2010 Mazda Mazda5

Most reviewers find the charms of the pint-sized 2010 Mazda Mazda5 "mini minivan" irresistible -- and not just because it's the least expensive minivan on the market. Testers say the Mazda5 is actually fun to drive, plus it boasts class-leading fuel economy (22 mpg city, 28 mpg highway with the manual gearbox) and styling that's guaranteed to turn heads. Auto writers agree nearly unanimously that interior quality could use some improvement, but virtually the only compelling reason cited by most for not buying Mazda's little van is that it's limited to six passengers.

While the Mazda5 is carried over essentially unchanged for the 2010 model year, Mazda wisely addressed a couple of areas previously noted by reviewers as key shortcomings of the Mazda5. As a result, buyers now have the option of adding rear DVD entertainment and the peace of mind afforded by standard traction control and electronic stability control on all trims. Other than those additions, the Mazda5 is a carryover. For a detailed review of this vehicle, consult our page on the 2009 Mazda Mazda5 (*Est. $17,995 to $22,675)

If the Mazda5 has any significant shortcomings, it's that it still trails its peers' crash-test performance, receiving 5-star ratings from the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration for frontal- and side-impact protection, but only 4 stars for rear passengers. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has not crash-tested the Mazda5.