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 6 at 12k miles - 2015 Mazda Mazda6
  By btuthill - November 2 - 3:45 am

  Overall this is a great car. Its fun to drive, and it has a lot of features that come with a low price tag. I bought the package that gave me the 6-speed manual with leather, and the entertainment package. While it has a lot of great things to it, the entertainment system still seems to be a major point where Mazda saved money. There is a decent amount of lag between the use of the center console or steering wheel controls to the actual response on the unit. The leather also feels very thin. I dont think its real leather, and I worry Ill puncture it. It still looks good though and a lot of people comment on how nice looking the car is. Transmission is superb.. shifting is smooth.

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  Fun car to drive - 1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Ceasar - November 1 - 10:00 am

  When I first walked up to the car I said, "Its so small, no way I could like this". When I got into the test drive I was sold ! The power is a bit lacking but I can not get over the handling. It is such an nice car to drive. I am planning to turbo it but stock it is GREAT.

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  Money well spent! - 2008 Mazda Mazda3
  By Spikeroo - November 1 - 6:36 am

  My first Mazda. I am very happy with the overall performance and the comfort considering the reasonable cost of the vehicle. I probably will step up to a larger model after I give this one to my granddaughter for college in 2 years. Mazda impresses me as a quality manufacturer.

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  Mazda6 V6 - 2009 Mazda Mazda6
  By Tostitos - October 31 - 9:23 pm

  We originally dismissed this car because of its perceived weak gas mileage against its key competitors. We test drove them all and looked for several months at options. However, after test driving a Ford Fusion that had pieces falling off during the test drives, and a Malibu which was just too small with its lack of shoulder and width room....we came back to the Mazda. The V6 engine is fantastic. Smooth as silk. And doesnt have the annoying cylinder shut down like the Accord V6. Build quality is very solid and the ride feels great. Handles better than the Camry. The bonus has been the mileage. Thus far we have been getting 22 combined with at least 75% city driving.

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  The Car Sold Me - 2008 Mazda CX-9
  By Tim R - October 31 - 7:13 pm

  I purchased a new 2008 Mazda CX9 for my wife in Feb 2009. We were impressed by the look and ride of the car. We were blown away by the fuel economy of our car. We were expecting less than 20 miles per gallon. We are getting 22 to 23 miles per gallon. Our only sore spots with the car are the hood latch that broke very easily and the third row seat belt hooks that feld off while driving around town. Due to the great cars ride and comfort, those flaw are very minor in comparison. We will recommend and have recommend buying the CX9 to our friends and family. The power will blow you away.

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  4 Years of Driving - 2008 Mazda Mazda3
  By kantankerous - October 30 - 9:11 am

  After 4 years of driving this car, the car runs smooth and have not had any serious issues with the car. Everything functions well. I did have to bring the car in for warranty repair because of an oil leak coming from the oil pan but I think my local dealer messed up repairing it and had to replace one of the cylinder head and that took about two weeks. The tires are just about wear out after 45,000 miles and I didnt experience any issues with tires wearing out fast. I averaged about 30 MPG on a 2.3 engine but my driving style usually gives me higher MPG than manufacturers MPG rating. I couldnt find a vehicle with more features than this car for the price I paid.

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  Family Fun - 2006 Mazda Mazda5
  By Sport Car Family - October 30 - 8:56 am

  My wife and I are sport car fans. Since we are due a baby girl this week we opted to trade in our 05 Scion TC for a car that is more family oriented. We tried several SUVs and a couple of sedans. What made us buy the Mazda 5 was the price, features and handling. It doesnt feel like a family car - it feels like a sports car. I foresee no issues with room, power or handling. Of course, well have to slow things down a bit, but, again, this car handles and drives with a very sporty and peppy feel.

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  Great Car Gets Even Better - 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Mike - October 30 - 4:00 am

  This is my third Miata, and Ive had one from each generation. Mazda has taken a great car and made it even better. The car remains lightweight and agile but adds horsepower and more refined ergonomics. I have a wide frame and fit much better in this car than in previous generations. The engine is super smooth, the manual transmission has a short throw and shifts easily, and new alternatives like xenon headlights improve refinement. I had a Porsche Boxster S between my last Miata and this one. After I sold the Porsche I wanted another two seat convertible without spending $50k+. Even though the Porsche is faster and gets better skidpad ratings, the Miata is a better value. Great car

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  I love this car - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By karen - October 29 - 1:20 pm

  I love this car also, almost bought a Honda civic, so glad I bought this one. I never had a Mazda car before but I love this one and might just stick with Mazda from now on. I got the Strato Blue, looks purple at times.

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  MPV is nearly perfect - 2004 Mazda MPV
  By John C. Pratt - October 29 - 10:00 am

  The MPV is by far the sexiest minivan on the road, and it has plenty of room in all rows. The controls are awesome, and the shift lever over the air conditioning is not a problem. Acceleration is great even with only 200 HP. I wouldnt say it corners like a car, but it does corner well and takes bumps with hardly a twitch that make my Nissan Sentra shudder. The controls on the steering wheel are fabulous and the wheel itself is very comfortable to hold. See Favorite Features below for more compliments. My main gripe: mileage is 15/21, although Im still tweaking the tire pressure.