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The Mazda 5 combines the best features of a wagon, a minivan, an SUV, and a car. It boasts six-passenger seating and generous cargo space. It's easy to park and run about and it rides and handles like a compact car, albeit a tall one.It's inexpensive to buy and operate. Equipped with a 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine, it gets an EPA-rated 21/27 mpg City/Highway when equipped with the five-speed automatic. The Mazda 5 gains practicality by going vertical. It's a tall car, a concept very popular in Europe, less so in America. It's built on the same mechanical platform as the Mazda 3 compact sedan. In fact, the Mazda 5 weighs less and covers a smaller patch of road than the Mazda 6 mid-size sedan. Mazda5 was introduced as a 2006 model, then restyled and updated for 2008. Changes for 2009 are minor: There's more standard equipment than before, and there are more interior color choices. The Mazda 5 is inexpensive, starting at $17,995. The mid-level Touring model retails for less than $21,000, while a loaded Grand Touring model with navigation and Sirius satellite radio lists for less than $27,000. We think the Mazda5 is a good value for young families with small children.
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