Mazda5 Dead For 2015

Derek Kreindler
by Derek Kreindler

Mazda’s small minivan will disappear for 2015, as compact crossover sales eat into the shrinking market share of the Mazda5.

According to Automotive News, the Mazda5 will be replaced by both the upcoming Mazda CX-3 small crossover, while the CX-5 and three-row CX-9 will complement its size and people-carrying capabilities.

Despite its cult following, sales of the 5 have been marginal, with just under 14,000 units sold in 2013. In its best year, Mazda sold just 22,000 examples. While other Mazda products have been given new, more efficient Skyactiv engines and lightweight technology, the 5 has languished with an antiquated powertrain and little in the way of updates since its 2010 redesign.

Although the CX-5 won’t be able to seat 6 or have sliding doors, it will likely continue with the Mazda5’s main quirk: a manual transmission.

Derek Kreindler
Derek Kreindler

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  • Mad_science Mad_science on Aug 26, 2014

    Bummer. We've had our 2012 for 3 years now. Just paid it off. Totally understand. Even as the perfect target market for it (enthusiast, cheap, 2 kids), it still leaves much to be desired. Ours was 19k new, but I would've paid 25 for a speedier, less stripped version that kept the stick. Unless we have a 3rd kid we'll probably just keep it forever and drive it into the ground.

  • SMman SMman on Nov 10, 2014

    Good to see Mazda5 is still available for 2015 and they FINALLY made the cup holders standard in all models. I worked at a Mazda dealership and repeatedly told Mazda Canada to put the cup holders in the second row. They were previously only available on the GT on the 1st generation models and GT with luxury package for the 2nd gen. We actually had them installed on a used GS but it took some fabrication and too much money. I drove a 2009 for my demo and liked it a lot. My only complaints were the driver's seat would not go back as far as I wanted and the seat itself was too short to offer enough thigh support for extended trips. I loved the ease of parking, light sliding doors and rear lift gate, good fuel mileage, sporty handling, available manual transmission, and versatile interior. Its a shame that Mazda did not advertise this vehicle enough and some potential customers wouldn't give it a second look. Consumer Reports gives it glowing reviews (much better than average reliability) and rated it as the best overlooked vehicle. My wife has been driving a 2003 Honda van since 2004 and I'm planning to get her in a Mazda5 in the spring.

  • SMman SMman on Nov 10, 2014

    Just looked at Mazda USA site and the Mazda5 is missing from the lineup. Looks like we Canadians get it but its no longer being sold in the US.

  • Delilah7777 Delilah7777 on Feb 22, 2015

    It's not dead, the 2015 is listed on their website, so this article is incorrect. http://www.mazdausa.com/MusaWeb/displayPage.action?pageParameter=modelsMain&vehicleCode=MZ5

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