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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  As advertised... - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By Tim - February 16 - 7:33 am

  Just picked up the car last week and so far it has been everything it was cracked up to be. The car looks great and drives like a much more expensive car. I love all the instrumentation controls being on the steering wheel and the Bose sound system is amazing. Fit and finish are excellent and the interior at night is just plain cool. Ill be driving this car as my primary commuter and the morning and evening commutes just got a whole lot more fun (and economical). Oh, the push-button start (technology package) is sweet.

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  Car for all ages! - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By Julian - February 16 - 1:23 am

  This car is very fun to drive and has a lot of power to give when you need it. With its automatic transmission theres no worry, but also offers a "Slap stick" which allows you to choose gears for those quick 0-60 runs. The gauge clusters sharp looks, controls at your finger tips, and the feel of driving it is sure to please all drivers. Over all I give it a 10 out of 10, this car is sure not to disappoint. ZOOM- ZOOM.

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  Head and Shoulders above the rest - 2008 Mazda CX-9
  By fun4zoom - February 16 - 12:46 am

  We are absolutely thrilled with our GT CX 9 . We compared to several others-- Lexus, Acura, Toyota, Honda ect and this is by far the best value for the money! The Navigation, Bluetooth are easy to use. The interior finishes are classy and comfortable. All in all a real headturner! It is our first Mazda and definitely would purchase all over again! Best car Ive ever owned---from a former Lexus, Honda and Toyota owner. I am converted to Mazda s . Fun to drive and a smooth ride!

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  Zoom zoom - 2008 Mazda Mazda3
  By rob - February 16 - 12:20 am

  I just got home from the dealership, I really love this car. Its got a sweet interior. I test drove an 07 Civic LX sedan and this had more power, not much by horsepower, but I think the Mazda3 is also lighter, so it has a higher power to weight ratio. Really like the 16" rims and 4 wheel disk brakes. Real fun to drive.

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  Disappointed now.... - 2014 Mazda Mazda3
  By wesp1 - February 15 - 12:44 pm

  I love this car until the transmission went out at 2800 miles. Now back in the shop for a seal leak at 8000 miles. Maybe I just got a bad one but Im not happy with it so far. Never had a problem with my GMC Terrain or any of my 4 Honda Civics. I bought this Mazda because of the excellent reviews.

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  Are you kidding me with this lock system? - 2014 Mazda CX-5
  By lkasko - February 15 - 10:08 am

  Had my CX-5 for 5 days. Love the drive, love the styling, love the gas mileage. Hate, hate, hate the locking system. Are you kidding me with this maybe the lift gate will lock and maybe it wont. How would you know. You have to walk away and when you come back with your key it is always open. What the heck is the purpose of the black button anyway. Are we supposed to depend that this locking sensor is going to work indefinitely. How do we know when it stops working. Not light, no beep not indicator, no nothing. Worse design I have ever seen. I am 66. I have owned a lot of cars. I would not have purchased this one had I known. Will try to get a lock installed

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  love it but the 2016 is on the way - 2015 Mazda CX-5
  By speechcop60 - February 14 - 1:45 pm

  Bought the Grand Touring AWD in August now has 5,000 miles. I bought the reflex blue color which is hard to find. Get a lot of good comments on it. I love the ride, the stereo sounds great. Good acceleration for a 4 cylinder. Others have complained about the touchscreen but I have no problem with it. I just saw the 2016 is coming out in June. Classic Mazda dealership was great. Will most likely buy another one when i get tired of this one!

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  Peppy Little Car - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By DBryant - February 14 - 5:50 am

  Although I am used to V8 power, this car has enough power for most conditions. You have to give up something for twice the gas mileage. Handling and ride are impressive for a compact car. I drove a Mazda6 for a few days, and I would rather have the 3.

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  Luv My CX 7 - 2010 Mazda CX-7
  By 2000beetle - February 13 - 10:47 pm

  I too have had my car a 1 1/2 months and I luv it! I get more compliments on the color (black cherry!) than anything else. Luv the "handsfree" device. I have the Sport i and it is equipped with Sirus radio, but I opt. not to use it; I use bluetooth audio (connected to my Blkberry) instead, and listen to my Pandora; saves about $12.0 bucks a month. One small draw is the leg room in the back...not good for a tall person.

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  Just Wonderful - 2007 Mazda CX-7
  By smitty - February 13 - 4:56 pm

  So far I have driven the suv from Tx to Ca it was a blast it is a well put together vehicle. Mazda I thank you for this vehicle, it is just great. I have every possible option and it is just great. Only thing it is missing is bluetooth for my cell phone and I have had that installed - now it is perfect.