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| 2006 Mazda5 GT (Photo: Justin Pritchard, Auto123) |
All in all, the Five is a fully filled-in checklist of what a Minivan for a young person (with or without a family) should be. The seating capacity is impressive, though maybe just a little tight for 6 basketball players. The engine is remarkable, with adequate power, unparalleled smoothness for the price, and respectable fuel mileage. The handling and brakes are top notch, with true car-like handling. The interior is really impressive, and I mean REALLY. Every Mazda I drive is like this. I would put the quality of the 5's interior up against a Lexus, Infinity or BMW any day. What is even more impressive than all of this is the price. Unless you need a nose bra or roof racks, you'll be hard pressed to get the sticker over $25,000. Save even more with the graduate rebate program, and by changing your own gears. Go take one for a drive; you'll be glad you did. Mazda offers an 80,000 km warranty as well, with an added protection package available.
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| 2006 Mazda5 GT (Photo: Justin Pritchard, Auto123) |
Oh, wait, I've lied to you. The most impressive thing about this machine is not its price. The REAL most impressive thing about the Mazda 5 GT, and I mean it this time, is what it does to the whole definition of what a Minivan ought to be. We've got a quiet, little competitor who has come out of nowhere and has done huge things. I think the 5 could redefine the whole market segment it's been spun off of, because I think its larger competitors could learn a whole lot from it. If you are redefining your own position in life, I can't think of a better fit, or a better way to get 5 people around, period.
CLICK HERE to view the Mazda5 GT's specifications.
