Mazda5 Review

[Defrost]

Hi all,

We just bought a 2007 Mazda5 this weekend. Overall, I'm quite pleased with it. My requirements were better gas mileage (we bought it out of state and drove it 1900 miles since Saturday; it averaged 28 mpg, mostly highway miles), seats at least 6, and start at under $20K. A difficult combination!

Here's the problem that came up today (and it's also a reminder to ALWAYS test-drive the car with ALL the kids in every seating position you could possibly use!!!) The shoulder part of the belts in the two rear seats (it has three rows of seats, with two seats in each row) are so far forward of the seat that there is a good 2-3 inches between the belt and the chest/shoulder. This is true even on my 5' tall 12 year old, who otherwise fits very well in the seat, and even with boosters (for the 9 & 11 year olds.) (I'll post pictures later on in case someone else encounters this.)

While I have a solution for now (I put the back/headrest back on my 9-year-old's Turbobooster and put my daughter's Husky in that row), I am very frustrated about this. It really limits our seating arrangements, not to mention my view out the back window, and considering the fact that others who buy this vehicle are going to be using those seats almost exclusively for children, it's not safe enough. I can't imagine what the head excursion must be.

I also found a nasty problem with child seat installation instructions in the vehicle manual. At one point it very clearly describes and illustrates how to install top-tethers under the headrest in the middle-row seats, but OVER the headrest in the third row seats. A few pages later, it says in a "warning" box to never ever install a top-tether over the headrest. (It wasn't an issue with the Husky because the tether points on the seat are so far apart.) There are also some really poorly-worded phrases throughout the installation instructions. I was really, really unimpressed!

Again, overall I'm pleased with this vehicle. Both of my daughter's seats (Husky and Marathon) installed beautifully, and all four of the rear seating positions have tether-points. I just wish car manufacturers would realize that over half the people who use their products are under 5 feet tall!!

ETA: This thread has grown to include a lot of reviews and pictures of the Mazda 5! There are a lot of posts with pictures of a pretty wide variety of carseats in the 5, plus a lot of interior pictures, and comments about various issues and features. So be sure to check out all the posts, and feel free to post a question of your own if you have one! :thumbsup:

[XmasEve]

Wow, thanks for this. We're in the market for a car and keep coming back to the Mazda5 for the reasons you mentioned... but what's holding us back is that I'd have to put 2 rearfacing Marathons in the middle and one Regent in the rear... and I just don't know about that :confused:

If you could post pictures sometime, that would be great!

And CONGRATULATIONS!! on the new car!

[XmasEve]

So I broke down and test drove and test fit car seats in the Mazda5 today.

(A few months ago we just played around with it on the showroom floor. We thought it was cute, but much too small for us. We were going to go with the Toyota Sienna. Now our new car budget has shrunk and I'm having attacks of guilt over buying a gas guzzling van this day and age...)

It was wonderful! I took both of our Marathons. Even with both rfing in the middle row, there was planty of room for tall dh in the front. Then I put one ffing in the 3rd row and one rfing right in front of it in the middle row. I think I could fit 4 Marathons in it easily! Another thing I loved is that it was so easy to buckle the 4yo in the 3rd row because it's so small I could just lean inside the door, even with the other Marathon right in front of it. And I could still talk with any passengers in the 3rd row while driving-- 4yo dd has been begging not to be put "way back there" when we get a van. It was definitely the most fun to drive compared to the Sienna, Ody, or Hyundai/Kia van.

It was hot, though. The only interiors they offer are dark, they don't offer window tinting, and the a/c vents are only located in the front dash. Both kids complained about the heat. Also, there's very little cargo space, since we'd need 3 car seats in it next year. We'd have to buy a roof rack for any long distance travel, and that's not cheap. Other parents I've talked to recommend the roof rack over a hitch box for extra storage, because they say they really feel better knowing they have quicker access to their children in the 3rd row, despite the lower mpg. Thoughts on this? Also, it hasn't been safety tested in the NA yet, and I am nervous about putting a passenger in the 3rd row-- it is so close to the back of the car. I'm hoping putting a big ol' beastly Regent back there would lessen my fears. Anyone know if a Regent would fit there, with the other half of the 3rd row folded down?

Defrost, post any further thoughts you have on your new car PLEASE! I am dying to hear more about it! :D

[southpawboston]

i highly recommend roof-top carriers as opposed to rear box-hitch kinds. i'm a big fan of yakima brand racks and accessories, having owned a yakima rack since 1995 which has been on four different cars of mine. i prefer roof-top versions since you can add really large storage boxes and have your bikes or skis or kayak up there...

i wouldn't worry about the safety testing in the US. while i personally can't guarantee it will get top ratings in the US tests, it has gotten top ratings in both the japanese and the european tests. and mazda is determined to have the mazda5 do well here.

[UlrikeDG]

The issue with putting luggage on the roof is that it raises the center of gravity, increasing the roll-over risk. I don't know anything about the hitch box.

[southpawboston]

The issue with putting luggage on the roof is that it raises the center of gravity, increasing the roll-over risk. I don't know anything about the hitch box.

yes and no. in theory it *does* raise the rollover risk, however the weight limit of the rack is something like 150 lbs, so that is quite minimal and probably doesn't affect the car's overall emergency handling dynamics significantly (plus a mazda5 is going to be intrinsically a lot less rollover-prone than any SUV, regardless of stability control). the advantage, on the other hand, is that the roof racks maintain a more or less even front to rear weight balance. this affects the handling of the car. rear box hitch-mounted systems add a LOT of weight to the rear axle (more than having the same weight in the trunk, since there is a cantilever effect the farther behind the rear axle you put the weight). this shifts the weight distribution far to the rear, which is very bad for handling. so arguably, a rear hitch mount system makes the car less stable than a roof-top system.

and this i know firsthand. i once transported an electric wheelchair on a hitch-mount platform carrier on a subaru outback. the wheelchair was only 220 lbs, but the back of the car dragged so badly i felt dangerously unstable on the road. if that wheelchair had fit inside the car, that little weight wouldn't have made the car feel any different.

[Defrost]

I'm glad my review was helpful! I agree, installing carseats so far has been very easy. Overall I love this car! The issue with those rear-row shoulder belts has been my only major complaint. I do agree it needs more vents; but with my kids being older we're doing all right. I can roll down the back windows to get a breeze going until the A/C catches up. Hopefully Mazda will correct this next year? Our friend has a Mazda7 and it had rear air vents - why did they miss this on the Mazda5??

The rear seat shoulder belt position is driving me nuts, though. I bought a Graco Airbooster thinking it would be more comfortable and that he'd quit moving around in it so much, but it hasn't helped. He keeps leaning to the side so he can see out the front or lean on his sister's Husky (he's 9). I can't put him in the center row and fix that problem because neither of my older children can ride in the back with the shoulder belt being so far forward (they're too big to use the back of the booster to position the belt). I'm now looking at putting him in his sister's Husky and getting her a Radian.

Hm... I just had a thought. My 11yo still uses a booster (he's small for his age) and with the strap that positions the shoulder belt, I *might* be able to put him in the rear and move the 9yo to the center.

Does anyone have any opinions on customizing a positioner for the shoulder strap? I know it wouldn't be "approved," but I keep thinking that if I could just pin a positioner (like the ones that come with booster seats) to the back of the seat, it would hold the shoulder strap closer to the seat where it should be.

OH, and it does get the mileage promised! We bought ours out-of-state and drove it home; almost exclusively highway miles, and we got 28 mpg consistently. I'm pretty sure the turn radius is smaller than with most vans, too. U-turns and parking have been a breeze. Pay close attention when adding windshield wiper fluid, though. I accidentally put windshield wiper fluid in the radiator overflow tank... seriously, it's an easy mistake! (My mechanic was kind enough to write "Engine Coolant Only" on the tank in permanent marker - what, Mazda couldn't do that??? ;) )

[Defrost]

All right, here's the pics. If anyone has info on how safe/unsafe this is, please let me know. I know that I'm personally not at all comfortable with it, but I honestly don't know how it crash-tests.

