Overview & Reviews

There are affordable cars, and then there are cars that offer thrilling performance. Rarely do the two ever converge, but Japanese automaker Mazda has made it a tradition of coming up with vehicles that combine both of these eminently desirable traits.

The Toyo Cork Kogyo Company, founded in 1920 in Hiroshima, Japan, used the name "Mazda" for its first three-wheeled truck, built in 1931. Company founder Jujiro Matsuda chose the word "Mazda" because it was the name of the Zoroastrian god of good and light. Work on a small sedan began in the late 1930s, but development was halted so the company could pitch in with Japan's war effort. In the wake of World War II and the rebuilding that followed, the company refocused its efforts on car development and manufacturing.

By 1960, the first Mazda automobile -- the R360 coupe -- was developed, and the company's foray into the production of passenger vehicles began in full force. Other landmark developments were soon to follow. In 1961, the company entered into a technical partnership with NSU and Wankel to develop and produce rotary engines, a union that led to Mazda's distinguishing itself as the only manufacturer to offer three engine configurations: conventional gasoline piston, diesel and rotary. The '60s also saw the introduction of the company's first pickup, the B-Series 1500, as well as its first rotary-engine vehicle, the 110S Cosmo Sport.

Mazda began selling cars in the U.S. in 1970. In the early part of the decade, the automaker rolled out the RX-2. Powered by the noted 12A rotary, the RX-2 introduced America to Mazda's effort to build cars that were affordable and fun to drive. The decade also saw the introduction of the RX-3, RX-4 and now iconic rotary-powered RX-7 sports car. In 1979, Ford Motor Company purchased a 25 percent stake in Mazda after the Japanese company encountered a number of financial difficulties.

The 1980s was a decade of rebirth for Mazda. The company officially took on the Mazda name (though all its vehicles since its launch in the '20s have carried that brand). It also witnessed an upswing in sales sparked by successful new products like the 323 (which was first called the GLC in the American market) and 626. The 1990 model year saw the launch of a car that would prove a huge hit for Mazda: the MX-5 Miata. Lauded for its ultra-responsive handling and affordability, the drop top has been a consistent favorite, and now holds the distinction of being the world's best-selling roadster.

Mazda began the 1990s with a bang by winning Le Mans with the 787B; it was the first time a Japanese automaker had won the prestigious race, and marked the only win for a rotary engine. Vehicles like the RX-7 and MX-5 Miata scored kudos from automotive journalists, and landed on many top 10 lists. However, save for the Miata, the company's vehicles experienced declining sales in the U.S., and the company's fortunes suffered as a result.

The new millennium has seen Mazda regain its stride, as the automaker has invested in new development. Models like the Mazda 2 and CX-9 have broadened the lineup and won over a whole new generation of fans, while the enthusiast-oriented RX-8 and Mazdaspeed performance models have exemplified the company's spirited philosophy. Most recently, Mazda has focused on designing its cars to be as fuel-efficient as possible while also still being fun to drive and affordable to own.

User Reviews:

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  what a fun car! - 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Is - September 3 - 2:00 am

  This car is my first new car and Ive not for one minute regretted the purchase. Its a very good balance of speed, comfort, looks, price, and fun. Ive even had it on a 2000+ mile trip, which included driving in rain and snow. It handles like a dream and doesnt overwhelm with muscle. Its been very reliable and comfortable.

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  2 yr follow up review - 2009 Mazda Mazda5
  By terrimca - September 2 - 11:56 pm

  I gave this car a glowing review a year ago. Recently, Ive experienced several problems which Ive discovered others have encountered too. 1. entire power steering unit needed replacement (covered under warranty) lost power steering suddenly while driving, was restored after shutting and restarting car-known problem. 2. Lots of squeaking rea-rend, dealer repl. rear sway bar bushings. 3. Front seat squeaks fixed but now squeaking again. 4. Tires which I rotated faithfully, needed replacement at 26,000 miles-also common problem. Love the way the car drives but feel like Ive experienced a lot of problems for such a new car.Also not a great car on the snow-at all. Disappointed.

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  One Month old review for 2016 Miata - 2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By bchang - September 1 - 3:21 pm

  Just have the car for a month. Very fun car to drive. Great handling in turns and good pick up for a 4 cylinder car. Will have more info to provide later.

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  Perfect Sports Car - 2009 Mazda RX-8
  By james - September 1 - 11:46 am

  I love this car, wish it made more power, but handles great and puts a smile on my face everyday, People always comment on my car, great purchase

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  Handles great on windy roads - 2016 Mazda CX-3
  By Romeo Bagalacsa - September 1 - 10:55 am

  Overall very satisfied. Sport mode really works well with paddle shifter, not recommended with normal drive. Im 6.1 so my right leg is always on counsel. That will be true with any small car. The LED headlights really ate a help with backwoods driving ( able to spot dear easily ). Hit black ice once so far and worked awsome for traction.

