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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  So far, so good - 2002 Mazda MPV
  By BacktoMinivan - November 7 - 10:00 am

  Coming from a fully loaded V8 Explorer, I am missing some nice little features like puddle lamps, auto on/off lights, and, strangely, door lock button on passenger side. But overall, Im happy. Didnt want a minivan but this is a good compromise if you need one. Size-wise, it drives about the same as the Explorer, except without the bumpiness. I dont notice the power loss coming from a V8 too much. The air conditioner is already making a rattling noise, so Im hoping that turns out okay.

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  Sweet suspension - 2002 Mazda Protege5
  By cdnt48 - November 7 - 10:00 am

  Ive owned more than 30 new cars (mostly sporty) and this is the second- best handling car after my Toyota MR2

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  A great family hauler - with style - 2008 Mazda CX-9
  By Mark - November 7 - 9:00 am

  We purchased our CX9 after looking at the Toyota Highlander, Honda Pilot, Ford TaurusX, Volvo XC70, as well as the Subaru Outback and Tribeca. We decided the CX9 had everything we were looking for; Room, utility, horsepower, great driving habits, and last but not least great looks - in and out. With the exception of a early stability control issue it has been trouble free. Surprised not see more of these on the road.

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  My first car - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By MikeS. - November 6 - 6:40 pm

  I got my Mazda3 hatchback about one month ago, and so far this car has been amazing. I have not yet tried it on the highway so I cant comment on the MPG there, however the MPG I am averaging in the city is about 19-20. This car is easy to wash, fun to drive, and has tons of get-up-and-go. I would have given it a 10.0 rating had it not been for the false advertising of the MPG city. There is a ton of room in the back, in fact just the other day I fit my entire drum set packed up in boxes in the back of this car.

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  New owner of Mazda CX 9 - 2010 Mazda CX-9
  By xlostlaker - November 6 - 1:40 pm

  Only had my new CX9 FWD for 3 weeks but everything favorable written about it in other reviews by actual owners, is pretty much true. I bought the Sport Model and had leather seats and Sirius radio installed.

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  Great Car, Terrible Electrical System - 2002 Mazda Protege5
  By Alison - November 6 - 10:13 am

  After looking at all the other cars in this category (subaru outback, toyota matrix, ford focus), I chose the Mazda Protege 5. It seemed like the best-made car of my choices. I also heard Mazda a good reputation for reliability and service. I enjoyed my car a great deal for the first year, but then I started to experience electrical trouble. If my car sits for more than 2-3 days, the battery is dead the next time I try to drive it.

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  New 2016 cx9 signature - 2016 Mazda CX-9
  By Ike walton - November 6 - 6:31 am

  Fantastic SUV. Dont let the 4cyl turbo dissuade you. More torque than competitors and uses Regular unleaded. Needs 3rd row climate control in Desert climate. Bose is spectacular. All safety features great except the City braking feature to sensitive at times. Ingress and egress to third row good , however 3rd row is not for adults . Power band on the low to mid range . Once more the 5k rpm power tapers off significantly. Outside styling is spectacular. 20 in wheels ride comfort is above average. Interior color scheme nice. Materials are soft and comfortable. Mpg initially 16 avg. but has improved to 20 combined. Hwy 26 is almost as rated. Overall the drivers choice for an SUV for sheer driving dynamics. Transmission is smooth as silk. Only the highlander and pilot come in around a 7/10 and 8/10 respectively. Mazda is 10/10. Mazda hit this out of the park. Extremely capable family hauler with style and pizzaz. Its obvious that at Mazda, driving matters!!

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  z-Mazda - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By z-man - November 6 - 1:33 am

  Its been fun since the 1st day I bought it. No mechanical or quality problems so far, very pleased with the car. Easy on gas and the wallet.

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  Short Block Replacement@4800 miles - 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Jack - November 5 - 7:50 pm

  Noticed high (2.5 quarts in 3500 mi.). Spent 1000 more miles convincing the dealer that there REALLY was a problem. Dealer finally tested cylinders for leakdown and then changed the short block due to a scored cylinder wall due to an improperoy installed ring. During the repair, the front of the car was damaged and the transmission linkage was improperly reassembled. After the transmission linkage repair, the transmission still doesnt shift as well as it did when delivered.

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  Worthy of the best of the best crown - 2006 Mazda Mazda6
  By couleeman - November 5 - 10:03 am

  Im now on my fourth Mazda6, and after over 100K miles collectively, this car fits me like my favorite pair of jeans. This latest version is an 06 Sport V6 manual sedan with only the Sunroof/Bose pkg. This car is loaded with convenience, utility, style, comfort, competence, and efficiency. Its equally at home in city traffic or in the backcountry and is deceptively fast and always under control (unless you are doing something profoundly stupid!). All of this probably sounds like gushing but keep in mind, my car sold for <20K brand new- EXCEPTIONAL VALUE! Ive left home to buy BMW 325 but each time, Ive come home with a new Mazda6. No regrets, no problems, a sincere thank you Mazda!