2012 Mazda CX-9

best car 2012 Mazda CX-9

The 2012 Mazda CX-9 ranks 1 out of 22 Affordable Midsize SUVs. This ranking is based on our analysis of 58 published reviews and test drives of the Mazda CX-9, and our analysis of reliability and safety data.

If you’ve decided to trade in your sporty car for more cargo and passenger space, but don’t want to lose too much fun-to-drive performance, test drivers say you’ll be especially happy with the 2012 Mazda CX-9.

Reviewers say that the Mazda CX-9 is one of the sportiest crossovers on the market, but that’s not all it’s good at. It also has a good number of standard  features, and its first and second rows are roomy. Auto critics note that its sleek, standout styling will turn more heads than most traditional-looking SUVs, and that adults will fit in its third row, which can be rare in this class.

If you’d rather have a surpassingly smooth ride that coddles you and your passengers, some of the CX-9’s competitors may be worth looking at. But most test drivers say that if you need a seven-seat family vehicle that’s comfortable, well-equipped and fun to drive, it doesn’t get any better than the 2012 Mazda CX-9. In fact, the Mazda CX-9 does such a good job of combining performance, interior space and value that it earned our 2012 Best Affordable Three-Row SUV for the Money award.

2013 Mazda Mazda5

best car 2013 Mazda Mazda5

The 2013 Mazda Mazda5 ranks 3 out of 6 Minivans. This ranking is based on our analysis of 16 published reviews and test drives of the Mazda Mazda5, and our analysis of reliability and safety data.

The 2013 Mazda5 is the smallest and least expensive minivan in the class, but reviewers say it's big on sporty performance.

The 2013 Mazda5 is powered by a four-cylinder engine that makes 157 horsepower.  A six-speed manual transmission, the only manual in the class, is standard and a five-speed automatic transmission is optional.  Reviewers say that though the Mazda5's powertrain is a bit weak on highways, overall, the Mazda5 has strong performance.  Because it is much smaller than the other vans in the class, the Mazda5 has handling that some reviewers say rivals a sports sedan.  It also gets excellent fuel economy.

The Mazda5 is the 2013 Best Minivan for the Money because it has the best combination of ownership costs and positive reviews in its class.

The tradeoff you make for performance on the 2013 Mazda5 is interior space.  The Mazda5 only seats six, and compared to most minivans, the third row is cramped. Standard features include a six-speaker stereo with auxiliary input jack and USB port.  Heated seats, Bluetooth and a rear-seat DVD entertainment system are optional.  While reviewers think the Mazda5's list of features is sparse, they agree that they're in line with the van's low base price.

2013 Mazda Mazda6

best car 2013 Mazda Mazda6

The 2013 Mazda Mazda6 ranks 11 out of 19 Affordable Midsize Cars. This ranking is based on our analysis of 32 published reviews and test drives of the Mazda Mazda6, and our analysis of reliability and safety data.

Reviewers like the Mazda6’s spacious interior and lively handling, but its redesigned rivals offer better fuel economy, more standard features and higher safety scores.

The 2013 Mazda6 is one of few affordable midsize cars that still offer a manual transmission, and test drivers say it has precise shifts. The manual is found only on the base four-cylinder Mazda6. A five-speed automatic with manual mode is available on four-cylinder models. The top-of-the-line s Grand Touring trim has a V6 and six-speed automatic with manual mode. Four-cylinder models with either transmission average 21/30 mpg city/highway, while V6 models earn 18/27 mpg. Both fuel economy ratings are below-average for the class. Auto critics think the Mazda6’s athletic handling, accurate steering and strong brakes make it one of the most engaging midsize cars to drive. Like many midsize cars, they think the base engine is just fine, but the V6 is notably powerful.

The Mazda6 earns points with reviewers with its sporty styling, large cabin and trunk and upscale materials. They think the seats are comfortable and supportive and the trunk’s large opening makes loading cargo a breeze. The Mazda6 doesn’t have as many standard features as some of its rivals, only offering an auxiliary audio jack and CD player. USB iPod connectivity isn’t available at all, but the Mazda6 can be outfitted with features like Bluetooth, blind spot monitoring, a rearview camera, navigation and satellite radio. One test driver thinks the optional navigation system is slightly confusing, but overall, reviewers like the clean, simple control layout.

