, Ford Escort, and Mercury Tracer. I was unfortunate enough to have bought a Ford Escort. My question is: How can the whole assembly line be a Lemon?
Short Term Update: All I can say is that this car, is one the best car I've even owned whether you want to call it a car, mini-minivan, Multi-Acitivy Vehicle, or whatever. Quality, ride comfort, amenities, and design is one the best I've seen in years in a car with this kind of price point. I would love to get my second one, if my wife was okay with it.
Downsides: car crash like side indentations. Front smiley face. Rear ugly. Still no towing. Only 6 passenger while Europeans get 7 passenger + towing. WTF !
@a1mint I actually like the front grill, and rear. I thought the same but when I saw it in person, it was really nice. Front smiley grill... who, it's over stated, besides, in NJ, we have to put front license plates so you can't really tell it's smiling once the plates are on. I do get people to turn head, until it become saturated like the Civics. So for now, I am enjoying the ride!
@peterkim1999 Of course you like it, you own one. Any downsides to your car, other than it not taking 7 people and not allowing for any towing and the sunroof being completely pointless?
@a1mint I see no downside to the car honestly. It's a utilitarian's dream in my opinion. Ride is like a sports sedan like a BMW, and interior's fit and finish is like no other. Only downside was that it did not have a coolant temp gauge which I fixed in a Jiffy by adding a ScanGaugeE right behind the shifter. It is set to read the coolant temp and air intake temp. Now the car is just perfect. If I were you, go test drive one, I'm pretty sure you won't leave the dealer empty handed!
This is hands down, best review of the 2012 Mazda 5, right on the money. I also like Davis, been watching his reviews since the 80's. Gotta love his voice and the way he accentuates certain key features. Leather is actually much nicer and the design is typically found on vehicles costing thousands more. I've never been this excited about owning a car, and Mazda 5 Grand Touring has brought back my youth in loving driving again... let alone a family car!
Wow, why would anyone give a "thumbs down" for such great review. But at the end of the day, you have to drive the Mazda 5 to appreciate it. It's an amazing vehicle for such little amount of money for the Grand Touring. I am just absolutely thrilled to have the same exact one on this review. Bluetooth handsfree plus music streaming, automatic climate control, rear climate control, traction control, 5speed auto with tiptronic, I mean this little pocket rocket has everything.
Correction: I mean dealers start charging "Sticker" price for this car. Hopefully, Mazda 5 will bring Mazda out of financial woes and make more innovations in the future. I always loved Mazda's but I think this car will help them greatly, good work Mazda, you've hit the sweet spot with Gen X!
I don't believe Mazda has serious cash problems. Mitsubishi has serious financial problems. Galant/Eclipse/Lancer/Endeavor have all been scratched. Mazda has continue to gain market share and has improved it's line-up with the acclaimed 3. The only vehicle that got axed recently was the Rx-7.
@Dresknowsbest Okay, well that's good. Because I am now just old on the Mazda, particularly the one I picked up tonight, the Mazda 5 Grand Touring, what a mini minivan. It grew on me as soon as I hit the asphat, amazing car. Unless you've actually driven one, can't buy a vehicle based on perception.
lol, you remind so much of my father who refused to buy a foreign. He bought a 3 hatch and he absolutely loves it. A buddy of mine has the sedan and doesn't have any regrets. I'm torn between the 3,5 and outback for a family hauler/trips to Home Depot. BTW I just sold my 01 Galant, irony.
@Dresknowsbest Well I bought many foreign but never a Mazda though, but needed a second minivan but not a minivan because we have an Odyssey already. What I needed is something that I can take my kids around town without cramming them into the rear seat of my New Beetle. Just traded that this evening, had quite a few issues with that car, electrical mostly, safe car though, but lots of annoying electrical problems. Hopefully, I won't have as much problem with the 5.
@Dresknowsbest BTW, '12 Mazda 5 is relatively new but looking to chip it as soon as the break-in period has passed. Do you know of any tuners out there provides chipping of the Mazda cars?
