Mazda

Mazda is a Japanese automaker that is well-known for producing cars that are both fun-to-drive and stylish. The company has recently focused on adding more upscale features to its vehicles to compete in the luxury market.

Mazda's lineup includes the Mazda 3 compact sedan and the CX-30 subcompact SUV, which are the brand's least expensive offerings, starting in the low $20,000s. On the other end of the spectrum, the CX-9 three-row SUV offers near-luxury levels of equipment in its range-topping Signature trim, which starts just under $50,000.

The iconic Mazda MX-5 Miata is the brand's most fun-to-drive vehicle, with sublime driving dynamics and a driving experience that is hard to match. Meanwhile, the Mazda CX-5 compact SUV is one of the most popular vehicles in the lineup, offering excellent build quality, sporty handling, and attractive exterior design.

For those looking for efficiency, the Mazda 3 hatchback is the most fuel-efficient option, with the highest fuel economy rating of any Mazda vehicle, provided you stick to the FWD model (27/35 mpg city/highway). Finally, MotorTrend has ranked the Mazda CX-5 as one of the top compact SUVs available, thanks to its combination of practicality, fun-to-drive nature, and attractive design, while the MX-5 Miata is their top-ranked performance convertible.