Here's the rear passenger-side seat empty (the clip you can see behind the belt is not a positioner, it's just for holding the belt out of the way when the seats are folded.)
<a href="http://photobucket.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i301/alunatic_photos/IMG_0817.jpg" border="0" alt="Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket"></a>

This is my oldest, age 12 (13 in two months). He's 5'1", 90+ lbs, 22" torso:
<a href="http://photobucket.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i301/alunatic_photos/IMG_0818.jpg" border="0" alt="Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket"></a>

As you can see in this photo, there is about three inches of space between his shoulder and the belt:
<a href="http://photobucket.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i301/alunatic_photos/IMG_0822.jpg" border="0" alt="Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket"></a>

This is my 11 year old, 4'7", 60-65 lbs, 18" torso:
<a href="http://photobucket.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i301/alunatic_photos/IMG_0823.jpg" border="0" alt="Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket"></a>

Top view of the shoulder belt (this is closer to 4 inches but it's hard to tell because his shirt is baggy):
<a href="http://photobucket.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i301/alunatic_photos/IMG_0824.jpg" border="0" alt="Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket"></a>

Collarbone to belt measurement:
<a href="http://photobucket.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i301/alunatic_photos/IMG_0826.jpg" border="0" alt="Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket"></a>

Our only solution is a backless booster with a belt positioner (as you can see, he is not pleased with this):
<a href="http://photobucket.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i301/alunatic_photos/IMG_0827.jpg" border="0" alt="Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket"></a>

I need to "test-drive" him in this position to see if he is better able to remain properly positioned in the seat. If he's too wiggly like my third son, my only other option is to put the third son back in a 5-pt harness (he'll get his sister's Husky until he outgrows it, she'll get a new Regent).

[Gypsy]

I've seen Debbie's new car, her kids and how they all fit in it. The 3rd row belts are exactly as terrible as the pictures show. Debbie keeps cars until they die and when her kids are no longer in seats that can make those shoulder belts fit properly there is going to be a problem because no one will be able to safely use that 3rd row without a carseat or belt positioner.

[XmasEve]

Yeah, those 3rd row seatbelts are a real brain fart on Mazda's part. I was shocked. (Well, not too shocked. I've had a Mazda before, and know they sometimes 'miss' on the important 'details.') Thankfully my kids are still young (4yo, 2yo, and in utero) so they'll be in harnessed car seats the life of this car. In several years, when we choose to finally retire our Toyota Echo, we hope to buy something newer and bigger for me and the kids, so this will be dh's car then. (Though he's already asked if he can be the primary driver of it until the baby's born LOL.)

My Marathon installed like a breeze ffing in the 3rd row passenger side, with my other MA rfing and reclined for a newborn in the middle, and I could still have the front seat back all the way, though it was fully upright. That was super cool! I was planning on buying a Regent for the 3rd row-- does your Husky install well there? Though I'd still need the middle row pushed back all the way to fit a seat for a newborn... decisions, decisions! And we haven't even bought the car yet!

And, yk, if enough people speak up, we could get Mazda to fix the 3rd row belt issue. Free retrofit, anyone :whistle: ? It'd be better for them to do it sooner rather than later. When I get mine I'll take pics of all my passengers trying to fit such a silly belt. Add that to your pics... spread the word on the mpvclub forum... get enough techs to voice their concern...

[UlrikeDG]

How do you or your DH fit back there, Debbie?

I think I'd report it to NHTSA. Not sure that there's actually anything they can/will do about it, but I'd want them to know anyway.

Gah. Looking at Sam in the booster... I'm not actually sure that's a good fix. The adjuster on a backless booster is supposed to pull the belt down off the neck when the child is too short. It's for comfort more than safety (although the two are connected to an extent). It's not supposed to hold tight in a crash (at least, I don't think it is), so really I think it's just disguising the slack, not "fixing the fit". :scratcheshead: In a crash, the positioner will break, and there will still be 4" of space between him and the belt.

Because your question is burried in a vehicle review thread, you might not have a lot of people looking at it. If you don't get many responses, you may want to repost in a new thread for more visibility.

[Defrost]

I was planning on buying a Regent for the 3rd row-- does your Husky install well there? Though I'd still need the middle row pushed back all the way to fit a seat for a newborn... decisions, decisions! And we haven't even bought the car yet!

Oh, the Husky installs beautifully back there! The only complaint I'd have is that it does limit the rear view a bit, but not as bad as the headrest on the booster does.

I am going to contact Mazda about this - I would love to have it fixed, though I don't expect that to happen anytime soon. It's so frustrating because it's otherwise such a perfect vehicle for us.

[Defrost]

How do you or your DH fit back there, Debbie?

YK, both me, dh, and my friend (Gypsy) have sat back there and didn't notice anything, but I'm going to go out right now and sit in it to check!

On me (5'6") there's about 1 inch of space between my collarbone and the belt. It's really not a comfy fit for any adult, though, and I don't think that any sane person could argue that those two rear seats were designed with adults in mind.

I think I'd report it to NHTSA. Not sure that there's actually anything they can/will do about it, but I'd want them to know anyway.

NHTSA too? Sure, why not - as long as I'm complaining anyway!

Gah. Looking at Sam in the booster... I'm not actually sure that's a good fix. The adjuster on a backless booster is supposed to pull the belt down off the neck when the child is too short. It's for comfort more than safety (although the two are connected to an extent). It's not supposed to hold tight in a crash (at least, I don't think it is), so really I think it's just disguising the slack, not "fixing the fit". :scratcheshead: In a crash, the positioner will break, and there will still be 4" of space between him and the belt.

Oh, I really did not want to hear that. *sigh* It's not that we can't afford a second Regent, it's just the principal of the matter and the fact that it won't be long before that option doesn't work, either.

Here's a question: with the headrest on the booster and seat belt locked, would that fix it?

[UlrikeDG]

A HBB might fix it--belt locked or not--because it starts the child out a few inches ahead of the seatback. It might totally eliminate the gap. You'd have to try it and see, but maybe Fighter in the Turbo with back would work, and poor Sam wouldn't have to move back into a booster. ;)

I asked about you and other adults fitting, because I'm wondering if maybe by the time Fighter is out of the booster, Thomas might fit, and by the time Macha is out of a seat, maybe Sam might.

[Defrost]

Hm... it *is* possible that Thomas might be big enough by then. He seems to be preparing for another huge growth spurt, and if he gets to my height (just 5 more inches!) by then it'll be a close enough fit. I still wouldn't be thrilled with the one-inch gap, but three inches is just too much.

[UlrikeDG]

Tell the boy to start lifting weights. He just needs a barrel of a chest. :duck:

[Defrost]

Tell the boy to start lifting weights. He just needs a barrel of a chest. :duck:

LMAO I was actually thinking the same thing when I posted that!

[XmasEve]

We bought ours today :D I sat in the 3rd row first. There was >1" of space between my shoulder and the shoulder belt. My dh pointed out that once I'm more pregnant/nursing (like I am 90% of the time :rolleyes: ) it'll fit fine. I tried my 4yo in the 3rd row in her RideSafer Vest. I was slightly uncomfortable by how loose the shoulder belt seemed on her in that case. It wasn't "too" loose, as she was short enough in the seat that the lap buckle was pulling it tight "enough" around her. It was just looser than I had experienced in any other car.

I was thinking sliders, like they have on front seat shoulder belts, would be a perfect remedy. My dh suggested a locking clip??? I didn't know he knew what one was.

They're redesigning it for 2008, but I don't have a clear idea of how drastically, and haven't heard of any planned changes for seatbelts. We bought anyway because I'm an impatient kind of gal-- and got a better price when I complained to the dealer that the 08 addresses a lot of the obvious issues with the 07 (more armrests, rear air vents, etc.)

[Defrost]

We bought ours today :D I sat in the 3rd row first. There was >1" of space between my shoulder and the shoulder belt. My dh pointed out that once I'm more pregnant/nursing (like I am 90% of the time :rolleyes: ) it'll fit fine. I tried my 4yo in the 3rd row in her RideSafer Vest. I was slightly uncomfortable by how loose the shoulder belt seemed on her in that case. It wasn't "too" loose, as she was short enough in the seat that the lap buckle was pulling it tight "enough" around her. It was just looser than I had experienced in any other car.

I was thinking sliders, like they have on front seat shoulder belts, would be a perfect remedy. My dh suggested a locking clip??? I didn't know he knew what one was.

