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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  Very Happy Owner - 2010 Mazda CX-9
  By Bob - July 25 - 10:00 am

  I bought the CX-9 GT to replace our 9 year old Odyssey. This time I bought a loaded vehicle (only 2WD though) and am glad I did. Previous reviews are spot on. Performance is good for a vehicle of this type. Interior fit and finish also very good. I looked long and hard at the Chevy Traverse (nice but too expensive), Ford Edge (no 3rd row seat) and the Subaru Tribeca (cheap looking interior and just didnt feel right). MDX was wonderful but couldnt justify the extra $8-$10k more. Sticker was $38,315 and I put $0 down and $630/mo for 60 months @ 0% interest.

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  Reliable, Safe, and a FUN CAR TO OWN! - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By WB3Jay - July 25 - 10:00 am

  I bought this car brand new (coming out of a Mazda Millenia) with 7 miles on it. 5 years and 120,000+ miles later I am still a proud owner. This is one reliable car with nothing needing replacing with the exception of normal wear and tear items (I went 115k on the original front brake pads!). Ive been through 2 sets of tires and 2 rear brake jobs thats it. It is so much fun to drive and that means a lot to someone who spends a lot of time in their car. Gas mileage has been around 25 mpg.

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  ZoomZoom - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By Victoria - July 25 - 10:00 am

  I bought this car after driving a 99 Chevy Cavalier with over 200,000 miles that I constantly find myself sinking money into for repairs. I wasnt sure about the Mazda Sport until I drove the car. The car is fun, easy on the highway, awesome on gas, smooth and a comfortable ride. I love to zoom, zoom and switch it from a standard shift to a manual when I am on the interstate. I am enjoying it immensely.

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  Mazda 6s 5M - 2005 Mazda Mazda6
  By Mike - July 25 - 9:53 am

  Only had this car for 1200 miles ... so far I love it! It could use another 50 HP ... but it moves fast enough to get me tickets. Plenty of leg room for me (60") ... comfortable seats. Overall, just a great car IMO.

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  Love my Mazda 3 - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By Bernie - July 25 - 6:06 am

  Ive had this car for over two weeks and really like it. It has great acceleration, good braking distance and is very responsive. The interior is great and I really want to push the car, but Im trying to discipline myself.

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  A Great Value that Does everything well - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By caholla - July 24 - 9:36 pm

  I traded my Miata in for a 3s hatchback. It does everything well, and nothing poorly. Ive had no issues with it in almost a year. Its fun to drive, roomy, comfortable, stylish. The features you get for the price are unexpected...I love the gauges, it has a decent stereo, lots of character and is well assembled.

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  Research paid off - 2015 Mazda CX-5
  By bobbarnett - July 21 - 10:34 pm

  I read everything I could about this car for months. When everyone praised the AWD model, I began getting dealers to match prices and discounts through Costco pricing. Out the door w every extra, including LoJack, white paint, and plastic coating, I paid $35,000 w Ca tax and license. I love this car. Its fun and simple to drive, mid range torque rocks, and the 9 speaker Bose system is fabulous w CDs, Sirius Or Bluetooth high level Pandora. Lots of power ports, even in the rear storage area. W 1000 miles now, were going on a trek up the Ca and Or coasts in May, and then to Crater Lake. W the 70 LB Golden Doodle. Will report again then.

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  Great car - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By vaibhav - July 21 - 12:00 pm

  Great car to have as compared to Civic. Much better in handling and interiors are of superior quality. Its like a mini-Mercedes for $18k.

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  Great Value - 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By New Miata Owner - July 21 - 2:00 am

  Fun to drive on those windy mountain roads or along the cost. OK on the highway, top down or up. Doesnt get blown around by the big trucks. Real value at $19,000. Great 3rd car. High gas mileage. Great grins for the money.

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  Best of the Best! - 2004 Mazda Tribute
  By grblake - July 21 - 2:00 am

  After reading Edmunds reviews, I was a little skeptical. Dont believe what the Web Site says! The main vehicle is co-built by Ford as the Escape. Ford builds most of their vehicles well, as does Mazda. The engine is NOT a rotary, therefore is very quiet. On gas mileage I am averaging between 21 and 28 MPG. My first trip was from the L.A. area to Barstow and I got over 27 MPG with the A/C on! If you want a roomy, fuel-efficient SUV, this is it!