Mazda 5

Ella · Jun 20, 2010

I am interested in getting a mazda 5 because 90% of the time we don't want a minivan. We will need a couple of extra seats only infrequently. Also, we would like a smaller car and lower gas mileage.

The thing that is stopping me from getting the Mazda 5 is that the 2 3rd row seats seem to be too close to the back. I am worried about the safety of those seats in a rear-end accident. If I am not comfortable with the safety then there is really no point in considering the car.

Is there another alternative? I thought about a hybrid SUV but they are more expensive. What I really want is a hybrid minivan. Why haven't they been developed/released yet?

rosey2007 · Jun 20, 2010

Have you looked at the Kia Rondo? I am not sure if it would be too small or not.

Crystal. · Jun 20, 2010

From what I've heard, the rear bumper was crash tested to 50 mph. That and the fact that only 4% of accidents are rear-end collisions make me feel okay about it. You also have to consider that the speed a vehicle hits you from behind is equivalent to being hit in a frontal impact at half the speed. So, it's also a bit less force.

chay · Jun 21, 2010

Last I checked the Rondo doesn't have top tethers in the 3rd row and the 3rd row is as close to the back as the Mazda 5.

I was looking 2 years ago with similar criteria and came home with a Mazda 5. There was nothing else that was small, fuel efficient and fit 4 car seats... (2 all of the time + occasional friends)

Angela · Jun 21, 2010

chay said:
Last I checked the Rondo doesn't have top tethers in the 3rd row and the 3rd row is as close to the back as the Mazda 5.

I was looking 2 years ago with similar criteria and came home with a Mazda 5. There was nothing else that was small, fuel efficient and fit 4 car seats... (2 all of the time + occasional friends)

I LOVE our Kia Rondo, but yes, you are correct... no 3rd row tethers. And it is really close to the the back of the car. The nice thing is that you can put the 3rd row down if you only have the 2 car seats and just put them up if you have more. I've used it several times with either 2 TB or 1 RF and 1 TB in the back. Depending on how often you would need kids in the back, if might be a good choice.

luckyclov · Jun 27, 2010

How many children do you have? If you have 1 or 2, I'd say go for the 5. I had a 2008 Mazda5 and I loooooved every bit of it. The gas mileage, the look, the dual sliding doors on basically a car frame, the fact that the 3rd row folded flat, etc. The 3rd row, BTW, had tethers for both seats, but no lower anchors. It was the perfect car for a family of 4, with the occasional "spare kid" tossed in the back. But we started to stress out about space when I was pg with #3 and we ended up trading it in for another fullsize minivan.

The crash test ratings for the 5, FWIW, are excellent. I would love to own another one, but we just need the extra space...I've even tried to get DH to buy one, but he won't give up his SUV.

Mazda 5

Ella

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Crystal.

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