Life with a 2007 Mazda 5...

[kvman50]

My wife, Shannon and I bought a brand new 2007 Mazda 5 GT, black, with the brown heated leather seats, full load, 17" wheels, moon roof, tint, etc. We got it from Metrotown Mazda (Peter Grimm (MS3Pilot) did the deed. Very comfortable dealing with him, he threw in a few freebies and was a pleasure to deal with.) It is the exact same width as my 2005 Mazda 3 and about 6 inches longer so it fits in our garage just fine. We put in the Ipod adapter and it works quite well, can't see what's playing, but she has over 1000 songs at her command Stereo sounds fine for stock (6 speakers). I also pulled out her intake resonator as she was feeling a little left out with me hopping up the 3. It might make a bit more power, definately better throttle response, but a fair amount louder. I'm waiting for her to take it for a good long drive to let me know whether I have to put the resonator back in. The 5 runs well, Tiptronic tranny works great. If you rev it quite a bit, it goes up hills just fine. We have loaded a bunch of people in a few times and everyone is complimentary about the style and the ride. The furthest back seats are not particularly comfy, but they're fine if you don't have to drive for too many hours. Kids find them great... so do we because it puts them fairly far away, so they aren't as loud. Mileage seems pretty good, much better than any V6. One odd thing is that the only seat that doesn't get an armrest is the front passenger seat. Why? Handling is OK, not exactly zoom zoom, the tires are rim protectors, so as soon as I can, I'll put on some higher performance all-season rubber. Part of the problem is that the 5 leans quite a bit and feels tippy. I just put CM lowering springs in my 3, so if I can find out the difference between the 3 springs and the 5 springs, maybe I'll put the 3 springs in the 5. I think the 3 has stiffer suspension and it might be enough to get rid of some of the 5's tippiness. I' don't want to lower the 5 as we will be doing camping in it. It actually has quite a bit of space behind the second row of seats. So far, it has been fine. Nothing wrong with it. But... I'd rather have a 3! David

Ps. in June, I put in some 6.5" JL Audio speakers in (all 4 speakers) and the sound is excellent!
We just got back from a 2500km roadtrip and the 5 performed well. As some people have mentioned, it could use more power, but I cruised comfortably anywhere from 120 to 160 kmh quite effortlessly. Hills took more revs, but it went well even loaded with stuff and 2 adults and 2 kids. Got excellent mileage on the trip also!

[BLAM]

at least you get to keep your cool.................

[tonyzoomzoom]

With a small family like mine (2 kids in elementary school), the 5 would make a great family car.

[need4speed]

Good choice. Nice to hear some news on the 5. Petes a good guy to deal with, I'm sure you got a good deal.

Be nice to have a 5 with tinted windows, lowered via coil overs, sway bars, nice rims, cat back, and a CAI.

Hmmm.

[kyoshi]

yea... there are some nicely done up 5's here

[M Speed]

even without a family....I don't mind driving a 5. They can be real hot when just minor touch on mods.

[reflex]

I drove a loaner 2007 5 the other day and I had the aircon on high (was hot) and with the the 4 speed auto it didn't have much power.  This car needs the 5 speed auto real bad and I can't believe they didn't put it on the 2007 (heard they are on the 2008).  They have had it for the 3 for two years and it should have been on the 5.  Plus they should have more horsepower because being heavier it needs it.  Other than that it's a great car and handles well.