Mazda

2012 Mazda 5 Sport

What it Is: A compact six-passenger minivan.
Who it's For: Families who want the sliding doors of a minivan in smaller package.
What's Hot: Flexible seating, low price.
What's Not: Fuel economy only so-so, cargo space isn't great.
Family Friendly Features: Bluetooth, auxiliary input.
How It Got Its Score: This small vehicle puts the "mini" back in "minivan." Its compact dimensions hurt cargo carrying ability, and fuel economy is somewhat could be better, but its flexibility and low price make it a high-scorer.

Quick Specs

Family Friendliness: 8.1

2010 Mazda 5 Sport

What it Is: A compact six-passenger minivan.
Who it's For: Families who want the flexibility of a van in a compact-car size.
What's Hot: Six-passenger capability for less than $20,000.
What's Not: We'd expect bigger fuel economy
How It Got Its Score: The Mazda 5 wins points simply because it has sliding doors. Throw in decent fuel economy and safety and you have one high-scoring little van.

Quick Specs

Family Friendliness: 8.7

2010 Mazda 6 i Sport

What it Is: A four-door mid-size sedan.
Who it's For: Families who want a sporty-driving sedan with no more than two LATCH points.
What's Hot: Swoopy styling, generous trunk space.
What's Not: Somewhat tight interior.
How It Got Its Score: The Mazda 6's large trunk and fuel-efficient four-cylinder engine combine with a low price for a good Family Friendliness rating.

Quick Specs

Family Friendliness: 8.0

2010 Mazda 6 i SV

What it Is: A four-door mid-size sedan.
Who it's For: Families who want a sporty-driving sedan with no more than two LATCH points.
What's Hot: Swoopy styling, generous trunk space, low base price.
What's Not: Somewhat tight interior, price-leader model is manual-transmission only.
How It Got Its Score: The Mazda 6 SV's large trunk and fuel-efficient four-cylinder engine combine with a low price for a good Family Friendliness rating.

Quick Specs

Family Friendliness: 8.0

2010 Mazda 6 Touring Plus V-6

What it Is: A four-door mid-size sedan.
Who it's For: Families who want a sporty-driving sedan with no more than two LATCH points.
What's Hot: Swoopy styling, generous trunk space.
What's Not: Somewhat tight interior, mediocre fuel economy.
How It Got Its Score: The Mazda 6's large trunk is a boon, but the V-6, though powerful, isn't as fuel efficient as many other competitors.

Quick Specs

Family Friendliness: 7.5

2010 Mazda CX-7 i SV

What it Is: A five-passenger, two-row crossover.
Who it's For: Families who want crossover cargo space and need no more than two LATCH points.
What's Hot: Aggressive styling, sporty demeanor.
What's Not: A little tight on cargo space compared to some other midsize crossovers.
How It Got Its Score: The Mazda CX-7 offers decent fuel economy and a low price, but it's a little small inside, which hurts its score.

Quick Specs

Family Friendliness: 8.2

2010 Mazda CX-7 s Touring All-Wheel Drive

What it Is: A five-passenger, two-row crossover.
Who it's For: Families who want crossover cargo space and need no more than two LATCH points.
What's Hot: Aggressive styling, sporty demeanor.
What's Not: A little tight inside, turbocharged engine requires premium fuel.
How It Got Its Score: The Mazda CX-7 s is a little small inside and despite its turbocharged four-cylinder engine, is still bested in fuel economy by many V-6-powered competitors.

Quick Specs

Family Friendliness: 7.7

2010 Mazda CX-7 s Touring Front-Wheel Drive

What it Is: A five-passenger, two-row crossover.
Who it's For: Families who want crossover cargo space and need no more than two LATCH points.
What's Hot: Aggressive styling, sporty demeanor.
What's Not: A little tight inside, turbocharged engine requires premium fuel.
How It Got Its Score: The Mazda CX-7 s is a little small inside and despite its turbocharged four-cylinder engine, is still bested in fuel economy by many V-6-powered competitors.

Quick Specs

Family Friendliness: 7.9

2010 Mazda CX-9 Sport All-Wheel Drive

What it Is: A seven-passenger, three-row crossover.
Who it's For: Families who need a third row and no more than three LATCH points.
What's Hot: Sporty styling and a surprisingly luxurious interior.
What's Not: So-so fuel economy, less cargo space than competitors.
How It Got Its Score: The Mazda CX-9 offers a powerful V-6 engine, but fuel economy is below many competitors. The base price is also higher than many competitors.

Quick Specs

Family Friendliness: 7.6

2010 Mazda CX-9 Sport Front-Wheel Drive

What it Is: A seven-passenger, three-row crossover.
Who it's For: Families who need a third row and no more than three LATCH points.
What's Hot: Sporty styling and a surprisingly luxurious interior.
What's Not: So-so fuel economy, less cargo space than competitors.
How It Got Its Score: The Mazda CX-9 offers a powerful V-6 engine, but fuel economy is below many competitors. The base price is also higher than many competitors.

Quick Specs

Family Friendliness: 7.7