2006 Mazda 5 GT review from North America

One of the retaining clips for the sliding door seal was missing on both sides of my vehicle.

The steering wheel is not centered when I am going straight and has been like this since day one, but the dealer refuses to fix it, claiming that I must have "hit a curb".

The part that holds the disc brakes in place is rusted on all 4 wheels and has been since new, but the dealer refuses to replace them "unless you want to pay for powder coating".

Sometimes when the car is cold, the transmission will jerk violently from first to second.

This car is an excellent value for the amount of money I paid for it ($24,895 + TAX etc). The handling is pretty decent, and the ride is well damped. However, this car just doesn't endear itself to you. Previously, I had a Ford Focus ZTW, and despite it being unreliable, I really loved the way it drove, and became quite attached to it. This Mazda5 on the other hand, is just a machine. Sure, it performs VERY well and is refined and is cleverly designed... but its just not a car you love. I don't think I will have any issues trading it in in the future and even though this car is so new, I've already began to eye my next car.

If you are simply looking for a car the drives well and is reasonably reliable at a fair price, the Mazda is certainly something you should look at. Otherwise, I would recommend a car that does more for you emotionally.