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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  6 years, 160K, but had issues - 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By eightieslingo - September 20 - 2:30 am

  I bought my Miata for $7000 in 2005 with 70K on it. It had one owner who kept every record of service and who washed it every Saturday. The car was a dream for about 2 years, then my check engine light came on. I ignored it and it would go away and come back. One hot day in August my car overheated and I had to pull over on the highway. My radiator had cracked. We had it replaced but still had problems with the check engine light. Then in 2010 my air conditioning only worked if the car was in motion, otherwise it would shudder. This summer (2011) my car frequently overheated if I wasnt in motion. Even with all of these problems I still was sad to see it go when I finally upgraded.

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  Great except for two defects... - 2009 Mazda Mazda5
  By brammer - September 19 - 8:03 pm

  The vehicle is fun to drive and has versatile seating / storage configurations. Mileage is reasonable. Two big drawbacks though, the rear suspension and the rear bushings. At 50000 km of mostly single passenger commuting, we are already on our third set of rear shocks. The bushings (at least thats what I think they are) creak very loudly in warm weather. It sounds like a horse drawn wagon lumbering down a dirt road.

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  Great car with a couple concerns - 2014 Mazda Mazda3
  By wayne100 - September 19 - 9:04 am

  A great car overall for its class. You should definitely test drive one if you are considering a similar class car. Youll be impressed.

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  Solid fun - 2014 Mazda Mazda6
  By drive56 - September 18 - 10:57 pm

  I have driven 3000 miles. Best highway mpg was 41! In slow big city traffic 27. This is a tight responsive, beautiful car. Good solid power, great handling, wonderful seats and a joy to drive. The manual is precise and engaging. The stereo is a little weak. The Sport is a real bargain. Way better mpg and improved handling over manual 2010 Accord coupe it replaced. I am very happy with this car and I like that I dont see them on every block. I got asked if it was a Tesla!

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  mazda hits a home run - 2009 Mazda Mazda6
  By Larry - September 18 - 7:46 pm

  I did most of my research online and only test drove a Mazda 3 then a Mazda 6. I love Subarus also but wanted better mileage than all wheel drive delivers. With the incentives Mazda has right now and being a current Mazda Tribute owner I really couldnt resist getting a cool looking family sedan that gets good mileage and is very comfortable. The standard features on this model are great. I just have it one week and my first highway drive yielded over 32mpg. Seats are very comfortable and basic radio is fine if you adjust the bass down and treble up. (you can always throw two extra speakers below rear window, there are holes for it). The 4 cyl seems more than capable for most situations.

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  Great car for the money - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By Brianne R - September 17 - 3:43 pm

  I got a great deal on end of model year on this car and I have been very happy over the last year and a half. Zippy car with great handling. Ride may be stiff for some, but I like it. The rear seat can be a little cramped for large passengers, but weve taken some long trips with average folks and theyve been fine. The trunk is also roomy enough for their luggage for a weekend trip. Gotta love hatchbacks! With the seats folded down, my husband and I are quite comfortable riding around Pennsylvania for a week with luggage and Christmas presents for all the in-laws. Turning radius is fantastic. Makes parking a breeze.

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  Great little hatchback - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By greenice - September 17 - 3:20 am

  Great choice if you like to drive, feels like a premium car in most respects. The ride is firm but still comfortable, and the steering is very precise and well weighted. I love the 6sp manual, but I wish 6th gear was a little longer for better highway fuel economy. Power from the 2.5 is good (certainly much better than in most other compacts), but the engine may be the one point where the 3 does not fully live up to the premium image. If pushed, it sounds a bit coarse at times and other engines of the same size get more power and better fuel economy. The interior is great with many luxury features not expected in this class. Overall a very European driving experience. Highly recommended!

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  Crossover Best Buy - 2010 Mazda CX-9
  By Dave - September 16 - 7:30 pm

  It was finally time to replace the 10 year old Pathfinder. In making our decision, the wife and I test drove the Pilot, Highlander, Veracruz and the CX-9. We were completely blown away by the the way the CX-9 handled. Believe me, you really need to test drive this vehicle to fully understand how well it drives. We went with the Grand Touring AWD model with the Bose / Moonroof and the Power Liftgate packages. We both find this vehicle very fun to drive and cannot wait to take it on our first road trip.

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  Great, but not a Road Car - 2006 Mazda Mazda5
  By DGF - September 16 - 5:00 pm

  I have a base model manual with no options. I’ve had it for 2 weeks & 2675 mostly road trip miles. Great value, but one major negative: unsupportive driver’s seat caused back pain after a few hours, despite adjustable lumbar support. Never had the problem in my recent road cars (Civics & a VW Golf).

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  Good value - 2009 Mazda Mazda3
  By Ben - September 16 - 10:46 am

  Bought the car and immediately went on a road trip. Handled well, many creature comforts for a car in this price point. MP3 Jack in center console is awesome. Glove box is huge. Average 33 mpg on hwy. Road noise is excessive and suspension is stiff, but sporty.