🏷️ Basic Information Identification Make: Mazda Model: 5 Year: 2008 Market: North America Product Type: Owner's Manual 👋 Introduction Market Position Segment: Compact Multi-Purpose Vehicle (MPV) / Crossover Utility Vehicle (CUV) Target Audience: Families, individuals seeking versatile and practical transportation with flexible seating and cargo options. Competitive Analysis Competitors: Toyota Sienna (larger), Honda Odyssey (larger), Kia Sedona (larger), Chrysler Pacifica (larger), Ford Transit Connect (van-based). Key Features Seating: 3 rows of seating, typically accommodating 6 or 7 passengers. Doors: Sliding rear doors for easy access to the second and third rows. Versatility: Flexible seating configurations for cargo or passenger hauling. Driving Dynamics: Mazda's signature 'Zoom-Zoom' driving experience, offering more engaging handling than many competitors in the MPV segment. 📋 Manual Details Coverage Areas Coverage Scope: Comprehensive owner's information for the 2008 Mazda 5. Page Count Estimated Page Count: Approximately 400-500 pages (typical for this model year and format). Manual Type Type: Owner's Manual Language Language: English Format Format: Printed (Original Equipment Manufacturer - OEM) 📖 Manual Coverage Systems Covered Powertrain: Engine operation, cooling system, fuel system, lubrication system, exhaust system. Transmission: Automatic transmission operation, gear selection, fluid checks. Chassis: Braking system, steering system, suspension system, wheels and tires. Electrical: Lighting systems, instrument cluster, gauges, warning lights, power outlets, fuses, basic electrical features. Climate Control: Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system operation. Safety Systems: Airbag system, seat belts, child restraint systems (LATCH/ISOFIX), anti-lock braking system (ABS) operation. Interior Features: Seats, seat adjustments, interior lighting, cargo area features, door locks, power windows. Exterior Features: Doors, windows, mirrors, wipers and washers, fuel filler door, lighting operation. Instrumentation: Gauges (speedometer, tachometer, fuel, temperature), warning indicators, multi-information display. Infotainment: Audio system operation (radio, CD player), display information. Procedures Included Driving Operation: Starting the engine, driving, parking, braking, gear selection. Fluid Checks: Engine oil, coolant, brake fluid, power steering fluid, windshield washer fluid. Tire Maintenance: Tire pressure checks, tire rotation recommendations, changing a flat tire, jacking points. Basic Maintenance: Checking and replacing wiper blades, bulb replacement (headlights, taillights, turn signals), air filter inspection. Emergency Procedures: Troubleshooting common warning lights, emergency braking procedures, safe stopping. Child Safety: Proper installation of child restraint systems (car seats), LATCH anchor locations. Maintenance Schedule: Recommended maintenance intervals for various service items (oil changes, filter replacements, inspections). Technical Depth Depth: Focuses on owner operation, basic maintenance, and understanding vehicle features and warning indicators. Does not cover in-depth mechanical or electrical repair procedures. 📊 Manual Specifications File Format Digital Format: N/A (Original document is printed) Print Quality Quality: High-quality OEM printing on durable paper stock. Binding Type Binding: Typically saddle-stitched or perfect bound (depending on page count). Paper Type Paper Quality: Durable, coated paper suitable for automotive use and frequent handling. ⚙️ Engine Specifications Primary Engine Engine Code: LF-VE Engine Type: Inline 4-cylinder, DOHC, 16-valve Displacement: 2.3 Liters (2261 cc) Bore X Stroke: 87.5 mm x 94.0 mm (typical) Compression Ratio: 9.7:1 (typical) Performance Horsepower: 153 hp @ 6000 rpm (SAE Net) Torque: 149 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm (SAE Net) Fuel System Fuel Type: Unleaded gasoline Fuel Delivery: Electronic Port Fuel Injection (MPI) Fuel Tank Capacity: 15.1 gallons (57 Liters) 🔧 Transmission Standard Type: 5-Speed Automatic Optional Type: N/A (No manual transmission option for this model year in North America) Features Features: Active Adaptive Shift (AAS) control for smoother gear changes and optimized performance. 