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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  Goes great with our RX-8! - 2006 Mazda Mazda5
  By HottieMWF34DD - April 19 - 1:30 am

  Replaced our Protege5 with this, it is awesome and much better than any of the minivans on the market. We didnt want the lousy gas mileage of an SUV either. It also looks so cool next to the RX-8... both in black, which is the only way I like it... once you go black you never go back!

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  Best of class - 2017 Mazda CX-5
  By Jeffery Herman - April 16 - 10:50 pm

  We looked at all other major players in this class, including the 2017 Honda CRV. The CX-5 beat them all out and in particular beat the CRV with better controls (not as dependent on a touch screen), better acceleration and driving dynamics. However, the CRV beats the CX-5 in fuel economy. For my wife, who didnt want a "minivan" the CX-5 gave her a sporty vehicle that supports the family too.

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  Way under-rated auto/Fun to drive car! - 2006 Mazda RX-8
  By De Groot - April 16 - 6:20 pm

  This is my 6th car, 5th brand new car. I had to give up a manual, knee problems, and give up a car I just loved, an Infiniti G20 1996. I wanted something that would be different so I wouldnt compare, something fun so I wouldnt miss the G20. Ha! I got it! This car is fun enjoyment. And its a car I fit into. I never thought it would accommodate my 64" frame. You feel the road and it really hugs the road. At highway speeds its as smooth a ride as the G20. The handling is sure and real responsive. My favorite stretch of Highway 1 was no disappointment with this car, handling the switchback and tight curves with a sure footing. This car seems capable to give more than it is asked to give.

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  Maza wasnt even on my radar screen - 2009 Mazda Mazda3
  By Gulf Coast Florida - April 16 - 4:46 pm

  I test drove a 2009 Corolla and Honda Civic and this Mazda 3 offered more of what I wanted than either of those cars. The gauges are easy to read, the buttons make sense on the dashboard. The Honda Civic has a tachometer as big as a pie plate behind the steering wheel taking up a sizable portion of the dash. Maybe that is great if you are a 16 year old boy, but as a middle aged female I didnt like it and I thought it was a stupid design placement. The Mazda, on the other hand, is user friendly in terms of the interior and had more personality on the exterior than Corolla or Civic. I got a great (GREAT!) deal on my car and I may be a Mazda fan for life now.

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  It is a GREAT car!!!!!! - 2003 Mazda Mazda6
  By Kellys - April 16 - 10:00 am

  It is a great car to drive and just to admir. I would definetly recomand the car,

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  Zoom Zoom - 2003 Mazda Mazda6
  By cobrak - April 16 - 10:00 am

  Tremendous value and performance. handling is storng feature and build quality excellent.

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  great car - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By pbw - April 16 - 10:00 am

  Spent a lot of time looking for a new car, including Z4,330CI,SLK320. THe Rx8 was a more exciting choice. Really pleased with the car. Get loads of nice comments from strangers. It really likes to move swiftly.

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  Traded 2012 Mazda3 Grand Touring(auto), for 2015 model=Excellent car!!! - 2015 Mazda Mazda3
  By ajax13 - April 15 - 8:01 am

  We traded a 2012(27k miles on it) for a new stunning red 2015. Wife loved her old 2012 & had no intention to trade it in, until she drove the new one! Here are the reasons why she did: stunning body design & red(gorgeous!!)color; ride is even smoother & still tight/no body lean in corners; interior is like a BMW=simple & elegant; great Nav system & placement on dash is excellent for driving & easy eye check off; loves the HD Bose stereo system=is killer sound!; more room inside/drivers seat wider & more ergonomic=verrrrry comfy on long trips!!; in 2012, got 41-42mpg on highway, & 32mpg in city...this one on first 350 mile trip up WA mountains & back, got 44mpg!! & gets 34mpg in city.

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  Sweet, Sweet Ride - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By Alphaboy - April 14 - 9:50 pm

  I dont know what else to say about the mazda3 Touring sedan except it is a sweet, sweet ride. An absolute pleasure to drive. Lots of power, a pleasant little growl from the exhaust and it loves to go. Unbelievably responsive and grippy handling... just give me those twisty back roads! Its got a sexy, comfortable interior with easy to use controls and a great stereo. Firm seats that are great on longer drives. Absolutely fabulous on a summer afternoon with the sun roof open and people staring as I drive by in this sexy little car, with its copper red exterior sparkling in the sun! My only quibbles are less than great fuel economy and rear view when backing up. No biggie.

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  CX-9 = Practical and Fun - 2008 Mazda CX-9
  By Kevin - April 14 - 7:56 am

  I compared Highlander, Outlook/Acadia/Enclave, Veracruz, and the CX-9. They all were very well designed, spacious CUVs, but the CX-9 was the only vehicle that was exciting to look at and fun to drive. I have had my CX-9 for 3 weeks and driven about 700 miles. The CX-9 is a very spacious, practical vehicle, and it is about as close to driving a sport sedan as a CUV can get. The Grand Touring 20" wheels do ride slighly stiffer than the 18" wheels on the Touring, but I dont find it objectionable. The interior is quiet at cruise, but you can still hear the engine growl under acceleration. Handling seems nimble for such a large vehicle.