Mazda MAZDA5 2010

National Base Price

Mazda MAZDA5 2010
Sport 4dr Minivan (2.3L 4cyl 5M)

National Base Price (excludes destination charge)
MSRP $17,995 Invoice $16,865

The 2010 Mazda 5 is a smart alternative for families interested in trading a full-size minivan's substantial utility for a lower price tag, greater maneuverability and lower fuel costs.

More nimble and maneuverable than full-size minivans, convenient sliding doors, manageable size for small families, low price.


Kids-only third row, no seven-seat option, engine can run out of steam when fully loaded.


Driving Impressions
The 2010 Mazda 5's four-cylinder engine is adequately powerful with a driver and youngster aboard, but when fully loaded, the 5 can start to wheeze. However, the 5 exhibits a nimble nature that will have it running tight little circles around conventional minivans. The sharp, communicative steering is particularly impressive. However, the 5 is still a tallish vehicle, and it certainly feels more top-heavy and tippy than the compact sedan on which it's based. The 2010 Mazda 5 gains stability and traction control as standard equipment.

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Monster Ford Fiesta Ready for Rally Race Debut

Ford has unveiled the Fiesta rally car for the Monster World Rally Team.

While details are limited, Ford stated the car is "based on the race-winning European Rallycross Fiesta prepared by Olsbergs Motorsports Evolution." Power comes from a turbocharged 2.0-liter Duratec engine which is capable of producing over 490 hp (365 kW), but due to a series-required turbo-inlet restrictor, the Fiesta will only be able to crank out 330 hp (246 kW).

Set to be driven by action sports figure, rally driver and DC Shoes co-founder, Ken Block, the Fiesta will compete in seven Rally America events this year. According to Block, "I am very excited to finally be in the Fiesta.

Ford has a great platform with the Fiesta, and I can't wait to see what I can do in the Rally America championship and at the X Games later this year."

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Honda Begins Operation of New Solar Hydrogen Station

Honda has launched a new solar-powered hydrogen fueling station capable of refilling fuel cell electric vehicles overnight. The device, under development for ten years, could theoretically be installed in the home garage of any future customer.

The single-unit station produces 0.5 kilograms of hydrogen over an eight-hour period. Sadly, many consumers would likely not find this to be purposeful in many situations. 0.5 kg of hydrogen will only move the Honda FCX Clarity a total of 30 miles.

Honda's new home station is not meant to replace commercial filling stations, which will still be necessary to fully fill a vehicle quickly, often in less than five-minutes. The slow-fill home-based station would be used to reduce costs to the end user.

A full "fast fill" at a commercial location would provide the Honda FCX Clarity with a 285-mile range, according to a press release. However, the FCX Clarity's range is listed at 240 miles on the official website for the vehicle.

Honda claims the fuel is produced more efficiently in the new home station than previous solar units, with enough hydrogen created for a typical urban or suburban commute. This efficiency was increased by 25% thanks to a smaller and lighter "high differential pressure electrolyser," replacing a system made up of an electrolyser and separate compressor.

Because the system is missing a storage unit, the station will only produce hydrogen when a vehicle is connected. Although some would no doubt prefer to refuel quickly by tapping into a storage tank, the tank would likely prevent the system from being installed at many homes due to land-usage and zoning rules.

The system's solar panels hook up to the grid, sending electricity during daylight if a vehicle is not hooked up. Honda says most customers would use off-peak electricity to power the station when recharging overnight.

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Ford stricken with Toyota's pedal recall

Ford stricken with Toyota's pedal recall - halts production of Transit in China
Ford has initiated a stop work order on a full-size van because it uses the same gas pedal believed to be the cause of sudden, uncontrolled acceleration in several Toyota models. Roughly 1,600 Ford Transit Classic diesel vehicles for the Chinese market have been assembled since production began in December.

Production was frozen on the Transit Classic, which is built by a joint venture with Jiangling Motors Co. The van's accelerator, sourced by Indiana-based firm CTS Corp., is a part alleged to be the leading factor in 20 deaths and 2,000 complaints in Toyota vehicles dating back to 2005.

The decision by Ford and Jiangling is a preventative measure, as no complaints have yet been filed about the van. "We have not determined whether we have a problem there yet," said Ford head Alan Mulally in an Associated Press report. "What we do know is we found a similar design."

The Chinese-spec Ford Transit Classic is believed to be the only Ford vehicle that uses an accelerator produced by CTS.

"That's part of our routine process. When a company has a recall, you conduct a review and determine if you share any of the same vendors, design, parts," a Jiangling spokesman said.

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