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:

• 

  All its cracked up to be! - 2008 Mazda CX-9
  By Bo - December 5 - 10:06 pm

  I did a lot of research before purchasing the 08 CX9. Looked at Acura, Lexus, Volvo and Cadi. The X9 is by far the best. I cant believe there a not more of these on the road. I have never owned a Mazda before but if this continues to meet my standards I will buy another. Handling excellent! Style Awesome! Get up and go, yes! I get a lot of looks with this car. I bought it for my wife but I want to drive it too. I traded in a Cadi SRX and this is much better. Great car, you wont be disappointed!

• 

  Accident - 2007 Mazda CX-9
  By SB Soccer mom - December 5 - 6:06 pm

  I was hit on the passenger side by a someone who ran a red light. The impact was so hard it rolled my car. I walked away with only a sprain!! Highly recommend this vehicle for safety!! I will get another CX-9!

• 

  New Mazda owner - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By William Baldwin - December 4 - 1:40 pm

  I purchased the 2010 model 3 after test driving the 2010 Corolla. I drove a 2003 Corolla for seven years and was impressed with Toyota and was prepared to buy another until I compared the Mazda 3 and the Corolla. The Mazda 3 is more stylish and has a better quality interior by far than the Corolla. The Mazda 3 has very good handling and pick up and fit and finish is excellent. The sporty suspension provides for a rather stiff ride but is not a major problem. More road noise than I am used to but again, not a major problem. It is too early for me to comment on reliability. I personally find the seats somewhat uncomfortable for anything other than very short trips.

• 

  Its a convertible!!! - 2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Jonathan - December 3 - 8:51 pm

  Fun little car....

• 

  Great car - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By Debi Hilton - December 2 - 8:13 am

  I have just purchased this fantastic vehicle. I love to drive and I didnt think Id ever trade in my 02 Jetta 1.8t. Who would ever think I would ever get rid of it, just because of the way it handled. But needless to say the Mazda3 surpasses the Jetta. Keep up the good work. One thing I would like it to have would be heated mirrors, and power front seats. I have the grand touring sedan.

• 

  Better than a Civic - 1999 Mazda Protege
  By JessieM - December 2 - 2:00 am

  Got this car in 01. Build quality and reliability have been top notch. Acceleration is lacking by most standards. This car however dose make up for that. From baseline to ES you wont find *any* front wheel drive car more manuverable through corners, quicker through a slalom, and all around sure footed. All with the stock chassie, tires, shocks, springs and sway bars. Due to the stiff chassie, bumps are not always subtle; depending on the bump. As Car and Driver says about the Protege. Its an average for passangers. Its great for drivers...

• 

  The Other 6 - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By La Otra 6 - December 1 - 8:30 pm

  This is our 2nd Mazda6 purchase in the last 9 months (see 5 doors of fun - we previously purchased the 5-door hatch). The wagon is just as quick and as much fun to drive and I think the wagon has a quieter ride. Braking and handling is very good, wagon corners like our hatch as well. At 65" tall, I have all of the room I need. The leather seats are a godsend in Cleveland winters. The car looks fantastic. We receive many compliments on the 6s, from its styling to the great colors (the wagon is Steel Metallic Gray, hatch is the Blazing Copper)! If you dont want plain vanilla (Accord or Camry), grab a 6 and enjoy the zoom-zoom experience!

• 

  Highly recommended - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By Slim goody - December 1 - 7:43 pm

  A fun car to drive with the optional 2.3 liter engine. I prefer manual transmission, but the automatic was good because of the manual shift feature. Fit and finish were very good. Good room (we had the hatchback), handing and steering tight and nimble. Only problem was with one window that quit working, but our local dealer fixed under warrantee with no issues. Local dealer experience very good. They offered free tires and battery for the life of the car if regular scheduled maintenance done. Good fuel economy, we actually got better than whats posted on the window sticker. A good car for the money, dont even bother with any comparable American-made compacts.

• 

  FUN,FUN,FUN !!!!!! - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By Sharon - December 1 - 3:43 am

  This is a real neat car. Love to zip around in it. Very gutsy! Excellant handling. Corners well! Would buy another one! Thanks Mazda!

• 

  Love it! - 2002 Mazda Millenia
  By Paul - November 30 - 8:10 pm

  This is my 3rd Mazda and my second Millenia and I love it! I bought this car new and as usual have not had any trouble with it, all I do is change the oil and tune it once in a while. The special edition is only made in black and has the titanium package, white and black leather with white inserts on the door. If you are buying used dont be fooled by the ads that state special edition but are other than black. I wish they still made them, its the best car I had, and will look for another if something happens to this one.