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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  750 miles and love it so far - 2015 Mazda CX-5
  By cx5er - February 23 - 9:27 am

  I really love my CX-5. I tried the Toyota Rav4 (my #2), Ford Escape (my #3), and Honda CR-V (#4--hated it) before choosing this car. It was a clear winner. I appreciated how the middle trim level I purchased had features that higher quality vehicles and higher trim levels only offered with other makers (i.e. blind spot monitoring). As a college student without my own family, having the single control for the AC/heating works well for me. If you have children, youÂ’d probably be inclined to consider the Grand Touring model since it allows passengers to control their own temperature control. The car is fun to drive and easy to maneuver. Best deal for the money.

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  Love this car! - 2008 Mazda Mazda3
  By Chris - February 23 - 6:06 am

  Traded in my 2003 Mustang GT convertible for this vehicle and I must say I love this car. Even with going from 8 cyl down to 4, I still get plenty of power and pickup from this car, especially from a stop. Ride is great, very quiet and tight. Bose stereo system is very nice as well. This is a great car for someone looking to get a small car, but still wants to spend a little money for comforts and options (auto lights and wipers are cool!). The only "complaint" is the somewhat low MPG for such a small vehicle. I have been averaging 26-28 MPG combined according to the onboard computer (if I calculate it the old fashioned way, I estimate 28-30 MPG).

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  5,000 Miles in, all smiles - 2015 Mazda CX-5
  By hootie361 - February 22 - 4:59 pm

  We purchased this CX-5 in December 2014 after my 7 years driving an X3. Of all the compact SUVs available in the $25-30K price range, we liked the CX-5 styling the best. Now 5,000 miles on the odometer and I really have no complaints. On highway trips through the PA mountains and over OH flatlands, I averaged 29mpg at 70mph. In mixed driving (local errands, groceries, etc.) Im seeing about 25mpg. And all this with 87 octane on a high-compression engine. The in-dash multimedia system works great, pairing with multiple iPhone/iPods cleanly and transmitting bluetooth info as needed. The update to the TomTom nav system worked as described on the web guide. Very happy with this choice so far.

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  My Mazda - 2005 Mazda Mazda6
  By carlos delacruz - February 21 - 8:20 pm

  I am completly satisfied with my Mazda 6. The wehicle is a very fun car to drive and I would recommend that everyone that id looking for a fun and exciting car to purchase, buy a Mazda 6.

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  Excellent car - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By Mike - February 21 - 7:23 pm

  Was planning on using our van on vacation when it blew a transmission seal. Loaded four adults (Im 64", 230lbs) and a trunk load of gear and headed to the Adirondack Mountains. Brand new car with less than 50 miles on it, averaged 36mpg over 850 miles with AC on. No problem on the hills, even though loaded. Handles great, more comfortable seats than our Ford van. Tried a 2009 Honda Fit, but the Mazda has more power, handles, better, feels more solid and gets great gas mileage.

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  44.6 mpg!!! - 2012 Mazda Mazda3
  By caloyski - February 21 - 7:03 pm

  İ have the new skyactiv automatic with 6,000 miles now. Recently, wife moved to a new work and still in process of relocating---in short i travel 180 miles and 5hrs per day, 80/20 mixed highway/city driving at 60mph in highway. İ got 44.6 mpg! İ didnt rely on the trip computer, i did manual math to be sure. İ love this car, handles so well. A bit tight in space, but if you wanted space, go buy an suv and gas up always. Lol. İ drive a 1999 crv same route, i get 22mpg. Transmission changes are so smooth, wow.

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  GOTTA DRIVE IT TO BELIEVE IT! - 2005 Mazda Mazda6
  By MAZDEE - February 21 - 1:10 pm

  I love this car! Its my first MAZDA and I cant believe how happy it makes me to just sit behind the wheel. WOW! It hugs the road and loves to let its power be known to all. Its cool to see people check out your car.

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  Love my Miata - 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By W - February 19 - 1:06 pm

  Have driven this car daily for almost 7 years. Only repairs ever needed were the tires and the battery, until just 6 months ago, when the brake pads were replaced. The car still drives like it did when it was new. This is the best engineered, and most reliable car I have ever owned. I just had it repainted, because I plan to keep it for many more years.

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  Love it! - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By lilkruse - February 19 - 9:26 am

  Major upgrade from 2007 Chevy Aveo. Far more powerful and nimble. All the bells and whistles. Two months after having it still very satisfied. One thing I thought of is how much safer I am and everyone else in this compared to my previous car or the SUV I used to drive. You can brake and accelerate quicker, and there is minimal body roll. You are in control of this car, whereas the SUV you are along for the ride. Just think of those Trucks and SUVs we all have to drive next to that need so much more room to stop and have to slow to a crawl to turn. This is a great vehicle. Great Job Mazda!

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  Satisfaction - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By David Nolen - February 19 - 9:00 am

  I have had my M3 for two weeks and I must say that it is the "smartest" vehicle purchase I have made to date. To be sure, Ive owned vehicles from all of the major manufacturers, starting with a Ford Fiesta, all the way to the gas gobbling Dodge Durango. The Mazda M3 is good looking, sporty, responsive, engineered like a Swiss watch and great on gas. Given the concerns we have today concerning foreign oil and the associated fluctuations in price, the M3 is a real "no brainer".