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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  Just what I needed - 2011 Mazda Mazda2
  By mamom1 - October 11 - 6:55 pm

  Just bought the 2011 Mazda2 to replace my slowly dying 1999 Nissan Maxima. It is awesome. The savings on gas is unbelievable. I drive mainly around town (work commute is under 4 miles on surface streets) and it handles beautifully. Contrary to the "pro" reviews, I dont find the engine noise loud and the acceleration is fine. This car has everything I had in my Maxima with the exception of cruise control (I wasnt interested in paying extra $ for fog lights, cruise control, and red seat piping on the Touring edition). Oh, and did I mention, my 16 year old thinks it is awesome!

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  Awesome car - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By Dave - October 11 - 7:33 am

  I bought the Mazda3 after spending countless hours online researching similar vehicles. Once I went to the dealership and finally took one out for a spin I was hooked! Its got great get-up and the interior is hot. I have already put almost 2,000 miles on my new baby in the first month. I guess I should cool it, but i just have so much fun driving this car.

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  Awesome car, buying process took way to long - 2018 Mazda CX-9
  By Trent Townsend - October 11 - 3:29 am

  I have been a Mazda fan and owned a lot of Mazda vehicles over the years, I will say that the 2018 CX-9 is the best so far. Comfortable, great ride, good power. lots of room. Overall just a awesome car. We purchased the car from Classic Of Denton in Texas. Don Johnson was the sales rep and he did a great job, highly recommend him for your next purchase. Now lets talk about all the BS games dealerships play. We arrived around noon and left around 5. One thing after another, "i cant sell a car that cheap, We are losing money on this car, we are processing the paperwork......" the list went on and on. Its not the sales guys fault, its the process the dealerships build in to wear you down.I hate the process. Finance, what a high pressure sales environment, 10 grand down and he insisted I needed GAP insurance, if this car depreciates fast enough for me to need GAP insurance that says the car is bad. extended warranty, paint chip protection,,,, would not stop, Process took 3 times as long as it should have because of all the repeated high pressure sales techniques. I am glad I bought the car, I am happy with Don Johnson but classic needs to understand my time is valuable. next time if I am not signing papers within an hour I am out of there.

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  Wow, its a winner! - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By Kelly - October 11 - 3:16 am

  This is an excellent car. It is our second Mazda3, we also own a 2004 model which has given excellent service. Im averaging better than 32 MPG in mostly mixed driving. Steering and handling are at a level well above what would be considered acceptable for an economy compact. This car is more of a sport sedan than some cars costing thousands more.

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  Best luxury SUV for the money - 2008 Mazda CX-9
  By RobbieT. - October 11 - 1:06 am

  My wife and I traded in an 03 Acura MDX and test drove the 08 MDX, Lexus RX 350, and the Infiniti FX 35 and had seen the Mazda CX 9 at the Houston auto show and decided to stop in to take a quick look at it. We were immediately sold on it after taking it for a test drive. It has all the bells and whistles that the other ones have for about 6k or 7k less at least. Had it for several months now and taken it on one trip and no complaints at all. Very fun to drive, very fast, and plenty of interior room. Do not go buy any midsize or crossover without going to look at the CX 9.

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  Zoom2 - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By JDUNC67 - October 10 - 7:50 am

  As I have rated the fuel economy is bad for this large 4cyl engine. Tires lasted about 21000 miles. Mazda should sue Goodyear. I went with Dunlop 60K sport tires. The paint chips very easily. I have the spoiler on the back and the gasket between the trunk and where the spoiler attaches is coming out. All in all I still love the way this car drives and handles. I have 30k on it know and it still feels sound.

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  2nd 1 and still love it - 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By mapwholesale - October 9 - 10:00 am

  best bang for the buck

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  fast, fun ,practical - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By zooom - October 9 - 10:00 am

  This is one fun car to drive,It is comfortable ,responsive,fast,and pretty. It is without a doubt the best in its class.I love the suicide doors. From all angles it looks sporty and unique.I give the car 5 stars

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  Quick and Fun Hatch - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By H Brown - October 9 - 10:00 am

  This car is way better than I thought it would be, and I expected it to be very good indeed. Its quiet, fast, reasonably economical and loaded with things that are extra cost options or not available in the Toyota and Honda products in the same price range. The 5 door looks very European and gets almost 100% positive feedback, and the handling in quite good despite the pricey low performance Goodyear tires that are standard. If it handles this good on junky tires, think what it would be like with a good set of Michelins or Yokohamas.

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  Beats civic and corolla - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By mazdaowner - October 9 - 10:00 am

  Just purchased the Mazda3 i 2.0 with abs/sac, power package and sunroof. I paid invoice price. Great looks, great handling. need more time to gauge reliabilty. Overall great car.