New Car search-Mazda Any Opinions?

I know you said you're not a mini-van person...But I have to say, I have a 2006 Mazda MPV that we LOOOOOVE! It has captain seats in the front, captain seats in the back (both back doors are sliding) and a third row bench. It doesn't feel too deep for me. I'm only 5'3" and the visibility is great!!! I don't feel lost in it - but I've had SUV's and big trucks for 10+ years now.
Anyway - Just thought I'd give you my opinion...Good luck!

Try a subaru. I had a subaru for 10 years and I absolutely loved it. Everyone who has one loves them. They are not "big" cars but carry a lot of cargo and people. Very reliable and built in the USA in an eco-friendly factory. Everything recycled. Mazda in now built out of the USA if that matters to you.

We have a Mazda 5, and it's a good car in every way, except don't buy it if you want to use the back seats for very long. It is very tight in the back two seats, and can only be used by a small person for an hour or so.

Also, because they squeeze three rows into what is essentially a two row sized car, there isn't quite enough leg room in the other seats.

So, if you are very tall or like leg room, I wouldn't suggest it.

Other than that, we are happy with it.

My ex had a mazda 3 and it drove really nice. But he (his own neglect) never changed the oil and ran it like a race car (before I met him so I didn't know it extended as far back as it did) and spun a bearing. They wouldn't fix it because he didn't have oil change records. So my caution on any car you buy lol keep oil records.

But I'd buy a Mazda. They drive nice and smooth and last (my friend has one that she hasn't abused lol). Hers is an automatic, 2006 mazda.

I can not speak for the Mazda 5, but I can speak for Mazda Mini vans. I have a 2000 Mazda MPV and yes it is still going strong. They don't make them anymore but it is a great van. I am very short (5 foot exactly) and visibility is not an issue. The Mazda 5 was the new line after they stopped making the MPV. I did drive one years ago and the only real difference I noticed was the height of the vehicle. My husband has always bought Mazda and never had issue with them. Take a test drive and see what you think. I am very happy with my MPV and do not plan to let it go until it stops going. :)

Your best bet for car ratings is Consumer Reports. That is how I selected my Mini Van for our expanding family. I chose a Nissan Quest which over the years has been to the repair shop four times. Most things have been minor and not costly.
The most it cost was when I went to our local Nissan dealer who was a thief and has been forced out by Nissan once they heard the tales of fleeced customers.
I just had a repair for under $175. which means I have a steady reliable car.
I have owned it for 7 years and I bought it used.

I drive the Mazda 3, and LOVE it! I drove a few Hondas before (and BMW and Volkswagon), but Mazda is less expensive and you get a LOT for your money. I don't know anything about vans, but Mazda in general is great, IMO. :)

Hi! I drive a Mazda Protege, and I like it, except that I have problems with the idle - it's either too high or too low. I know that my husband did some research and it seems to be a common problem with my car, so it might be something to just look into. It might only be the protege, or maybe just manual transmission, but just take a look if anyone has complained about it regarding the car you want to buy. :)

I drive a Mazda CX7. I love it as a mid-sized car whch fits carseats for three boys, and plenty of trunk space. It's nice to drive, efficient on the fuel, and reliable. I've found Mazdas to wear well and have a decent trade-in value.

I used to drive a Mazda 5 - there is actually a post where someone else asks about it. I have 3 friends that have them, too. One of them is about to deliver twins. I absolutely LOVED mine. Very easy to handle and see around you, very comfortable. Lots of interior room too. Now - this should say something - I totalled mine in a front end collision. Not a thing was done to the interior. Only personal objects that slid in the collision were out of place. No injuries at all. My 9 year old was in the front seat (they have those advanced airbags that release according to the weight of the person sitting there) He was hysterical because of the event, but fine. Neither of us were even sore the next day.

Sooo, with that said, my replacement car is a Mazda 3 because I felt like for me, the 5 was bigger than I needed with only one child to haul around (he is my youngest of 4). I'm really loving the 3.

My suggestion would be to get the model that has the automatic doors that close by a button and open with the clicker. Having a little one and hoping to have more, it would be really helpful when hauling armsful of stuff around.