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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  Drives awesome; poor audio system - 2014 Mazda CX-5
  By jerzeydave - November 4 - 7:18 am

  I bought this car because I was looking for a balance of performance and efficiency, as well as decent cargo space. I feel Mazda has delivered for me. I have a 6 year old and a 2 year old--theyre both in full size car seats that fit fine. Cargo space appears sufficient after three months of use. The car is really fun to drive, and handled this bad NJ snowy winter very, very well. That said, I also love a good audio system, and this one in the CX-5 is a colossal disappointment.

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  Love my Mazda - 2012 Mazda Mazda3
  By jonno86 - November 4 - 6:04 am

  Ive now owned my 2012 Mazda3 Skyactiv (auto) for almost 21 months, and I still love the car as if I bought it yesterday. In true Mazda fashion, the 3 delivers the fun-to-drive factor - it has razor-sharp steering and handling. It really makes the car handle predictably and makes me feel very connected to the road. However, that close connection to the road reduces ride comfort because of the firmer suspension. This is usually the compromise with a sporty-handling car. Reliability has proven to be rock solid. I was very nervous about purchasing the Skyactiv model with its completely new engine and transmission design, but my fears were unfounded.

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  I Claimed it - 2010 Mazda CX-9
  By sum - November 3 - 9:56 pm

  Very nice ride, seemed somewhat worried about ride and it proved very stable and much quieter than cars. No complaints yet positive experience great dealer treated with respect. Very happy with purchase, test drove Traverse, Highlander, MDX and some others CX-9 the best overall in drive and value. Great Mazda Car.

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  *Please Read* - 2005 Mazda Mazda6
  By Rman - November 3 - 6:46 pm

  Purchased the car a little over 5 months ago. Within the 5 months, 3 headlight bulbs burnt out, license plate light burnt out, needed to do tcm and pcm reprogram, replaced both front brake lines, replaced both front axle boots and cv joints, cigarette lighter blows every fuse you put in, both front and back brake pads were replaced, display clock flickers. I am being a truthful person here. Do not always rely on reviews. This one is getting sold or traded in.

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  Great Fun Car - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By Erich - November 2 - 5:40 pm

  Gave my reliable 97 Ford Escort to a church and got a new Mazda3. Its lots of fun and feels great. I thought it was head and shoulders better than the 2006 Civic.

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  Researched for 6 months - this was the best! - 2016 Mazda CX-9
  By Mazda Newbie - November 2 - 5:26 am

  I had been looking for a 3 row SUV for hauling my grandchildren along with their trinkets whenever they came to visit. I studied all of the U.S. manufacturers and drove the offerings from Ford and General Motors. I also drove the comparable vehicles from Honda, Toyota, Nissan, and even a late model Infiniti. All were acceptable but nothing had the wow factor. I was encouraged twice within an hour time frame from car guys to drive a Mazda CX-9. I knew nothing about Mazda but was willing to try anything as I had not yet found the perfect match. Im glad that I did. I drove the CX-9 and Im glad that I did. This vehicle had the wow factor I was looking for. The exterior styling looks like a European luxury car. Its really a big vehicle - almost 200 hundred inches long - but it really doesnt look big unless its next to another vehicle. More importantly, it certainly doesnt drive like a 3 row SUV. I cracked up when I discovered the CX-9 classifies as a station wagon on my vehicle registration. It isnt my fathers station wagon - for sure!!! It handles like a dream with many safety features including lane assist, radar cruise control and smart brake assist. The instrumentation for navigation is intuitive after learning the basic features of the joystick that explores the infotainment system. The factory sound generated by the Bose speakers is really good. I enjoy the heads up display now that I have it tuned properly for my height (64"). It lightens significantly when wearing polarized sunglasses but it is still visible. The 4 cylinder turbo gets off the line much more quickly than I need it to and there is plenty of power for passing. Shifts are noticeable but not overly dramatic. I was also pleased with the price point of the Mazda. The price point was also best in class compared to similarly equipped vehicles - and none of the other vehicles I drove had the heads up display or the wow factor. I havent owned it long enough to provide an accurate reliability score but Im impressed overall in the first month of ownership. Im looking forward to a long relationship with this one!

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  Fun to see, fun to drive - 2006 Mazda Mazda5
  By coolmazda5 - November 2 - 1:50 am

  I wanted a sporty car but my wife didnt. Once we saw the Mazda5 we found the perfect balance. Very European for American style taste, but that makes it stand out of the crowd.

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  GREAT CAR - 2002 Mazda Protege5
  By Bruce - November 2 - 12:46 am

  I wrote a review at 165,000 miles. Drives like a go kart due to tight suspension. Doesnt like rough roads but smooth twisties, its a dream. Normal main. only except for H2O pump at 80,000 miles. Original clutch. People complain about lack of power but overall comfort, fun to drive and cargo space outweighed the hp. I added turbo exhaust, K&N filter and had the computer reprogrammed. Sporty sound now. May have added 10-15 hp and car is fast as I want to maintain 31 mpg/hwy. Better daily driver than my 2007 Speed 3. 5 speed is much smoother than the 6 speed of the Speed3. Rough ride on harsh roads due to sport suspension, still better than Speed 3. The car is a keeper if you take it.

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  Excellent Car - 2003 Mazda MPV
  By java - November 1 - 10:00 am

  Excellent car for the price you pay. Very smooth and quit when running. Own it for 10 month and not regret for buying. I think it is best among minivans. Strongly suggest it.

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  "M"ost "P"leasurable "V"an - 2003 Mazda MPV
  By Empeevee - November 1 - 10:00 am

  Wow -- I am only 28 and I never thought of owning a van, but after test driving the MPV on a track at the Mazda Rev It Up event, I was in love with it!! I bought an ES with the GFX package which comes with a body kit carbon fiber interior trim and fog lights. I also have the power dual sliding doors ans six disc in-dash CD changer. Most people think the MPV is an SUV and I have been asked numerous times by bystanders as to what type of vehicle it is. I think the MPV is so under-rated and you never see any on the road. This van is so comfortable and handles like a sports car -- I dont think I will ever buy a car again! ZOOM ZOOM ZOOM!!