As it stands, I have liked every Mazda I have test driven. This week I put Mazda's 100% John-satisfaction rating on the line as I headed off to one of the Mazda dealers in Peoria to get behind the wheel of a Mazda5. Some people would call it a minivan (maybe even me). If it is a minivan, it is in many ways the anti-minivan minivan. Still with me? From its size to its looks to its handling, it in no way reminded me of my time spent lumbering along roads in vehicles the likes of the oh-so-unexciting Dodge Caravan. Or remember the Astro?



The became a great solution for families hoping for an affordable people mover when gas prices skyrocketed about three years ago. Smaller than other minivans on the road, the Mazda5 is capable of hauling six passengers while still retaining the sporty looks of a Mazda. Of course, fuel costs still keep people searching for the best value on mileage, and the environmental need to reduce emissions have people shunning some of the low fuel economy ratings of minivans and SUVs. The Mazda5 slips into a nice niche, delivering space and a comfortable drive while consuming less gas than comparable vehicles. And that's what makes the Mazda 5 really attractive to people looking to get the space they need in a vehicle but unwilling to sacrifice the sporty style and feel of a smaller auto. The offers three trim levels: base sport, mid-level Touring and high-line Grand Touring. Never one to skimp when I test out new cars, I opted to test drive the Grand Touring edition, which featured voice-controlled navigation. Every trim level is a solid package, though. All trims are outfitted with automatic climate control, tilt-scoping steering wheel, and full-length side curtain airbags. The Touring takes on a sunroof, some leather, and a CD changer. The Grand Touring tops off the options with automatic xenon headlamps, leather seating, Bluetooth, automatic wipers, and heated seats.

I was rather impressed by the vehicle's acceleration. The Mazda5 has a 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine, and it provided more zip than I expected?much sportier than any comparable six-passenger vehicle. The Mazda5 is well-equipped to handle curves. With a relatively low center of gravity and a wheelbase closer to that of a passenger sedan, the Mazda5 corners like no other minivan can.

In the end, I cannot imagine any minivan shoppers passing over the Mazda5. It runs circles around the driving ability of bulky, style-lacking minivans. It is not quite the Mazda 3, but that is the point. It's the Mazda5, meant to act as a vehicle for families. It will not perform like the rest of Mazda's sporty lineup, but most moms and dads won't be drifting around a closed track while taking the kids to grandma's house.

An important improvement in the past two years? models is the five-speed automatic transmission, which improves fuel economy significantly over the four-speed that used to move the Mazda5 down the road. The current Mazda5 can achieve 28 mpg, which is something to brag about for a six-passenger auto.

The Mazda5 moves a family of passengers, but if you only need room for four, it also acts as a tremendous cargo mover. With the third-row seats folded down, the Mazda5 has more than 44 cubic feet of cargo space. When you look at the vehicle from the outside, you would not believe any of this is possible. It's like Willy Wonka leading you up to the tiny door only to open it and reveal a giant, expansive space. Once inside the Mazda5, you will find very attractive styling and controls that are set up to be very easy to reach. It is a comfy cabin, complete with leather and heated seats on the GT I was driving.

Sporty looks, sporty driving, surprisingly large interior space, and a price starting around $19,000 combine to make the Mazda 5 the most reasonably priced, fun-to-drive six-passenger vehicle. Get a closer look at one of these and I'm sure you'll be impressed.