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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  2009 CX-7, 2-WD - 2009 Mazda CX-7
  By Zoomin 09 - May 26 - 10:20 am

  Traded in a 2007 Mazdaspeed6 Grand Touring which I was leasing for an 09 CX-7 Sport. Purchased on a budget and certainly miss all the bells and whistles. However this is a fun car to drive considering what it is. Exterior styling is awesome but the interior is bland. There is considerable torque steer under moderate acceleration. After driving for a few days I wish I had spent the cash and upgraded to the Touring model.

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  Very disappointed in my Mazda6 - 2005 Mazda Mazda6
  By Tom L - May 23 - 4:13 pm

  It seems like a solid car, and it handles nice, but there are too many things about it that fall short of expectations. Bought the 5-Door S model with 6 speed auto. I have owned it about 2 months. Compared to my 98 Maxima with a 5 speed manual, this car is SLOW. Maybe the automatic is the problem. It couldnt get up a hill if your life depended on it. The ride with the sport suspension is horrible on bumpy roads. The gas mileage is pathetic. I average 19 mpg combined. Climate control never blows hot air. Honestly, I would gladly take $2,000 less than what I paid for it and buy something else.

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  Great scores but..... - 2004 Mazda MPV
  By PatrickInAlabama - May 21 - 8:20 pm

  The issue is once we approached 5 years/80K miles, the engine light came on. Its been downhill ever since. After 8 visits to 5 different shops including the dealer, we paid $3K to fix the catalytic converter. The final straw is 1 day after forking over $3,000, the light comes on again and the transmission shifts all over the place. The dealer has no clue. If you ever are told you have to replace the catalytic converter ....dont. Time to go shopping. We were told we need to spend another $300 for some assembly and the guy wasnt sure this would fix the problem.

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  Wish Mazda 9 were imported - 2000 Mazda MPV
  By Ken - May 19 - 6:26 pm

  Bought this van new, fully loaded for about 25,500. No significant problems. Approaching 100,000 mi. Starting to look for new people mover. MPV is still being made in Japan under Mazda 9 badge. Unfortunately, Ford is trying to get you to buy higher priced Flex, and forced Mazda to drop import. Nothing else on market carries the easy handling, small size, multiple flexibility, and comfortable ride. I still get compliments on the smooth ride.

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  Lots of car for the money - 2008 Mazda CX-9
  By MF - May 19 - 12:00 pm

  Compared with Honda Pilot, Acura MDX, Toyota Highlander. Id not considered the Mazda originally, but when we drove it we loved it. CX-9 clearly offered much more car for the dollar than others in its class. The build quality seems excellent, interior materials are very nice - much better than Honda or Toyota.

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  GOOD FUN AND RELIABLE - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By vinlanda - May 17 - 1:30 am

  Wasnt sure at first, but have grown to like this vehicle. Good pep, sporty style, and easy on the eye. Only downfalls, are the interior collects way to much lint and dirt, and the gas pedal is too hard or sticky. But overall it is a good vehicle and am pleased. Little noisy, but better tires helps that.

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  My first Mazda and I like it a lot. - 2014 Mazda CX-5
  By kathyma - May 16 - 4:16 pm

  Ive owed this new 2014 Mazda CX-5 AWD Touring for about 5 months now (purchased this year, 2013). I overly like it a lot. I narrowed my choices down from three similar vehicles at the time: Mazda CX-5, the Chevy Equinox and the Nissan Rogue. Here are my current conclusions from this very nice Mazda compact SUV that also feels like a sports car...

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  2009 mazda6 - 1 year later - 2009 Mazda Mazda6
  By tamoshanter - May 11 - 10:00 am

  bought this 2009 mazda6 for my wife last year after she put 235k on her 2000 626. she loves it - base model, sound system very good, very good pickup for a 4 cyl w/ 6 spd manual. black interior shows dust and dirt more quickly. you can bury several bodies in the trunk without blinking, and sleep in the back seat with two others. ride is smooth, handling excellent (for its size) and A/C will freeze you in seconds. we had a 1990 protege with 250k, and i got the hand- me-down 2000 6 (averaging 150 miles/daily) and still running like a watch.

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  I love my new zoom-zoom ride! - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By ashley7801 - May 9 - 4:56 pm

  I have always wanted a Mazda 3....when the 2010s came out, I knew I had to had one and finally yesterday we bought it!!!!! So far, I LOVE it! Its cute and fun to drive! I got the sunroof and Bose package and I think it was well worth it!

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  So far so good - status update - 2011 Mazda Mazda6
  By sargon123 - May 8 - 7:31 am

  I purchased a preowned vehicle in April 2011. I have put about 14,000 miles on in to date (purchased at approx. 11,600 miles). No major repairs to date. Vehicle is reasonably comfortable, convenient controls on stirring wheel and dashboard. So far, routine maintenance has been performed, car has been reasonably comfortable with no major problems.