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 now owned for 1 year - 2007 Mazda CX-9
  By Dan - January 29 - 2:53 am

  I have now owned my 07 CX-9 GT for 1 year - this review may be helpful for people buying/considering the 08. This is a terrific crossover SUV... very fun to drive, roomy, great- looking, great build quality, lots of features, even has pretty good gas mileage (I got 24.5 mpg on a long highway trip @ 70 mph last week; I get 18 mpg around town. I do try to drive gently, e.g. slow starts and stops). I did lots of homework before I bought and still see nothing on the market that compares. I have had great experiences with Mazdas and expect to be very happy with my CX-9 for a long time to come.

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  The most fun car I have ever owned - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By J.J. - January 28 - 1:40 pm

  i bought my Protege5 used with 47,000 miles, and its the most fun to drive car Ive ever owned! Its a sports car in hatchback (its a not station wagon) clothes. This car easily satisfies conflicting requirements. It has quick reflexes, goes, stops, and steers very well, and its a blast to drive down a mountain road. It also has plenty of room for cargo, and can seat 4 medium sized adults comfortably. I only wish it had a better sounding stereo and about 30 or 40 more hp. I get great gas mileage, better than the 25 city 31 hwy rating. I average at least 30 mpg doing about 80% city driving. I would recommend this car to anyone who wants a sports car but needs the interior space of a hatchback.

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  Good buy - 2004 Mazda MPV
  By AverageTim - January 27 - 6:56 pm

  We have only had this MPV for 7 months but we love it. It was a great value with rebates at the time. It is right sized, has good performance, comfortable ride, and looks good. The transmission is the weak point as it does not shift smoothly. The 200 hp engine is good for its size and weight.

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  Love my Miata - 1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By SUSAN - January 27 - 6:46 pm

  Last weekend we went to Panama City Beach in my Miata with our dog. It was great. Loved not putting my money in the gas tank. We have a Navigator that we use to travel in, it cost over $100.00 to fill it up now. Only about $42.00 to fill up the Miata and can go over 340 miles on one tank. What more could I ask for from an 11 year old car with 48,000 when I bought it.

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  Fun to Drive, Very Poor Quality - 2009 Mazda CX-9
  By zang3 - January 27 - 7:16 am

  I have a 2009 CX9 Sport. It is fun to drive. But Mazda has a very poor quality. after about 30k miles, brake has some issue and costed me about $1000. after another 30k miles, all four tire sensors broke and tires kept leaking. That costs another $1000. The bottom line, if you dont want to get annoyed. Stay away from Mazda.

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  Zippy but sippy - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By 1carnut - January 27 - 4:56 am

  Have only owned for a short time. Love the handling and fun factor like other reviewers. Also dont like the fuel economy like others. I have owned an 04 Acura TL (270 hp and heavier) and an 07 Sonata (235 hp 6) and both of those average 28 mpg just like Im getting with the Mazda. Doesnt make sense to me. I dont drive it hard and I have just a small amount of stop and go. Im going to switch to synthentic oil and Im hoping it improves after break in.

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  Best car in its class - 2014 Mazda Mazda3
  By sp00q - January 27 - 4:55 am

  I got my 2014 Mazda 3 GS a couple of months ago, after extensive research of the compact car market. My conclusion was that Mazda 3 is simply the best non-luxury compact car money can buy in 2014. The car: excellent handling, exceptional fuel economy, lively engine that lets you have some fun, great chassis and body. The features: obviously, there are a lots of differences with all the trims and options, but my GS has everything I could ever possibly need; I especially appreciate the back-up camera, navigation system, heated seats and automatic headlights & wipers. The not so great: manual control of the A/C and road noise at highway speeds.

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  SOLID in every way - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By shining3 - January 26 - 1:26 pm

  My dealer screwed up a 2005 mazda3 s I oredered in August. Car had no options on it, listed for $17,135. Didnt arrive when the dealer said it would so I got $1500 off a 2004 that listed for $19,310; has moonroof & 6- disk, abs & airbags, sport package. I thought I could be happy without these extras but now that I have them, glad I do. Too bad I see so many other 3s on the road. Car feels very solid inside and out. Make several dealers compete with each other to give you the best price.

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  Great Car - 2000 Mazda Protege
  By JF from NJ - January 26 - 10:00 am

  I just passed 50,000 miles and three years. I havent had to do any work to the car aside form oil changes and new tires and brakes. It has been absolutely solid and is a blast to drive. For $15,000 you cant beat it. I wish I went for the sunroof though. My only real gripe is the mileage. I do a lot of highway driving in my daily commute and usually get 26 though somestimes as low as 23 mpg.

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  Not user friendly for mutliple car seats - 2008 Mazda CX-9
  By Judy - January 26 - 5:13 am

  I leased the car on a comparison review of the Highlander,the Pilot and the CX- 9. There are only 2 baby clips available in the 2nd seat. You can not put a baby seat in the middle (it folds down). I put my 1st baby seat on the smallest section and then could not fold down the larger section to get into the 3rd seat. (I needed to place 3 car seats in the car) In the comparison they did point out the negative about the rear passenger doors being longer and more difficult to open it tight situations. I have found that it is more difficult in most situations. The road noise is terrible. There are multiple blind spots and the drivers seat is very uncomfortable