This was our second Mazda 5 first one was a 2007 which my mom still owns, I bought my 2012 in 2015 with 80,000kms on it. I bought it because I loved driving my moms. It gave me the driveline feel of a Mazda 3 (which I owned before this) but the ride height of an SUV.

It also had room in the back for my Golden Retriver which was a huge bonus! It also included the flexibility of being able to have 6 people in the vehicle (yes slightly cramped but Share some room between all three rows and everyone will be content).

Positive:
Lots of room for 4 people +luggage
Fuel economy
Pep when hitting gas pedal
Radio position
Trip computer
Auto Climate Control
4car seat fix points

Negatives:
Noisy on the Hwy
No rear cup holders
Only 6seats (could have and seat in the middle of the second row)
Drivers seats doesn't move back far
Small tires
Fwd only
Fuel economy

You might of noticed I put fuel economy on both.... well it is great most the time, you really have to baby the gas pedal to save fuel. This car loves to "Zoom Zoom" and the gas really shows it. I averaged 9.4l/100kms.

The only reason I decided to get rid of the car was that I wanted something with AWD. This car would of been FANTASTIC with AWD and would of made it through everything. (It is lots of fun the snow).

Over all I love this car and would buy it again in a heart beat (if it came out with AWD; but I have been told it will be discounted as of fall 2017.

I hope this review helps you decide on your next vehicle.

I have just recently bought my '04 Mazda 3 and yes it's comfortable, yes it's sporty, and there are a lot of great things to say about it. I have driven a Mazda 3 or a long time so I do like them (my dad has a '07, I used it for my drivers tests) I love that I am able to Manually shift the car. It does not have any "special" features other then Power/ Key-less locks, and A/C. Over all I really do like the car, but one thing that I can not stand about it and the '07 is the view while backing up. because the car has such a big trunk (which is nice) and a comfortable high back rear seat and low roof line it restricts the reversing view. I find I prop myself up to see easier. Then manual windows go up and down really nicely and the mirrors are easy to adjust. another down side to this car is they rust REALLY easily for some reason. (If you are looking at one with None or very little rust look closer to look for any work down) and make sure if any work is down to make sure it was sealed properly or else it will come right back.