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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  Wow!! A sport sedan with extra seats! - 2007 Mazda Mazda5
  By Raymond - August 11 - 8:16 pm

  Boy, was I hooked once behind the wheel and test-drove it. Unlike others who say its noisy and underpowered, I find it quiet on the freeway at 65 mph. Power is also adequate, get to 90+mph pretty easy. Boy, it has incredible handling ability, tight and sharp turns, takes any turns. Excellent braking ability and comes standard with side curtain airbags for all passengers. Boy, a lot of storage and storage for 2 laptops under the 2nd row seats! I am loving it! Turning circle is also small, parking lots parking is extremely easy. Fit my 26" road bicycle too!!!

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  Awesome Car - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By Sludedude - August 11 - 7:10 pm

  Fantastic small car and very fun to drive. Quality is outstanding and features are great for the price. Interior is comparable to many more upscale vehicles. I put on mostly highway miles and average right at 30mpg (S Sport). Back seat is pretty tight but thats expected with this size car. Stick shift is very easy to learn and fun to drive

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  Great Car - 2011 Mazda CX-7
  By jlmm3 - August 11 - 3:50 pm

  I bought my first mazda (mazda3 s) used in 2009 and I loved it. Since then I have bought 3 more and now I have a 2011 mazda3 s 2.5 and we just bought a 2011 Mazda CX-7 i touring. My wife loves the car, and I do too. It drives VERY nicely and is very well put together on the inside with alot of attention to detail. As far as being pokey, I have not seen it at all and I have the non-turbo engine.

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  Zooming! - 2008 Mazda Mazda3
  By rsen - August 10 - 1:46 pm

  Reviewed many similar cars but I knew this was the one. Edmunds gave a favorable review. Stylish, powerful engine, comfortable, safety, and best of all the kids arent shy to ride in it. The handling is great! Seats are comfortable and the kids love the dashboards lights. Havent had a chance to do the MPG thing but Im sure itll be better than my F-150!

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  An all around great car - 2009 Mazda Mazda3
  By LMF - August 9 - 9:36 am

  I bought this car after a lot of research and test driving (I think I drove the dealers nuts with all my questions!) and I have to say I am satisfied. The car is so much fun to drive and looks beautiful. I almost didnt get the S GT but was talked into it by another mazda owner. Am I glad I did! The heated seats are great, the Bose sound system is wonderful, and I love my sun roof. Dont bother getting the auto dimming rear view mirror, its a waste of money. Although if I would do it again I would have gotten heated mirrors. If you throw snow tires on it it can also manage the nasty New England winters pretty well.

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  Southern CX-7 - 2008 Mazda CX-7
  By southern CX-7 - August 9 - 4:20 am

  Have had the CX-7 for over 1.5 years and love it. We had to have some recall work done once. All the rest is simple maintainence. Gas mileage has been improving, we are getting closer to 18.5 in town now, as high as 25 mpg on the hwy. Mostly 22-23 mpg. Tubo lag is slight but you get use to the peddle and know how to activate it smoothly. It is a blast to drive on open roads. The brakes are great especially for emergency stops in town. We are retired now and dont travel quite as much, but we do use it on long trips. We have the FWD GT with navigation, sirius, everything you could get but DVD screen.

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  We love our DoubleOught - 2000 Mazda 626
  By Bryan Epley - August 8 - 10:06 pm

  We have made our final payment on the zoom/zoom and we only have 59K hassel free miles.Thanx to Edmunds we researched and paid for a reliable auto. Ours has 130 ponies bridled to a left-leg flexor and feel this combo is the most fun, cost conscience way to get around.

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  Zoom Zoom! - 2008 Mazda Mazda3
  By Melissa - August 8 - 2:10 pm

  Have had my Mazda 3 for 1.5 years now. Great turning radius-so fun to drive on country roads. The car has a lot of pep even though on Highways when you really need the acceleration it can be lacking (it is only a 4 cylinder:)) I love the design of the car, especially the back end. I do not like the way the 10s look at all as they have tinkered with the unique exterior. Overall, the car handles great and is fun to drive around the city but good for longer trips too. I tried to save money and buy the base model which was a huge mistake (but not mazdas fault). No key fob, no power windows, no power locks, no cruise control, no bose etc etc... Next time!

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  roaring noise - 2010 Mazda Mazda5
  By Dwight Goldstorm - August 8 - 12:10 pm

  Constant roaring noise in the front of the car,which resulted after an accident a month ago. After repairs,which included replacement of one tire, the collision center was unable to find the cause of the roaring noise. As per recommendation by the insurance company took the car to the Mazda dealer where the care was purchased. They replaced a front bearing and an additional tire, but the noise still remains. The tires have been rotated and balanced. The noise is louder at speeds of 65 to 70 mph. The 2010 Mazda 5 was purchased September, 2009. Mileage is 8.739.

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  Much better than people think - 2002 Mazda 626
  By RTG - August 7 - 8:46 pm

  I have had several cars from compact to midsize cars not one of them could do what the 626 4 cylinder can do; drive from Raleigh NC to Philly Pa. on one tank of gas with gas to spare. I admit the car somewhat sluggish when pulling off but accelerates great after you are moving. The interior is nice but the seats could use lumbar support for longer drives.