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, Runs Rough at 70mph? - 2007 Mazda CX-7
  By Chris - October 28 - 6:23 pm

  Wile looking for a new small SUV for my wife, we drove FX35, Pilot, MDX, RX330, 4 Runner, Highlander, Explorer, Murano, etc. Price and options drove us to the CX-7. I was sold on the FX35, but wife was unwilling to spend the additional $10k. While we like the car, the turbo lag is a killer. Im hesitant to pull out into traffic because it is so unpredictable. Also, I sense the engine runs slightly rough at highway speeds (70mph or around 2000rpm). I had it in once and they claim to have replaced the ignition coil. It also has a rattle they cannot find which sounds like the rear wiper is falling off at 60+mph. Not happy with the solutions so far, might trade it if they cant fix it.

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  surprizoomzoom - 2006 Mazda Mazda5
  By mike - October 27 - 8:10 pm

  Essentially a great looking minivan at a great price. Fun to drive, very responsive steering. Cupholders EVERYWHERE. Navigation is very cool. Sliding doors on both sides, very convenient. The 4 cylinder provides plenty of horsepower. Domestic automakers take note. Mazda has their act together. VROOM VROOM.

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  TERRIFIC CAR - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By Hot Momma - October 27 - 8:40 am

  Was glad to move up from a Mazda 626 4-cyl. to this 6 cyl. model--no problems merging onto an interstate in this car! Have the 5 speed version. I call this my Volvo station wagon on steroids--it reminds me of the Volvo 245 station wagon I had years ago: solid, dependable, safe. But the Mazda adds: acceleration, handling, pizazz.

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  We Traded it in! - 2007 Mazda CX-7
  By philpiv - October 26 - 1:13 am

  We Traded in our 2007 Madza CX7 GT AWD with 9500 miles on it today. We were sick of the premium gas and the absolutely horrid gas mileage 10-13 mpg around town. We brought it to the dealer 3 times to check the mileage problems and they claimed there was no problem. The car was fun to drive but made us sick when filling up.

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  Beautiful, fun to drive - 2010 Mazda Mazda6
  By David - October 25 - 10:23 pm

  Purchased a couple of weeks ago. Got the solid black; exterior styling most attractive on the road, kudos to the designers. Was appealing that the car, though selling well, is somewhat rare compared to the other brands, and very eye catching. The touches in the Touring Plus trim line with the leather-wrapped steering wheel and gear shift really set off the inside. Interior fit and finish is excellent, very high quality look and feel. Got the 4-cyl to get better gas mileage (got 29 MPG on first tank of mostly highway), but the engine theyre using is not particularly well engineered when compared to the performance of my older model 4-cyl Camry.

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  So I pulled the trigger - 2016 Mazda CX-9
  By Paul Labas - October 25 - 12:35 pm

