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:

• 

  hard on old bodies - 2005 Mazda RX-8
  By trolkeeper - October 31 - 4:46 am

  It is a little too low to the ground for this old body. I would not buy it again only for this reason. Otherwise it is a great car. Beautiful to look at and every one comments on it.

• 

  Fun Car - 2005 Mazda Tribute
  By Like the Mazda - October 30 - 1:10 pm

  Have 88000 miles on the Tribute and really like it. Have new front brakes and new tires. However, had to have front left and right axles replaced -- which was a shock as the car handles so well. I do like driving the car and it has held up well. I have leather seats and the leather is still like new. Would definitely buy another one.

• 

  Would buy again except for the dealer - 2006 Mazda Mazda5
  By Chris - October 29 - 3:33 pm

  Im very satisfied with the car. Its the right size, the only problems weve had were early model year problems and though annoying were quickly fixed by Mazda. It is starting to show its age though. Rattles are starting, the suspension does not seem as tight as it once did and fit and finish are being to show some age and the effects of two kids. The tires that Mazda put on the car were terrible and had to be replaced after 20000 miles. Replaced these with a decent set of tires and the wear on them is much better. Though the probably still wearing much more quickly than reasonable. It has enough power and is kinda fun to drive. If the dealership was better I would consider another Mazda

• 

  nice crossover you didnt know about! - 2008 Mazda CX-7
  By ak, Seattle - October 29 - 2:30 pm

  We didnt think about it until we decided we needed a roomy, sporty, sedan-looking SUV/crossover with superb safety features, incl AWD (Seattle) and actually test-drove it. This car has all those things and what a joy to drive! Although you do hear some engine and wind in the cabin, but some, and you cant hear the traffic/road noise. Amazing brakes/acceleration! Roomy enough, although the back seats are not as comfy as the front. Nice styling; interior could use better materials. Test-drive it! Not sure if people who complain test-drove it first, knew of mpg. Rav4=cavernous/dark/plastic;CRV=underpowered; Forester=comfy back seats, as much room; uncomfortable front; sluggish as the Rogue

• 

  Ready to run away - 2005 Mazda Mazda6
  By youngbo718 - October 29 - 10:00 am

  I bought this Mazda 6 by mistake, I actually looking for Mazda 3. But when I finally came to see the mistake I have made, see that I was completely wrong. This vehicle is absolutely fun drive and fast. Its only waiting to press the gas and run away.

• 

  2008 Mazda CX7 AWD - 2008 Mazda CX-7
  By Joe Cafaro - October 28 - 4:00 am

  We own a 2008 Lexus RX350 as well as this CX7. The CX costs almost one half the as much as the Lexus. I cannot justify the difference. The CX7 is THE VALUE proposition. Ride, handling, comfort,and its pep are truly outstanding. The CX7 runs well on regular gas but fuel economy is a serious disappointment. Mazda with all its talent MUST come up with a fuel efficient engine for this otherwise superior offering. The Bose surround sound system is an absolute must. Still a better value than the Lexus even considering the poor fuel economy. With better fuel efficiency while maintaining the peppy, fun to drive experience, this crossover would lead all competitors. Fit and finish are excellent

• 

  Reliable little workhorse - 1999 Mazda Protege
  By 99ProtegeOwner - October 25 - 2:00 am

  I purchased a 99 Protege DX (used for only 5 months - repoed) in 1/00 for my wife. I have had to invest no money in this car other than for gas and oil. No electrical problems, no mechanical problems. Comfortable for our family of four. Adequate acceleration for a 1.6 auto; dont expect to be pushed back into your seat. Good fuel economy - high 20s to low 30s in mostly urban driving. Nice, conservative styling. Could use more sound insulation, though. I recently acquired a Montero for my wife, and plan to use the Protege myself - itll make a good substitute for my 96 VW Jetta money pit.

• 

  Zoomin Fun - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By ANPope - October 22 - 12:50 am

  My last car was an Audi A4. When it was time for a new car I went with the Mazda3. Its fun to drive and responsive, with decent handling for this price range. The only handling problem is the tendency to spin the front tires when making a 90 degree turn from a stop onto wet roads. It affords good visibility and I never have a problem merging quickly into traffic. I get 30 to 31 MPG on the highway even with the larger engine and automatic transmission, although you can knock 2 MPG off that when running the AC.

• 

  Great SUV - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By ****** - October 21 - 2:13 am

  Have owned this vehicle for the past 5 years and love it. After 110,000 miles, it just got its 3rd set of tires (originals lasted 64,000 mi) and only other maintenance was oil changes. It snows here practically daily from Dec-Apr and my Tribute gets through all of it with no problem. Have another, larger SUV in the household, but take the Tribute when it snows. Gas mileage is just ok, but I can get 24 mpg on the highway if I watch my speed.

• 

  Love this car, hate the drivers seat, - 2016 Mazda CX-9
  By 3rd Time CX-9 Owner - October 19 - 2:35 pm

  First off, the new CX-9 is easily the best looking SUV on the market for the price. I would definitely consider it a class above in regards to looks, interior quality and design. However it is missing some major things that set it back. In my opinion Mazda dropped the ball in regards to some features the CX-9 lacks compared to its competitors. The sunroof is too small (every other car in the segment has a dual or panoramic sunroof option), cooled seats and heated steering wheel (again, available in all competitor cars), passengers seat adjustment is limited to forward and back only. Oh, and then comes my biggest complaint about the car, the drivers seat. The drivers seat was down graded from an 8-way adjustable in the previous gen to a 6-way for the new CX-9. They dropped the adjustment of the tilt of the seat bottom, or thigh support adjustment. The seat feels like its tilted forward, Im always sliding forward out of the seat when braking. I would give anything to be able to tilt the front part of the seat upwards so i feel like Im securely and comfortably positioned in the seat. I have never driven a vehicle where it was so hard to find a comfortable driving position. All my complaining aside, the interior is ultra quiet and super plush. It definitely gives the feel of a luxury car ride. The materials are of top quality and the design is very ascetically pleasing to look at while riding in the vehicle. The functionality of all the controls are well executed and much so satisfactory. One of my favorite parts about the vehicle is the driving experience. The vehicle has the ability to shove you back in your seat under acceleration and passes on the highway with ease. The handling is unbeatable by far, with the ride not compromising to much from the stiffer suspension setup. Back seat space is not to complain about and cargo room is ample. All in all Mazda outdid themselves with the design of the new CX-9 and its an SUV i would highly recommend, that is if you can find a comfortable driving position is that darn drivers seat!