They're redesigning it for 2008, but I don't have a clear idea of how drastically, and haven't heard of any planned changes for seatbelts. We bought anyway because I'm an impatient kind of gal-- and got a better price when I complained to the dealer that the 08 addresses a lot of the obvious issues with the 07 (more armrests, rear air vents, etc.)

Yeah, I got a pretty good price, too. It's a fun car, hey? If I could just get this dang seating issue worked out! My friend gave me a Britax Laptop that still has a year until it expires; that's the only solution I'm comfortable with so far, but we'll be re-visiting this again when he either outgrows the Laptop or it expires.

A locking clip can't be used without a seat - it's got a very, very specific use, and this isn't one of them. If Mazda were to install adjustable sliders like they do on the front seats, it still wouldn't change the fact that the belt is too far in front of the seat - it would just be too far in front of the seat and lower, yk?

[XmasEve]

Yeah, I got a pretty good price, too. It's a fun car, hey? If I could just get this dang seating issue worked out! My friend gave me a Britax Laptop that still has a year until it expires; that's the only solution I'm comfortable with so far, but we'll be re-visiting this again when he either outgrows the Laptop or it expires.

A locking clip can't be used without a seat - it's got a very, very specific use, and this isn't one of them. If Mazda were to install adjustable sliders like they do on the front seats, it still wouldn't change the fact that the belt is too far in front of the seat - it would just be too far in front of the seat and lower, yk?

Yeah, all very true. I at least knew the locking clip idea was bad :) I was just surprised dh knew what one was :p

So do you think there's any solution? I'd love to recommend this car to people, especially my best friend with 3 kids, but 2 of her kids would have the same trouble you're having...

[Defrost]

Yeah, all very true. I at least knew the locking clip idea was bad :) I was just surprised dh knew what one was :p

LOL! Yeah, I'd probably have the same reaction if my husband said it! And we have mucho experience with locking clips, too, but I still doubt he has any clue what it's called or what it's used for.


So do you think there's any solution? I'd love to recommend this car to people, especially my best friend with 3 kids, but 2 of her kids would have the same trouble you're having...

I'm honestly not sure. I've yet to get any answers about the acceptability of this issue - it seems to have been completely overlooked as a safety issue. I'm still in the process of making calls, though. I'll be sure to post when/if I get any answers!

[XmasEve]

I'm honestly not sure. I've yet to get any answers about the acceptability of this issue - it seems to have been completely overlooked as a safety issue. I'm still in the process of making calls, though. I'll be sure to post when/if I get any answers!

Please let me know if I can help! I'm no tech, but I can be darn persuasive as a consumer :evil grin:

:cool:

[Defrost]

I'm still waiting on a call-back (I've left two voicemails now...) :whistle: BUT I've got an EZ-On 86-Y coming in early next week that should almost certainly completely correct the problem; I'll post more on that when I get it and see how well it works, but I'm really excited about it!

In the meantime, I got some pics of my kids in the Mazda5, and thought I'd share so others can see what it looks like with actual people in it!

http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i301/alunatic_photos/IMG_0845.jpg

This is what a Husky in the rear row looks like:
http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i301/alunatic_photos/IMG_0843.jpg

And this is the other rear row seat with my 9yo in a Laptop:
http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i301/alunatic_photos/IMG_0848.jpg

[Gypsy]

I am *so* glad Fighter likes the Laptop, it really fits in that car like it was made to fit in that car. :love:

[XmasEve]

Oh man, that looks great! I've been meaning to say you have a great looking family and that just proves my point. Please do keep us posted on the EZ-on 86-Y.

[twom]

Just to make sure, is your 9yo under 51"? The Laptop does have a height limit as well as a weight limit. He's probably fine, as you really seem to know what you're doing, but I just wanted to be sure. :)

[Defrost]

Oh man, that looks great! I've been meaning to say you have a great looking family and that just proves my point. Please do keep us posted on the EZ-on 86-Y.

Thanks, and I will! It just came in today & I get to play with it tomorrow!

[Defrost]

Just to make sure, is your 9yo under 51"? The Laptop does have a height limit as well as a weight limit. He's probably fine, as you really seem to know what you're doing, but I just wanted to be sure. :)

Actually, he's just under 51". :( However, I'm really not sure how concerning that is. I think it's just on there because they're required to put a height limit on there, yk? Because what really counts with this seat is torso height, and there's nothing on there about torso height. It definitely covers a good portion of his chest, though, so I'm okay with the fit.

*Fingers crossed* he'll be moving to the 86-Y tomorrow so it won't be an issue anymore! (I'm entirely too excited about playing with this harness!!!)

[Defrost]

Update: We've got a long-term solution for the seat problem! I posted about it here (http://www.car-seat.org/showthread.php?t=19056).

[Defrost]

Another update:

We don't actually have a long-term solution for the seat belt problem. The heavy-weight tether anchor for the 86Y cannot be installed in this vehicle, so once my third child reaches 65lbs (the guesstimated limit on the vehicle's tether anchor) I'm right back where I started.

The only real solution would be for Mazda to retrofit the rear-row seat belts. This is possible based on the vehicle's body style but unlikely that Mazda will ever do it.
:( :mad: :eek: :thumbsdown:

[Defrost]

Yet another update:

My friend brought me a recline bar today, so we were able to test out the Husky with the recline bar and both long & short belt paths for seat belts, and SBP for LATCH (no LBP LATCH strap since the Huskies weren't included in the new advisory).

A Regent absolutely will not install with the recline bar in the rear-row seating position (no LATCH). Two techs and one mom with lots of experience installing a Husky tried for over an hour, and we could not get it tight enough. As the Regent now requires the recline bar, it would not be a solution to the seat belt problem we've been having with this vehicle. (I'm just glad we've got a Husky!)

It installs rock-solid with the recline bar and SBP LATCH in the center row, and is acceptable with the recline bar and both belt paths with seat belt in the center row - nice & tight once the tether is hooked.

ETA: I was wrong, it CAN be installed with the recline bar in the rear row! It just needed to be a bit more reclined than I typically have my carseats. It wasn't even that hard, it's just a matter of getting the angle of the carseat just right.

[snowbird25ca]

Has Mazda ever responded to your questions? Just curious what their response has been... and sorry the heavy duty TA can't be installed, that really sucks. :(

[Defrost]

Has Mazda ever responded to your questions? Just curious what their response has been...

Haven't heard a word. I need to get on it, figure out how to file a complaint in a way they can't ignore it. I've already contacted NHTSA.

[XmasEve]

Darn on the Regent. I need to put dd1 back there in the New Year, and am starting car seat window shopping-- I guess I'll scratch Regent off my list. Thanks for the info.

[Defrost]

Just updating again. I wanted to post some pics that illustrate more clearly why the seat belt is a problem, and why I won't let my kids use it. If they were dummies who never moved, it wouldn't be as dangerous...

This is my 13 year old in the center row, with the "good" seat belts. He is not properly positioned, as children often are not, but at least the belt is still at his shoulder even as he moves around:

http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i301/alunatic_photos/IMG_1062.jpg

http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i301/alunatic_photos/IMG_1063.jpg

http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i301/alunatic_photos/IMG_1064.jpg


Now here he is in the rear row, with the "bad" seat belt, in the same positions:

http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i301/alunatic_photos/IMG_1066.jpg

http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i301/alunatic_photos/IMG_1067.jpg

http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i301/alunatic_photos/IMG_1069.jpg

[Defrost]

'nother update:

The Radian will not install FF in the rear row, either.

[XmasEve]

'nother update:

The Radian will not install FF in the rear row, either.

Seriously?!? Or are you just *trying* to make me cry? What choices does that leave me for my 5yo? The new Recaro or the Safeguard??? And don't you dare let my dd know that yet another "pink seat" will not fit...

[Defrost]

I know - I was so disappointed. :(

My friend Gypsy is getting a Recaro, so I'll be able to test that one out, too.

[XmasEve]

Thank you for keeping us posted. I anxiously await to hear.

[mcomommy]

Marathons fit ff and rf in the back seat

[XmasEve]

Marathons fit ff and rf in the back seat

I know, they fit like a dream. But I need a new seat for dd, ideally to fit her from ages 5 to 8. A booster, even with a harness, is not my first choice.

