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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  Solid build quality & fun to drive. - 2008 Mazda CX-9
  By M. A. - September 25 - 10:53 am

  I drove different makes of SUVs for the past 10 years and this vehicle is the best of all. Fit and finish is perfect. Seats are comfortable and roomy, interior materials are plush and instrumentations are well placed. Second row seat tracks are covered in order not to get anything pinched in there... hint, hint!! The transmission shifts smoothly and flawlessly. Acceleration is enhanced by the AWD without feeling grippy. The engine is quite and has plenty of power. The exterior looks sharp. Last but not least, the Bose system rocks!!

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  Must Read for Speed3 Owners! - 2010 Mazda MazdaSpeed3
  By Herkdriver - September 25 - 3:56 am

  I noticed a black soot material on my tailpipes (which Ive since learned is normal for turbocharged cars) but I heard that previous models had issues w/turbo smoking (smoke coming from tailpipe at idle/all engine speeds) & I thought this might be the onset. Videos are online if u Google. Mazda allegedly fixed this in 2010 but theres a "mystery" Tech Service Bulletin (TSB)for service depts to switch owners to 5W-40 synthetic vs. std 5W-30 (what the filler cap & manual says). TSB doesnt apply to 2010 models. My dealer couldnt even find the TSB in their system! Question service depts b/c Mazda N. America doesnt endorse synthetic oil or 5W- 40! Could void warranty b/c manual says 5w-30 oil.

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  Fun car to drive - 2005 Mazda Mazda6
  By flennie - September 25 - 3:30 am

  This car makes my 20 miles commute a joy -- really enjoy the handling. Steering is precise and the car stays flat around curves (my previous car, Corolla, and my husbands Prius made me less confident about going around bends and curves).

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  Loving my new 2010 CX-9 GT! - 2010 Mazda CX-9
  By FormerH3Owner - September 24 - 10:00 am

  I just picked up my Crystal White Pearl Mica GT last night. I LOVE this vehicle! My last two rides were H3s, which cost the same if not more then this beauty. I now realize how much I overpaid for my H3s after seeing all you get for your money with Mazda! I cant think of anything else I would want in a vehicle. It gets great gas mileage for the size (avg. 20 mixed), seats 7 when needed, the exterior and interior remind me of a Lexus, love the 20 inch wheels, rides like it is on glass - and all for way under $40k!

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  King of the Compact Sports sedan - 2011 Mazda Mazda3
  By Moses Tunde - September 24 - 10:00 am

  It took me a while to decide on Mazda.It was my son who opened my eyes to the aesthetic masterpiece of the mazda3 design. After getting past the grinning front end, everything about mazda is sophisticated.I have the 6speed manual, which was a little hard to obtain.My car tackles corners with unparalleled confidence. The gearbox was a close ratio one and the best any car manufacturer ever invented.The ride is supple, yet not floaty; brake is very assuring, yet not blunt; Four wheel independent suspension indulges me, yet not compromising in handling. I do not have any gripe with my new mazda. Not only is the interior the highest quality of any car in it class, everything came standard! Bravo! mazda.

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  So far so good - 2008 Mazda CX-9
  By Satisfied - September 24 - 2:36 am

  Have had it almost 2 weeks and its been fun to drive. We are getting a lot of looks as this Crossover is not often seen. (Youd think that with the Motor Trend SUV of the Year Award that more people would buy this vehicle!) We had a Toyota Sienna and this rides & handles very similar. We have not noticed any "engine noise". We were shopping for a Highlander but totally fell in love with the CX-9... a lot roomier and much better style!

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  A blast to drive and looks good - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By JZ - September 24 - 12:03 am

  Overall the car is a great experience. I replaced the expensive run flat tires when I took a nail in the sidewall and bought a spare on eBay. Driving it to work can be frustrating because you have to hold it back in heavy traffic. Its fabulous to drive on trips. My first rotary. I like the sounds but miss the rumble of a big V-8. My mileage started out low but has improved to a steady 20 mpg. If you drive slow on the freeway, you might get 22 (downhill).

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  Amazing Vehicle - 2014 Mazda Mazda3
  By knucklehead11 - September 23 - 9:26 am

  I just picked it up on Wednesday, September 25th. iTouring hatchback automatic. I traded in a 2008 Mazda3 iSport manual for this. The gas mileage on this car has been incredible. It has been improved by a land slide compared to my 08. Much smoother ride, great interior fit and finish, and the exterior is beautiful. The interior reminds me a little bit of an Audi, and someone told me they almost thought the exterior was Lexus-like. It has already done well on a road trip. Although the 2.0L isnt the beefiest in power, and yes there is some road noise, it is still an economy car, and for its price it cant be beat, so I give everything 5 stars. I highly recommend this car to anyone.

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  Wow I finally love my car - 2007 Mazda CX-7
  By Sharon - September 22 - 8:43 pm

  Ive had this car 3 months and love it! I researched/test drove too many to list. But once I drove this one, that was it. Great brakes, maybe too touchy, really fun to drive. I went for the low end because of money and really do not miss much. Yes there is lag in turbo, figured out if I get the rpms up I can control the acceleration. I leased this and will probably end up buying it or 2009 model. Best car Ive ever owned. Went from F-150/Expedition to CX-7 without any issues. Ford can keep their vehicles.

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  Fun Factor Vehicle - 2009 Mazda Mazda5
  By Drey230 - September 22 - 3:56 am

  My wife and I have a newborn. We needed a second car besides our Corolla and agreed that the main requirement of a new car was the fun factor. This car is a lot of fun from playing musical chairs between cargo, people, and space, its cool. The ride is pretty cool too! I agree with most that a few more horses under the hood would be nice, but Im OK because I like my gas mileage low. Handles well & looks great! No one ever knows what a Mazda5 is when you tell them but once they see it and ride in it, they become fans! We are young parents and knew this was a great car for our family but its also a hit with friends parents night off. Who said you have to drive a Scion or Mini to be cool these days.