I loved the exterior for some reason, as well as the black leather interior, and all just came in above mid $23K - what a bargain! I picked it up before dealers start charging invoice that may be due to demand in the near future. This car is perfect for us because we have 3 kids in elementary school and it's just not practical to haul the family in the Odyssey Touring all the time. I just love this car, and looking to get more "Zoom Zoom" by chipping and changing the exhaust.
I test drove the 2012 Mazda 5 Sport after work last night, wasn't ready to be impressed. And believe me, I am a very picky car buyer with long history of owning BMW's and VW's. Let's just say that I fell in love with it instantly with the Mazda 5. I loved the way it drove with handling similar to my current car VW Beetle TDI 5 speed with sports suspension. It also had all the amenities that I was looking for less silly features like parking or rain sensors. I wound up buying the Grand Touring.
I enjoy our 2010 Mazda5, I bet this 2012 is just as good. The Rondo felt cheap, unresponsive, and bumpy to me, but it was a cold day, and maybe it hadn't been running in awhile.
The previous Mazda 5 looked much more upscale and sleek, especially in the back. Kia Rondo is more user friendly with 3 passenger seats in the middle.
@davidhalifax I own both a 2012 Mazda 5 and a 2008 Kia Rondo, and I have to say that the three-passenger second row isn't all that useful for the Rondo--my 11 yr old--sitting between my wife and mom-in-law--was still squished. So, not much of an advantage, IMHO. But the Rondo is a wee bit 'wider' in the cargo area than the 5, but the 5 is the better driving/riding car. If you can chip the 2.5 to put out 170+ hp/torque, then that would be a plus.
@bigvirgotube ... I guess the main advantage of the Mazda is the more fuel efficient 4 cylinder engine, but the Rondo is due for a redesign in the near future, so we'll shall see what it will look like. I like both vehicles for different reasons :-)
@davidhalifax I hope the Rondo's refresh may give it a 'second life' at coming back here to the States. To be honest, both cars have proven to me that with our driving habits, I really don't need a full-size minivan. People do give me strange looks when they see both cars in the driveway, though(5 is silver, Rondo is black).
@gmman010983 I have no qualms with it. It's unique. I do like the taillights better in this version than the older versions, though. That 'vertical taillight' look just didn't do it for me.
This has been flagged as spam show
"I recently added extra ground wire from throttle body housing to factory grounding screw, and now, it drives and feel like a completely different car. Something the Mazda engineers overlooked with throttle-by-wire setup". Can't say I like the idea of throttle-by-wire, had 04 Honda and hated to sell it as last year with linkage. But who knows how long until our cars come pick us up after picking up some fast food.
JohnFHendry 1 month ago
This has been flagged as spam show
Overall a very practical and cool ride...."MazdaSpeed3 is an uncomfortable to drive as a daily car" that's what I was thinking....but I'd sure like more power on par with the Honda Odyssey.
JohnFHendry 1 month ago
"do it right" IMTS Looking at options to get more power as loaded it's just too slow.
JohnFHendry 2 months ago
@JohnFHendry I recently added extra ground wire from throttle body housing to factory grounding screw, and now, it drives and feel like a completely different car. Something the Mazda engineers overlooked with throttle-by-wire setup.
peterkim1999 1 month ago
When you compare it to Mazdaspeed3 you see they should add a real sports model and could do it as easy as I post this. Good luck trying to do "right" yourself.