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  Mazda did it again - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By Gabe - September 1 - 7:56 am

  Wow, if only Mazda owned Ford and not the only way around. This is the 3rd Mazda in my family, and my 2nd sporty one (ex-Miata owner). Before you buy a RX-8, know what youre getting: a real sports car that is practical. Think NASCAR vs F-1, i.e. the RX-8 wont blow away a Mustang GT but in a twisty road you will leave it eating your dust. Four people can be comfortable in it, but the trunk is small with the spare. The rotary by design burns oil and needs to be warmed up, so be advised. Also the Renesis rotary engine uses gas like a V-6 so the comments here are true. Ive had the car for almost a year in the warm FL weather and I still look forward to driving it, thats how fun it is.

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  The King of Compacts - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By BlueMZ3 - August 30 - 9:06 am

  I test drove many cars before making my purchase. I liked the aggressive look of the Lancer GTS, but I could not resist the expensive feel of the Mazda. I feel like there are very few cars that compare on all levels. I put 10000 miles on my car in 3 months of driving- including a few roadtrips. The car is comfortable enough for me and easy to drive. All of the common controls feel right at my fingertips and can be operated without looking. The engine is smooth and powerful during regular driving and there is a subtle but pleasant exhaust note. I have a Celestial Blue sedan with a few enhancements such as aftermarket wheels. The front end has really grown on me and looks good from many angles

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  Practicality AND Fun in a small car!! - 2002 Mazda Protege5
  By JustinMoyer10 - August 29 - 3:00 pm

  I bought this car used and have since drove almost 15K miles & this cars great! I have become a huge fan of this car because of its practicality: LOTS of interior space for its overall size, lots of standard features for an 02, nice price. There isnt another car for the price that is that practical and so much fun to own/drive: Handling is SUPERB!, I get the sporty sense of feeling the road, I love to pack my stuff in the hatch for trips, its a great looking car as well with some nice sporty trims. Yeah youll zoom-zoom if you get one but thats because of its precise handling, not because of its power (it could use 30-40 more horses). I wont mind driving this car for years to come!

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  LOVE it but I have a problem - 2016 Mazda CX-9
  By R. Russell - August 29 - 9:31 am

  I purchased the CX 9 on June 23, 2016. I was in love & I had no complaints. I have driven Mazdas before they handle well and are fun to drive. However with this model, I am experiencing a squeaky sound coming from the rear of the vehicle, starting the end of July 2016. I took the car to dealer they fixed the car... stating it was the rear suspension and they tightened everything up. The following day the noise came back. On August 12, 2016 I have an appointment to come in, this time its the chassis bolt(whatever that is) After fixing the car, my husband and I drove with the mechanic who worked on my vehicle the noise was gone. I felt relieved. I drive home...only to pull in my driveway to hear the noise AGAIN! This time I immediately phone the dealership they tell me they are not gong to have me come back in because they have no idea what it can be and they are going to get in touch with Mazda to see how they want them to handle this. I continue to drive my cx 9 while I wait to hear back from the dealership. I receive a phone call stating that Mazda knows what the problem is, its a defective part (I believe the bushings) and that the noise appears after the car reaches 500 miles the defective part wears out and that they have to develop a part and test it out. I was told my options are to wait(they assured the vehicle is safe to drive and no further damage is being done) or come in to get the part replaced with the original defective part. I chose to wait, being as though, the part was to be developed in three weeks (ha!) well three weeks come and go & the noise got LOUDER! I mean left turn, right turn, reverse and bumpy roads the noise was louder than the music. So I decide since the part still isnt ready... to have the original defective part replaced because at least I wouldnt hear the noise for the next 500 miles. WELL that part was replaced on September 26, 2016 and the noise is BAAAACCCCKKK! Not as loud as it got while driving the car but its just as loud and annoying as I originally reported. This has me feeling that mazda has not a clue as to what the problem is. I sent a certified letter to dealer & mazda this morning and will wait for the outcome. I think I have a LEMON! I have been flagging other CX9 drivers down and no one but I seems to be having this problem.

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  Exceeded my expectations - 2010 Mazda CX-9
  By geojp - August 28 - 11:13 am

  The cx-9 is very comfortable to drive. Love the seating position & visibility of the road. Lots of leg room (front & rear). Interior is very well thought out and organized. Exterior very appealing especially rear end. Car stickered at 39,200. Got it for 36,600 (including $500 Mazda loyalty cash)with 1.9% financing for 5 years.