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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  New Mazda 2008 - 2008 Mazda Mazda5
  By bigbear54 - September 13 - 12:10 am

  I traded my 2006 Sport for a 2008 Touring and I really appreciate the improvements Mazda has made. My gas milage was approximately 25 mpg on the 06, since driving my 08 for the past month I have been averaging approximately 31 mpg back and forth to work and around town. I havent made a trip on the expressway so I do not know what the mileage will be for a long roaqd trip, but I imagine it would be up around 33 to 34 not bad.

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  One great car - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By David - September 12 - 9:16 pm

  My previous car was a 1992 Acura Integra which I really enjoyed. When I started looking for a new car I wanted a sporty 4 door at a good price. After driving the 3s I knew that it was the one for me. I bought a 2006 3s Touring with 5 speed manual in January and still think it is a great car. I love the 5 speed manual and the acceleration it has. I especially enjoy taking it out on the nearby windy roads. The car handles great. You definitely get the Zoom Zoom out of this one.

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  Fantastic Car - 2016 Mazda CX-5
  By andrewba - September 12 - 7:22 am

  Replaced my 2013 Mazda CX-5 GT for the new 2016 CX-5 GT model. The latest model is a HUGE improvement over the old model. Interior feels high class with soft touch materials throughout the cabin. I got the Titanium Grey with White Leather interior and this combination is amazing, makes you feel like you are in a higher class vehicle. All the tech features such as lane departure and radar/lasers are a nice improvement and work great. The entertainment touch screen system is higher resolution and much faster and more intuitive to use. Also the wipers are dead silent in this car. The Bose speaker system is clear with high bass. Overall, its sound proofing is noticeable over the old model.

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  Mini SUV ?? - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By Fastback - September 11 - 10:00 am

  Best new car yet (my 5th). Initial quality excellent, and absolutely no problems to date. Drives like on rails, stops on a dime, and just feels great at all times.

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  Wonderful Car... - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By Mazda Buyer - September 11 - 10:00 am

  I have had my Mazda now for a year and willing to recommend it to anyone looking for a great car. It is very fun to drive and I love the design. I did plenty of research and its all true. I have suggested it to several friends and two of them have already purchased theirs and they are too loving them.

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  Great Car, avoid the GPS - 2011 Mazda CX-9
  By charles83 - September 10 - 11:59 pm

  We have had the vehicle for about 3 months, and are very satisfied. Gas milage is consistenly about 19 miles per gallon. We compared most of the 5 and 7 passenger SUVs and Crossovers. The Mazda was great on price and features. We liked the Nissans, but they did not have the seating or the storage areas. My biggest concern is the Ford motor and transmission, but it will be a couple of years before I can know if this was a problem. There are not many Mazda dealers near us, so we will be using Ford for most service and repairs.

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  fantastic choice - 2011 Mazda Mazda2
  By bridgetshaw - September 9 - 2:32 pm

  I bought this car on a whim. I was at a Mazda dealership with a friend to get their car washed, looked around the lot, and ended up buying this wonderful car after four hours and two test drives. I had a 2000 Toyota Camry before this one and I loved my Camry so very much. I wanted a new one, but with Toyotas recalls I wasnt sure. After I test drove this car and realized what a good deal it was for the mpg and price and everything I was set. Im a delivery driver so this car gets its use in, Im already over 2000 miles having bought it the end of June. It is very fun to drive, great space in the car for being so tiny, roomy trunk, and it is pretty quick for such a small engine.

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  Good Car - 1999 Mazda Protege
  By cs2ba - September 7 - 2:00 am

  I bought my protege in April of 2001 with 30,000 now it has 78,000 miles. I have racked the miles up fast but I have to say the car has ran great. I only had one problem with the car at about 45,000 and that is a seal when out on the trans. and all the fluid leaked out. I have also changed the oil every 3,000. It was fixed by mazda and the car is running great. I would have to say that I would buy another Mazda.

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  Mazda Protege5 - 2002 Mazda Protege5
  By brent_va - September 7 - 2:00 am

  funnest car ive driven. more practicle that i wouldve thought.

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  I wish I had a longer commute! - 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By ScotProf - September 6 - 4:16 pm

  Kids finished college, decided to celebrate by buying a convertible to drive in sunny California. This is a great car. As several reviews state, it drives like a fast go-kart. It is so easy to overtake slower drivers by zipping out & back in that I am having to rein in my urges, otherwise Ill get my first ticket in >24 years of driving. The PRHT is great. My "suggested improvements" below are minor, and focus on the interior design; the only DRIVING "defect" is that the rear visibility is not great with the top up. So, when reversing with the top up, I am coming to rely on the side mirrors, which I dont enjoy; Id prefer to be able to scan the whole area by quick glances over my shoulder.