JohnFHendry 2 months ago
@JohnFHendry MazdaSpeed3 is an uncomfortable to drive as a daily car. I had the Speed3, yes, there's power, and yes, it handles like a Corvette, but missing that refinement. I'll take the Mazda5 GT for simple fact that it handles like a VW, and has power to boot, and you can fold the 50/50 rear seat as well as middle row seat and sleep two adults comfortably, which is something I am looking forward to when I do my second X-country driving in a few years.
peterkim1999 1 month ago
It's lovely .. I have one
:D
yamitanomura 2 months ago
@kc2zxl how is wind and road noise?
greigorypparker 3 months ago
@greigorypparker Road noise is like any other car, but the factory tires are indeed noisy. I'd probably be putting on either Michelin Pilots or Yokohama AVID's when these wear out. Now for wind noise: that's the problem. A lot of wind noise during highway cruise. It's probably because the sheetmetal around the sunroof and A-pillars. I wound up Dynamatting the whole car. Now the car is quiet like an expensive luxury car.
peterkim1999 1 month ago
After owning this car, the 2012 Mazda5 GT, I am convinced that this car was well thought out from ground up. Everything on this car works flawlessly, and the sheet metal is top notch with smooth power delivery to the front wheels. Driving dynamics are nothing short of precise and agile, in line with the Mazda3 tradition. I would love to see a turbo charged version with option for a Manual in GT trim level. Now that would be an awesome 'sleeper soccer mom's car'
kc2zxl 4 months ago
@kc2zxl I agree with you..though I think that Mazda should have included electric sliding doors for the Touring and Grand Touring. Someone posted about looking forward to driving the 5, and I agree--I enjoy getting in this car no matter where I have to go.
bigvirgotube 3 months ago
@bigvirgotube European/Asian version of Mazda5 not only has the power sliding doors, but also, headlight washers, side fender mounted turn signals, iSTOP, better looking headrest, middle second row seats, diesel engine option, and navigation option. Why did Mazda leave out so much for the U.S. market? Maybe they'd thought no one would actually buy it?
kc2zxl 3 months ago
@kc2zxl Sadly, this is probably their thoughts exactly, based on previous attempts by other manufacturers to promote the idea of 'space wagons' (Nissan Axxess, anyone?) No, we have Caravans/Odysseys/Siennas that rule the minivan road here, though most families would be fine with a 5 or something 5-like for their needs--or as the second car to their minivan. But I do believe that the US GT SHOULD have, at least, had electric sliding doors as standard.
bigvirgotube 3 months ago
@kc2zxl For me, manual, power slide out doors, and Navigation option. How hard can that be?
kc2zxl 3 months ago
I actually prefer the previous exterior design especially in the back with the vertical brake lights ...
davidhalifax 4 months ago
@davidhalifax Actually, I like this design better than the previous gen. It only took a few days to actually start liking it.
peterkim1999 1 month ago
Comment removed
davidhalifax 1 month ago
Comment removed
davidhalifax 1 month ago
This has been flagged as spam show
@peterkim1999 ... I'm glad you like it ... my neighbour has the previous version and I thought it looks pretty sleek ... don't get me wrong, I like all the refreshments Mazda did with the 5, it's just the rear tailight that's bugging me especailly viewed from behind with everything pointing down towards the middle @ 3:33
davidhalifax 1 month ago
@davidhalifax Yeah, I like both designs; previous and current. I like however the current gen gauge pod better as well as larger 2.5L engine. Mazda5 is an ingenious design, and I just tinted the rear windows 5% VLT along with Dynamats. Now it feels and drive like a $40K+ car.
peterkim1999 1 month ago
You know the car's good when you look forward to driving it after a long day at work. That's an ideal car is my opinion. My VW's were like that but then it had too many problems, not to mention most VW dealers that wants to rob you blind with parts and service.
peterkim1999 4 months ago
John was disappointed with the braking at 135 feet. I'd say add a slotted brakes, extra sticky pads, and upgraded brake lines. Use some German brand ATE brake fluids.
peterkim1999 5 months ago
Have no idea what Ford C-Max looks like. I'm glad that mine came from Japan with 95% parts from Japan and not from elsewhere like Mexico. Not that I have anything against Mexico, just that I know I can count on my Mazda 5. Ford's version of Mazda 5 I'm not so sure because remember back in the 90's with Ford and Mazda venture produced the Ford Probe, Ford Escort, and Mercury Tracer. I was unfortunate enough to have bought a Ford Escort. My question is: How can the whole assembly line be a Lemon?
