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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  Still in love after 45k - 2014 Mazda Mazda6
  By sbronemann - November 4 - 6:44 am

  Have managed 32.6 MPG over 45k so far. Love the handling-it is a blast to drive. Could use a bit more HP. The transmission is flawless. Its nice to actually have a 6-speed instead of a CVT junk. Stock tires are junk. Opted to get 18" rims and 245/45/18 tires instead and the ride quality has improved a bit. Just a blast to drive and the MPG is a huge bonus. Have gotten a best tank of 578 miles and 37.9 MPG. Would be happy to answer any questions as I have one of the highest mileage 2014s out there according to www.fuelly.com from what I have seen.

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  3rd Awesome CX-9 - 2016 Mazda CX-9
  By LAMissesMe - November 3 - 10:07 pm

  new model - redesign is awesome, safety tech additions put it up with BWM, Audi, and Mercedes

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  even better than i was hoping - 2010 Mazda MazdaSpeed3
  By Zak - November 1 - 10:00 am

  bought an 05 3s and loved it, i test drove the speed 3 one day while mine was having work done, and i was sold. its just crazy fast, too much fun, other than the little bit of turbo lag and torque steer which is to be expected, its amazing. the best performing car you can get for under 25k

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  Durable and reliable - 1999 Mazda Protege
  By redrobin - October 30 - 6:13 am

  I bought it used, it came from a rental fleet. It has been absolutely trouble-free with routine maintenance even after a significant accident that needed major repair and another fender- bender (literally) once repairs were made, I have had years of trouble free use. Definitely would recommend, and would buy another if they still made them.

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  SP23 is a Great Start - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By Norman Fowler - October 29 - 6:43 pm

  I have owned my SP23 Mazda 3 Hatchback now for seven months. It was the most difficult new car I ever purchased because it is a limited edition model. With that said it was worth the effort and time. My Mazda dealer was great and worked very hard to secure this car. It is a very fun car to drive but could use more horsepower. The carpets are real low grade and that was a surprise. The Bose sound system is awesome and the standard features of this car are worth the price of the car. Best value for the dollar. Plenty of storage space and with the split rear seats you have plenty of options. Need to make available more choices of of exterior colors.

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  Best all-around value - 2003 Mazda MPV
  By jasnyberg - October 28 - 2:00 am

  My wife and I looked at the Nissan Quest, Honda Odyssey , and the MPV. We loved the extra room of the Honda, but to have it you also need to accept another $7000 on the price, no buying incentives (rebates,etc) and the fact that the Honda drives like a much larger vehicle. The new Quest was an immediate "no" because the console looks like a coffee table with a video game joystick sticking out of it. So we took the MPV, and got 0% financing plus an instant $3000 off the sticker right up front. Its a great value, and has lots of family-friendly features.

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  Nice Vehicle - 2004 Mazda Tribute
  By dwfkyf - October 28 - 2:00 am

  I went to the dealer just for a test drive and wound up buying the car. It had all the features I wanted and I enjoyed the feel of the ride. Nice amount of cargo space and roomy seating. Special thanks to the folks at 128 Mazda in Wakefield, MA. It was an excellent buying experience. The staff was informative, they came right out with a price that was great and offered me fair value for my trade-in, canÂ’t thank them enough. It was far better than my last couple of car purchases through other dealers. IÂ’m looking forward to owning this vehicle for a long time.

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  ZOOOM ZOOM Zooom - 2004 Mazda MPV
  By Ichibon - October 28 - 2:00 am

  The Vehicle Is Tight"" No Rattles. Has Wondeful Road Feel. Shifts A Little Iffy When starting Out In O/D. Drove It From NYC Brooklyn, To Las Vegas NV.{Brand New 4 Miles On Odometer} Drivers Seat a Little Pain On Right Hip While Driving, Possibly Seat And Seat Belt Position. {Drove On Average 800 Miles Per Day}

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  2008 Mazda CX-7 Grand Touring FWD - 2008 Mazda CX-7
  By Eric - October 27 - 8:20 am

  The CX-7 does great at handling many driving conditions. It has great passing power on the highway. Avg. MPG on highway was 24. Using premium fuel and using cruise control really helps. I am not impressed with the navigation system. It is not as user friendly as the plug and go Garmins. Its point of interest database is very limited. Instrument cluster is easy to read and has a dimming switch. Bose sound system is great. Outdoor temp. display can be read when you toggle between the A/C temp and outdoor temp. I would have liked it if the outdoor temp was always visible in display above the steering wheel. Reliability is still unknown so I would suggest a short term lease.

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  Still love the little guy but - 2008 Mazda Mazda5
  By ajl - October 25 - 2:00 am

  An update to the previous review. Id still buy this vehicle again. But I will echo previous reviewers comments. Still the original Toyos, but I have 4 snow tires for the winter,which I highly recommend (Low profile all seasons are not good for snow). The original Toyos might have 9000 miles on them and are half worn out.We have a suspension noise in the back that keeps coming back. Dealer has been great,even though we didnt buy it there. No steering issues, but there is a recall. A great little vehicle, but it does have its flaws (all cars do, they are complex machines) There is no such thing as a perfect car.