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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  Fun Car with Annoying Problems - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By optimus - December 25 - 12:46 pm

  This car has been very, very fun to zip around on both the highway and city. However after only driving it for 6 months my clutch pedal became squeaky (replaced under warranty). Then a month later my brakes became extremely squeaky even though I still had 75% of the pads left. I plan on taking it in again soon.

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  Swiss Army Knife of SUVs - 2007 Mazda CX-7
  By couleeman - December 21 - 7:26 pm

  Longtime Mazda owner here. This is the "other" car in the garage and it usually is the vehicle of choice for weekend errands and long trips. This car is unstoppable in snow, pulls a small trailer without breaking a sweat, and can pass on two lane roads with some SERIOUS authority. Tradeoff is mpg (low 20s, best is 24 mpg) and slightly performance oriented ride/handling. The OEM tires are very stiff and, when replaced with OEM Ford Edge Continentals, absolutely transform this into a first class ride. Would definitely buy a CX7 again.

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  MPG Only Complaint - 2008 Mazda CX-9
  By paul andoni - December 16 - 10:16 pm

  1600 miles into our 2008 Touring CX-9, AWD option has already paid for itself in a brutal start to winter, even by Michigan standards. Decided on Touring over Grand Touring because 18 in. wheels/tires produce a much less jittery and more comfy ride than the 20 inchers on our cratered, suburban Detroit roads. The vehicle strikes a wonderful ride comfort/handling balance, providing agility, flat cornering, responsive transmission and steering while not punishing occupants on bad roads. I am surprised by the lack of a mpg computer. While not expecting hybrid-like fuel economy, I am very disappointed by the 12.6 mpg experienced thus far--can only hope this improves as break-in progresses!

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  This car is ok - 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By rulerofthenite - December 13 - 10:00 am

  I bought this car as a novelty, you know 30 going on 31 dad trying to be cool. The vehicle is not very comfortable for tall people like me. it is fun to drive with the top down only as with the top up it can be quite painful for me. If someone were to ask if i would buy 1 again i would have to regretfully decline.

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  NOT FAST and FURIOUS - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By RX8itsgotime - December 13 - 10:00 am

  This is a great car, handles excellent love the 18" stock rims!! The car looks FAST standing still, too bad it isnt!! I love the back seat and like most people I need it (350Z has alot more torque for around the same money, but NO back seat) this car looks alot better than the 350Z in my opinion, but lacks the torque big time!! I also did NOT like the fact of buying an option package of 3500.00 to get the moonroof!

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  Good minivan - 2004 Mazda MPV
  By Gabriel - December 11 - 7:33 pm

  We bought this van after we drove a Ford Windstar, Toyota Highlander, a few other SUVs and visited the annual L.A. Auto show. Has good power, expected interior size and folding chairs. On a tight budget so we ended with the MPV in the garage for $18,000 (including taxes). Feels slow when stepped on the gas (comparing to my 87 T-bird), but braking is good. Has the largest turning of any car I ever drove - U-turn is a problem. The gear shifter is - dumb - placed across the AC and radio controls. Cheap arm rests. Shortly after purchase, the water pump was leaking coolant on the hot engine, fumes were coming in the inside. Fixed on warranty. A bumper crash in the rear made a $3200 damage.

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  Love fades - 2009 Mazda Mazda6
  By mazda convert - December 11 - 10:00 am

  Bought it new but seem to be owning it used. Rattles and squeaks abound. Does drive and handle well. Great pickup great brakes. Transmission down shift feels odd at lower speeds, almost like it stuck in neutral. Wind noise in cabin too loud at freeway speeds. Sound system is average or below par. I find the driving position/seat comfortable. Enjoy spirited driving. the interior and reliability does not live up to the exterior and performance.

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  Loving My CX7 (NOT) - 2007 Mazda CX-7
  By Loving my CX-7 (Not) - December 11 - 10:00 am

  Well its me again and it looks as though the same problems everyone has endured with their Mazda, I am encountering also. In July I purchased my CX7 with 33,000 mi I was oh so pleased! In October my AC Compressor went out, Thank God I purchased the extended warranty. The whole compressor had to be replaced. I am so desperately trying to trade this car in, cause it looks like a host of problems is in my future. I have been told that it is only worth 10-14,000 when I paid 19,000, Wow! Mazda should be ashamed of themselves producing such a problem! I will have to take a HUGE lost, but whatever it takes to get out of this one, I will do!

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  Zoom, zoom? - 2010 Mazda Mazda6
  By Jim - December 11 - 10:00 am

  The car looks and rides great. Visibility is excellent and has all the bells and whistles; blue tooth, blind spot monitoring, Bose, heated leather, etc. What the car needs is a little more zoom in its zoom (another 20 or 30 HP would be real nice Overall - a good choice!

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  Its a love, hate relationship - 2005 Mazda RX-8
  By Jessica - December 10 - 5:53 pm

  I purchased my RX8 used almost 2 years ago. My engine started "fluttering" 4 days after I bought the car. I have only had problems since. If your RX-8 is not idling correctly, you need to have the engine replaced. Finally after 2 years of problems, mine are about to be solved. If you are looking to buy this car, please know that it is not a grocery getter. You have to heat the engine completely up before you can turn it off. Do yourself a HUGE favor and do some research. You would be amazed at what needs to be done for the upkeep of this car. I love mine to the point that I cant trade it in. Make sure you are willing to put in the time and effort to keep it up.