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:

• 

  WOW!!! - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By thedarkwave - May 23 - 10:00 am

  I was very unfamiliar with Mazda autos until I was recently given a Mazda 3 sedan as a rental from Hertz. My interest and curiousity was immediately piqued by just the base model rental. I decided to research the car on the internet and read good things. I then decided to visit the dealership in the Thousand Oaks Auto Mall in Thousand Oaks, CA where I got my first close up view of the S3 2.3 Litre Hatchback. I loved it at first sight. Then I drove one. WOW! So...without further delay...I BOUGHT IT RIGHT THERE...AND I LOVE IT!!! Dude, this ride comes with EVERYTHING for under $23,000.00 and punks any Lexis in its class both in performance and price!

• 

  So Much Awesomeness - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By hugekornfreak - May 23 - 10:00 am

  This car has everything i wanted and more.

• 

  Gotta Love Mazda - 2005 Mazda Mazda6
  By Ange - May 21 - 2:53 pm

  I love this car. It handles just as well as my older BMW 3 series sedan, and is much much better in the snow. So far, I have taken it through 2 snow days, and it handles great. I feel very safe in the car. I also am pleased with the way it handles in the rain. The extra features like the stereo (Bose) and the interior air bags were reasonably priced compared to other vehicles in its class. The styling is also great, its very unique looking and I get compliments all the time. I have the spoiler and side moldings that I think make the car. If you are looking for one, I feel they look much better with the spoiler.I would definitely buy another Mazda6, from a different dealership though

• 

  CX-9 -Best 3row- - 2018 Mazda CX-9
  By Mike - May 19 - 3:46 am

  My wife and I recently got our CX-9 Touring AWD w/premium package, and I’ve gotta say I’m thoroughly impressed. I was sort of iffy about it at first, since we have always hated automatics, but after the first test drive, we were sold. This is by far the best feeling automatic transmission ever. No jerking, awkward and inconvenient downshifts (thanks mostly to that crazy amount of low RPM torque, I know), or that weird floaty feeling that’s very hard to describe that would always make me car sick in other automatics. The engine is fantastic too. I test drove the Highlander and Pilot before getting the CX-9, and those two felt sluggish during acceleration even though they had 6-cylinder engines. They were turds compared to the Skyactiv 4-cyl. I’ve played around with all the settings and features in it, the MZD Connect, moonroof, traction/stability, the butt toaster, climate control, etc, every button and switch in there, and I have 0 complaints. No need for Android Auto/Apple Car Play, the current HMI system is very user friendly and pretty much perfect. I also tried sitting in every seat and row. At 5’7”, average build, and setting every seat at a position I would set it at, I fit very comfortably in every seat in all 3 rows. So, as long as every person in your family isn’t like 6’5”, they should fit. The Pilot had great space as well, but the interior itself was bland as hell and not very user friendly. The Highlander, on the other hand, I busted my shin and shoulder trying to get into the 3rd row (and getting out of the 2nd row with the seat adjusted to accommodate a 3rd row passenger my size, might I add), and my head was also bumping the ceiling while sitting back there. Lastly, the CX-9 is the first “tank” we’ve ever gotten, and it definitely doesn’t drive like one, unlike the other two mentioned. It’s like a Mazda3, only higher off the ground, which you don’t even notice that until a sedan rolls up next to you lol. Anyways, it’s definitely worth every penny, and you should most definitely give it a go if you’re looking to get a SUV. Heck, even if you aren’t, give Mazda a try as a brand. I don’t think you’ll be disappointed no matter which model you try out. ;)

• 

  I still love my little Tribute!!!! - 2002 Mazda Tribute
  By fastmonte24 - May 19 - 2:00 am

  I have had my little Mazda for almost 8 months and still love it! Knock on wood, I have had not one single problem with it. My Trib goes anywhere I need to go, in any weather condition. The push button 4 wheel drive- very convenient!!!! I will buy a new version on this vehicle in a few years. Yes, I still miss some of the features of a CAR, but would not trade my Trib anytime soon.

• 

  Excellent vehicle for your money - 2004 Mazda Tribute
  By Frankie - May 18 - 6:40 am

  Six weeks after purchase, I got into a bad car accident and I tested its safety; this SUV saved my life. My Tribute got fixed and after almost 60K miles it is still running like new. Fuel economy, quality of the leather interior and difficulty to operate the CD are the only minuses in this car. But the rest are just pluses. I have looked at other SUVs but I have not found the comfort, power and nice look my Tribute has. I think I will have this car for a long time! I took it off road also and its performance was awesome, the rest of SUVs just saw my dust left behind!

• 

  Best decision - 2008 Mazda CX-9
  By tamcat - May 18 - 12:50 am

  I have been looking at buying an SUV off and on for five years, but I was waiting to see one that would have everything I wanted and be a great deal at the same time! The reviews on this website helped me tremendously. I also looked at the VW Toureg, Toyota Highlander, Honda Pilot, Lexus RX, and found the perfect one with this. The third row folds flat really easily with the headrests on. Has every luxury and comfort items the others have, plus some.

• 

  Rained out in my 2006 MX5 - 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By ldybyrd - May 17 - 10:03 pm

  I love my 2006 MX5. I use it for commute. I have problems when it rain. Every rain season the car floods from the drains inside the car. The dealership fixes it everytime for no charge. Concern problems continues. I am scared to drive or park the car outside in the rain. What should I do?

• 

  Fun, inexpensive & practical little car - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By Lee - May 16 - 5:13 am

  They only made this car for 2 years, which is a shame. Its been replaced by the Mazda 3, which is supposedly more refined, better performing, etc .- but they probably didnt need to. Although not blazingly fast, its still "peppy" off the line, and a great deal of fun to drive in almost any situation. Easily hold 4 people in comfort, has an easily attachable roof rack (if yours doesnt already have it) for bikes, skis, etc, and folding down the back seats allow for tons of stuff to be carried. Its definitely sport oriented, so luxury style comfort drivers might not enjoy it as much. For cheap fun, it cant be beat. Car & Driver thinks so too.

• 

  Couldnt be more satisfied. - 2005 Mazda Tribute
  By Todd - May 14 - 11:26 am

  Have driven it for two months in all types of weather. Took longest trip on the day of the worst winter conditions we have experienced. Snowy, windy conditions were sending others spinning and sliding into the ditch or median. The sure traction of the automatic 4WD was outstanding. Glad we bought it every time we drive it.