The Mazda5 is a good family car for a small family or a family with small children. The three rows are convenient as is the rear hatchback door. Being able to fold the back row down is helpful. This feature allows you to have added room for groceries or other items you need to transport. Our family has three children, including two baseball players. This means that we have to lug gear to tournaments. Being able to fold down one of the seats in the third row has been very helpful. As children grow, however, the limited leg room in the back seats can present a challenge. Families would likely have to look at purchasing a different vehicle to allow everyone to fit comfortably as children start to outgrow the space in the back. Mazda is known for a smooth ride. This car is no exception. It is easy to handle. It has a smooth pickup and increases speeds easily. Being able to have the music play from just the speakers in the back of the car or the front of the car has come in handy. For example, if someone in the back is watching a video on a portable DVD player, the people sitting in the front can still enjoy music. Having a vehicle that is a cross between a mini-van and an SUV has been nice. It offers a sporty look, which we have received many compliments on over the years.

The build quality of the car is excellent. The car has over 100,000 miles and there are no interior rattles and the interior materials have held up very well. I have only recently experienced an issue with the computer system that regulates the ignition but it was a quick fix. I do maintain my vehicle but I have had no issues with it other than routine maintenance. I loved the fact that it seats many passengers but you do feel the heavier load as far as braking and pick up goes. It is a comfortable car no matter where you sit if you are of average size. The fuel economy is excellent but there is a quick move from 1/4 tank to when it is near empty, so if you rely on the light alert you need to keep this in mind. I love that the back seats go down so you have plenty of room very quickly if you pass by a yard sale and can't pass up a large item. From the outside, the car is not big looking but it can handle a lot of things, including a couple of bikes. The car handles better in dry weather and without a full load of passengers. I do wish the tires were not low profile because there was a learning curve as to parking up against a curb. Great car that I love and will keep until it goes no more.