2013 Mazda MX-5 Miata

best car 2013 Mazda MX-5 Miata

The 2013 Mazda MX-5 Miata ranks 2 out of 10 Affordable Sports Cars. This ranking is based on our analysis of 76 published reviews and test drives of the Mazda MX-5 Miata, and our analysis of reliability and safety data.

Reviewers say the 2013 Mazda MX-5 Miata proves that sports cars don’t need to carry high price tags or pack monstrous engines to deliver spirited performance.

The 2013 Mazda MX-5 Miata is powered by a four-cylinder engine, which isn’t as powerful as the engines of many sports cars in the class. However, reviewers agree that, combined with the Miata’s light weight, the responsive engine delivers enough power to keep up with newer rivals like the Subaru BRZ. A five-speed manual transmission is standard, and test drivers love its short throws. Most also note that the transmission offers precise shifts that reinforce the Mazda Miata’s fun driving dynamics. According to the EPA, the 2013 Miata gets up to 22/28 mpg city/highway, which is better than competitors like the Ford Mustang, but not quite as good as the Mini Cooper Roadster. In general, the automotive press loves the Miata’s quick, accurate steering and athletic handling. In a comparison test, one reviewer also notes that the Miata soaks up bumps and road imperfections better than the BRZ. From a practical standpoint, the Miata also earns a better reliability rating than most cars in the class.

Inside, the Miata earns reviewer praise for its attractively-designed interior, which features a functional, driver-focused control layout. Most interior materials are hard plastic, but auto writers say that they’re attractive and seem appropriate for the Miata’s price. Some test drivers comment that the two-seat Miata’s small size means that taller occupants may want more space. The Miata’s trunk is also one of the smallest in the class, but some critics say that if you pack carefully, there’s room for a weekend’s worth of luggage. A few reviewers write that wind and road noise are common on the highway, even with the available hardtop. A six-speaker stereo with an auxiliary input jack is standard in the 2013 MX-5 Miata. Options and features available on higher trims include automatic climate control, leather seats, heated seats, Bluetooth, push-button start, satellite radio and a Bose stereo.

2013 Mazda2

best car 2013 Mazda2

The 2013 Mazda2 ranks 15 out of 43 Affordable Small Cars. This ranking is based on our analysis of 43 published reviews and test drives of the Mazda2, and our analysis of reliability and safety data.

Test drivers like the 2013 Mazda2’s responsive steering and simple interior, but say shoppers who want a strong engine and more optional interior tech should check out rivals.

All 2013 Mazda2 models have a four-cylinder engine that makes 100 horsepower and a standard five-speed manual transmission. A four-speed automatic is optional, and according to the EPA, this powertrain combination yields fuel economy ratings of 28/34 mpg city/highway, which are slightly less than the manual’s fuel economy estimates. Reviewers wish the automatic had six gears rather than four, but they still think it operates smoothly. They also say the manual is their transmission of choice, but a few complain that its clutch is vague. While the automotive press agrees that the Mazda2’s engine is underpowered even for an affordable small car, they think the Mazda2 stands out in the class for its sharp handling, which makes it fun to drive. Critics also like its strong brakes.

Test drivers are disappointed that the Mazda2 doesn’t offer interior features like a navigation system, an infotainment system or a rearview camera, which are available on subcompacts like the Ford Fiesta and Kia Rio, but they like that the available features are very easy to use. The Mazda2 comes with six standard airbags, and its safety score is below-average for an affordable small car. Reviewers say that the Mazda2 has great visibility in all directions and comfortable front seats, but they are divided over rear-seat comfort. Some think that two tall adults have enough legroom, but others say adults will be cramped. The 2013 Mazda2 is one of the smaller hatchbacks in the class, and reviewers think it doesn’t offer enough cargo space.