Full Description: Mazda's Pint-sized Minivan Gets Better Not Bigger 2012 Mazda5 - Click above for high-res image gallery Way back in 1983 Chrysler shocked the world with the introduction of the Dodge Caravan and Plymouth Voyager. The upstart family haulers took the auto industry by storm driving a stake through the heart of station wagon sales while setting the table for Chrysler to own the minivan segment for decades to come. But that segment has evolved in the last several years leading to a redefinition of family transportation. First and foremost the minivan has gone through an HGH-fueled growth spurt adding a host of whiz-bang features like a second sliding door and ridiculously handy storage options along the way. The other big development has been a rising tide of SUVs and crossovers which focused consumers' attention away from minivans to the point where many automakers don't even offer one anymore. But as America's suddenly all-new or heavily refreshed batch of minivans illustrate (see: Nissan Quest Toyota Sienna and Honda Odyssey) many automakers have responded by evolving the mundane van into the automotive equivalent of a family spa day. These new vans contain near-luxury levels of comfort and convenience and it's not at all uncommon for them to crest $40000 or more. If you can afford their monthly payments the latest minivans to hit the market will likely suit your needs just fine. But what if you want something small efficient and perhaps most important inexpensive? Something more like the original Caravan? Right now there is only one choice on the market: the 2012 Mazda5. While the rest of the auto industry zigged with larger and more opulent choices the Zoom-Zoom automaker zagged with a minivan that's nearly the size of the original Caravan and with a price tag starting under $20000. We took the reins of a nicely equipped 2012 Mazda5 Touring to see if Mazda's nifty little van has the chops to take on the big boys. Continue reading... %Gallery-116683% Photos copyright ©2011 Chris Shunk / AOL When you compare the Mazda5 to the behemoths that rule the minivan segment it's easy to understand why we'd classify this as a microvan. But in reality the 5 is five inches longer (and one inch narrower) than the original Dodge Caravan. What a difference 28 years makes. The Mazda5 has soldiered through its existence in America with very little fanfare and a workmanlike attitude. When the model was introduced in 2005 as a 2006 model Mazda wasn't interested in providing volume forecasts and marketing dollars were scarce. And who can argue that logic? At the time all evidence pointed to the fact that Americans weren't looking to downsize. But the Mazda5 gradually gained momentum because of its unique packaging fun-to-drive demeanor and attainable price tag.ABS Brakes,Air Conditioning,Alloy Wheels,AM/FM Radio,Automatic Headlights,CD Changer,CD Player,Child Safety Door Locks,Cruise Control,Driver Airbag,Electronic Brake Assistance,Fog Lights,Front Air Dam,Front Heated Seat,Front Side Airbag,Heated Exterior Mirror,High Intensity Discharge Headlights,Interval Wipers,Keyless Entry,Leather Seat,Leather Steering Wheel,Manual Sunroof,Passenger Airbag,Power Adjustable Exterior Mirror,Power Door Locks,Power Sunroof,Power Windows,Rain Sensing Wipers,Rear Spoiler,Rear Window Defogger,Rear Wiper,Second Row Folding Seat,Side Head Curtain Airbag,Steering Wheel Mounted Controls,Tachometer,Telescopic Steering Column,Tilt Steering,Tilt Steering Column,Tire Pressure Monitor,Traction Control,Trip Computer,Vehicle Anti-Theft,Vehicle Stability Control System