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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  Mazda Convert - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By Riverwoman - August 10 - 10:00 am

  This is my first Mazda and I have been pleasantly surprised with my driving experience.I wanted a car that was both a workhorse and a stylish eye-catcher. The Protege5 wears both hats really well. People tend to give me that envious look at stoplights. The P5 has the appearance of a more expensive crossover yet it is economical and eco- conscious. It has some excellent features including a well-designed cabin that offers excellent driving vision; a well-designed keyless entry and alarm system--much better than most. I am totally won over by this car and the P5 has been a great driving experience for the past 4-months.

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  Best Crossover For the Money - 2013 Mazda CX-5
  By flarp - August 10 - 7:19 am

  Got the Touring w/ Bose Audio + Moonroof and Technology packages. Compared w/ CR-V, RAV4, Forester, and Murano. Engine is smaller, but it is plenty responsive. All the others I tried had more raw power, but the difference wasnt significant for most commuter driving. Handling and road feel, the CX-5 blew all the others out of the water. Its a crossover, but it handles more like a sporty sedan. Fuel economy was also a huge improvement over the others. All this at a price about $2-3k less than comparably equipped models from the other manufacturers.

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  Good Car - 2008 Mazda Mazda3
  By Mazda Happy - August 10 - 5:33 am

  I bought this car for the highway miles that I drive. Very happy with this little car. The only dislike is at the higher speeds the engine is buzzy. A six speed would have been nice. But it is a $13k car. I am happy though.

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  Excellent 7 seat SUV - 2013 Mazda CX-9
  By gman_mi - August 8 - 10:01 am

  After a lot of research we decided to get the 2014 CX-9 Touring AWD with the Tech Package to replace our aging minivan. Some of the other vehicles we test drove were the Dodge Durango and Honda Pilot. The CX-9 had the best combination of interior space, looks, features, car-like driving experience and value for money. After a month of driving around we have been really satisfied with the vehicle. The vehicle is easy to drive and park which is unusual considering its large size. The Touring w/tech package offers a lot of near luxury features(Navigation, Moonroof, heated seats, leather, Bose speaker) but still keeps the sticker price reasonable for a large SUV.

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  Awesome, Fun and Cool - 2008 Mazda CX-7
  By EmZeeZee - August 7 - 2:40 am

  I test drove a lot of vehicles, both sedans and SUVs, before I got behind the wheel of the CX-7. Once I drove this, I forgot all about the Rogue, Outlander, CRV and Rav4. I also discovered why they say "Zoom Zoom." I drove a Honda Civic for 10 years, so this was a big upgrade in evey way. The only thing I miss about the Civic is the gas mileage (I am averaging 21- 22 MPG in the CX-7). I went for the Sport FWD model as I did not need AWD, leather or navigation. The bad thing about the Sport model is the crappy stock stereo. I will be upgrading the speakers!

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  I Love This Car! - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By TheBrickYard - August 6 - 6:56 pm

  I love this car. Especially w/ the manual transmission. I got heated leather seats, 6 disc in-dash Bose stereo, sun/moonroof that is sweet. Ive got a 2.5 yr old, and a baby on the way. So I get the excellent sportiness, plus 4 doors, and a nice size trunk. The only poor thing about this car is the Goodyear Eagle RS-As that came on it. I wont complain about the size, but Ill never buy those tires again! Im at 25,000 miles right now and the tires are almost bald. I drive fast, but not THAT fast! And the worst all-season traction EVER! Other than that, I love my car, and its as much fun to ride in as to drive.

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  Great Job Mazda... - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By Mazda_Owner06 - August 6 - 10:00 am

  I do have to admit that this car, exceeded my expectations. I came from a 2003 Honda Accord and the Accord does not compare to this Mazda. The driving, handling, styling and fun factor for this car has been done well by Mazda. Ive got 11,000 miles on this car, so I felt that now would be a decent time to put down a review. Among other compacts I would go with this vehicle. It also the best pick vehicle in its category. This rating is for a S-Grand Touring with Navigation model. Im also getting 25-28 MPG, which is better than expected. Plus the paint does not chip like Honda and unlike Honda, I have had no squeaks or rattles. The interiors fit/finish is well done.

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  Mazda CX-9 GT AWD 2009 is Incredible - 2009 Mazda CX-9
  By The Hawk - August 6 - 3:46 am

  We have owned a Lexus LX470 and Toyota Products for years and were quite impressed with quality and character of new Mazdas. Mazda has made the CX-9 both comfortable and fun to drive. The only flaw I see is the lack of AWD all the time and using a sport tire (ie will last at most 30k miles if lucky) vs a more all weather tire with a longer life.

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  Oh ya, Im hooked! - 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Paul - August 3 - 4:06 pm

  It has rained ever since I picked up the car. So far (227 miles), regardless of the condition of the road, the car has been responsive, sure-footed and extremely predictable. No leaks. FUN! It is comfortable. My back doesnt hurt after 70 miles of bumps and dips and I dont feel cramped with the top up. Top is extremely easy to put up and down while sitting in the drivers seat. There is a large blind spot with the top up however. The quality of the interior appears very good. No flaws in the finish. Shifter is short and precise. I have a grin permanently plastered on my face. :-).

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  Best Car Ive Owned - 2007 Mazda Mazda6
  By Jeremy - August 2 - 1:06 pm

  I purchased the car in Mar. 09 with 30K on it, and wow, it drives like the day I bought it. Im getting around 29- 32 with about 80% city driving. I have not had ONE problem with this vehicle. It is a bit sluggish off the start but once you are in second gear its got a good pep. Im 511 and I am totally comfortable in the seats. If you are thinking of buying this car dont hesitate to do so. Its rock solid. Mazda has just gotten a customer for life!