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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  Wow! Im Impressed - 2003 Mazda MPV
  By Scottnsc - July 8 - 10:00 am

  Weve had our Mazda now for about a month and it has been on two road trips. I love the design, size and flexibility of the interior. The ride seems a little harsh, but I previously drove a big American sedan which was pretty plush. My 2-year-old daughter loves that she can see out of the huge rear windows. The rear air easily handles the South Carolina summer heat. This is a really, really good van!

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  Great vehicle, love to drive it. - 2015 Mazda CX-5
  By dereksmith - July 7 - 7:48 pm

  I have bought and driven a Mazda CX5 Sport with AWD and the 2.5L engine. I really love to drive this vehicle. I have put on about 6000 miles and driven through all kinds of conditions, on a long trip and daily use. I am in awe of how great this vehicle is. I have the Sport model with AWD and the 2.5L engine. Honestly, it is all the power I want. Whether it is on the freeway or off a stop light, it can move and accelerate at any time. The CX5 handles like a dream, looks great, rides comfortable. Whenever I have popped the back seat down and loaded it with stuff on a number of occasions and it worked great and was impressed on how much could be loaded in.

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  Theres a reason for all this love. - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By jbevel - July 6 - 7:40 pm

  I compared this ride to the Honda Civic, Toyota Matrix, and Scion xB. Test drove all of them... saving the Mazda for last. What did the Mazda do that the other cars did not? It put a big fat smile on my face. I had to leave the dealer, knowing that I could not negotiate for this car... at the moment (I wanted it too much!) Its an excellent value for under $20K. Great attention to detail, excellent interior, fantastic to drive. The Dynamic Stability Control is awesome, turn it off to squeal tires...and to really feel the difference it makes! Love the ways it says "zoom-zoom" when I get in... then... "hello" when I turn it on.... then "goodbye" when I leave. LoL.

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  Excellent Choice! - 2008 Mazda Mazda5
  By henrob - July 6 - 7:50 am

  When my daughter decided to go to college in-state, we had enough funds to get her a new car for school. We decided the car should last her 10 years, so tried to figure out the car that she would love now as well as 10 years from now. Looked at 2009 Matrix, 2008 RAV-4, 2008 CR-V. Choice was RAV-4 UNTIL she drove Mazda 5. Fun to drive, seat layout, and cargo space won her over. The after-thought car became the obvious choice. She absolutely loves everything about it. About $2000 cheaper than the RAV-4 made me happy. She made a great choice.

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  Best Mazda I ever owned - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By RedRX8 - July 5 - 2:20 am

  Ive owned several Mazdas in my day. The RX3, RX4 pickup, RX7 carb., RX7 GSL SE fuel injected, and now the 2004 RX8 6 MT. This is by far the best car of them all. I was the first one to buy an RX8 at my new dealership. So I was expecting Mazda would have some problems with such an advanced engineered sports car. The only constant updates were on the PCM programs to improve fuel mixtures, oil metering, & cold starting problems. They finally got it all working perfectly. This is the must fun you can have driving without getting a ticket.

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  love my Miata - 2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By dbritt - July 5 - 1:26 am

  Bought my 2002 Miata second hand 8 months ago and love it! Never really enjoyed owning/driving cars, but I can honestly say that the Miata has completely changed that. The car is a blast to drive, is actually quite comfortable, and the overall quality is excellent. Two problems Ive had with the car: a tiny hole in the soft top and a "chattery" clutch when the car was cold. My local Mazda dealer completely replaced the top and clutch under warranty without blinking an eye. Scheduled service performed by the dealer was inexpensive, especially compared with the VW that I owned prior. The ride is rough on poor pavement, and can be noisy/windy at high speeds, but regardless its a GREAT car!

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  WOW! - 2009 Mazda Mazda6
  By Kendall - July 4 - 6:50 am

  I just purchased my first Mazda. After researching the Accord, Camry and Altima, I ended up in a new 2009 Mazda6 Grand Touring. It was really an easy decision after comparing these cars and what I could get for my $$. My Mazda is loaded and a blast to drive! This is my first Mazda and I have to say, Im very impressed. I initially wanted the V6, but after driving them both, I decided the 4 cylinder would be more efficient on gas. I dont regret it at all. Its very peppy, in fact, it is even spunkier than my old car which was a V6! I highly recommend this vehicle. If youre on the fence about what to buy, take one for a drive... youll be sold!

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  Tickled Green - 2008 Mazda Mazda5
  By Stapes - July 3 - 11:33 pm

  Regrettably traded in my Acura RDX for a better gas mileage Mazda 5 Grand Touring, Golden Sand color. The 5 is no Acura but its a pretty darn good substitution. The interior quality is very good. The acceleration is very smooth and the drive quality is outstanding. First tank with combo city/hwy got 26 MPG, which is what I was hoping for. Im very pleased with my purchase.

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  Mazda has a hit! - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By rx8_is_great - July 3 - 10:00 am

  I purchased the car a week ago and am really enjoying the ride! It gets extra attention from onlookers...even had a few people follow me to the parking lot where I work to look at it! Mazda did a wonderful job on the exterior and ride of this car.

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  "Enthusiast minivan" - 2009 Mazda Mazda5
  By Mike St. - July 3 - 9:46 am

  We bought ours in September, sold a 2002 Town and Country LXi, traded a 08 Honda Odyssey in on that. We were looking for something affordable, kind of needed a 3rd row seat at times, better gas mileage. Our Odyssey averaged 16mpg, the T&C 17mpg. This car averages 23, weve seen 27+ highway. The 5 speed manual is as easy as it gets to drive. The suspension tuning is 2nd to none, sucks up all bumps with aplomb. Brakes are fantastic, steering response is spot on. As you would expect, acceleration isnt a strong point, its about power to weight. Cant have MPG and HP it seems. We didnt like the 3s ride.