The Mazda5 is an impressive package in this price range. It seats six yet takes up less space than a minivan and costs less to buy and operate. The Grand Touring version adds a touch of luxury to this otherwise utilitarian package. We'd recommend it to small families with kids under five or six years old, with the caveat that we'd like it better if traction control and electronic stability control were available.
NewCarTestDrive.com correspondent Tom Lankard filed this report from Huntington Beach, California, with correspondent Kirk Bell reporting from Chicago.