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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  Good but not Great... - 2005 Mazda Mazda6
  By generalpipe - August 21 - 10:26 am

  When I bought this Mazda6 last November I did not intend to buy a Mazda. After driving it I liked it, but still reluctant. I read the reviews in the New York Times and went back to Carmax for another test drive...and brought it home. Fit and finish are above average; not too big and not too small, just right for me, 5- 10" at 160lbs. Lots of get-up and go from a powerful 4 banger, 160 horses in the higher revs. It will get you on the freeway and back off. In the stop and go traffic of Houston heat I worry about overheating, but have put Mobil 1 oil to help with heat dissipation. We have had 90 degree days and no problem yet - wait till August.

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  wont buy another - 2002 Mazda Truck
  By mazda - August 21 - 10:00 am

  great vehicle if it wasnt in the shop all the time. Entire clutch system replaced, transmission and computer problems. This truck is great when it runs, inside and out. Has plenty of power, gas mileage is terrible (14 city). This is my fourth since 1994 and I will not buy another. Two were good and two were bad. 50% is not very good

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  Roof Rack Blues - 2002 Mazda Protege5
  By Roof Rack Blues - August 21 - 10:00 am

  Overall, a great little car. Sporty and utility at the same time. Negative points for non-standard roof rack. Only rated for 75Kg, not enough to haul around a tandem or recumbent bike. Original car sounded like a drum inside on the freeway before the north-west coast underside treatment as it suppresses the "hollow drum" experience at high speeds. Needs a 6 gear. Stereo is all right for stock. Roof rack not supported by Thule/Yakima mounts (yet), so pretty much eye candy for me. Did I mention I am disappointed with the rack? No adapters available from dealership for Thule components. No specific documentation.

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  Its just OK - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By andi - August 21 - 7:10 am

  I have had my Mazda for a year and a half. Had some problems with the tires, they say that "thats just how theyre made", so I am having to replace them after 33000 miles! And Ive already replaced one due to a blow out! Love to drive it. But its much too loud. Lots of road noise. Lots of fun features.

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  Luxury for a non-luxury price - 2016 Mazda CX-9
  By VC021993 - August 20 - 4:46 am

  I have been shopping for a third row SUV for a few months now and have been looking at the Q7, MDX, Q60 and the Pilot. The CX-9 by far has the best look of them all and the technology you get out of it for the money is amazing. Ride is very comfortable, quiet, and sporty. Literally stands behind what is said as being a drivers SUV. It gives you the feeling of wanting to take it out for a spin for fun. Now the power of 250hp is a bit less than the competition but not by much. The torque is at 310lb-ft which engages at 1700 RPM so instant power for your everyday driving. The CX-9 is definitely built for your regular everyday driver which is why this is a BIG score for Mazda. On top of it all none others get the gas mileage this one gets either. 21city/27hwy. Give it a shot, compare it yourself and you will be impressed.

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  Its the little things - 2007 Mazda Mazda5
  By bvw - August 20 - 2:46 am

  I just got my car and I love it! It is small but not too small, it fits everyone and everything I want to put in it and it looks and drives great. I am now seeing though how two little things can kind of start to bug you after a while like no arm rests and so few cup holders. I know it sounds silly but because there is no place to put your cell phone when it is plugged in you have to use a cup holder and there are not that many to begin with.

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  Mazda CX9 FWD Grand Touring - 2008 Mazda CX-9
  By SCaldriver - August 20 - 12:36 am

  We purchased a 2008 CX9 Grand Touring FWD 13 months ago and now have 20,000 miles on it. This vehicle has met all of our expectations. We previously owned an Expedition and a Sequoia and like the CX9 much better. The interior in the CX9 is great. The second row seats slide forward for easy access to the third row with a split seat with enough room for an adult. The CX9 is fun to drive with plenty of zoom zoom. We live in an area with hills and the CX9 moves up them. It drives more like a sports car than an SUV. Exterior looks great especially with 20 inch wheels. Whenever someone rides in it they are impressed & comment on how nice the interior is & how well it drives.

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  All fun and no issues - 2010 Mazda MazdaSpeed3
  By Driving can be fun - August 19 - 8:26 pm

  A fun car, with performance and an appealing appearance, has always been important to me. Sometimes there have been limitations that you live with: expensive maintenance (German) ,little storage (Corvette, Miata, 911), low technology (GTO). No more! A dream to drive with some small challenge with torque steer in first and second. A small price to pay for the Zoom-Zoom. Carries my golf clubs without lowering the rear seats and a 47" LCD HDTV, still in the box, with the seats down. Rear passengers have real seats and leg room.

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  A Great Mini Minivan - 2006 Mazda Mazda5
  By Mazdafan - August 19 - 7:16 pm

  The Mazda5 is a great car for the right family. We have two kids and when we add the dog, we are filling the vehicle. We bought a clamshell for long trips and that seemed to solve our problem for space. It drives great, really zippy, and it looks great too! We are very happy with the gas mileage, averaging 23 miles a gallon around town and its got all the latest safety airbags. I think the Mazda5 is great car and a great value for the money.

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  Great Car - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By Grant - August 18 - 10:03 pm

  I purchased my Mazda 3 Grand Touring in June and have already put 12k miles on it. It has been extremely reliable and a pleasure to drive. It is surprisingly quick for a little 4cylinder. I have the 5 speed manual and couldnt imagine it with an auto, even with the manual mode on the auto. Brakes are amazing as has been said. Interior quality also top notch.The Rockford Fosgate stereo that came in my girlfriends Sentra is considerably better then the Bose stereo in my car. Gas mileage is better then most have said on here and I drive it pretty hard. I get about 26-28 in the city and about 29-31 highway. Drove the competition and nothing really came close in comparison in this price range.