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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  fun car takes a licking, keeps ticking - 2001 Mazda Protege
  By jsmsp - June 20 - 10:00 am

  Nearing 2 yr mark, 42k mi, just repl. plugs and air fltr for first time. Not one defect or problem other than usual wear. AC could be better (I often drive in wool suit). Aftermarket window tint has helped dramatically. BMW 3-series-like handling. 2.0 Engine not in BMW class, but low-rpm torque is very good. MPG would be much better with 6th gear for highways (only 5sp man). Trans works well if not too short- geared and long-thrown. Overall, a fun to drive, practical, sexy small sedan thats also a good value.

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  1999 Red Miata - 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Vizsla - June 20 - 10:00 am

  This is the best built, tightest car I have owned. I am very glad I went with the Gen II (99 and later) Miata for the more horsepower and better lines/style. It has been extremely reliable just like the reviews said. It is fun to drive. Used to own a Gen II RX7. This car may not be as fast, but is better built, handles better, and drives like a classic sports car.

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  Great SUV Purchase for the Money - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By Stephen Waldrip - June 20 - 10:00 am

  Just a lot of fun to drive and very sporty looking. Feels like I spent a lot more money I actually did.

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  bought mine yesterday - 2016 Mazda CX-9
  By santiagosomos - June 20 - 9:23 am

  being a mazda rotary fan my entire life i have a 93 and 85GSLSE Rx7, I need it a 3rd row family hauler , i drove the cx9 AWD turbo and was impresed right away. i bought the sport AWD

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  My RX 8 is still thrilling to drive - 2005 Mazda RX-8
  By GWC - June 19 - 6:20 pm

  This is a great car and it continues to be a kick to drive. Originally there were some problems with the starter and the battery but once these were replaced and the computer adjusted the car is very reliable.

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  made driving fun again - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By motomike - June 19 - 8:33 am

  Although I just bought it I can smell potential. Out of the box it handles great, more so than you would expect. I drove all cars in this class and not only was the 3 better, it was thousands less. Leaving money for goodies. Really the only thing wrong with it is even with sport package and 17s it still comes with all-season tires. Take them off asap replace with 205/45/17zr and it sticks like glue. I have nothing but positive things to say. Out of every car Ive had this one Im truly happy with. Drive it, youll see. For the money nothing even comes close.

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  Sweet ! Almost perfect - 2018 Mazda CX-5
  By TgR - June 18 - 7:03 pm

  Grand touring with premium package. Love love the heads up display and all its functions. It really is awesome. Shockingly quiet on the road. Had owned 3 Mazda’s before. They all had road noise. Not this one. This one is a quiet as my wife’s RX350 Lexus. Bose audio is not as good as I hoped. My old 2008 CX9 Bose system was wicked. This one is just okay. I wish they did a better job with the high end audio. Rides great. Fuel economy great. Interior is very nice. Really, for the money, it is awesome.

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  1999 vs. 2006 - 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Knut - June 18 - 6:00 am

  I test drove the 2006 MX-5 while my 1999 Miata was in for a regular service ... my mistake, I know, but I was so surprised about the improved handling (especially for windy roads!) and the new engine, that I decided to get the 2006 model. Nice handling, the manual transmission is very smooth, driving with top down is pure fun. Its like vacation for your soul!

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  Very Impressed - 2017 Mazda CX-5
  By CJW - June 17 - 11:47 pm

  We leased this for our 17 year old son. He looked at the Ford Escape and Jeep Compass. It came down to the CX-5 and Jeep. He was leaning towards the Jeep until he drove the CX-5. We got it in the machine gray with the parchment interior and the premium package. Weve had many high end European cars, the fit and finish of the CX-5 is very impressive. The handling and look of SUV is what sold it to him. It comes with a ton of safety features. Although the graphics on the navigation system are a bit dated, it works very well. Voice recognition is better then most of the cars we have and the sound system is very good as well. I liked the new design so we waited until its release to make a decision. Glad we waited.

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  Ok, I guess - 2007 Mazda Mazda6
  By Admoc - June 17 - 10:03 pm

  I traded my Mazda6 i Sport for this new GT V6 model thinking it would be much better. I was thrilled with my 4 cylinder car, and I really cannot notice much more zoom-zoom in this new one, unless Im going up a hill. Nice new features that can be found in luxury cars. Gas mileage is horrible even reving the car low with a stick shift, but it was to be expected coming from Mazda. Everyone admires my car. Although I would recommend getting a GT I with 4 cylinder instead of an S with a V6.