  I ended up with a Grand Touring, not Touring. After 2 weeks of driving, I brought the rating down to 4 stars. - The driving dynamic with 2.5T engine takes getting used to. Although powerful in 2-4K RPM range, the engine gets to 3-4K RPM relatively quickly and then the power tempers off. I wish the engine was more powerful overall. The driving and handling are still a lot of fun and its hard to believe one is driving a 3-row SUV. - The braking assist system is overly sensitive. The first two days of driving in suburban NJ it went off on me four times! When it does, the experience is both unpleasant and potentially dangerous, as the car brakes hard and I feel I can get slammed by someone else by from behind. The system can be turned off, but it comes back on every time you restart the engine. What I realize now is that the system is forcing me to drive more carefully and break sooner than I am used to! This might not be such a bad thing. - I turned off the lane keep assist since its more annoying than helpful. - The drivers seat is uncomfortable - it is hard and the raised sides, although providing great support, add to the discomfort. I am not a "wide" guy in any way, so I wonder how uncomfortable the seat can be for someone big. - infotainment system is fine. Once you get used to it, its not bad to operate at all. - the looks are impressive still, inside and out. The car is often confused with Infinity (what an insult!). The Bose sound is great. The hunt: When CX-9 appeared at local dealerships only a couple of weeks ago, I test-drove it twice before going on the actual "shopping expedition". That day I drove Honda Pilot, CX-9, Toyota Highlighter and Acura MDX. I dismissed Highlighter right away as it seems to offer and do everything that Pilot does, only a little worse in every aspect. The Pilot is the ultimate family SUV and I see why there are so many of them on the roads already. Coming from my Odyssey, I can say it is a blend of SUV and Mini-van. The engine is strong enough. The car is roomy and full of tech. The problem to me was that it is a good and solid choice, but unexceptional in every way, from the looks to the engine to the driving/handling dynamic. Acura MDX drove very nicely, but I didnt like the central console layout and its third row space was the smallest of the bunch. Just like with Honda, I see why there are so many of them on the roads. MDX didn’t excite me and for the $10K more than CX-9 (although MDX would offer more bells-and-whistles), I better feel excited. CX-9 felt like the perfect blend of sportiness, luxury, and practicality. I was so impressed that I decided not to wait another year or so to gather feedback from actual drivers and let the company buffer out the little issues that normally plague new technologies. I had to have it! I ended up with Touring with the Package as it seems to offer the best value for the buck, and found it at about 3K below the MSRP. I ordered it in the Machine Metallica Gray (that’s the color in all the ads) with black interior. The dealer will need to find or order one for me. Style The looks are subjective, of course, but I love the sleek exterior styling. To me, this is the only non-luxury 3-row sitter that doesn’t look like the designer started with a minivan and tried to smooth it out. The cabin feels like BMX X5 and the higher central divider creates a feeling of a closer space, similar to a racecar cockpit. The info-tainment screen is not intrusive since I look over it and it does not obscure any of the windshield window. Inside material quality is excellent. Space I am 6’ even. I adjusted the driver’s seat and the seat behind the driver for my height, and then could relatively painlessly fit in the third row behind that. The car is definitely not as spacious as my mini-van, but I can see how the third row can accommodate a couple of adults for 1-2 hours if needed, and kids or even teenagers may find it to be even more tolerable, if not comfortable. The second row is definitely comfortable for two adults and spacious enough for three. When I read the numbers, I knew CX-9 was supposed to be less spacious than the competition, but it did not feel this way in real life. Perhaps, the 1-2” difference is simply not noticeable in real life. Nevertheless, I am sure I’ll miss all the space I am now enjoying in the minivan. Driving I was truly impressed by the driving power and dynamic. Driving three turbo cars in the past, I can say that this CX-9 has very little turbo lag. The engine feels like a typical V6, only more powerful at the initial pickup. The car handles very well and feels much smaller and lighter in turns. One quickly forgets that this is a 3-row SUV. Driving dynamic is where the car really shines. Road noise This is one of very few gripes I have with my wife’s CX-5, however, Mazda handled it well with CX-9. The roads noise is low and car feels luxurious.

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  Dont bother wasting your money! - 2005 Mazda RX-8
  By DontbuyRX8 - October 25 - 2:16 am

  This car is horrible, it has spent more time in the shop than on the road. I have had four recalls, over heating problem, flooding, starter, risk of it catching fire! and have had it towed four times to the dealership. It doesnt like hot weather, or cold weather, it is the most unreliable car ever!! I bought it brand new off the show room floor, and I HATE it! Save yourself a lot of headache and go buy a G37 or G37. This morning, went to start it to go to work, it wont start, so guess what, towed again to the dealership. This car stinks! it only has 50 kilometers on it.

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  Excellent Mini-Minivan - Zoom Zoom - 2006 Mazda Mazda5
  By Julie - October 24 - 3:36 pm

  Great fun to drive, love the fact that it can accommodate 4 carseats. Good fuel economy. Never get lost anymore now that I have the GPS. Perfect for a family with young kids.

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  transmission trouble 3 times - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By Eileen Kelley - October 24 - 8:03 am

  I love this car but at 22,000 miles the transmission leaked; dealership put in a new transmission. Almost a year to the day the 2nd transmission with only 14,000 miles now has to be replaced again. The dealership is very rude and has an "oh well this happens" attitude. Very frustrating because whats to stop it from happening again next year? Mazda customer service is not much better. Accused me of not taking care of the car. Now the front wheel bearings are to be replaced. Havent had much satisfaction from anyone. Am going to try Attorney Generals office next.

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  What a piece of junk - 1998 Mazda 626
  By Jami - October 23 - 2:30 pm

  I bought my 1998 Mazda 626LX before I knew what a piece of crap it really is. These cars have the worst transmissions around. It was replaced once and rebuilt once already since I have had it and it is going out again! Mazda needs to do a recall! I found out that the transmission put into the 94-2002 was not good and has a habit of going out not just once but several times. This needs to be fixed.