Look Ma! It's a Mini-Minivan! (The 2010 Mazda5)

Never meant to be a huge volume player in this country, the Mazda5 "compact" minivan has been a surprising success for its Japan-based manufacturer. While this style of "mini" minivan is hugely popular in Europe, few auto companies thought bringing one to the states would bring much success. We like everything BIG, remember? Someone sure forget to tell that to Mini now didn't they?

With seating for six adults and the added ease of sliding doors on both sides, the Mazda5 has proven popular with both families and empty nesters that occasionally have the grandkids visit. This multi-purpose van also possesses something no other minivan does. It is actually fun to drive. Perhaps there is more to this "zoom-zoom" nonsense than mere marketing jargon.

Based on the Mazda3 platform, the 5 has linear steering and handles better than any minivan ever should. The base model even comes with a manual transmission lifted directly from the 3. And how many minivans have you ever heard of that offered manual transmissions? Certainly not a Dodge Caravan. That sounds like a nightmare in the case of the Dodge but in the 5 this transmission oddly suits the van's character.

And don't imagine that the 5 is some sort of humble econo-torture chamber. It is available with navigation, Bluetooth, decent leather, heated seats, premium sound and enough cupholders to keep everyone happy. While the interior is based on the last generation 3, there was little wrong with the design. A few more soft touch plastics would not go amiss, however.

Power is never in overabundance but the 2.3 liter 4 cylinder engine gives out 153 hard working horses and also runs on regular unleaded. EPA fuel economy ratings are 21 city/27 highway which is very impressive when you consider that a Kia Sedona only gets 15 miles per gallon in the city. (The economy figure is for the 5 speed automatic version of the Mazda5. Manual versions only get 1 mile per gallon more highway and city so only buy one if you absolutely love shifting for yourself.)

This Mazda5 has been such a success that even ex-parent company Ford is now planning to bring its own very similar C-Max to the States sometime in 2011 or 2012. Apparently many other automakers are also looking at the possibility of importing hipper, slightly smaller vans to our market. And with your personal finances and gas prices always under threat maybe the time for the "mini" minivan has finally arrived.