Mazda 5

Mazda's 5 may have minivan styling and a sliding passenger door, but it's about the length of a midsize car.

Mazda 5 is basically a sporty mini-minivan, a fairly unique proposition in America. Of vehicles sold in the States, only the Kia Rondo is remotely similar, but it doesn’t have a sliding door on each side like the Mazda does, nor does it have a particularly sporty personality.

The Mazda’s strengths include versatility, decent fuel economy, and attractive pricing. The 5’s sporty personality makes it fairly fun to drive, but that same character contributes to a surprisingly firm ride, so it is important to try before you buy. Also, many editors on our staff wish the 5’s cabin was better insulated from noise. All things considered though, the Mazda 5 was named a 2009 Consumer Guide Recommended pick.