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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  Awed By Stock Handling - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By Matt - June 21 - 4:30 am

  Performance: 7/10 is because this car is too underpowered as far as performance goes. I came from a 200hp Jeep and a 300whp turbo integra so this is more or less the slowest car Ive owned (although at highway speeds+ the mazda would prob. blow the doors off the Jeep because of aerodynamics and gear ratios). Comfort: Nice interior, only thing Id improve is move the armrest closer to the shifter. Fuel Economy: Impressive. I average 30MPG, and thats with mostly "city" driving. Fun To Drive: YES! Awe-inspiring handling for a stock car compared to my souped up integra with very aggressive suspension & tires, AND limited slip diff. If the engine note was louder itd be just about perfect.

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  A BLAST TO DRIVE - 2008 Mazda CX-7
  By Ryan - June 19 - 10:33 pm

  We purchased ours in Feb 2008 after test driving the Murano, 4Runner, Pathfinder and also a Civic. We love it! This is thing has excellent handling and great acceleration. This isnt a luxury car. Its the perfect car for people who love driving and need a more practical car than a sports car. The autostick is great but the regular automatic works so well that you rarely need to switch over to autostick. Its the best car we could find in our price range. We did have one warantee issue with a "Turbo Tensioner" that needed to be replaced at around 6mos old, but we were given a loaner and within 2 days we were back in it with no other issues since.

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  Best Minvan Value Ever - 2003 Mazda MPV
  By Fab4inDC - June 18 - 7:16 pm

  After 5 years and 75,000 miles, our MPV is holding up great. We only had one problem, an electrical switch in the steering column that tells the computer that car is in park, failed at around 60K and cost about $380 to fix. Other than that, just routine maintenance has kept this nearly indestructible van going down the road.

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  My 3 - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By Gerian - June 18 - 10:00 am

  am delighted with the car-mine is Auto and so smooth a quiet handles like a dream! I rate this car highly-feels to me like a small BMW to drive. My ONLY reservation is I have found the paint finish on the silver body work not as uniform as expected and its patchy in sun from certain angles and drivers door very slightly off clour-it IS original factory finish, I am abit nervous to ask for a warranty claim oin it since it may end up not as good. You have to look closely to see-but I expected better. I do love the car I would like to hear from other "3" owners if i am permitted to give my email address gerian@ihug.com.au

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  2007 Mazda CX-7 - 2007 Mazda CX-7
  By anna - June 17 - 12:13 pm

  The car looks nice but the tires are terrible. I only have 11,000 miles on the car and already need to replace all 4. Im only 52 and there are a lot of blind spots in this vehicle. Fuel efficiency is ok, thankfully I only drive around town.

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  Good car for the money - 2012 Mazda Mazda3
  By alex_z - June 17 - 2:22 am

  The best interior in class. Smooth Transmission. Gives me 400 miles for tank in mix driving. The only complain is that suspension is a way too firm. It drives o.k. on the good road, but once you go to the bumpy one, you will feel every rough in your butt. Althogh it cut corners even without slowing down. Im not sure if this car good for every day comfortable driving. I would suggest buy mazda 6 for this purpose or toyota is a better choice. Can not say anything about reliability (have only 3K miles). The only problem I had is rear defroster didnt work on the upper side, so went to the local dealer to replace it. Other than this its a good car for the money with a lot of features.

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  Only possible car for short people - 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Kara - June 15 - 12:33 pm

  Im five foot and have the greatest visibility Ive ever had with any car in the Miata. Has strong headlights, amazing steering, quick and easy to put the top down (at a traffic light. The Miata is small, elegant and always smiling. Greatest car ever and would recommend it to anyone who is under 62".

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  Still getting to know mine but liking it so far - 2017 Mazda CX-5
  By Dave - June 13 - 5:43 am

  I was looking at BMWs and saw the CX5. I found it to be very stylish for a medium size SUV. Everything in the BMW appears to be in this car. Quality leather, electronics, entertainment, safety feature, smart cruise, sun roof, heated seats, custom attractive wheels, smart key, etc.... You get a lot of car for the money in the CX5. Its quiet, smooth riding, and comfortable. I have less than 1000 miles on mine so I cant speak on reliability. I am not giving it 5 stars because there are some minor things: 1) I wish it had more HP. A turbo engine would have been great. 2) The automatic shift lever was not designed very well and could use some improvement. I often get my fingers pinched in the spring loaded lever on the knob. 3) The break peddle is too close to the gas peddle. If you wear boots while driving, it is hard to put your foot on one peddle without it being on the other too. 4) I would like a little more support in the driver seat. 5) and like all Japanese cars, they just dont design around American long legs and come up short on driver side leg room. But it is a fine 4 star machine.

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  My Mazda 3 - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By saymiles - June 12 - 10:00 am

  The Mazda 3 is an excellent car for a person on the go. The trunk space is excellent and the car is very comfortable and fun to drive. The radio controls on the steering wheel make it safer from me when Im driving. The ACL feature (volume louder as you go faster) is great, but it doesnt help you maintain the speed limit. Ive also had a few problems with my automatic driver window and the passenger air bag disabled light (it comes on even when I have a passenger) and Ive only had the car for 2 months. In all it is a great car, and any problems Ive had are all covered by the warranty!

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  Mazda Fun - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By Xinger III - June 12 - 10:00 am

  So far this has been a good decision; the car has enough go to feel safe and sporty. Weve had a couple of minor problems like needing an alignment and the drivers side sun visor losing tension; both we repaired under warranty with no problem. For a car that I paid <$18K it has been a great choice. My wife loves it and I enjoy driving it when we go on trips. I would recommend it without reservation. If I was buying it primarily for me then I would chose the 6 cylinder but the wife likes it because she doesnt need to fill the tank often. When I drive it I find it to have plenty of power, good handling characteristics and it is just plain fun.