[Namegirl]

I know, they fit like a dream. But I need a new seat for dd, ideally to fit her from ages 5 to 8. A booster, even with a harness, is not my first choice.

I've successfully installed a Regent in the 2nd and 3rd rows of my Mazda 5, if that's a seat you're looking into.

[mcomommy]

I've successfully installed a Regent in the 2nd and 3rd rows of my Mazda 5, if that's a seat you're looking into.

With the recline bar?

[musicmaj]

Debbie,
So ez-on doesn't have a solution for you? Just wondering if you ever heard back from them.

Have you ever considered using the ride safer vest or maybe the new sunshine kids monterey would work since it adjusts so high and would make the belt fit your kids right.

[Defrost]

Oh, Namegirl, do you HATE me?? Now I have to go play with it yet again! You got a Regent in the third row WITH the recline bar?? HOW??? I get way, way too much front-to-back movement. Is your Regent super-reclined or something? I don't think I've tried that yet...

I haven't heard back from EZ-On yet. *shrug* I've tried re-contacting them but I'm still waiting. :( I do have a lead on getting the heavy-weight anchors installed; the body shop that fixed my VW after the wreck ordered pizza the other day, and in chatting with him he said he thinks he could do it. Not sure how, though, and I have to get it in so he can look at it, but he did seem to have a very good grasp of the situation.

The RSTV would be too cumbersome to put on and off every time we got in or out of the vehicle. Plus, it only goes to 80 lbs; for a long-term solution I need more than that.

The booster's height won't make a difference. As soon as I add a booster to the seat, the belt being too far forward becomes a head-excursion risk, and being higher doesn't correct that. If I use the seating position without a booster, the belt being too far forward creates a real-life-use problem, since even the most mature child won't always sit perfectly positioned behind it.

[Namegirl]

With the recline bar?

Yes, with the recline bar.

[Namegirl]

Oh, Namegirl, do you HATE me?? Now I have to go play with it yet again! You got a Regent in the third row WITH the recline bar?? HOW??? I get way, way too much front-to-back movement. Is your Regent super-reclined or something? I don't think I've tried that yet...

LOL. I had access to a friend's Regent one afternoon and was able to install it in the 3rd row. Any child would probably need the 2nd row seat moved up quite a bit to get appropriate leg room.

Let's see if I can remember...it definitely had the recline bar. We put the bar in just by hand--no pounding it in with a hammer or anything. First I pushed against the edge of the seat with my knees to push it back into the seatback. Then, sort of holding it in that position, I climbed on top of it to push it downward into the seat . I hope I'm explaining that right. First pushing it back away from me and then pushing it down. Then it took a lot of "feeding" with the seat belt (while still kneeling on it). It was one of those centimeter-by-centimeter installs where you have to pull on the seat belt in a lot of different places to get it tight.

And it worked! I turned the headrest around and tethered it and it was a pretty great install.

[Defrost]

With both the Husky w/recline bar and Radian in the rear row, I can get acceptable side-to-side, but way too much front-to-back movement. So, sounds like I need more compression? I can't figure out what I'm doing differently, what you described is my "standard" method of installing any seat. :confused:

Dh is going to be SO thrilled when I tell him I need to go play with the carseats again LOL!

[Namegirl]

Hmmm. Maybe I just got lucky? I don't know! I can't think of anything else to add...

Let me know after you try it again.

[mcomommy]

LOL. I had access to a friend's Regent one afternoon and was able to install it in the 3rd row. Any child would probably need the 2nd row seat moved up quite a bit to get appropriate leg room.

Let's see if I can remember...it definitely had the recline bar. We put the bar in just by hand--no pounding it in with a hammer or anything. First I pushed against the edge of the seat with my knees to push it back into the seatback. Then, sort of holding it in that position, I climbed on top of it to push it downward into the seat . I hope I'm explaining that right. First pushing it back away from me and then pushing it down. Then it took a lot of "feeding" with the seat belt (while still kneeling on it). It was one of those centimeter-by-centimeter installs where you have to pull on the seat belt in a lot of different places to get it tight.

And it worked! I turned the headrest around and tethered it and it was a pretty great install.

Score!! There is hope, lol

[Defrost]

My apologies Namegirl! I got it in with the recline bar, both LBP and SBP. I even left the recline bar in because I got a tighter install than without it (both were acceptable, though). I'm going to go add a note to my previous post to correct that it's not possible. :o

It's considerably less upright than my usual installs, that's what was causing the problem the first time I tried. Generally every FF seat I install is very, very upright (moreso than most). I'm not sure if I'll leave the recline bar in; if I had a Regent and it was required, I'd be okay with it, but I can't decide if slightly tighter is better than more upright. I think I'm going to post a question about that to see what the general consenus is! :D

[Defrost]

UPDATE!

My thanks to everyone who's been following this thread. We finally have a long-term, acceptable solution to the problem with the rear-row seatbelts.

EZ-On has been working with us the past couple of months, and has created a custom 86Y harness that does not require installing the heavy-duty tether anchors. It works by using the lower seat belt anchors instead of a tether anchor. Instead of having one hook in the back, it splits and has two heavy-duty anchors that attach to seat belt anchors on either side. It looks like this:

http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i301/alunatic_photos/86Y%20harness/IMG_1204.jpg

Connie, whom I believe is the owner of EZ-On products, is my new hero! I am so relieved to finally have a long-term solution for this problem, that retains the usability of all four seats for whatever seating arrangement I want. I would like to add that she very graciously provided this custom harness at no additional cost to us - she simply asked that we exchange our original 86Y's for the new custom ones.

[Namegirl]

I'm so glad you found a solution!

[southpawboston]

that's awesome! and what an elegant and simple solution! just an additional side-to-side strap to anchor to the seatbelt anchors!

congrats!

[singingpond]

UPDATE!
EZ-On has been working with us the past couple of months, and has created a custom 86Y harness that does not require installing the heavy-duty tether anchors. It works by using the lower seat belt anchors instead of a tether anchor. Instead of having one hook in the back, it splits and has two heavy-duty anchors that attach to seat belt anchors on either side.


I've been interested in your problems with the EZ-On tether point since you first posted quite a while ago -- congratulations on getting a solution! It's really great that EZ-On was willing to make this effort to work something out for you.

I wonder if they may make this solution more generally available? It would encourage me to consider this product more seriously.... I have thought about using the 86Y in the backseat center of our smaller car (older Corolla), which has a lap belt only. The existing tether anchor position could probably be drilled out to accomodate the heavier anchor. However, in this particular vehicle the tether anchor position is all the way at the back of the station wagon cargo area, so a strap attached to the tether anchor runs diagonally down and back right through the cargo area -- very inconvenient. If I could attach to seat belt anchors, that would be more workable. I'll have to see if I can open your photo, to see how this modified setup works....

ETA: where is the photo? I tried opening the link that I saw when I quoted your message, but Photobucket says the page is not found? It's also not showing up in-line in your message... not sure if you changed something since you posted, or if the problem is at my end...

Katrin

[Defrost]

I wonder if they may make this solution more generally available? It would encourage me to consider this product more seriously.... I have thought about using the 86Y in the backseat center of our smaller car (older Corolla), which has a lap belt only. The existing tether anchor position could probably be drilled out to accomodate the heavier anchor. However, in this particular vehicle the tether anchor position is all the way at the back of the station wagon cargo area, so a strap attached to the tether anchor runs diagonally down and back right through the cargo area -- very inconvenient. If I could attach to seat belt anchors, that would be more workable. I'll have to see if I can open your photo, to see how this modified setup works....

I'm really not sure. The woman I was working with seemed surprised to find that I could access the seat belt anchors so easily. Plus, anchoring this way was our ONLY option; it was more than just a matter of convenience, though maybe the only difference would be in the fee?

ETA: where is the photo? I tried opening the link that I saw when I quoted your message, but Photobucket says the page is not found? It's also not showing up in-line in your message... not sure if you changed something since you posted, or if the problem is at my end...

No, sorry, my bad. I decided after I posted to put all my 86Y pics in a single folder but I forgot it would break the posted links! I think I've got it fixed now. :)

[southpawboston]

The woman I was working with seemed surprised to find that I could access the seat belt anchors so easily.

hmm... in most cars i've had that have a fold-down rear seat, the seatbelt anchors were quite easy to access! the only i've had in which the anchors were not plainly accessible were sedans that didn't have fold-down rear seats.

