2007 Mazda5 GT Road Test

Two opposing functions jumped out at me as noteworthy before I finished maneuvering the Mazda5 out of the congested parking lot from whence it came. Firstly, I was taken aback by the high level of operational refinement evident when I dipped into the throttle; secondly, I was startled by high degree of stopping power imparted by a slight nudge of the brake pedal. It seems the Mazda5 both starts and stops effortlessly, without generating any of the unpleasant side effects one might associate with a near-entry-level vehicle. With a starting MSRP in Canada of only $19,995, this front-wheel-drive, six-passenger mini, mini van is anything but a "low rent" version of the full-size thing. It's a very well put together example of how the many virtues of a minivan can be captured in a much smaller, more nimble package without sacrificing comfort, quality or driving pleasure.