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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  Best Buy Minivan! - 2003 Mazda MPV
  By Victor - July 4 - 10:00 am

  You have to drive one to know what the rave is all about. Its the best driving feel I ever had in a mini-van. Does not feel you are driving one big hauler. Got $5000 worth of discounts! What more can I say

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  The worst car I ever had - 1999 Mazda Protege
  By Mariya Gromyko - July 4 - 4:50 am

  A lot of noise from the road. Transmission failed after 46,000 miles. Bad customer service.

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  Harley Davidson Replacement - 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By gus38 - July 4 - 1:43 am

  Traded an 04 Ultra Classic and havent looked back. The MX5 is a 2-dr/4wh replacement. It has all of the thrill of driving with the wind without having to worry about the weather. Top up/top down takes a few seconds. I have the Gr Touring with 7-spkr Bose system. Sound is great all the time. Cloth brown top with 6-spd manual. This car is by far the most fun vehicle i have driven. Past vehicles include Audi A6 & A4 Cab. I do wish there was some better answer for spare than Fix a Flat and run flat tires. Mileage has been 28 MPG combined. All in all it is hard to imagine a replacement for the HD but this car is IT. Decide on the top up/down when you get in the car. Simple

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  The car for me! - 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Joseph J. Palermo - July 3 - 6:53 pm

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  Big mistake - 2013 Mazda Mazda3
  By diana37 - July 1 - 11:09 pm

  I wish I had known how uncomfortable this car is for driving more than around the block in a test drive. I bought a new 2013 Mazda 3 three days ago, and it hurts my back. I will have to sell it and take the financial hit. I am sick about it.

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  Best Fun Factor on 4 wheels - 2006 Miata - 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By 2006sonata - July 1 - 4:25 pm

  These cars are so awesome. Fun, fun, fun, and reliable as can be. Cheap to fill up (small tank). Dont buy one of these if envious stares annoy you. Dont buy one of these if youd much prefer to spend a lot of money on a true roadster. Dont buy one of these if you are on a first name basis with you auto mechanic and prefer to stay that way. I dont have the top of the line leather version of the car, but slapped on some upgraded 17" alloy wheels, and great tires ( Michelin Pilot Super Sport), and handling actually improves dramatically - didnt think that was possible.

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  satisfaction guaranteed! - 2005 Mazda Mazda6
  By nate - July 1 - 11:16 am

  This is the first new used car I ever bought and I love it. Im in the military and I just came home from Iraq in Feb. 06. I wanted a car that defines myself and my hard work over the years. This car does it. It hugs the road, its very nimble, and I love the engine roar. The factory stereo system is mind blowing. I hate that the Mazda dealerships charge so much for repairs. I had to buy a new transmitter for my keyless entry. Overall, great pick for a first car.

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  Worst mistake of my life - 2005 Mazda RX-8
  By carma8 - July 1 - 9:44 am

  Do not buy this car. If you are thinking of buying this car go to the Rx8 forums, everything that can go wrong with this car will go wrong. This car has been the financial ruin of me. When I bought it the KBB price was $17k and thats what I paid. 3 years later I tried to trade it in, and was offered $3k. Bear in mind that it is in better condition now than when I bought it. Every year I spend at least $2-3k on repairs. The only luck I have had is the engine seems to be the only one that works, for now. Thats right $2-3k/year with a healthy engine. The car is crap. Other cars are just as fun to drive with much lower cost. Save yourself and run away.

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  Traded Pilot for CX-9 - 2018 Mazda CX-9
  By DC - June 30 - 6:54 am

  I was looking for a replacement for my 2016 Honda Pilot Touring since it did not have blind spot monitoring, the adaptive cruise control was abrupt, lane departure intervention too aggressive, and I hated the AutoStop feature. I looked into and test drove the Acadia Denali, Toyota Highlander Platinum, Nissan Pathfinder Platinum, Volvo XC60, Lexus RX350, and the 2018 Mazda CX-9 Grand Touring. The CX-9 was the clear winner with better pricing, great standard features, comfortable wrap around seats, great power, smooth and quiet ride, and most importantly, the most fun to drive. The CX-9 heads up display is better than the Lexus or Volvo because the CX-9 displays the blind spot monitoring info on the screen as well as the speed, adaptive cruise speed, and navigation directions. And, the heads up display is STANDARD on the Grand Touring trim and up. I love the heated steering wheel and heated seats, and my passengers love the heated seats too. The sound system is great, and the infotainment system is the most ergonomic and easy to use system out there. I never though too much about the zoom zoom commercials till I drove the Mazda CX-9, but now that I have one, I totally understand.

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  Expensive car to own - 2007 Mazda CX-9
  By Javier Garcia - June 30 - 1:49 am

  I bought this car used in 2008 one year after manufacturing. The performance of this car was poor. It was extremely expensive to own since most repairs were extreme and expensive. This will be my last MAZDA. I will not buy another MAZDA as long as FORD is part owner. I have own other Japanese cars and had not problems. I love to keep my cars for at least 10 years. I had hondas, BMW, Mercedes benz, and Isuzzo Trooper and never had as many problems as I had with the MAZDA. I invested about about 50% of the original speaker price in the 7 years I have own the car. I am trying to make it last another 3 years. But I do not think MAZDA can not last.