peterkim1999 5 months ago
Short Term Update: All I can say is that this car, is one the best car I've even owned whether you want to call it a car, mini-minivan, Multi-Acitivy Vehicle, or whatever. Quality, ride comfort, amenities, and design is one the best I've seen in years in a car with this kind of price point. I would love to get my second one, if my wife was okay with it.
kc2zxl 5 months ago
Downsides: car crash like side indentations. Front smiley face. Rear ugly. Still no towing. Only 6 passenger while Europeans get 7 passenger + towing. WTF !
ps. Ford C-Max canceled for now.
a1mint 5 months ago
@a1mint I actually like the front grill, and rear. I thought the same but when I saw it in person, it was really nice. Front smiley grill... who, it's over stated, besides, in NJ, we have to put front license plates so you can't really tell it's smiling once the plates are on. I do get people to turn head, until it become saturated like the Civics. So for now, I am enjoying the ride!
peterkim1999 5 months ago
@peterkim1999 Of course you like it, you own one. Any downsides to your car, other than it not taking 7 people and not allowing for any towing and the sunroof being completely pointless?
a1mint 4 months ago
@a1mint I see no downside to the car honestly. It's a utilitarian's dream in my opinion. Ride is like a sports sedan like a BMW, and interior's fit and finish is like no other. Only downside was that it did not have a coolant temp gauge which I fixed in a Jiffy by adding a ScanGaugeE right behind the shifter. It is set to read the coolant temp and air intake temp. Now the car is just perfect. If I were you, go test drive one, I'm pretty sure you won't leave the dealer empty handed!
peterkim1999 4 months ago
This is hands down, best review of the 2012 Mazda 5, right on the money. I also like Davis, been watching his reviews since the 80's. Gotta love his voice and the way he accentuates certain key features. Leather is actually much nicer and the design is typically found on vehicles costing thousands more. I've never been this excited about owning a car, and Mazda 5 Grand Touring has brought back my youth in loving driving again... let alone a family car!
peterkim1999 5 months ago
Not to mention azimuth adjustable xenon headlamps, the list is just so endless...
kc2zxl 5 months ago
Wow, why would anyone give a "thumbs down" for such great review. But at the end of the day, you have to drive the Mazda 5 to appreciate it. It's an amazing vehicle for such little amount of money for the Grand Touring. I am just absolutely thrilled to have the same exact one on this review. Bluetooth handsfree plus music streaming, automatic climate control, rear climate control, traction control, 5speed auto with tiptronic, I mean this little pocket rocket has everything.
kc2zxl 5 months ago
Correction: I mean dealers start charging "Sticker" price for this car. Hopefully, Mazda 5 will bring Mazda out of financial woes and make more innovations in the future. I always loved Mazda's but I think this car will help them greatly, good work Mazda, you've hit the sweet spot with Gen X!
kc2zxl 5 months ago
@kc2zxl
I don't believe Mazda has serious cash problems. Mitsubishi has serious financial problems. Galant/Eclipse/Lancer/Endeavor have all been scratched. Mazda has continue to gain market share and has improved it's line-up with the acclaimed 3. The only vehicle that got axed recently was the Rx-7.
Dresknowsbest 5 months ago
@Dresknowsbest Okay, well that's good. Because I am now just old on the Mazda, particularly the one I picked up tonight, the Mazda 5 Grand Touring, what a mini minivan. It grew on me as soon as I hit the asphat, amazing car. Unless you've actually driven one, can't buy a vehicle based on perception.
kc2zxl 5 months ago
@kc2zxl
lol, you remind so much of my father who refused to buy a foreign. He bought a 3 hatch and he absolutely loves it. A buddy of mine has the sedan and doesn't have any regrets. I'm torn between the 3,5 and outback for a family hauler/trips to Home Depot. BTW I just sold my 01 Galant, irony.
