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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  A great car ruined by transmission mapping - 2015 Mazda CX-5
  By John Zuanich - June 20 - 3:22 pm

  This is a decent car that could be a great car with better transmission mapping and an additional transmission gear or two. I own the larger 2.5L engine with the 6-speed automatic transmission. I live on a hill, but most of my driving is down on fairy flat terrain. The transmission mapping is definitely part of the Skyactive technology, designed to shift to the highest possible gear as soon as is practical. More often than not this isnt a problem--until you begin driving up a hill, where it has a constant tendency to lug. The transmission is reluctant to down shift without feeding it a significant amounts of throttle. Then it downshifts and races up the hill, making it difficult to drive up a hill smoothly. More often than not, Im forced to shift manually whenever Im driving up the hill, inorder to be in total control of shift points. Most of the other cars Ive owned with automatic transmissions seen to sense when you begin driving up a hill and seem to downshift much more inuitively (more quickly and with less throttle application) and smoothly. The transmission is adaptive, meaning it adapts to your driving style over time. I drive very moderalty most of the time, so I dont mind the hunt for the highest gear, as that strategy generally improves fuel economy. But drive it loaded up a hill and any hint of a "performance" vehicle flies right out the door. Additionally, gear spacing between 32 and 40 miles per hour is way to broad. This car would definitely benefit from one or two additional gears in this important speed range. Ive owned many cars with automatic transmissions, and this is by far the worst transmission mapping Ive noticed. The key is "noticed." When transmission mapping is done well, you dont notice it because the transmission always seems to be in the correct great. In the CX-5, even with the larger engine, the poor mapping is always noticed driving up a hill. Its really a shame, because all other aspects of this vehicle are really good. Steering and brake feel are outstanding, and this car really is fun to drive--over flat terrain. Enter a hill, and entire package falls apart due to the transmission.

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  A BLAST TO DRIVE - 2008 Mazda CX-7
  By Ryan - June 19 - 10:33 pm

  We purchased ours in Feb 2008 after test driving the Murano, 4Runner, Pathfinder and also a Civic. We love it! This is thing has excellent handling and great acceleration. This isnt a luxury car. Its the perfect car for people who love driving and need a more practical car than a sports car. The autostick is great but the regular automatic works so well that you rarely need to switch over to autostick. Its the best car we could find in our price range. We did have one warantee issue with a "Turbo Tensioner" that needed to be replaced at around 6mos old, but we were given a loaner and within 2 days we were back in it with no other issues since.

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  Mini Van...Who Needs One - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By BV04RX8 - June 19 - 8:16 am

  Lots of choices out there to haul your family but not many that gives you the fun and accessibility of the RX8. I have tried putting a baby seat in Audi TTs, RSXs, BMW 330 coupes and none seem to work as well and as easy as the RX8. The trunk is a bit small for a stroller but it works. Plus, you can get several golf bags back there. The drive is really comfortable. It takes on bumps really well and can really hug the curves. If you see one used and you are thinking about buying it, check out the MazdaSpeed body kit as a add on. Makes a huge difference in the presence of your car and stands out among other cars. Really sharp. The only thing I would say is get one with low miles.

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  Best Minvan Value Ever - 2003 Mazda MPV
  By Fab4inDC - June 18 - 7:16 pm

  After 5 years and 75,000 miles, our MPV is holding up great. We only had one problem, an electrical switch in the steering column that tells the computer that car is in park, failed at around 60K and cost about $380 to fix. Other than that, just routine maintenance has kept this nearly indestructible van going down the road.

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  My 3 - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By Gerian - June 18 - 10:00 am

  am delighted with the car-mine is Auto and so smooth a quiet handles like a dream! I rate this car highly-feels to me like a small BMW to drive. My ONLY reservation is I have found the paint finish on the silver body work not as uniform as expected and its patchy in sun from certain angles and drivers door very slightly off clour-it IS original factory finish, I am abit nervous to ask for a warranty claim oin it since it may end up not as good. You have to look closely to see-but I expected better. I do love the car I would like to hear from other "3" owners if i am permitted to give my email address gerian@ihug.com.au

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  Great Little Car - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By veritas66 - June 18 - 9:13 am

  I bought this car with 34 miles on it during the summer of 2007 and now have 125,000 miles on the car. So far, it has been an excellent vehicle. Then only maintenance I have done is replace the battery and spark plugs at 80K and put in a standard k&n air filter when I purchased it. It gets oil changes every 7500 to 10000 miles with Mobile 1 and still has its original brakes! Now for the complaints, this car does eat tires, I have gone through three sets of summer tires and switch tires out every winter for studless. Thankfully I have only purchased one set of winter tires, and that has lasted me. Last complaint, drivers door lock sometimes doesnt work, but that is ok. No other problems.

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  WOW, ALL THIS FOR 36K?? - 2010 Mazda CX-9
  By CX9 Lover - June 18 - 9:00 am

  Have had almost every SUV made in the last 30 years, and I can say without question, that this is the best value for the buck of any that I have owned.. Came from a H3 Hummer, which cost me almost 45k, to this, which is a fully loaded GTAWD for 36k; BLOWS AWAY the competition, and, even though I didnt need a 7 passenger SUV, the cost vs. value for this guy was impossible to resist...Compared to a Pilot, Santa Fe, Ford Edge, and a few others, there is NO COMPARISON! Just flat out fun to drive, and solid and stable as any car or SUV I have ever owned..and , even my wife LOVES it, and she hates most SUVs...

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  2007 Mazda CX-7 - 2007 Mazda CX-7
  By anna - June 17 - 12:13 pm

  The car looks nice but the tires are terrible. I only have 11,000 miles on the car and already need to replace all 4. Im only 52 and there are a lot of blind spots in this vehicle. Fuel efficiency is ok, thankfully I only drive around town.

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  WOW - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By larrybrwn - June 17 - 9:06 am

  Who says you cant have it all in the same package and have it be affordable never owned a Mazda! Way to go guys. Cant wait for my next one. That is if this one ever dies. 80,000 miles on it now and still no problems!

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  Good car for the money - 2012 Mazda Mazda3
  By alex_z - June 17 - 2:22 am

  The best interior in class. Smooth Transmission. Gives me 400 miles for tank in mix driving. The only complain is that suspension is a way too firm. It drives o.k. on the good road, but once you go to the bumpy one, you will feel every rough in your butt. Althogh it cut corners even without slowing down. Im not sure if this car good for every day comfortable driving. I would suggest buy mazda 6 for this purpose or toyota is a better choice. Can not say anything about reliability (have only 3K miles). The only problem I had is rear defroster didnt work on the upper side, so went to the local dealer to replace it. Other than this its a good car for the money with a lot of features.