[Defrost]

hmm... in most cars i've had that have a fold-down rear seat, the seatbelt anchors were quite easy to access! the only i've had in which the anchors were not plainly accessible were sedans that didn't have fold-down rear seats.

From the outboard, too? I'll have to go look, but it seems like the ones in our Golf are buried by the seat bottom. :shrug-shoulders: All I know is she asked me to send pics of how I could access both ends of the seat belt, and then after we got the harness she admitted she was concerned about the clamps being too big to fit in the narrow space. I'll admit, it was a very tight squeeze on the outboard side and I'm glad we won't be removing it!

[musicmaj]

That is so great! What a good company to work with you to find a solution.

[bombedier]

This has been a great thread - I am looking at donating 2 Regents to a Mazda5 owner with a third child seat, so good to know the Regent installs well in both center and third row.

Thanks!

[southpawboston]

From the outboard, too? I'll have to go look, but it seems like the ones in our Golf are buried by the seat bottom. :shrug-shoulders: All I know is she asked me to send pics of how I could access both ends of the seat belt, and then after we got the harness she admitted she was concerned about the clamps being too big to fit in the narrow space. I'll admit, it was a very tight squeeze on the outboard side and I'm glad we won't be removing it!

the golf seat bottom should be a piece of cake to remove. i can't remember about the newer style golfs, but on the old ones from the 80s and early 90s, it was just two screws in the front of the cushion. the rear of the cushion is just held in with metal tabs. unscrew those two screws, then slide the cushion forward and the rear tabs just slide out. presto! most cars have some variation on this setup. you often need to remove the back seat cushion to access the fuel filter. :thumbsup:

[Defrost]

Excuse me, I need to rant.

We were behind a Mazda MPV at a stop light yesterday. The rear row of that vehicle is remarkably similar to the 5 - very close to the back window, tiny cargo space, etc. With one very notable exception - the rear seat belts have ROUTERS. They are identical to the ones in my center row. I could tell even from where I was that the rear row seatbelts in the MPV did NOT have the forward-of-the-seat issue I have.

WHY WHY WHY did they change it?? It just makes absolutely no sense to me! It just drives me nuts!!

[XmasEve]

So I'm playing with a Regent and Radian right now. I CAN get the Regent in the 3rd row, I CANNOT get the Radian in. Sound right with the consensus, or am I doing something wrong?

[Defrost]

Yep, that's all I can do with it - Husky yes, Radian no! Is your Regent using the recline bar?

[XmasEve]

Yes, I'm using the recline bar. I was surprised how easy it was to install. Both dds like the Regent much more than the Radian. It leaves 4yo dd NO leg room in the 3rd row, since both middle seats need to be all the way back to fit the rfing Marathons. But she says she likes it that way, it reminds her of rfing.

I hope to try a Safeguard next month.

[Defrost]

Really? That thing drove me nuts with the recline bar! But then, once I let it recline the way the recline bar tries to make it, it went in pretty well. I'm just spoiled by the Husky and the LBP. :D

My kids don't seem to mind the lack of leg-room, either. Some days they get more than others, even though I don't have RF seats in the center row; just depends on how the kids adjust them. But either way the kids in the back haven't complained, and they're 13 and 11!

[papooses]

WHY WHY WHY did they change it?? It just makes absolutely no sense to me! It just drives me nuts!!

Grrrrr! :hitselfonhead:

But, I'm still quite happy for you about the custom EZOn update :D

[Defrost]

Here's some pics of the seats I've installed in my Mazda 5.

RF Radian, 3rd row:
http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i301/alunatic_photos/Radian/IMG_1656.jpg

Husky, LBP + recline bar:
http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i301/alunatic_photos/IMG_1112.jpg http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i301/alunatic_photos/IMG_1111.jpg

Husky, LBP no recline bar:
http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i301/alunatic_photos/IMG_1117.jpg

Radian FF, 2nd row:
http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i301/alunatic_photos/IMG_1089.jpg

Radian RF, 2nd row:
http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i301/alunatic_photos/IMG_1279.jpg http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i301/alunatic_photos/IMG_1280.jpg

[jen_nah]

Debbie,

That is AWESOME on the EZ On. Glad you found a great solution for the seatbelt problem.

[dimsumdaddy]

yes and no. in theory it *does* raise the rollover risk, however the weight limit of the rack is something like 150 lbs, so that is quite minimal and probably doesn't affect the car's overall emergency handling dynamics significantly (plus a mazda5 is going to be intrinsically a lot less rollover-prone than any SUV, regardless of stability control). the advantage, on the other hand, is that the roof racks maintain a more or less even front to rear weight balance. this affects the handling of the car. rear box hitch-mounted systems add a LOT of weight to the rear axle (more than having the same weight in the trunk, since there is a cantilever effect the farther behind the rear axle you put the weight). this shifts the weight distribution far to the rear, which is very bad for handling. so arguably, a rear hitch mount system makes the car less stable than a roof-top system.

and this i know firsthand. i once transported an electric wheelchair on a hitch-mount platform carrier on a subaru outback. the wheelchair was only 220 lbs, but the back of the car dragged so badly i felt dangerously unstable on the road. if that wheelchair had fit inside the car, that little weight wouldn't have made the car feel any different.

I really don't want to detract a great thread, but these comments are extremely misleading.

150 lbs is not insignificant, especially when it is at the highest point in the car. This is about 4 feet above the roll center of the car, which is about the equivalent of adding a 300 lbs object in the cabin about 2' above the roll center. The carrier WILL affect handling/dynamics drastically. And WILL increase roll potential, especially since the top/bottom weight distribution is now 150 lbs more dense at the top. It's not going to suddenly cause you to roll at every turn, but it's not insignificant. But true, the Mazda5 is inherently less rollover prone than a typical SUV, or even van.

I'm not saying not to use a carrier, but best practice would probably be to load up the cabin as much as possible first, THEN put stuff in the carrier. Oh... and of course, leave as much stuff at home as possible.

The trailer is different than a hitch carrier. The 200+ chair on the hitch weighs down on the car at a point farther out than the farthest point of the car... no wonder it weighed the rear down.

A trailer on the other hand is supported by it's own wheels. Braking and acceleration will obviously be affected.

Back on topic... great reviews of what's possible with the Mazda5.

[Defrost]

Back on topic... great reviews of what's possible with the Mazda5.

Thanks for adding your perspective! I really do love this car, in spite of the headaches it's caused in the past.

Our plan for traveling right now is "leave two kids at home" or fly. :D I think we could manage a short road trip if we only brought one medium-sized backpack of clothes for each of us, though, and stored them in the foot wells. Then the driver's backpack could go in the rear glove box, oops, I mean cargo area. ;)

[southpawboston]

A trailer on the other hand is supported by it's own wheels. Braking and acceleration will obviously be affected.

more than acceleration and braking are affected. without having trailer brakes, upon braking in a turn, the trailer is putting additional lateral force on the rear of the vehicle, destabilizing the rear of the vehicle and promoting unsafe oversteer.

i have driven with all three forms of external storage-- rooftop racks, box-hitch platforms, and trailers. all things considered, rooftop racks have been then least disruptive to the car's handling, in my experience. your mileage may vary. :)

[DaniCPST]

more than acceleration and braking are affected. without having trailer brakes, upon braking in a turn, the trailer is putting additional lateral force on the rear of the vehicle, destabilizing the rear of the vehicle and promoting unsafe oversteer.

i have driven with all three forms of external storage-- rooftop racks, box-hitch platforms, and trailers. all things considered, rooftop racks have been then least disruptive to the car's handling, in my experience. your mileage may vary. :)

I totally agree with this! I would way rather have my Thule loaded on the top of my SUV than tow a trailer. I don't mind towing our trailer but it affects the way my car drives a lot more than my cargo box ever could. We drove from Oregon to Las Vegas and back with our roof box full of heavy baby gear (pack n play, stroller, loaded duffel bag). You couldn't even tell it was on top of the car going through the twisty roads that go through the mountain ranges in Southern Oregon and Northern Cali. On the other hand I have also done this exact drive towing a trailer, and it wasn't even our big 15ft trailer it was a measly 6ft trailer and this affected the handling on my SUV greatly.

