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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  Perfect Car for Young Family - 2008 Mazda Mazda5
  By memazda - August 24 - 2:43 am

  In our opinion there is no better car for a family with young kids and realistic size needs. This is a fun, well thought out and economical car. We love having a manual which is just not an option with most minivans/small SUVs. Also fun to have a car that turns peoples heads! We consider this a station wagon with the added bonuses of seating for six and sliding doors versus thinking of it as a mini-minivan. We have the base model with no added options and it is amazing how much Mazda has packed into this car for such a good price. It is a hard to beat combination.

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  Best Thing On Four Wheels Under 50 Grand - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By Dan - August 24 - 1:53 am

  The RX8 is absolutely the best handling car under $50 thousand, bar none (yes, including even the Boxster). It is also the most FUN you can have on four wheels. Ive owned my velocity red RX8 for just over a year. Its great FUN on twisty mountain roads, and with its 106" wheelbase, its an exceedingly comfortable GT for long road trips. The styling is unique and very distinctive (but not eccentric). Ive replaced the 18" stock wheels with BBS CH Plasma Finish ones which gives it a very elegant, "I gotta have it" look. It turns a lot of heads. Say what the "professional" reviewers will, Id buy this car again in a flash before considering a Porsche Cayman at twice the price.

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  Good car after 2 months - 2012 Mazda Mazda3
  By amoozed - August 24 - 12:10 am

  Quite a nice ride so far. Im averaging 30 mpg 50/50 city/highway. My question for those pushing 40 mph-how do you drive 60 mph on the freeway? I live in San Francisco, CA, and you will literally get run off the road for driving under 70 mph on the freeways here.

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  Beloved CX-7 Went Up In Flames - 2007 Mazda CX-7
  By alk76 - August 23 - 8:57 am

  I loved my Mazda from day one. In July 2007, I leased my CX-7. In July 2010, because I loved it so much, I financed the rest and kept it. I have proof of all my oil changes and maintenance to the vehicle. I paid it off nearly one year early with some of my retirement savings so I could enjoy not having a monthly payment for the first time in my life. I also put brand new tires on before the winter season and another 3k to replace the cracked transfer case, leaking oil cooler and loose ball joint (as recommended by Mazda).

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  Great fun, and reasonably practical - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By lurkin - August 22 - 6:20 pm

  I prefer a standard shift, and so I really enjoy this car. It is the best car I have ever owned, considering it cost me $17k as an "economy car." Great value. Cargo capacity is impressive, comfort is very reasonable, although over time, chintzy interior materials and high maintenance bills disappoint. She eats tires and her tires are expensive; third set within 100k miles at $750 a set. Expensive also was the turn-signal switch replacement with "stealership" labor pricing, as well as a broken motor mount, and failed fuel injector. Downside is, maintenance adds up pretty substantially, IMO. You do pay for the sporty performance eventually. Great fun, versatile and reasonably practical.

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  Practical yet cool SUV - 2009 Mazda CX-9
  By tiruvan - August 22 - 2:42 am

  Let me start by saying that I am not a fan of SUVs. But I got one since every other car on the road is a truck of some sort and in the event of a crash I want my family to be safe. The CX-9 was the only SUV that received 5 stars for front and side crash and 4 star for rollover in ratings. Reliability has been superb so far with regular maintenance. We drove the Pilot, Highlander, MDX as well and hands down the MDX was the best of the 4 but at $10K more than the CX-9 it was expensive. The gas mileage was lower as well. Pilot was too boxy and the highlander costed as much as the MDX (which is lame). After a couple years and 20K miles its still as solid as the first day! Recommended!

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  Great performance and surprising comfort - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By Chris - August 21 - 11:33 pm

  I work out of my car so I wanted something that was comfortable and had good cargo room, but was also fun to drive. Looked at the Matrix and Impreza, but they felt cheap compared to the Mazda. Plenty of room in the hatchback with the seats down for all my cargo. The interior is really comfortable, I can spend all day in and out of the car and still feel great. My drive is 70% city 30% highway and with a light foot, Im averaging about 27 mpg. It takes discipline though as the car is so much fun to drive fast. Its smooth on the highway, a blast in the curves, and nimble in parking lots. On a rough road there is some road noise, but no more then my 2007 Accord had. I love this car!

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  Great crossover and fun to drive! - 2008 Mazda CX-7
  By Jim_ in_ PA - August 21 - 10:30 pm

  Fun to drive and outstanding engineering by the Japanese. Currently getting 22 mpg. The 2.3L 4 cylinder has great acceleration along with great body syle, this crossover is a real winner! Most fun I have ever had driving a vehicle.

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  For the price its a good car! - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By Kelly W - August 21 - 3:50 pm

  This is a solid car and overall Im happy with my purchase. The two problems that I have is that my driver seat SQUEAKS and I hate it! The other problem is that the clutch pedal does not seem to go down very smooth...though it does not affect the driving of the car. I will have to have them look into these problems. I got the very basic model as I did not have many options available to me for the standard (stick shift) transmission. This basic model did not come with power door locks or an alarm and I think that is ridiculous in 2010.

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  Love my Mazda6! - 2011 Mazda Mazda6
  By joner800 - August 21 - 12:28 pm

  this is the third mazda i have owned (96 protege, 03 6s) and i have loved all three of them. the new 6 adds some beef under the hood, and some very nifty tech features. the car is truly fun to drive and beats any comp in the class handily. i previously didnt think much of the new 6 as i have always been a fan of the older body style. but when i got in and drove it, i fell in love! before i bought my 6, i looked at the g35, a4, c280, and some others, but you just cant beat the value in a mazda. i got more room, more features, more/same warranty; basically, a brand new luxury/sports car for the price of a used luxury car. mazda loyalty programs added to the bottom line, also.