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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  No regrets - 2008 Mazda CX-7
  By dnalor - October 11 - 9:16 am

  After weeks of surfing and comparison with competitors, my wife and I knew the fact that this is no fuel economy CUV. We decided anyway to purchase the top of the line selection in brilliant black. We just absolutely love this CUV. All the other details to this CUV overshadows the fuel consumption dilema. My wife now prefers to enjoy the ride while watching her movies on the ent. system. You can not go wrong with the BOSE sound system. What outside noise? Its built solid. I would definitely recommend this CX7 if gas is not a factor with your decision. I recommend the AERO package. We also opted to install the IPOD adapter with our dealer.

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  Nice Car - 2007 Mazda Mazda5
  By Scott - October 10 - 10:26 am

  We have owned the car for two weeks and it has been a pleasure to drive. First gas tank of all city driving came in at an average mpg of 23, even with some of my higher RPM start-ups. I would recommend this vehicle to anyone looking for a compromise between some of the desirable features of a minivan and a station wagon. Great value for the price.

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  Great Wagon with Sports Car Feel - 2005 Mazda Mazda6
  By MN Snowman - October 10 - 7:40 am

  I traded my 02 Passat for the wagon ... that lets my wife drive a sedan rather than her Volvo wagon. I was impressed with the interior design/colors and the exterior color (I have the Firemist red with tan interior ... looks very sharp and Ive gotten a number of favorable comments). Ive liked the responsiveness of the engine and the manual transmission is very nice. Weve taken two longer road trips (one at 2200 miles and the other at 1200 miles) -- its a very comfortable highway car. The Sirius radio option is a delight on highway cruises as well. Around town, it gets decent mileage and handles well. Im pleased with the purchase & the end-of-year discounts!

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  CX-9 - nice crossover - 2007 Mazda CX-9
  By roman - October 9 - 5:56 pm

  Weve had the vehicle for about two weeks now and we love it. The ride is nice and comfortable, my wife and kids love it. We were strongly considering an MDX, but after test driving the CX-9 we fell in love with it. We got a Touring package which has similar options as a basic MDX, but 10K less. I think Mazda has done a great job with the exterior design of the CX-9.

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  2008 Mazda 6i Grand Touring - 2008 Mazda Mazda6
  By Robert145 - October 9 - 10:13 am

  So far, so good. Ive only driven it about 600 mi. but according to my numbers, Im getting more like 27 mpg around town. I have tested it at 1/4 tank and 1/2 tank. Being an 18 gal. tank, Im averaging 500 mi. per tank. I havent had the car on the highway yet. Time will tell. The car is very responsive and fun to drive. Very comfortable to drive. The 8 way drivers seat offers good adjustments. Im 61" tall with long legs. Plenty of room.

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  Glad I waited! - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By Randy Leonard - October 9 - 10:00 am

  I had been debating on what car to buy for several months and had decided to buy the Infiniti G-35, but after seeing the RX-8, the decision was made. I have the first one in the city I live in because the dealership just opened last Saturday. As a matter of fact, I was the first person to buy a car there. And I love the car! It has a lot of power and the look is great. Ive had several people ask me about my "fancy imported sports car". It also drives great and is one of a kind. No regrets here.

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  Smooth operator... - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By jogr - October 9 - 10:00 am

  I drove the RX8 and thought "Quality. Smooth. Effortless. Confident. Willing. Unique. Wow, its at 9,000." My girlfriend hated the RX8 on paper. Then she saw and sat in the RX8 and said, "OK, you should get one of these." Despit what Vreveron the Honda saleman says below, this car is quality. The seats are excellent. The shifter reminds me of Underdog, my Miata. The engine needs no explanation as it makes piston engines seem irrelevant. Its like an electric motor with noise: you cant feel how fast its spinning. The handling, while not like my modified Miata, is "wow, if I have to drive a sedan, I want it to drive like this!"

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  Love the Mazda3 GT - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By Dean in Dallas - October 8 - 11:13 pm

  I have had the 2007 Mazda3 for 9 months now and I really like it. It has acceleration, is nimble, and is very fun to drive. I got most of the options including xenon lights, sunroof, compass in the mirror, leather, on board computer. Basically I got this car with all the options youd find in a BMW. I have owned two BMWs in my life and believe it or not, this Mazda3 is as much fun to drive as those BMWs.

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  Big 3 better watch out. - 2009 Mazda Mazda6
  By jR - October 8 - 8:00 pm

  After test driving the "Big 3" sedans (Camry, Accord, Altima), I decided to give the new 6 a try. The redesign has done wonders, both exterior and interior. Quality of the interior is much better than the others, especially in my GT. It has features the others dont was well like LED tails, standard BT and a blind spot monitoring system. The 4 banger suits my needs, but it might be the weak point of the car. I felt the Honda had the best, followed by the Altima, then the Camry. Im only a few hundred miles into the car, but I have ZERO regrets about my decision. Mazda has taken a step forward and should draw a lot of attention w/ this one.

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  10,000 Miles In - 2012 Mazda MazdaSpeed3
  By civitaresel - October 5 - 4:43 am

  Cross shopped WRX, Ralliart, GTI. None offer as much equipment for the money. Ive deemed third gear the yellow light gear as its the one to go to in order to blast from 35 ish to 65 or so. Merging is a joke, even in Philly where no one moves over (Im a burgher), simply engage the yellow light gear and go. Constant 75 mph on Pa turnpike for 300 miles yields 28 mpg as calculated at the pump. Even in sixth you easily pass any car with vigor. Exhaust is very quiet at highway speeds. Seats are comfortable but if youre anything other than slim to medium weight (Im 510 and 175 on a fat day) they will most likely be to form fitting for you. Overall, very pleased with the purchase