This 1 Feature Gives the Mazda 5 Some Enthusiast Cred
When you think about an enthusiast vehicle, it’s unlikely that a van will pop into your head. But the Mazda 5 might make some rethink that, as it offers one feature that many enthusiasts require from their vehicle, a manual transmission. That’s right, the last generation of Mazda’s small van allowed drivers to row their own gears.
The Mazda 5 can be a fun minivan
OK, a Mazda van with 157 horsepower and 163 pound-foot of torque might not seem like a fun vehicle. But, if you require three rows of seating, choices are limited for the joys of a standard transmission. The Mazda 5 minivan has ample space while managing to remain fairly minimalist.
Plus, there is the price. At the time, the 2012 Mazda 5 Sport had a friendly MSRP of under $20,000. And, because the manual transmission was limited to the base Mazda 5 Sport, the price does not get much higher than that.
Why was the Mazda 5 discontinued?
According to Car and Driver, there is plenty to like about a Mazda 5, but it probably didn’t sell well enough for Mazda to justify keeping it around. Mazda probably sold even fewer of its van with a manual transmission. Because let’s face it. Rowing your own gears is a blast, but if you have kids, you might need to ensure you have a free hand while driving.
At the same time, other vans available at the time, like the Dodge Grand Caravan, offered more power, more space, and more features. If you want a mom or dad car with a manual transmission, you won’t find it from the competition. Who says having a family means you can’t have an enthusiast vehicle?
Can you still buy a Mazda 5 minivan?
If you want a Mazda 5, it is possible to find one on the used market. If you really want one with a manual transmission, it will likely be harder to track one down. Currently, over on Edmunds, there are 31 Mazda 5 minivan models listed, but only one comes with the five-speed manual transmission.
It looks like you can track down a higher mileage example for under $12,000. And although Mazda vans with the manual are devoid of most creature comforts, they do offer some enthusiast cred. And that is more than can be said about most vehicles in this segment.
Do any new vans offer a manual transmission?
In terms of new vans sold in the United States, you are stuck with an automatic transmission. It’s not that automatic transmissions are bad. In fact, modern ones often perform better than you can while shifting your own gears. But there is something to be said about having control over your vehicle, even if it’s something boring, like a Mazda 5.
Even used, this Mazda can be a reliable vehicle. So long as maintenance is performed properly. And, you can get a minivan that comes with a standard transmission, something that is a bit of a rarity in today’s world.
