2008 Mazda MAZDA5 Trims and Specs

The starter trim for this compact minivan, the 2008 Mazda MAZDA5 Sport packs in lots of standard features. Under the hood is a 2.3-liter, 153-hp DOHC inline four that gets 148 ft-lbs of torque at 4,500 RPM. Only the Sport offers a choice between a 5-speed manual or 5-speed automatic transmission.

The van seats six in three rows, all equipped with side curtain airbags. These join dual front-side airbags, and the 2008 MAZDA5 Sport earns five stars in frontal impact tests. Helping things out are 4-wheel disc and ABS brakes with electronic brakeforce distribution, 17-inch alloy wheels with all-season tires, and a tire monitor. Foglights and an auto-dimming rearview mirror cost extra. A power sliding side door helps ease access to the rear rows. Both second-row captain's chairs and the third-row bench fold flat, expanding the cargo area to 71 cubic feet. A cargo cover, tie-downs, and exterior roof rack are all standard.

Standard equipment includes intermittent front and rear wipers, a full power setup, remote entry, wheel-mounted cruise and audio controls, a CD player with MP3 input jack, tilt and telescopic steering, automatic climate control, and a tachometer. There are also four power outlets - two in front, one in the second row, and one in the cargo area. Entertainment options include a DVD player, satellite radio, and a 6-CD changer. Remote start and a sunroof are other add-ons.

The 2008 Mazda MAZDA5 Touring ups the sporty profile of this family minivan, particularly by adding a rear roof spoiler and foglights. Other extras pamper passengers, including a 6-CD changer and MP3 input jack, a power sunroof, leather trim for the steering wheel and shifter, and a second-row fold-out table located under the seat. The 2008 MAZDA5 Touring shares the same 153-hp, 2.3-liter, 16-valve DOHC inline four engine as the Sport trim, but it's matched only to a 5-speed shiftable automatic. Fuel economy averages 21/27 mpg.

Five-star frontal impact ratings come with the dual-stage front-side airbags and side curtain airbags for all three rows. Also included are 4-wheel disc and ABS brakes, front and rear stabilizer bars, and 17-inch alloy wheels with all-season tires. A tire monitor and halogen lamps add extra security. An auto-dimming rearview mirror is optional. Both rear rows fold flat, and the third row split-folds 50/50. The cargo area expands to 71 cubic feet and features tie-downs, an organizer, and a cover. Supplemental storage can be found in under-seat compartments and the standard roof rack.

A complete power setup includes remote entry and wheel-mounted cruise and audio controls. Automatic climate control, tilt and telescopic steering, a tachometer and temperature display, front and rear intermittent wipers, and dual sliding side doors. Remote start is an added option with the 2008 MAZDA5 Touring, in addition to a DVD player, a navigation system, satellite radio, a compass, and a sunroof wind deflector.

The 2008 Mazda MAZDA5 Grand Touring upgrades the regular old Touring with standard heated front seats and leather upholstery, heated mirrors, and Bluetooth capability. These join full power features, remote entry, a sunroof, wheel-mounted cruise and audio controls, leather trim, a 6-CD changer with MP3 input, tilt and telescopic steering, a tachometer, a temperature display, automatic climate control, and front and rear intermittent wipers. A fold-out tray in the second row and four power outlets spread throughout the cabin and cargo area are also included.

On the safety front, the 2008 MAZDA5 Grand Touring adds automatic headlights and xenon headlamps. Foglights are already standard, along with 4-wheel disc and ABS brakes with electronic brakeforce distribution, dual front-side and side curtain airbags for all three rows, passenger airbag sensors, a tire monitor, and 17-inch alloy wheels with all-season tires. An auto-dimming rearview mirror is available as an option. Under the hood is a 153-hp, 2.3-liter DOHC inline four, matched to a 5-speed shiftable automatic. It gets 148 ft-lbs of torque at 4,500 RPM.

The second-row captain's chairs and third-row bench both fold flat. With all seats down, the cargo area holds 71 cubic feet. It comes standard with tie-downs and a cargo cover, and more space can be found on the roof rack. A rear spoiler is also standard. A navigation system, DVD player, satellite radio, remote start, remote garage opener, and compass are some of the offered options.