[southpawboston]

not to mention that the weight of a trailer alone will diminish your fuel efficiency way more than the wind drag of a rooftop carrier, and also it reduces your rearward visibility, introducing an altogether different safety liability. :twocents:

[DaniCPST]

not to mention that the weight of a trailer alone will diminish your fuel efficiency way more than the wind drag of a rooftop carrier, and also it reduces your rearward visibility, introducing an altogether different safety liability. :twocents:

And it degrades the looks of your vehicle while a rooftop box can inhance it.:whistle:

[southpawboston]

And it degrades the looks of your vehicle while a rooftop box can inhance it.:whistle:

right on :thumbsup:. there's something about a sporty car with a rooftop yakima or thule loaded up with biking gear that just makes the car that much sexier :D. i'm a yakima fan, personally :).

[XmasEve]

We have Thule, because that's what Mazda sells. I really wanted the silver cargo box, but got the black instead... Which is probably a good thing, because as soon as we put it on, DH promptly drove into the garage. Umm, but it was about 2" too tall. I'd hate to think of a nice silver box with all those scratches, so I guess black was a good thing.

Oh, and I no longer hold the honor of "dumbest mistake with a car." :p

[southpawboston]

We have Thule, because that's what Mazda sells. I really wanted the silver cargo box, but got the black instead... Which is probably a good thing, because as soon as we put it on, DH promptly drove into the garage. Umm, but it was about 2" too tall. I'd hate to think of a nice silver box with all those scratches, so I guess black was a good thing.

Oh, and I no longer hold the honor of "dumbest mistake with a car." :p

DW drove into our garage with her mountain bike on the rack :eek::eek::eek: . fortunately because of the design of the rack, the mounts just released under the stress and the whole rack tipped backward. only one tiny ding got made in the roof, smaller than a dime. and the bike was fine! :thumbsup:

[Defrost]

And the next chapter in the saga... the Graco Nautilus!

Yes, it installs in the rear row. I bit tricky, but not that difficult. (It may well be my new favorite carseat, to be honest.) We had to tighten, then unbuckle, let the seat belt retract one more click, then do the super-fun-bouncey-thing to get it re-buckled, but it was a tight install after that. Tip - keep the headrest ON, all the way down (the tether goes OVER the headrest in this vehicle in this seating position, btw.)

Furthermore, I didn't have my kids with me to try it out, BUT it looks like the GN has a thick enough seatback to compensate for the ridiculously-forward-seat-belts in booster mode. *color me shocked*

One note - it's freaking TALL back there. Absolutely no rear view with the headrest in the top booster position - no window showing, top of carseat brushing the top of the hatch sill.

And a note on head excursion - the Mazda 5 actually has very good measurements. 30cm in the rear row with the center seat all the way back and reclined two clicks (smallest measurement). With the front seats all the way back and reclined two clicks and the center row all the way forward, it starts getting a bit sketchy for the center row at 27cm, but with plenty of room for the third row passengers, not a likely situation. :thumbsup:

[XmasEve]

Is it a concern that it touches the top of the car?

[Defrost]

Is it a concern that it touches the top of the car?

:shrug-shoulders: Not that I know of. It's not crammed against the top, just touching, and with a child big enough to need the tallest booster setting adding weight to the seat I don't think it would touch at all.

[XmasEve]

Thanks, I was just wondering yesterday how tall would be too tall for a cs in the 5.

If it's not too much to ask, pictures sometime? With kids in them? Pretty pretty please? :)

[Defrost]

Thanks, I was just wondering yesterday how tall would be too tall for a cs in the 5.

If it's not too much to ask, pictures sometime? With kids in them? Pretty pretty please? :)

Yeah, I forgot my camera when I went over to Gypsy's for our carseat playdate! :thumbsdown: for me!

She's coming over today and I'll try to do it again, but Fighter's having his teeth extracted this morning, so it'll depend on how much attention he needs afterward.

[newmom212]

Debbie, sorry if this has been asked, is there the option to have one of the second row seats in the middle spot at all? Thanks. :)

[southpawboston]

Debbie, sorry if this has been asked, is there the option to have one of the second row seats in the middle spot at all? Thanks. :)

i'm not debbie, but i know that you can't do that, not on US models. the seats are fixed outboard. the european market version has a second row middle seat option, it makes the car a 7-seater.

[Defrost]

Here's the Nautilus in the Mazda 5, and I just have to add that I'm in love with this carseat. Not enough to replace either of the ones I have, but if I were buying right now, the GN would win, hands-down! :)

Nautilus, second row:
http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i301/alunatic_photos/Nautilus/IMG_1783.jpg

Nautilus, third row, headrest in highest mode (booster):
http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i301/alunatic_photos/Nautilus/IMG_1785.jpg
(Note how well it positions the seat belt, even with the shoulder belt so far forward - I'd feel comfortable using it this way.)

Nautilus, third row, headrest at the 2nd-to-top slots:
http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i301/alunatic_photos/Nautilus/IMG_1789.jpg

Just having anyone riding in the third row blocks the view considerably, so I don't really consider this a "no-go" just because of the height.

[XmasEve]

Ooo, I love your dd's haircut! Thanks for the pics.

So I should stop looking at the Regent and look at the G-Nauti ;) instead?

[Defrost]

Ooo, I love your dd's haircut! Thanks for the pics.

So I should stop looking at the Regent and look at the G-Nauti ;) instead?

Thanks! She's ready for it to grow out; the novelty of "not having to brush it" is wearing off LOL. She looks like such a little pixie with it this way, though! :love:

Unless you really need the extra top-slot height or width/depth of the Regent, yes, I'd go for a GN instead. It was considerably easier to install and left more legroom. Plus, if you need to put a booster-kid in the third row, the GN is thick enough to fill in most of the gap left by that awful shoulder belt.

[dimsumdaddy]

I'm still considering a Mazda5.

I have a question... when I test drove the Mazda5, I found that the 3rd row seat to be very cramped in the legroom department. In my case, I have 3 kids, so I need to have a kid seat back there. I forgot to try and adjust the 2nd row seats.

Can the 2nd row seats be pushed forward to give more legroom to the 3rd row?

[Namegirl]

Can the 2nd row seats be pushed forward to give more legroom to the 3rd row?

Yes! :thumbsup:

[Defrost]

I'm still considering a Mazda5.

I have a question... when I test drove the Mazda5, I found that the 3rd row seat to be very cramped in the legroom department. In my case, I have 3 kids, so I need to have a kid seat back there. I forgot to try and adjust the 2nd row seats.

Can the 2nd row seats be pushed forward to give more legroom to the 3rd row?

Oh yes! It's very cramped if the 2nd row seats are all the way back, but moved up they provide a decent amount of legroom for all parties. The 3rd row seats are fairly low - I tend to think of them as the "carpool" seats, because I don't think they were designed with everyday use in mind. My 13yo sits in the third row - he's 5'3" last time I checked, possibly taller by now. His issue is more the seat height than the leg room - with his feet on the floor, his knees are above the seat.

Kids in carseats or boosters fit better in the 3rd row (if you can get the carseat or booster to fit, of course!) My other three kids, all still in boosters or carseats, are quite comfortable back there. When my dh is with us, he's got his seat pushed all the way back. The 2nd row seat behind him is pushed back about 2 clicks to give that carseat-kid some legroom, which leaves plenty of space for the 3rd row boostered-kid behind her.

[XmasEve]

(Sorry, no pics, I use my SLR over my digital *where's the "old school" smilie?*)

And remember, I'm NOT A CPST.

