2012 Mazda Mazda5 Grand Touring

The Mazda5 is a compact six-seat wagon with sliding rear doors, a rare middle ground between a hatchback and a minivan. It's genuinely fun to drive for a people mover, with responsive steering and a nimble feel that makes it easy to park and maneuver in town. Fold the third row down and there's plenty of room for gear, and the captain's chairs in the middle make it easy for kids to climb in and out. Some owners mention the low-profile tires wear faster than expected, and the manual sliding doors can get harder to operate over time. The Grand Touring is the top trim for buyers who want leather upholstery and a power moonroof, while the Touring keeps things cloth and simpler. Its 2.5L I4 makes 157 horsepower and works with a five-speed automatic, which is enough to keep up with traffic but won't pin you to the seat. Only the Grand Touring adds a rear spoiler and fog lights, plus standard automatic climate control that the lower trims skip.