By Jim Meachen and Ted Biederman

We discovered first-hand the outstanding attributes the refreshed 2016 Mazda CX-5 compact crossover brings to the market. Not only is the smallish Mazda a great road trip companion, it brings style both inside and out, the latest in safety technology (for a price), a near-sports-car-like handling persona, outstanding fuel economy, a smooth and quiet ride, and comfortable seating accommodations.

By Jim Meachen and Ted Biederman

If this was a perfect automotive world, the Mazda6 mid-sized sedan would be a sales leader besting the biggest names in the industry. Those were our thoughts after driving the refreshed 2016 version of this delightful family car that features pleasing exterior styling, strong and dynamic performance, outstanding fuel economy, and one of the best interiors outside of the luxury ranks.

By Jim Meachen and Ted Biederman

The MX-5 Miata roadster has a record of unrivaled longevity. Mazda this year marks the 25th anniversary of its little sports car that has endured for a quarter century, true to its roots as an affordable rear-drive open-air two-seater.

By Jim Meachen and Ted Biederman

No vehicle even with today's advanced technologies and 21st Century engineering capability has reached what we consider the pinnacle of perfection in its respective segment, but some come remarkably close. One example: The compact 2014 Mazda3.

By Jim Meachen and Ted Biederman

The CX-5 was introduced for the 2013 model year with a 2.0-liter four rated at 155 horsepower and 150 pound-feet of torque. It felt sluggish to us and it took the luster off an otherwise well-conceived, delightful small crossover. Mazda has answered the call for increased performance in its new and impressive 2014 CX-5.

By Jim Meachen and Ted Biederman

The all-new Mazda6 looks and drives great, offers style and comfort, and is one of the most fuel-efficient gas-engine-propelled mid-sized family sedans available anywhere. To say we were impressed with the upscale Grand Touring edition we drove is an understatement.

By Jim Meachen and Ted Biederman

Mazda has wiped its compact SUV crossover slate clean. Gone are the long-running Tribute, a clone of the previous-generation Ford Escape, and the competent, but slow-selling CX-7, which has resided in the Mazda lineup since the 2007 model year.

Like a young still wet-behind-the-ears baseball phenom just stepping off the bus from Smallville into the big time to replace the old, retiring veteran slugger, the CX-5 enters the compact crossover game against an array of heavyweight players. Mazda has bet all its small crossover marbles that its new entry — loaded with the latest SkyActiv technology — can elevate the brand against such stalwarts as the Honda CR-V, Ford Escape and Toyota RAV4.

By Jim Meachen and Ted Biederman

Mazda is bringing a new technology to its lineup for 2012 called SkyActiv. When fully implemented it will involve revised engine and transmission designs, weight reduction, and chassis tuning.

Simply put, the goal of SkyActiv is to dramatically increase gas mileage without the use of turbocharging or supercharging, and without losing the performance that Mazda has become known for over the past decade with its “Zoom Zoom” persona.

By Jim Meachen and Ted Biederman

By Jim Meachen and Ted Biederman

The CX-9 entered the marketplace the same year as the much ballyhooed GMC Acadia, Saturn Outlook and Buick Enclave although the GM assemblage has gone through some changes. The Outlook is gone with the rest of Saturn and the Chevrolet Traverse now fills out the GM threesome.

And as with the GM segment entries, the CX-9 carries on in a very acceptable and rewarding manner based on the two weeks we spent in a loaded 2011 Grand Touring all-wheel drive model.