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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  Have to test drive - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By nich617 - April 9 - 2:16 pm

  I love this car. I bought mine 6 months ago and I am so glad I went with it. I never liked hatchbacks and then I saw this car. I have had no problems with it like other people say. If you are used to driving a car this size in the snow you should have no problem. It is fun to drive and is roomy and comfortable. I love it.

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  Best Decision I Ever Made - 2008 Mazda CX-7
  By Demetri - April 9 - 7:36 am

  I have only had the car for a week and I absolutely love it. I went to buy the Mazda 3. The price on the CX7 was outstanding so I took a test drive. Wow what a car. I love the turbo 2.3 engine no problems pulling out when needed. When I first sat in the CX 7, I thought to myself, "Now this is a car". I drive 30+ miles each way to work and I want to be comfortable. The radio controls are a little out of the way and I always change the channel when I think Im hitting the volume but now I use the controls on the steering wheel for everything. The one gentleman was correct the Radio Mute Button is fantastic. I think the car needs to add telescoping steering wheel to their tilt controls.

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  I LOVE MY MAZDA3 - 2008 Mazda Mazda3
  By Dobermanlvr - April 8 - 7:03 am

  I bought my MAZDA3 about 3 months ago and I love it. It is a pleasure to drive every time I get in and start the engine. My husband has a new 4 door jeep and he even loves driving my smaller economy car. The pick-up is fantastic and the exterior styling is so attractive! I could not have purchased a better vehicle!!!!

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  Looking For Reasons To Drive - 2009 Mazda Mazda6
  By Duke - April 8 - 6:46 am

  Traded in my 2006 Mustang GT Convertible Premium Upgrade Package for this vehicle. Initially this was for practical reasons, I needed a Nav system, 4 doors and a larger trunk. Test drove BMW, Honda, and Toyota. All had pros and cons. The most awesome drive was the BMW but dollar for dollar the Mazda outshines all. Read all the reviews here and noticed a pattern, Mazda owners and BMW owners really rated their cars very highly and were passionate about their cars. Its amazing that I continually find more features about this car that I didnt fully appreciate. Now I am looking for reasons to drive! Also found a dealer that put zero pressure on me and invoice pricing without hassles!

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  Surprisingly good vehicle...follow up - 1998 Mazda 626
  By Trinbago Foreigner - April 7 - 5:56 pm

  Well Im sorry for all of those that bought the automatic. The standard has been fantastic (knock on wood). Ive had to change the oil pan after some rust. Thats about it. Next to the usual maintenance work the car runs the same as it did before. I also take back the A/C comment since it doesnt seem to affect the gas mileage that much on long rides. In town driving shows a greater gas mileage drop off with the A/C. Annual driving given in kilometres approx. 40,000 km or 25,000 miles.

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  Love at first drive. - 2016 Mazda CX-9
  By Mike LaRusso - April 5 - 2:19 pm

  Best handling SUV Ive ever been in. Feels like Im driving my 6 GT! Beautiful in and out.

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  Great car! - 2002 Mazda Protege
  By bmd8534 - April 5 - 10:10 am

  I bought my car used almost 4 years ago and love it! It is fun to drive, sporty, and gets pretty good gas mileage. It has enough pep and pick-up for me, but I can see how some people would want more hp. I have had a few problems with it - Ive changed the thermostat, replaced both belts after they shredded, and have replaced the brakes twice. But it was a used car and has more than 80K miles on it so I figure its going to have some problems. Nonetheless, I love my car and am looking into the Mazda 3 for my next car. Mazda delivers on its "zoom zoom" promise.

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  Great car - 2001 Mazda Protege
  By Zuumer - April 4 - 2:03 am

  I bought my Protege new and have had very little trouble with it. I usually get 32-33 mpg on the highway (occasionally 35-36) and 25 in the city. It accelerates well and handles great. Plenty of head room and great visibility. Sunroof still works perfectly after 7 years, no leaks. CD players LCD screen often goes partially blank until I push on it. Right rear door power lock broke around 60k. Replacement tires (195 55 15) are expensive.

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  Our fifth Mazda! - 2009 Mazda Mazda6
  By anitajoe - April 3 - 9:26 am

  I agree with everyones comments on the new Mazda 6. Were already a "Mazda family" but this one is the best weve ever had. The ride is superb, and the electronics are awesome..especially the push-button start and the blind spot monitoring system. Were getting 27-29 MPG with the 2.5 4 and I know it will improve with age. If youre considering another vehicle, drive the Mazda 6. Youll end up buying it, just like I did!

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  Fun Car! - 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By J Wilson - April 3 - 4:00 am

  Wow! This car is great. This is the first Miata that Ive owned so the experience is new for this brand. I have owned several other rag-tops, but none as fun as the Miata. It is a blast to just let the top down and drive anywhere. Took it on a long trip (800 miles each way) to Key West. No problem on the highway. Cruised just fine.