Dresknowsbest 5 months ago
@Dresknowsbest Well I bought many foreign but never a Mazda though, but needed a second minivan but not a minivan because we have an Odyssey already. What I needed is something that I can take my kids around town without cramming them into the rear seat of my New Beetle. Just traded that this evening, had quite a few issues with that car, electrical mostly, safe car though, but lots of annoying electrical problems. Hopefully, I won't have as much problem with the 5.
kc2zxl 5 months ago
@Dresknowsbest BTW, '12 Mazda 5 is relatively new but looking to chip it as soon as the break-in period has passed. Do you know of any tuners out there provides chipping of the Mazda cars?
kc2zxl 5 months ago
I loved the exterior for some reason, as well as the black leather interior, and all just came in above mid $23K - what a bargain! I picked it up before dealers start charging invoice that may be due to demand in the near future. This car is perfect for us because we have 3 kids in elementary school and it's just not practical to haul the family in the Odyssey Touring all the time. I just love this car, and looking to get more "Zoom Zoom" by chipping and changing the exhaust.
kc2zxl 5 months ago
I test drove the 2012 Mazda 5 Sport after work last night, wasn't ready to be impressed. And believe me, I am a very picky car buyer with long history of owning BMW's and VW's. Let's just say that I fell in love with it instantly with the Mazda 5. I loved the way it drove with handling similar to my current car VW Beetle TDI 5 speed with sports suspension. It also had all the amenities that I was looking for less silly features like parking or rain sensors. I wound up buying the Grand Touring.
kc2zxl 5 months ago
Comment removed
kc2zxl 5 months ago
I enjoy our 2010 Mazda5, I bet this 2012 is just as good. The Rondo felt cheap, unresponsive, and bumpy to me, but it was a cold day, and maybe it hadn't been running in awhile.
gene2u 6 months ago
:D !!!!
666rivnat 7 months ago
The previous Mazda 5 looked much more upscale and sleek, especially in the back. Kia Rondo is more user friendly with 3 passenger seats in the middle.
davidhalifax 7 months ago
@davidhalifax I own both a 2012 Mazda 5 and a 2008 Kia Rondo, and I have to say that the three-passenger second row isn't all that useful for the Rondo--my 11 yr old--sitting between my wife and mom-in-law--was still squished. So, not much of an advantage, IMHO. But the Rondo is a wee bit 'wider' in the cargo area than the 5, but the 5 is the better driving/riding car. If you can chip the 2.5 to put out 170+ hp/torque, then that would be a plus.
bigvirgotube 7 months ago
@bigvirgotube ... I guess the main advantage of the Mazda is the more fuel efficient 4 cylinder engine, but the Rondo is due for a redesign in the near future, so we'll shall see what it will look like. I like both vehicles for different reasons :-)
davidhalifax 7 months ago
@davidhalifax I hope the Rondo's refresh may give it a 'second life' at coming back here to the States. To be honest, both cars have proven to me that with our driving habits, I really don't need a full-size minivan. People do give me strange looks when they see both cars in the driveway, though(5 is silver, Rondo is black).
bigvirgotube 7 months ago
It nice to have a real "mini" van.
igeekone 7 months ago
Love it! What a sweet little van!
buickboy92 7 months ago
wat is with all that ugly front end its cheap looking trying to look sporty really!!!
gmman010983 7 months ago
@gmman010983 I have no qualms with it. It's unique. I do like the taillights better in this version than the older versions, though. That 'vertical taillight' look just didn't do it for me.
bigvirgotube 7 months ago
i like it but i wish subaru would bring out the exiga and justy to the states!
crammage 7 months ago
Sixth!
MrVnick1 7 months ago
Someone should bring their Mazda5 to a Renegade Miata AutoCross Event.
edboc 7 months ago
@edboc Hmmmm...autocrossing a Mazda 5....
bigvirgotube 7 months ago
This car just isnt doing it for me.......
manfer85225 7 months ago
Third! I win!
Rodolcort 7 months ago
SECOND
sekopiski 7 months ago
FIRST
lbryan250 7 months ago