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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  BMW Of Japan....ultimate Zoom Zoom machine! - 2016 Mazda CX-9
  By Slas - November 2 - 11:33 pm

  I have always been a Mazda fan, have had Mazda 929 and MX-6 while in college and the new CX-9 exceeds exceptions in every way. The car truly feel the interiors and ride is at par with any premium brands. I had been contemplating to buy a Honda Pilot or a CX-9 since last year, but wanted to wait for this years model. And it has been all worth the wait. Pilot felt bulky, unstable and plasticy. CX-9 on the other hand is top class luxury. Being an owner of BMW, I can definitely say for the the handling of a SUV, this is the best of its class for the money. Mazda has hit a home run with the new CX-9. Sporty and luxurious. Best compliment the car received was when a co worker thought it was a Lexus...(of course he had no knowledge of the logos). Engine is punchy in the right RPM however I would have preferred an option for a bigger engine. You cannot tell you are driving a 2.5 turbo unless you hit the lag at lower RPM, which you would notice only once in a while. Passing and lane changing is a breeze and its a pleasure to drive. I would recommend this SUV as a perfect family hauler.

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  GREAT BUY! - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By Frank - November 2 - 3:33 pm

  After 4 years with an Audi A-4, needed something more reliable (it had major, constant repairs) and economical, that was close to the pep, style and quality of the Audi. Found it in the Mazda 3s! Looked at the 2006 models, but didnt like interior fabrics so waited for 2007 models. Grey fabric is perfect. Over 600 miles so far, and love it. Rides great, plenty of zoom power, over 30 MPG, seats VERY comfortable, controls well designed, and surprisingly quiet despite prior 2006 reviews of "road noise". Audio sound system excellent, tight turning ratio, and easy to handle. Overall, a great ride and great value. Consumer Guide reports a long, trouble-free car life. Hope so. Perfect.

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  even better than i was hoping - 2010 Mazda MazdaSpeed3
  By Zak - November 1 - 10:00 am

  bought an 05 3s and loved it, i test drove the speed 3 one day while mine was having work done, and i was sold. its just crazy fast, too much fun, other than the little bit of turbo lag and torque steer which is to be expected, its amazing. the best performing car you can get for under 25k

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  Terrible Choice - 2012 Mazda Mazda3
  By lsmetan - October 31 - 9:21 pm

  We researched several cars for their gas mileage ability. We chose the Mazda3 Skyactive and within days of driving it off the lot and only realizing an average of 31mpg we were so disappointed. The extremely small trunk and back seat space only added to our disappointment. This car looks appealing, but is not in anyway functional. We are a family of four with two small children we previously drove a jetta and we along with baby gear fit in the jetta, not even close in the Mazda. Also our gas mileage was better in the jetta. After three weeks we pleaded with the dealership who allowed us a straight trade with a new 2012 VW Passat. We all fit & are happily getting 39mpg+ & its not a tdi

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  So glad I test drove this car - 2013 Mazda CX-9
  By abrandvo - October 31 - 3:21 pm

  My previous car was an 06 BMW 530xi. Needed to go to an SUV to haul grand kids and golf gear. 3 seats were a must, and I wanted a quiet and enjoyable driving experience, up to date technology and now that I am retired, a reasonable price. The Audi was too $$, BMW was too small and $$, Kia and Hyundai looked & felt cheap, Nissan had poor service record and Honda Pilot was ugly. That left the Toyota Highlander LTD and the CX-9. I took long test drives in both cars in various driving and weather conditions and the Mazda CX-9 was a no brainer. Quieter, more responsive, stylish in and out with a cleaner looking dash and instruments. Technology is more advanced and much easier to use.

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  The perfect car. - 2016 Mazda CX-3
  By Giuliano - October 31 - 7:58 am

  Ive had this car for three weeks and I love it, traded from a 2011 Mazda 3 Grand Touring Hatchback. The technology is amazing in this car. The power is great for a car in this class, it handles beautiful around the bends thanks with the help of the AWD system, paddle shifters and sport mode. The cargo space is a little small then expected, cant fit no more than three people, which doesnt bother me. They do need to make the gas tank bigger. 11.9 gallons is very small for a crossover with an AWD system. It should a 14 gallon tank. I get an average of 32 MPG. They also need to fix the heads up display. It will only display how fast you are going and the cruise control speed. In order for the navigation directions to show up, you need to add the i-active package which is another $2,500 bucks, and surpsingly enough, theres no power seats. Which is a bit of a downer. Other then that, its a great car.

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  Best Compromise - 2007 Mazda Mazda5
  By Ben Elkins - October 30 - 11:56 pm

  This car is great! We have had ours for 3 months now, and have no regrets. We have the manual transmission and get 27/32 MPG. I am 25 with a wife and 9 month old, and my wife and I both love the car. I love the big horsepower 4 cylinder, great on gas but still plenty of pickup. Very versatile.

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  Durable and reliable - 1999 Mazda Protege
  By redrobin - October 30 - 6:13 am

  I bought it used, it came from a rental fleet. It has been absolutely trouble-free with routine maintenance even after a significant accident that needed major repair and another fender- bender (literally) once repairs were made, I have had years of trouble free use. Definitely would recommend, and would buy another if they still made them.

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  SP23 is a Great Start - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By Norman Fowler - October 29 - 6:43 pm

  I have owned my SP23 Mazda 3 Hatchback now for seven months. It was the most difficult new car I ever purchased because it is a limited edition model. With that said it was worth the effort and time. My Mazda dealer was great and worked very hard to secure this car. It is a very fun car to drive but could use more horsepower. The carpets are real low grade and that was a surprise. The Bose sound system is awesome and the standard features of this car are worth the price of the car. Best value for the dollar. Plenty of storage space and with the split rear seats you have plenty of options. Need to make available more choices of of exterior colors.

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  Finally Got One! - 2002 Mazda Millenia
  By PWBJR - October 28 - 2:00 am

  I have wanted a Millenia since they were introduced in 95 and finally got one! The 2002 S Model is stylish, fun to drive, and didnt break the bank. It does so many things right that I look past its few shortcomings. With only 13k miles on it, Ill be enjoying this one for a long, long time.