A twin to the Ford Ranger, the compact Mazda B-Series pickup has changed little in the past 12 years. The two-wheel drive (RWD) model with a manual transmission is the most statistically reliable, reports Contributing Editor, Chris Chase.

The MX-5's available power retractable hardtop raises or retracts in just twelve seconds, reduces road noise and provides extra security, reports Senior Editor, Paul Williams. But it "adds cost" and "some people find its appearance ungainly," he notes.

Though similar to the Ford Fiesta, the 2011 Mazda2 hatchback is lighter and has a lower base price of $13,995, says Social Media editor, James Bergeron, appealing to those who want "basic transportation at a low price point."

"Mazda's designers have managed to inject driving fun and responsiveness into a jumbo-sized family-friendly package," says reviewer Haney Louka. But while the CX-9's base price of $37,995 is reasonable, "it's a bit of a leap to the $47,450 CX-9 GT."

Interior reviewer Michael Clark has mixed feelings about the Mazda CX-9. He likes its multi-adjustable heated front seats and ergonomic interior design but finds the centre armrest too high and access to the third seat difficult.

Smaller than most minivans, the Mazda MPV is more fun to drive, says Contributing Editor, Chris Chase. But despite Mazda’s generally good reputation for dependability, the MPV is “decidedly average in the reliability department,” he says.

Smaller than most minivans, the Mazda MPV is more fun to drive, says Contributing Editor, Chris Chase. But despite Mazda’s generally good reputation for dependability, the MPV is “decidedly average in the reliability department,” he says.