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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  Rent it dont buy it - 2007 Mazda CX-7
  By zoomzoom - October 26 - 7:03 pm

  This car has some major issues and I dont have to repeat all what has been said by others. This car has amazing brakes and speed. It can take off like it was sports car.. not bad for 2 ton SUV. Every thing else is rubbish, the ride is very harsh, the tires are crap, and AC is not cold at all. I sold mine and got ML350 and I can tell the difference in the built quality.

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  22500K 06 Mazda5 - 2006 Mazda Mazda5
  By 22, 500K 06 Mazda5 - October 25 - 10:40 pm

  Had the car for 2.5 years. Really like the car. Agree with most of the other reviews, needs better tires, stronger A/C, 5th gear(overdrive)and interior light switch from drivers seat. Approx. 22mpg city/ 26-28mpg highway, thought I would get a little more. Overall satisfied with the car for the money!

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  There is always room to improve... - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By Marcelo - October 25 - 7:30 pm

  I love this car! Fun to drive, great performance, very comfortable. I looked for a compact and got the cream of the cream of Mazda 3. All the optionals. The Bose sound system is unbelievable. The car totally sticks to the road. For a compact I hardly could be more satisfied, but I am a perfectionist. For the cream of the cream, they could offer a few more features. How come they dont have the option of power seats? How come the car keys look so cheap? Overall, it is great (otherwise I would not buy it), but there is always room for improvement.

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  Awesome Car - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By Car Driver - October 25 - 7:26 pm

  This car is downright fun to drive whether its long distance or a trip to the grocery store. The 2.3L engine packs enough punch to warrant the zoom- zoom label. Handles great. The exterior is superior to any vehicle in this class. Exchange the Mazda labels for BMW, and people would believe you. Interior styling is beautiful, especially for the price. Aux input jacks prevents burning a million CDs. Nothing against Civic, its a great car, but everyone has one. They are a dime a dozen. Go for the Mazda3 if you want an athletic and affordable car that stands out on a road crowded with "blah" economy sedans.

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  This is a fun car - 2007 Mazda Mazda6
  By Jeff Lewsader - October 25 - 4:36 pm

  I purchased this car based on its looks, performance and price. You get a great handling car with good gas mileage for a great price. I have owned the car for just over a year and have only had 1 minor warranty repair. I love the hatchback and the fact that I can lower the back seats from either the cabin or the hatch (trunk).

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  Just What We Wanted - 2006 Mazda Mazda5
  By Jay - October 25 - 8:30 am

  This was the perfect car for us, because of its unique combination of space efficiency and economy. I also wanted a standard transmission - which is not available on any traditional, larger minivan. Power is adequate, but I believe the car would benefit from a slightly larger engine. I knew before buying that the AC was a little weak, so I had the windows professionally tinted at a reasonable cost. Weve had no problem with keeping the car cool, even though - at least for the year we have - there are no ducts for passengers behind the driver. Our driving styles and routes are easy on gas, so the approximate 28 - 29 mpg we average is unlikely to be bettered.

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  So far so good... - 2008 Mazda Tribute Hybrid
  By CJ - October 24 - 10:40 am

  We bought the car in Feb and took a trip from Sacramento to San Diego and back a month later. Car is comfortable for 3-4 people + large dog in back. I enjoy driving it. Mileage on SD trip averaged 30 MPG. In town 28-31 MPG. You will find yourself driving a little slower to drive farther in electric mode. We are glad we bought it.

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  awesome car for the price - 2006 Mazda Mazda6
  By Purranha - October 24 - 6:00 am

  Ive had the car less than a week and am thrilled with it. Was not planning to replace my 01 Grand Am so soon, but was having weird electrical problems. Narrowed my choice to Acura, Mazda, or Honda. As soon as I test drove the 6, I knew I need not look any further. Its got more than the amount of toys I was expecting for the price. I love the way it handles, especially on the interstate. I have a long road trip coming up and cant wait to get out there and let my new baby show me its stuff! For once, Im looking forward to the drive...lol.

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  Great Overall - 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By jd - October 24 - 1:40 am

  I looked at a number of cars for several years. In the course of searching I narrowed my criteria to maximum value for few dollars. That eliminated Porsches, BMWs, MBs and a number of other cars. I chose the MX-5 because it was not a compromise. It drives exceptionally, the new interior is first rate, the exterior restyle is spot on and I didnt have to sell a kidney to get it. What really sold me though is that this is what a sports car is. It reminds me of what made cars so important in my life and what made me want a car that was "special". The MX-5 is special. I can race this car if I choose, modify it to make it better or leave bone stock and its just great. Its just perfect.

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  The Little Things Matter! - 2009 Mazda CX-9
  By Mr Rob - October 23 - 8:33 am

  Weve had the CX-9 for 10 months after reading favorable reviews on Edmunds.com. I have to say that the reviews were spot on as this has been the most fun to drive vehicle we have owned in the last 10 years. Handling excellent, and everything remains "tight" and well engineered. Well done, Edmunds, for making such an accurate recommendation!