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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  A hidden gem - 2008 Mazda CX-9
  By CTCXer - September 10 - 5:33 am

  Like others, I looked at the Toyota Highlander, Acura MDX, Lexus GX470, Saturn Outlook, and Subaru Tribeca before selecting the CX-9. The exterior styling is fantastic with the stylish lines and those 20" rims. The interior is well laid out and feels like it was designed by people that actually cared about what it would be like to ride in every day. Controls are intuitive which is a nice change from our BMW X5 and Infiniti FX. The Bose stereo also beats the Harmon-Kardon in the bimmer by miles!! The bluetooth took 3 minutes to setup and worked with both mine and my wifes phones. Smooth to drive, plenty of pep, and comfortable.

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  You Cant Lose! - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By Art - September 9 - 8:50 pm

  Traded my 04 Mitsu Outlander because insurance premiums went up too high. Oddly enough, buying this new Mazda actually lowered my rates. First off, dealer tells me Ill be lucky to get 22 to 25 mpg. Just filled it up -- it got 33.75 mpg in combined city and highway. Not bad, and about 4 mpg better than the Mitsu. Runs like a scalded puppy and has no squeaks, moans or rattles. Looks sharp and others admire its shape (its a Volvo S40 with $10K off the price). Now comes with 6 airbags, EBD, ABS and whatever other acronym you can think of. Also comes standard with a tire pressure monitoring system. Not enough space here to continue!

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  Forget the CRV - 2017 Mazda CX-5
  By stlpilot - September 9 - 6:20 pm

  My wife and I test drove the 2017 CRV EXL, which has wonderful reviews, and the car felt "ok" to us. There was nothing really exciting about the CRV, except for the cargo space and remote starter. One week later, we test drove the 2017 CX-5 GT, and we were both very impressed. The interior is gorgeous, doors thump just like a German car, and the car feels substantial on the road. My wife made a comment how she felt tuned and "one" with the car while driving it. I was likely impressed with the quality of the car and felt the power was adequate although, this car could be made near perfect by adding a turbocharger or a slightly more powerful engine. So overall, this is a clear winner between the CRV and the CX-5. We decided to wait few months until Apple Carplay comes out on the CX-5 before we purchase this car. As a long-time Honda owner, my suggestion to all of you out there is go out there at least test drive this car. You will be pleasantly surprised with the driving dynamics and overall fit and finish of the cabin. However, if you are looking at more cargo and rear seat space, look at the CRV, which will be much better suited for this.

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  Very Good w/ a few concerns - 2014 Mazda CX-5
  By linwood_852 - September 9 - 11:04 am

  I just hit 5K miles and overall Im very pleased with this vehicle. It handles very well, gets good gas milage (25 mpg in mixed city driving on regular octane) and has a very versatile interior. It compares favorably to my wifes Subaru Outback (better handling, more versatile interior due to 40-20-40 2nd seat) and to my former Audi Q5 (which is more luxurious and heavier built but at the expense of mpg & $15K more in price). My only concerns are excessive road/engine noise, replacement part availability, and bluetooth/audio performance.

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  Mazda lemon - 1999 Mazda 626
  By BadgerXX3 - September 9 - 10:00 am

  Since the date of purchase this car was in the shop. Built on a sunny Friday afternoon. Problems with the Climate control system and a noisy back end. Transmission repair due to excessive vibration. Drive belts were also an issue. Left me stranded twice, I would not recommend the 626.

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  Way too much fun. - 2000 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By John Treubig - September 9 - 10:00 am

  Bought this for my son with his hard earned savings. What a shame he cant drive a stick and Dad gets to use it for a while. Puts the fun back in driving. I probably look ridiculous in it, so my wife says, but who cares!! You only live once, lets have some fun!

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  Get what you pay for - 2001 Mazda Tribute
  By pegness - September 9 - 10:00 am

  This vehicle is basically very good- nothing has happened in the past 2+ years. Transmission worries me, it seems to shift endlessly in rural driving. Very basic interior, but it is a cheaper SUV. Gas mileage is not what we thought-seems everyone has that opinion. Not wanting to spend 30K, it has been a good purchase. Next one, though, will be of superior quality.

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  Love this car! - 1995 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Miata Lover - September 7 - 7:23 pm

  This was my first Miata. It was a mid-life crisis car and it proved all I wanted it to be! Excellent performance and a fun car to drive. Mine with the auto only gets about 21/26 mpg. It isnt as frugal as I thought. The top is the original factory top and is still in good condition. I am impressed with the reliability. It is a solid car in every respect.

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  Good SUV, but - 2008 Mazda CX-9
  By hss_rao - September 6 - 9:53 pm

  Pretty good CUV. Rides smooth on flat roads, but engine rattles on uphill and makes high rev noise inside the cabin. Lot of wind noise. Looks are ultimate, unmatched. Interior comfort if also good.Too early to tell anything about reliability or performance. fogs inside a lot even under mild humid condition. Lot of people compare this car with MDX, but it definitely cannot match the MDX engine smoothness(Absolutely no noise in MDX), but at least my car makes a lot of engine noise. I dont have a lead foot. Suspensions are very good.

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  Mazda 626 2002 (4 Cyl. 5M) - 2002 Mazda 626
  By e44 - September 6 - 4:33 pm

  I have absolutely no problems with this car. I follow the maintenance schedule faithfully. I have read reviews that say the manual transmission is no good. I find it shifts like a dream. My car has +100 000 miles on it and it runs perfectly. The clutch has absolutely no wear on it. If you maintain these cars they will be dependable and very economical. I would advise staying away from the automatic transmission. This is a Ford product. The car is fun to drive, has responsive steering and connects the driver well to the road.