📐 Dimensions Exterior Length: 174.0 inches (4420 mm) Width: 69.2 inches (1758 mm) Height: 63.0 inches (1600 mm) Wheelbase: 103.1 inches (2619 mm) Ground Clearance: 5.3 inches (135 mm) (approximate) Interior Passenger Volume: Approximately 102.4 cubic feet (2899 Liters) Cargo Cargo Volume Behind 3Rd Row: Approximately 13.1 cubic feet (370 Liters) Cargo Volume Behind 2Nd Row: Approximately 30.3 cubic feet (858 Liters) Cargo Volume Behind 1St Row: Approximately 70.2 cubic feet (1987 Liters) (with seats folded) Weights Curb Weight: Approximately 3400-3500 lbs (1542-1588 kg) depending on trim and features. Gross Vehicle Weight Rating: Approximately 4700 lbs (2132 kg) 🛡️ Safety Features Ratings NHTSA Front Impact: 5-Star Driver, 4-Star Passenger (for 2008 model year) NHTSA Side Impact: 5-Star Front Seat, 5-Star Rear Seat (for 2008 model year) IIHS Front Offset Test: Good (for 2008 model year) IIHS Side Impact Test: Good (for 2008 model year) Active Features ABS: Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) Traction Control: Optional or standard depending on trim level (often part of DSC - Dynamic Stability Control). Stability Control: Optional or standard depending on trim level (DSC - Dynamic Stability Control). Passive Features Airbags: Front airbags, front side-impact airbags, available front and rear side-curtain airbags. Seat Belts: 3-point seat belts with pretensioners and load limiters for front seats, 3-point seat belts for rear seats. Child Restraint: LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) / ISOFIX system for second-row seating positions. 💡 Technology Features Infotainment Audio System: Standard AM/FM stereo with CD player and 4 or 6...
Checking and replacing wiper blades, bulb replacement (headlights, taillights, turn signals), air filter inspection.
Emergency Procedures:
Troubleshooting common warning lights, emergency braking procedures, safe stopping.
Child Safety:
Proper installation of child restraint systems (car seats), LATCH anchor locations.
Maintenance Schedule:
Recommended maintenance intervals for various service items (oil changes, filter replacements, inspections).
Technical Depth
Depth:
Focuses on owner operation, basic maintenance, and understanding vehicle features and warning indicators. Does not cover in-depth mechanical or electrical repair procedures.
📊 Manual Specifications
File Format
Digital Format:
N/A (Original document is printed)
Print Quality
Quality:
High-quality OEM printing on durable paper stock.
Binding Type
Binding:
Typically saddle-stitched or perfect bound (depending on page count).
Paper Type
Paper Quality:
Durable, coated paper suitable for automotive use and frequent handling.
⚙️ Engine Specifications
Primary Engine
Engine Code:
LF-VE
Engine Type:
Inline 4-cylinder, DOHC, 16-valve
Displacement:
2.3 Liters (2261 cc)
Bore X Stroke:
87.5 mm x 94.0 mm (typical)
Compression Ratio:
9.7:1 (typical)
Performance
Horsepower:
153 hp @ 6000 rpm (SAE Net)
Torque:
149 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm (SAE Net)
Fuel System
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Port Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Tank Capacity:
15.1 gallons (57 Liters)
🔧 Transmission
Standard
Type:
5-Speed Automatic
Optional
Type:
N/A (No manual transmission option for this model year in North America)
Features
Features:
Active Adaptive Shift (AAS) control for smoother gear changes and optimized performance.
📐 Dimensions
Exterior
Length:
174.0 inches (4420 mm)
Width:
69.2 inches (1758 mm)
Height:
63.0 inches (1600 mm)
Wheelbase:
103.1 inches (2619 mm)
Ground Clearance:
5.3 inches (135 mm) (approximate)
Interior
Passenger Volume:
Approximately 102.4 cubic feet (2899 Liters)
Cargo
Cargo Volume Behind 3Rd Row:
Approximately 13.1 cubic feet (370 Liters)
Cargo Volume Behind 2Nd Row:
Approximately 30.3 cubic feet (858 Liters)
Cargo Volume Behind 1St Row:
Approximately 70.2 cubic feet (1987 Liters) (with seats folded)
Weights
Curb Weight:
Approximately 3400-3500 lbs (1542-1588 kg) depending on trim and features.
