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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  Excellent compact mini-van-wagon-thingy - 2009 Mazda Mazda5
  By 5-banger - January 19 - 10:33 pm

  Weve been looking for a compact, good on gas, more than 5 pax vehicle and the Mazda5 is just that. The only vehicle that would come close to its class is the Kia Rondo and IMO, looks somewhat weird. So far, the 5 has exceeded our expectations. Nice sporty styling, great utility, and standard features in this cute gas-sipper makes this vehicle an excellent value. Some people say that its underpowered, and probably is with a full load, but its more than adequate for my driving habits and the manual sport shift makes up for increased performance when needed. This 5 is fun to drive and you cant say that about a lot of minivans! Were very pleased with our 5!

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  first year model problems - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By mmsld - January 19 - 8:46 am

  The car is nice to look at and very comfortable but it has typical first year quality problems. My suggestion is to wait until 2006 to buy one. The mechanical issues are too numerous on the 2004 and it is annoying to be continually running to the dealership for various mechanical failures.

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  Best Looks & Riding SUV Available!!! - 2010 Mazda CX-9
  By Art Maddox - January 19 - 3:43 am

  I just purchased the CX-9. There is no question that the Mazda is far more superior to its competitors. I cant say enough good things about it. If your in the market for a SUV that seats 7, do yourself a favor and test drive one. Itll make you a believer as well.

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  "The Miata of SUVs" - 2013 Mazda CX-5
  By jeffyb - January 18 - 9:06 pm

  I have owned two Miatas and loved them. I also traded my 2007 Honda CRV for a CX5 GT with AWD. I drove the new CRV as well. Its very nice and engine feels a bit more powerful than the CX5 but there is no comparison in handling. The CRV is more luxurious in ride & handling (softer). But the CX5 handles like a sports sedan -- amazing for an SUV! Seats feel like they were pulled from the BMW M-Sport parts bin (no kidding). Very comfortable, solid and so far I am averaging 28.1 mpg around town (with a bit over 1000 miles). That is WAY better than I did with my CRV (about 23 mpg). I can fit to adult bikes in the back with the seats folded! If you want a sporty, efficient SUV, this is it!

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  Zoom Zoom Indeed - 2007 Mazda CX-7
  By Mike - January 18 - 4:06 pm

  Needed something bigger than a sedan/wagonette, but smaller than SUV/van. Considered Murano, RAV4, Tribeca B9, Acura MDX. RAV4 too small, cheesy inside and jumpy. Tribeca too funky (ugly), poor shifting. For the money, the CX-7 blows the Murano (the most similar comparison), the Acura and even the B9 out of the water. Great deals to be had due to new model vehicle - paid invoice. Touring model is loaded to the gills with leather, Bose sound, sun roof, 18" wheels, great power/handling, traction & stability control, high performance tires, and keyless entry. 5 star crash ratings all around! Costs THOUSANDS less than similarly equipped models above (except RAV4). Mazda has a winner here!

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  Basic Transportation - 2000 Mazda Protege
  By canada2015 - January 18 - 9:02 am

  We purchased our Mazda protege off a classified site for $1100 Canadian. It was as is but only required two tires and rear shoes for safety. Weve had our protege for just over a year now and it has required minimal repairs such as front stabilizer links serpentine belts (there are two, there small and they tend to break). The 1.6L with the 4 speed automatic is good on fuel both in the city and the highway. The car had 249 000kms on it and it now has 280 000kms. It handles well in the winter but ONLY if winter tires are equipped. Currently the car runs and drives but when the temperature drops below -5 C the thermostat sticks open and we dont get any heat. Id recommend this car to anyone.

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  My new 2016 MX-5 miata GT - just plain fun - 2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Heidi - January 18 - 1:15 am

  First, I am very happy with this fun little convertible. Ive had convertibles before, and really enjoyed my old Honda S2000. Currently have a Mazda CX-5. It was time for another little fun convertible and I chose the 2016 Miata GT, manual. I bought the 2016 Miata Grand Touring 2 months ago. It is so nice to drive with the top down! It is quick, fun and most importantly, a great value. There are not very many convertible out there in the sub-$35k range and Im happy to say I got an outstanding price! I am giving the car 5 stars, however the interior is so poorly designed it is puzzling. All of the things you might want to touch are behind the seat - storage & cup holders in particular since there seems to be room forward for a small glove box. Also the tiny little storage area behind the manual shift is so thin and shallow Im not sure why its there. Its not wide enough to fit anything other than sun glasses. Too bad it is not wide enough to fit my iPod! The entertainment system and sound is very good, especially for a convertible. Im not sure yet whether Ill be happy with not being able to use the touch screen while in motion, and have been adjusting to not looking down at the entertainment knobs when not using the steering wheel controls. The Nav system took a bit of getting used to as is a different system than the CX-5, but is much more accurate. All in all, it is a spirited, absolutely fun car. And regardless of my interior design comments, bottom line..Cant beat the value for the price!

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  zooooom zoooom - 2014 Mazda Mazda3
  By zoomzoom09 - January 17 - 9:28 am

  Very nice car. Mazda completely reinvented the car for 2014. The interior is excellent. I opted for the almond leather with soul red exterior. Hot looking car. The 184HP is sufficient for me to zoom around town. Love the 7 inch display and amount of features. The car honestly feels like a 35K or higher sports coupe w/ the leather, high end details (carbon-fiber, red stitching on the leather, to sports suspension. I also own a CX-5 and this 2.5 L engine was worth getting. Much better response and performance.

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  Performance per dollar ratio! - 2010 Mazda MazdaSpeed3
  By Dirk - January 17 - 2:43 am

  Surprising ride, I came from a BMW M3 that was starting to kill me repair wise. Went and tested this 2010 MS3 and instantly loved...especially the price. Car does everything I need and more. Love the new body style for 2010. Storage is nice, can place my roadie cycle in the hatch. Mazda is willing to deal if you have patience, get the 10/100K warranty from Mazda in your deal - if only BMW would have offered that! Im an older driver but, hey, youre only as young as the car you drive! LOL

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  Dreams do come true!!! - 2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Halie Vaughan - January 16 - 3:42 pm

  The car sits low so, getting in and out of car needs to strategic when wearing a dress. Therer is very little trunk space; I was able to fit four bags(paper) of groceries in the trunk. It handles beautifully. Corners are tight and smooth and the acceleration is very quick to get to the speed you need.