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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  Hot Ride - 2000 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By nyrogrl - December 6 - 8:43 pm

  Great car, my second one. Best to drive when weather is dry. Great handling, great sportscar in its price class, and just a hoot to drive. It is a looker. I have a Black on Black and it is elegant.

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  Great car, poor mileage - 2005 Mazda RX-8
  By surfdude - December 6 - 7:13 pm

  This car is fantastic! The most fun car to drive Ive ever driven. It can hit up to 8000 RPM without any trouble, in fact, its healthy for the car to do this, as it cleans out the engine. Incredible handling: you can literally go around a 90 degree turn at 40 mph without any trouble! While the car doesnt have the acceleration of a corvette or a 350z (5.9 from 0-60), its handling is better than a 350z and rivals that of a corvette. Reason is a 50/50 rear-to-front weighting of the car. There is no 500lb engine under the hood, as the rotary engine isnt a typical heavy engine. Thus, there is no front heavy, back sliding that occurs in a typical car in turns.

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  All its cracked up to be! - 2008 Mazda CX-9
  By Bo - December 5 - 10:06 pm

  I did a lot of research before purchasing the 08 CX9. Looked at Acura, Lexus, Volvo and Cadi. The X9 is by far the best. I cant believe there a not more of these on the road. I have never owned a Mazda before but if this continues to meet my standards I will buy another. Handling excellent! Style Awesome! Get up and go, yes! I get a lot of looks with this car. I bought it for my wife but I want to drive it too. I traded in a Cadi SRX and this is much better. Great car, you wont be disappointed!

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  Accident - 2007 Mazda CX-9
  By SB Soccer mom - December 5 - 6:06 pm

  I was hit on the passenger side by a someone who ran a red light. The impact was so hard it rolled my car. I walked away with only a sprain!! Highly recommend this vehicle for safety!! I will get another CX-9!

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  New Mazda owner - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By William Baldwin - December 4 - 1:40 pm

  I purchased the 2010 model 3 after test driving the 2010 Corolla. I drove a 2003 Corolla for seven years and was impressed with Toyota and was prepared to buy another until I compared the Mazda 3 and the Corolla. The Mazda 3 is more stylish and has a better quality interior by far than the Corolla. The Mazda 3 has very good handling and pick up and fit and finish is excellent. The sporty suspension provides for a rather stiff ride but is not a major problem. More road noise than I am used to but again, not a major problem. It is too early for me to comment on reliability. I personally find the seats somewhat uncomfortable for anything other than very short trips.

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  Its a convertible!!! - 2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Jonathan - December 3 - 8:51 pm

  Fun little car....

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  Not an S2000 - 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Car connoisseur - December 3 - 1:20 pm

  Last NC before the goofy grin. Very noisy, if next to a Jersey barrier, forget conversation. Worse with the top up. All the noise comes from the tires. First gear on 6-speed way too low, as is 6th. The 5 speed with an overdrive would have been better. Shifting very notchy even after 26000 miles. Engine very good, very flexible. Does not like low octane fuel, clatters like a can of bolts. Steering, handling, braking are excellent. Wheel arches are too big - see BMW for how this should be done. Mine had 2 replacement fuel caps in warranty - poor sealing causes CEL to come on. It still comes on, so I ignore it, and turn it off by disconnecting the battery for a few minutes when I have time. Mazda and their service sucks. I put 100,000 miles on a 1980 626 and had only a dome light bulb fail, yet now they cant even make an adequate gas cap. The clutch needs a bigger master cylinder, the pedal has to be pushed all the way to the floor for a decent shift - on most vehicles a little dip is enough. Overall, the car handles and performs much better than the Formula Ford I used to race. Pity theyve gone ninja with their latest models, which like most of their competitors offerings are ugly enough to gag a maggot.

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  Great car - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By Debi Hilton - December 2 - 8:13 am

  I have just purchased this fantastic vehicle. I love to drive and I didnt think Id ever trade in my 02 Jetta 1.8t. Who would ever think I would ever get rid of it, just because of the way it handled. But needless to say the Mazda3 surpasses the Jetta. Keep up the good work. One thing I would like it to have would be heated mirrors, and power front seats. I have the grand touring sedan.

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  Better than a Civic - 1999 Mazda Protege
  By JessieM - December 2 - 2:00 am

  Got this car in 01. Build quality and reliability have been top notch. Acceleration is lacking by most standards. This car however dose make up for that. From baseline to ES you wont find *any* front wheel drive car more manuverable through corners, quicker through a slalom, and all around sure footed. All with the stock chassie, tires, shocks, springs and sway bars. Due to the stiff chassie, bumps are not always subtle; depending on the bump. As Car and Driver says about the Protege. Its an average for passangers. Its great for drivers...

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  Glenn - 2001 Mazda B-Series
  By glenn05 - December 2 - 2:00 am

  I like the truck, but it has had some reliability issues. At 30,000 miles a windshield washer fluid hose busted, and my main seal was leaking. After I got it back a couple sensors failed and caused my check engine light to come on, and my maifold was leaking. When I took it back in the dealership replaced the sensors, manifold and they found that my main seal was still leaking and they had to replace it again. Because of all these things my truck was in the shop about 4 times in 2 months. I also do not like the brakes on this truck. I had a few occasions were when I needed to stop, Id slam on the brakes and there would be very little braking action.