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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  my life post-BMW - 2008 Mazda Mazda3
  By stasia miaskiewicz - January 20 - 3:33 am

  i am a 50-something woman. 10 years ago i got my midlife crisis car, a BMW 328i. I loved that car. eventually, rather than repair, decided to move on...I must have driven 10 different types of cars before i settled on the mazda3. went for the 2008 because i think the rear lights on the newer models look sinister - just me. its been 8 months since purchase and i really like this car! - its fun!! drive one, youll agree!

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  The Best Sport ZOOM ZOOM SUV - 2007 Mazda CX-7
  By galmanza - January 19 - 5:47 am

  I have it for almost 7 months, and it just work perfectly, until now i didnt found any problem, i just came back from a trip to Las Vegas and the CX-7 was perfect on the road! Gas millage was better than the last time when we do the same thip but in a Ford Edge... we save a lot of money on gas this time! Exellente build quality, exterior and interior design, it just look great! Great Bose sound sytem, sunroof, the CX-7 just run like if you have a sporty car with it 4 cilender turbocharge! In my opinion MAZDA has better quality, realability and designs that Honda and Toyota.

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  Who would have thought? - 2008 Mazda CX-7
  By bb - January 18 - 1:30 pm

  I have had this amazing SUV for about a month and could not be more impressed. I cant believe I ended up with Mazda. I looked at BMW X3, Audi Q7, VW Toureg, and the Nissan Pathfinder. After driving all of these I could not believe how close the BMW and the Mazda were. So, I bought the Mazda and saved some money. I couldnt be happier and I have not had this much fun driving anything in the last 15 years!

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  brakes - 2003 Mazda MPV
  By ND53 - January 18 - 10:00 am

  Legroom is good for driver. 3rd fold- down seat is desirable. Brakes could be a lot better. They take much longer to bring van/wagon to a stop. I had a 97 Odyssey & brakes were great. Is that due to rear drums? ConsumerReports also listed brakes. The brakes react fine on my ES but it takes a lot more distance to stop and I find myself having to press harder. Of course I could start pressing them sooner,but in a quick-stop sutuation I wish theyd quicker.

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  Best choice for a manual transmission - 3 months in. - 2014 Mazda Mazda6
  By stirmyown - January 17 - 2:46 am

  When youve got to stir your own gears, your choices are limited these days. It seems like you can do it if you opt for a stripped down small car, or a tricked-out european performance sedan. In the mid-level market there is pretty much Mazda and Subaru. Good luck actually finding a stick in America for any other brand. Since I have kids in car seats, rear seat room was an issue. Car seats are ridiculously huge these days. So I had to go a little bit bigger but I didnt want a large SUV. They just arent fun to drive. I loved my old Subaru Forester, but unfortunately Subaru killed the driving feel in their effort to mass-market and Camry-ize the new Forester and Outback.

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  A Great Car So Far - 2007 Mazda Mazda6
  By Chris - January 16 - 4:23 pm

  Bought the i Touring automatic in July, and have 8500 miles already. The only complaints so far are that acceleration is sluggish with the A/C on, and that the A/C doesnt blow as cold as Im used to. This is a great family hauler with sporty looks; much more masculine than the Accord/Passat/Camry/Sonata bunch. Averaging 27 mpg in mixed driving and 32 in straight highway driving. So far, Im pleased.

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  Hot Sedan - 2003 Mazda Mazda6
  By Coral - January 16 - 9:16 am

  Outstanding sedan; excellent pick-up and hot on the pedal. Sweet spot around 3500-4000 RPM. Nice interior and good amenities. Aftermarket stereo is not an option due to panel design (only drawback). Comfortable ride and fun to drive. Very reliable and solid automobile. Highly recommend this vehicle if youre looking for a sport sedan - many model variations to choose from.

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  Love my zoom zoom - 2002 Mazda Protege5
  By shayshay - January 16 - 1:26 am

  I had to hold out a little while to get my P5 because I wanted the leather interior and tip-tronic shift, but it was worth the wait. I still smile when I look at my car and often get compliments on it. It is a blast to drive and I have yet to have any major problems with it. The interior is comfortable to sit in, cornering is exceptional, and the hatch cover makes a great table to use at tailgate parties! Gas mileage is a bit lower than I anticipated but not bad. The only other dislike is that the paint seems to chip rather easily.

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  THIS IS A GREAT CAR ! - 2009 Mazda Mazda3
  By Mike - January 14 - 10:06 pm

  I test drove this Mazda3 and a 09 Corolla S. I was very disappointed with the Corolla. For about $900 more i got a great handling fun to drive hatchback with a 2.3L engine,5 speed auto w/manual mode,4 wheel disc brakes,DSC, and 17" wheels,crystal pearl white paint to name a few. This car pulls strong through out the whole rev band, and handles like a go cart. I am very satisfied with my purchase so far. Just wish it had a little more cargo room. Kinda tight fit for my golf clubs.

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  Completely Satisfied - 2008 Mazda CX-9
  By Mike H. - January 14 - 10:03 pm

  Bought this to replace our 01 Honda CRV. Researched many third row SUVS. Came down to a Yukon or the CX9. My wife liked the CX9 because the ride was so much smoother. Couldnt agree more for once! The CX9 is a great SUV, roomy and well designed interior and sleek exterior. First time Mazda buyer and will definitely consider Mazda the next time.