06 Mazda5 Sport / Automatic: Logged about 3000 miles and so far, no problems. Work in the heart of downtown, crowded streets tight parking, stop and go traffic and this car is specially designed for this type of duty. Traded in a Larger Grand Voyager and this car is nicer but has a different purpose. My Grand Voyager was nice for long hauls, road trips but parking was lousy, mileage was poor and generally projected a terrible image (People were surprised to see a man driving this car).

Overall, I have 4 kids and need to haul them on short trips on the weekends. 5 days a week it's just me. The image this car portrays is very modern, great new interpretation of the station wagon/hatch back.  I have gotten quite a few stares most people think it's a Vibe or Matrix even the Aerio but with the sliding doors (which are quite handy) they take a double take.

Remember, the warranty is better than the domestics & and dealers are very aggressive with pricing expect to take at least $1500 off the invoice pricing(not the msrp). Other cars with this (3RD ROW) utility and size are SUV wannabes (RAV4, XL-7) and you will pay a premium for those vehicles. Mazda's have traditionally been trouble free vehicles.

Pros: Parking, quick handling, excellent brakes, adjustable 2nd row seats, numerous storage bins, 26mpg with city driving (if you drive with a light foot). Steering wheel stereo controls (very handy when stuck in traffic)

Cons: No rear air, tint is a MUST, 3rd row for toddlers or VERY short trips. Most likely need a V6 (or a turbo charger) if plan to haul frequently with a full load.

I understand why no arm rest for front passenger(impedes the center console) and but could use outside arm rests for 2nd rows. Remember, this car is aggressively priced ( 15k for 5 spd manual is fair) so power seats, leather, etc aren't offered but there is always after market. Overall this car serves a purpose, and serves it well.

If you were considering a VIBE/ PT CRUISER / MATRIX / CALIBER (All cars I looked at seriously) or another compact, this wagon's pricing is right there and the MAZDA5 simply offers more seats and cargo space(seats folded) and the base model is well equipped.

Lastly, I've owned SUV's, a huge station wagon, a conversion van, and  numerous mini-vans and this car is takes most of the best qualities I liked about all those cars and blends them fairly well and still looks, well, cool. It's not perfect but I would like to see a few more micro wagons on the market in the US. The niche is there and the MAZDA5 fills it nicely.