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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  Mazda cx-9 Grand Touring awd - 2012 Mazda CX-9
  By Donna G - March 24 - 3:45 am

  I love the vehicle and the mazda line of cars. The problem I am having is that I dont put a lot of miles on the suv and things are happening, things that I never heard of before in my life owning other vehicles, like; the heat shield bolts rusted off and Mazda had to put bolts back in to secure the heat shield $50.00 for 15 minutes. I think it should of been under warranty. I only had 30,000 miles on it. Then Sunday out and about my husband says something is wrong with the braks going to the floor. Today I take to service station and they tell me its the power booster unit. I call mazda and they say its under the extended warranty and it will be towed to the dealership from the garage. I only have 31,000 mile on it now. Then in the newspaper there is a recall on the suspension they can rust and come loose. when they had my car up on a rack they were showing me where my bolts rusted on the heat shield, they was a lot of rusted parts under my car!!! What else is going to go bad on my Mazda cx-9 Grand touring that I like a lot but might have to think about trading it in!!!

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  Mazda 626 - 2000 Mazda 626
  By Mike Bean - March 23 - 2:40 pm

  I purchased my Mazda 626 back in Oct. 2001. I really wanted a 2000 Dodge Intrepid but was not pleased with the cornering of the vehicle (it leaned while turning corners). I drove the Mazda 626 and was impressed with its performance. About 70,000 miles later my tranny failed. At 89,000 it failed again. After intense investigations, I found out the trannys all overheated. Mazda did not install transmission coolers in these cars. ALL CARS HAVE THEM, EXCEPT THESE. I installed a $25 tranny cooler myself in about 15 minutes. This cooler couldve saved me $4400. My Mazda has over 140k miles and runs like new. Why didnt the repair shop detect the root of the problem?

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  All In One! - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By Craig Shamwell - March 21 - 10:00 am

  How many all-in-one devices do you know that really do everything they are suposed to do, really well....not many? I dont know if Mazda really knows yet just how Good And Versitle my Mazda6 Five door really is. I have just eclipsed the 3000 mile mark and I am loveing this car more each day. And each day is important as you aquire the feel for the tight clutching that makes you really drive this car that wants to be driven. My wife and I recently hauled home a piece of furniture more than six feet tall. The seats fold down with ease to almost flat. With room to cart around my wifes two teenage daughters and their friends comfortably, this car never lets you forget that this is the Mazda6!

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  Petite Car for a Petite Girl - 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Girl - March 21 - 2:50 am

  I rarely write reviews but I felt compelled to as I am truly in love with my car. I generally have short term relationships with cars but this one is a true keeper. People often compliment how well this car fits me. It can really handle corners at high speeds, I no longer have to step on my brakes like my fellow drivers. The top is easy to unlock and lock. This car is practical and fun!

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  Fun when it isnt in the shop - 2006 Mazda Mazda6
  By Ashires - March 14 - 10:23 pm

  I was so excited when I got my Mazda 6 because I had wanted one for a while, but within 2 days of buying it I had it back in the shop because the windows had rolled themselves down. The dealership told me basically that that didnt happen until I had to take the car back in months later because the windows rolled up & down by themselves, the lights wouldnt go off unless the battery was unhooked and the horn would blow (with no one in the car). Finally the whole thing was all sorted out, but now there are even more problems. I have taken it in 3 times in the last 3 months for problems with the transmission and engine light being on. My warranty will be up in 4000 miles and I am trading it in.

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  A minivan that is fun to drive! - 2009 Mazda Mazda5
  By Scott - March 10 - 6:23 am

  I was pretty skeptical that I would ever like a minivan, but we love our Mazda 5. I am amazed by how well it handles and how fun it is to drive. It doesnt have that big bloated feel and look of other minivans. We get better fuel economy than quoted for this vehicle. The good fuel efficiency and availability of a manual transmission is what sold us on this vehicle, but we have been equally impressed with the utility and ride quality. It has a very nimble feel to it that makes you forget you are driving a van.

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  impressed so far! - 2014 Mazda Mazda6
  By cu503 - March 9 - 11:47 am

  coning from an Infiniti G, this was something I never anticipated buying! I researched a lot of cars and found this to be a great value. I compared it to cars costing 10Kmore! I am 6 3" no issues with room! The new Mazda 6 is great looking,comfortable and while I just brought home a few days ago. I am really impressed!

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  Hunter Family - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By Greg Hunter SR. - March 7 - 10:00 am

  This SUV is down right fun to drive,Enjoy outstanding highway gas mileage,Handles very well in wet wheather,

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  Mazda got it right - 2009 Mazda Mazda6
  By Mikhail G - March 6 - 2:40 am

  I am a previous lease owner of the Mazda 6 2005 for 42 month. Enjoyed that car except 4 cyl was not enough for summer driving because of AC system takes power from engine. Mazda got it right this time. Driving new 09 model for a week now, already see a lot of improvements. Torque is much better even with AC on. Transmission is much smoother when shifting. Interior design improved dramatically. More roomy. Dash board has few new fitures but again I have basic package cant help you there. I do have auxiliary input that allows me to connect my iPod, very cool. Sound system is awesome, 8 speakers and subwoofer standard. Trunk is very big, could fit my golf bag in the old model, this one is fine.

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  True to expectations - Comfortable but some quibbles - 2014 Mazda CX-5
  By agaurav - March 3 - 6:16 am

  I have had my CX5 for 2+ months and driven 2200 miles in Dallas metroplex. It has been great so far with no surprises. Comfortable ride and no squeaks or any mechanical issues. Gas mileage for this FWD has been 27 mpg in mostly city driving with a very light foot and a constant eye on the current mpg reading. The USB port in the console charges phones at a slow rate since it has medium amp. The rear seats dont recline so not very comfortable for adults. Now that I am used to backup camera and blind spot monitoring, I need to be careful when driving wifes car without these aids. The gas tank is 15 gallons but I could fill only 12.2 gallons when range left was 5 miles.