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Approximately 4700 lbs (2132 kg)
🛡️ Safety Features
Ratings
NHTSA Front Impact:
5-Star Driver, 4-Star Passenger (for 2008 model year)
NHTSA Side Impact:
5-Star Front Seat, 5-Star Rear Seat (for 2008 model year)
IIHS Front Offset Test:
Good (for 2008 model year)
IIHS Side Impact Test:
Good (for 2008 model year)
Active Features
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Traction Control:
Optional or standard depending on trim level (often part of DSC - Dynamic Stability Control).
Stability Control:
Optional or standard depending on trim level (DSC - Dynamic Stability Control).
Passive Features
Airbags:
Front airbags, front side-impact airbags, available front and rear side-curtain airbags.
Seat Belts:
3-point seat belts with pretensioners and load limiters for front seats, 3-point seat belts for rear seats.
Child Restraint:
LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) / ISOFIX system for second-row seating positions.
💡 Technology Features
Infotainment
Audio System:
Standard AM/FM stereo with CD player and 4 or 6 speakers. Optional premium audio systems may be available on higher trims.
Display:
Central dashboard display for audio information, clock, and warning messages.
Driver Assistance
Cruise Control:
Standard on most models.
Rear Parking Sensors:
Optional on some trims.
Connectivity
Auxiliary Input:
Standard auxiliary audio input jack for connecting external devices.
Bluetooth:
Not typically available on the 2008 model year. Bluetooth connectivity became more common in later model years.
🔧 Maintenance
Service Intervals
Oil Change Interval:
Every 5,000 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first, or based on severe driving conditions (refer to manual for specifics).
Air Filter Replacement:
Typically every 15,000 - 30,000 miles, or as needed based on driving conditions.
Cabin Air Filter Replacement:
Typically every 15,000 - 20,000 miles.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Iridium-tipped spark plugs typically last around 60,000 - 100,000 miles.
Transmission Fluid Change:
Intervals vary; often recommended around 60,000 miles, or checked for condition. Refer to manual for specific ATF type and procedure.
Fluid Specifications
Engine Oil:
SAE 5W-20, API SN or equivalent (check manual for exact specification).
Coolant:
Mazda FL22 Long Life Antifreeze/Coolant (or equivalent blue coolant), a 50/50 mixture with distilled water.
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid (check manual for specific recommendation).
Power Steering Fluid:
Refer to manual; typically a specific Mazda ATF or power steering fluid.
Transmission Fluid:
Mazda Genuine ATF-SP III or equivalent (check manual for exact specification for the 5-speed automatic).
Known Issues
Common Complaints 1:
Some owners have reported issues with the HVAC blower motor resistor failing, leading to loss of fan speeds. (Not typically covered in owner's manual, but good to know).
Common Complaints 2:
While generally reliable, some instances of minor oil leaks or exhaust system corrosion have been noted in older vehicles.
Common Complaints 3:
Rear shock absorber or suspension component wear can occur over time due to vehicle usage, especially in areas with rough roads.
📚 Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Mazda Philosophy:
Mazda's commitment to driving enjoyment ('Zoom-Zoom') and innovative design.
Model Evolution
First Generation Start:
The Mazda 5 was introduced to the North American market for the 2006 model year as a replacement for the Mazda MPV.
Second Generation Introduction:
This 2008 model represents the first generation (CW platform) of the Mazda 5.
Updates For 2008:
While not a full redesign, the 2008 model might have received minor feature updates or trim adjustments compared to the initial 2006 model.
Production
Manufacturing Location:
Japan (typically, at Mazda's Hofu plant)
🏆 Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
IIHS Top Safety Pick:
The Mazda 5 has historically received good ratings from the IIHS, often earning 'Good' in frontal and side crash tests, contributing to its safety appeal.
Ratings
Consumer Satisfaction:
Generally well-regarded for its practicality, driving dynamics within its class, and reliable powertrains.