I bought (with return shipping) a Safeguard to try for my 5yo in the 3rd row, because she was complaining about her new Regent. We will be keeping the Regent and returning the Safeguard because:

-- dd now :love: her Regent because I threatened to exchange it for the SG :rolleyes:
-- it doesn't install as tightly as the Regent (LBP, recline bar) in the 3rd row
-- it extends past the bottom seat cushion in the 3rd row, which SG says is a no-no
-- it is difficult to reach the harness loosening mechanism when the 2nd row is pushed all the way back

But all in all, I LOVE the SG. It is everything a carseat should be... I loved the instructional DVD-- why don't they all come with that??? It was easy to fit to any child. Pop in my 5yo, good to go. Pop in my 3yo, good to go. But for a seat made to keep a child harnessed as long as possible, it would be nice if it were a bigger seat. It took up almost as much room in the 3rd row as the Regent, but with a much smaller seating area for the child. I'll put it this way: My childbearing hips fit in the Regent- they do not in the SG. While it was easy to install with a seatbelt in the 3rd row, it took more wrestling to get it tight than the Regent did. In the 2nd row, it was fun to use the retracting latch function, but it didn't give as tight an install as I like. I managed to get a tighter install with the seatbelt (the SG did not extend over the seat cushion in the 2nd row). The harness function is fun to use too, if you can access it easily. And it's just A REALLY COOL SEAT. I wish Britax and Safeguard would mate... :love:

[Defrost]

Aw, I was really hoping for pics! Oh well - good review at least! :thumbsup:

[XmasEve]

I returned the Safeguard today. It was sad to do so, but it just doesn't fit in the 3rd row because of the overhang issue. It fit like a dream in the 2nd row, but that's not what I need. Fit like a dream in the front passenger seat too, but I don't need that either !

[Defrost]

All right, here's some more pics.

Infant seat. This is a Baby-Trend Flex-Loc; the handle cannot be up so it takes up a lot of front-to-back space.

2nd row, front passenger seat is all the way back, 2nd row seat all the way back:
http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i301/alunatic_photos/IMG_1996.jpg

Base installed in the 3rd row (no LATCH); twist buckle stalk, tighten, unbuckle, tighten a click more, re-buckle:
http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i301/alunatic_photos/IMG_1983.jpg

2nd row legroom with the infant seat behind it:
http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i301/alunatic_photos/IMG_1979.jpg

You can load the infant seat pretty easily through the cargo hatch as long as the handle is down (if you've got carseats installed in the 2nd row seats, for example):
http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i301/alunatic_photos/IMG_1975.jpg

[Defrost]

Some general "how much room" pics.

2nd row folded flat (you have to open the base for it to fold flat; the headrest is removed in this picture but it will fold flat with the headrest on, too):
http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i301/alunatic_photos/IMG_1980.jpg

Cargo room with 2nd and 3rd rows both folded flat:
http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i301/alunatic_photos/IMG_1992.jpg

6' adult in the 3rd row (everyone say "hi" to my very understanding dh!)
http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i301/alunatic_photos/IMG_2004.jpg

Dh's legroom in the 3rd row with the 2nd row seat all the way back:
http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i301/alunatic_photos/IMG_2008.jpg

How much room you have to access the 3rd row:
http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i301/alunatic_photos/IMG_2002.jpg

[VLsMom]

I've read every post in this thread! Thanks for the pictures, detailed information and great reviews, Debbie!

[Defrost]

The SafeGuard in the Mazda5. It installs well in the 2nd row, but unfortunately is incompatible in the 3rd row because the SafeGuard does not allow any overhang.

2nd row:
http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i301/alunatic_photos/SafeGuard/DSC00001.jpg http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i301/alunatic_photos/SafeGuard/DSC00002.jpg

http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i301/alunatic_photos/SafeGuard/DSC00003.jpg http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i301/alunatic_photos/SafeGuard/DSC00006.jpg

In the 3rd row, next to a Regent. As you can see, it does not overhang the front of the vehicle seat any more than the Regent, but the Regent allows up to 20% of the carseat to overhang and the SafeGuard doesn't allow any:
http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i301/alunatic_photos/SafeGuard/DSC00007.jpg http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i301/alunatic_photos/SafeGuard/DSC00008.jpg

http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i301/alunatic_photos/SafeGuard/DSC00009.jpg http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i301/alunatic_photos/SafeGuard/DSC00010.jpg

http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i301/alunatic_photos/SafeGuard/DSC00011.jpg http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i301/alunatic_photos/SafeGuard/DSC00012.jpg

[Defrost]

Last pic for today: my Shiny Mazda 5 in her new tires! It came with 205/50R17. The new ones are "P205/55R-16."

http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i301/alunatic_photos/IMG_2035.jpg

I also took some pics of all the cubbies because I love all the ways they snuck little storage areas into this car, but then I realized we are serious need of a spring cleaning, so I'll re-take those after I get her cleaned out! :D

[niccig]

Debbie, thanks for all the pictures, especialy the Safeugard, as that's DS main seat. The 3rd row does not look any more squished than my current 3rd row in Subaru Tribeca, and the access may actually be easier as the car isn't so high off the ground. As the shortest family member, I'm always the person in the back on the few occassions we actually need the 3rd row, if your 6' DH can fit in there, then I certainly can. I really want to test drive this car.

[XmasEve]

Thanks for putting the pictures up! Your dh is very understanding. My dh is just over 6', but he is almost all leg, I swear, he barely fits in the driver's seat, so the 3rd row is a never. But I fit fine back there at 5'4". I can even climb back there with 2 rfing Marathons in the 2nd row. My mom has trouble with that manuver--- I tell her to do more yoga :p

I like the pic of the 5 next to the Astro-- my 1st car was an Astro :love:

So your 5 is a "she?" Ours is a boy.

[Defrost]

I like the pic of the 5 next to the Astro-- my 1st car was an Astro :love:

YK, that thing has been driving me nuts for years now, but now that it's our back-up, just-in-case vehicle, I like it a lot more. 11 years old and it still starts right up after sitting for two months. We fold the seats down or take them out and haul all kinds of stuff! Two of the doors don't like to open, one of the windows won't roll down - lots of little annoyances if you're driving it every day, but it's a good "work truck."

Dh says it'll be Thomas' first car. :eek:

So your 5 is a "she?" Ours is a boy.

Yep, and it's odd - my other cars have always been "he!"

[jewlsvern]

Defrost,
Have you ever tried installing a EFTA in your Mazda 5? I really want to buy one but DH has my Mazda 5 in VA so I can't try it out. If so how did it install in the 2nd row.

[Defrost]

Defrost,
Have you ever tried installing a EFTA in your Mazda 5? I really want to buy one but DH has my Mazda 5 in VA so I can't try it out. If so how did it install in the 2nd row.

No, sorry - that's one I haven't tried! I don't know anyone who has one, either, or I'd give it a shot. I've played with them at the store, though, and I haven't seen anything particular to the carseat that worried me, though. I wouldn't anticipate any issues with the 2nd row for any carseat.

[VLsMom]

No, sorry - that's one I haven't tried! I don't know anyone who has one, either, or I'd give it a shot. I've played with them at the store, though, and I haven't seen anything particular to the carseat that worried me, though. I wouldn't anticipate any issues with the 2nd row for any carseat.

Not sure if this helps any....but we had a Mazda5 for a loaner vehicle while ours was being serviced one time...and our old model Triumph installed perfect in it.

[Milkie&Cookie]

I'm looking at a Mazda 5 for my new vehicle. I have an 05 Saturn Vue now and I love it, but I need a 3rd row for long trips so my DH can sit in the back next to DD and play endless games of eensy beensy spider and feed her cheerios.

Do you know if they fixed the seat belt issue for 08? I don't know if it will ever be a problem for me as DS will probably fit in his Regent until he's 16 LOL, but just wondering...

Also, I found the seats to not be very comfy. Are they ok? Did you get the manual?

[XmasEve]

They did not address the 3rd row shoulder belt issue in the 08 model.

IME, "foreign" cars have much less padded seats than American ones, but I've never noticed a comfort difference in the long run. I've spent 8+ hours in the M5 on some trips, even about half of those in the 3rd row. The seat cushioning was not an issue. Wanting to stretch my legs in the 3rd row when the 2nd row seat was all the way back kind of was :p

We don't have the manual, we have the automatic, but we often drive in the manual mode.

[Defrost]

No, the 3rd row seat belts are the same in the '08. Please keep in mind that at this point, it's a perceived problem - there's no documented risk as far as I've been able to find. I filed a complaint with NHTSA and Mazda, and hopefully they'll look into it. :shrug-shoulders: My issue with it is that I know my kids don't stay properly positioned in those seats, due to the way the seat belt is positioned.

We bought ours in Texas and drove it 1200 miles home. I also deliver pizzas in mine, so I'm in it a lot. I haven't had any comfort issues with the seats myself.

