Just finished test driving a new Mazda5. Great ride (for a mini-van) Highway acceleration wasn't stellar, but it's good for what it is. THe interior is well laid out except for 2 issues, 1 minor and 1 Major. The minor gripe first. The passenger seat has no armrest. this I don't get as all the other bucket seats have an inner armrest but why not the front passenger?

The major gripe IMHO the stereo. The stock stereo is pretty good, but $700 to get the MP3 compatible one, give me a break. Not only that, they designed the center stack to prevent you from installing a good aftermarket unit. why? I have a great Pioneer Head unit in my current car that I want to bring over to whatever I purchase next. This stereo Issue is enough to almost prevent me from buying a Mazda5. What have the rest of you done?

Pierre

ORIGINAL: was98strat

Just finished test driving a new Mazda5. Great ride (for a mini-van) Highway acceleration wasn't stellar, but it's good for what it is. THe interior is well laid out except for 2 issues, 1 minor and 1 Major. The minor gripe first. The passenger seat has no armrest. this I don't get as all the other bucket seats have an inner armrest but why not the front passenger?

The major gripe IMHO the stereo. The stock stereo is pretty good, but $700 to get the MP3 compatible one, give me a break. Not only that, they designed the center stack to prevent you from installing a good aftermarket unit. why? I have a great Pioneer Head unit in my current car that I want to bring over to whatever I purchase next. This stereo Issue is enough to almost prevent me from buying a Mazda5. What have the rest of you done?

Pierre



i need an alternative too. Paying $700 is ridiculous.

I found a dash kit on eBay its from the Japanese version of the 5 (Premacy). The only thing is that its Double DIN. It worked for me, I installed a Kenwood touch screen unit w/ NAV. The kit is a little on the expensive side though ($185 w/ shipping), and you lose the steering wheel controls (if applicable).

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/MAZDA-5-2-DIN-DASH-INSTALL-MOUNT-KIT-Mazda5-Premacy_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQcategoryZ400]2 Din Dash kit (http://[URL)

Highway accel wasnt stellar? Our car is pretty slow off the line but on the highway it flies. I have no problem in I95 traffic passing cars. Maybe it gets better after break in. As far as the stereo goes...yes it sucks. Im thinking about changing all the speakers as a start ..maybe add an amp ...but i won't change the head unit.