And yes, mine's manual transmission.

[littleangelfire]

I think I've finally talked the whole household into going in with me on Mazda5. I currently have a '99 Honda Civic coupe EX, and my almost 5 year old son and I outgrew it long ago. On a daily basis - its completely full with me, my 17 year old cousin, my 10 year old sister, and my son. On occasion, I have to switch cars with my mother if I will have an extra kid b/c my sister is bringing a friend home or something. Then I put my son's Regent in the middle of her CRV and my sister and friend sit on the outboard positions, rather squished. This will not be a solution any more when he starts using a booster seat b/c her CRV has only lap belt in the middle position. And on days we can't switch, we're just stuck. :( It stinks. 6 people living in this household so to go anywhere together (like church on Sunday mornings) we have to take 2 cars.

Anyway - I read above that your Mazda5 is a manual shift, Defrost. Was that hard to find or did you order it that way new? I abhor driving an automatic, and so far have only found ONE Mazda5 in a 5 speed and its on eBay, so I'd have to have it shipped. the Mazda dealers here say that to get a 5 speed I'd have to order a brand new one and I can't do that. Just curious how you got yours.

P.Sa. please ezxcusae any aspelling errors.a My keyboard ias malfunctioning asomething fierce. Every time I type "S" or "X" or "Z"I get "as" "zx" and "zx" itsa typing two lettersa inastead of one@! ugh.

[Defrost]

*chuckle* Well, in answer to that, let me tell you a little story...

I bought mine brand new, and when I was looking, the local dealership had eight of them. I really, really wanted a manual transmission, though, and they didn't have one. Plus I really didn't like any of the eight cars they had - they all had features I didn't want and would have to pay extra for.

Well, my best friend sells Mazdas. She also lives about a thousand miles away in Texas. I called her for advice, and discovered that the dealership she worked for had 35 of the Mazda 5s! Including 5 manual transmissions with the features I wanted. So we worked out the math and found that even including the travel costs, we'd still save nearly two thousand dollars by flying down to her, buying a 5 from her, and then driving it back.

So we did. :D

I know you said you can't buy brand-new, but are you looking at an '08? I'd recommend an '08 if there's any possible way - they have rear air vents and a passenger arm rest, and the '07s don't. The arm rest is basically just an annoyance, but I really hate not having rear air vents, both in the winter and summer. It's not too hard to heat/cool the 3rd row, because the car is still pretty small, but in order to keep the kids comfy I generally have to wear one less layer than them in the winter, and one more layer than them in the summer.

So... I suppose the answer to your question is "yes," I had to work pretty hard to get a manual transmission!

[southpawboston]

Anyway - I read above that your Mazda5 is a manual shift, Defrost. Was that hard to find or did you order it that way new? I abhor driving an automatic, and so far have only found ONE Mazda5 in a 5 speed and its on eBay, so I'd have to have it shipped. the Mazda dealers here say that to get a 5 speed I'd have to order a brand new one and I can't do that. Just curious how you got yours.


the manual mazda5 is hard to find-- they're only sold in the "base" version ("S"). you can't get the higher end grand touring version with a manual transmission. sucks, i know. when we were shopping for a new mazda, our dealer had one manual mazda5. this was back in 2006.

[littleangelfire]

*chuckle* Well, in answer to that, let me tell you a little story...

Sheesh. But that matches what I've been experiencing. The dealership here pretty much laughed at me when I said I wanted a manual, and then all shocked, he sputtered - "Why!?" When I told him I preferred driving a manual and that I found it made me pay attention more to the vehicle and my driving and that it was just plain more fun, he said, "Well, you can shift the automatic if you want to." I know that, but its not the same. He said if I wanted a manual shift I'd have to order one brand new. Not only do I not have the money for that, but I have a serious qualm with ordering a brand new vehicle, promising to buy something I've never driven at all at a pretty expensive price. That must sound weird since I'm considering eBay, but the used ones on eBay are half the price of the brand new ones. I'd much prefer an '08, too, but I felt this one on eBay was just 'made' for me b/c its the only one I've seen in all the listings I've been looking at that is a manual shift. Well, that and it would appear no one else wants it quite as much as I do, lol, its on its third time being relisted b/c the reserve price is consistently not being met. Your friend works at a dealership in Texas, eh? The one on eBay is at a dealership in Texas. lol

the manual mazda5 is hard to find-- they're only sold in the "base" version ("S"). you can't get the higher end grand touring version with a manual transmission. sucks, i know. when we were shopping for a new mazda, our dealer had one manual mazda5. this was back in 2006.

Yeah - I saw that when I was looking up reviews on MSN.com said the manual is only available as an option on the sport trim level and none other. I've searched carmax all over the country, both our local dealers, and all of eBay and only ONE Mazda5 is a manual shift.

[Defrost]

Your friend works at a dealership in Texas, eh? The one on eBay is at a dealership in Texas. lol


I'll PM you with her info if you'd like. She's a GOOD car sales woman. :D

[littleangelfire]

I'll PM you with her info if you'd like. She's a GOOD car sales woman. :D

I'd love to at least know if its the same dealership - then perhaps I could try and call and work with her. B/c the salesguy that's listed on teh auction, he didn't seem to interested in talking. Granted, if I don't HAVE to buy a Mazda5 in Texas, I won't, lol, but if where she works has a 5 speed Mazda5 that's not brand new, well, she's got the corner on the market then b/c they're few and far between.

[CarseatDiva]

I have made the decision! DH has to get a 2008 Mazda5 for his work car! My mind is made up! Done researching! I don't care if he thinks it is silly looking... he can have one with a sunroof... if that makes him feel cool!!!


THANK YOU LADIES for all the pictures and reviews!

[chay]

I can't seem to see any of the pictures (maybe because they're old) so sorry if this is already answered.

I have an 2008 Mazda 5. I currently have a FF MA and SS1 and I've been able to have great installs both 2nd and 3rd row (the MA FF & RF). Now that the RNXTSL is coming to Canada in a few months with a 45lbs limit I'm planning on getting one so I can RF my oldest again and hand the MA down to my youngest. My questions are:

- how much leg room will my passenger have to give up for the RN to be RF behind it? (DH is 6'2" and keeping him from kissing the dash is key to my spending money on a new seat)
- I've read that the RN doesn't work 3rd row in the 07's but does in the 09's. Is it the top part of the seat belt that moved or the buckle stalk? I was looking at the 09 last time I took my car in and it looked the top looked to be in the same position as mine but maybe I was looking at the wrong end. Just curious if I might be able to FF in the 3rd row - not the biggest worry since it will be RF for a long time and I'll still have a MA that fits but it would be nice.

I'm hoping to go try one in person before ordering online but figured someone on here might be able to answer and save me a lot of time. TIA

[Defrost]

- how much leg room will my passenger have to give up for the RN to be RF behind it? (DH is 6'2" and keeping him from kissing the dash is key to my spending money on a new seat)

None, as long as you can push the 2nd row seat all the way back.

- I've read that the RN doesn't work 3rd row in the 07's but does in the 09's. Is it the top part of the seat belt that moved or the buckle stalk? I was looking at the 09 last time I took my car in and it looked the top looked to be in the same position as mine but maybe I was looking at the wrong end. Just curious if I might be able to FF in the 3rd row - not the biggest worry since it will be RF for a long time and I'll still have a MA that fits but it would be nice.

We've had one tech who was able to get an XT installed FF in the 3rd row of an '09, and three techs who've found it's incompatible - that's all I know about it. It's a very unique kind of incompatibility; I've never seen it in another vehicle/carseat combination. You can get it rock-solid when you check side-to-side movement, but even a very light touch when checking front-to-back movement pulls the carseat several inches forward on the window-side of the seat.

In the '09 models, they moved the seat belt anchor back, the part that attaches to the vehicle frame under the seat (the buckle stalk is actually in the bight in all models and doesn't contribute to the problem) and possibly made the vehicle seat a bit more upright, but the seat belt retractor is still forward of the vehicle seat. The seat is also made of the same material, and doesn't compress enough to hold the seat in place when checking front-to-back movement.

[chay]

Thanks for the quick response. Now I just have to be patient and hope they stick to the Dec release date :)