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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  Not Sorry the Grand Caravan was totaled - 2006 Mazda Mazda5
  By aug1972 - June 9 - 10:23 am

  I replaced a Dodge Grand Caravan, a gas guzzling beast that was totaled by a semi with my new M5! We are a family of 4 and with the kids bigger, we did not need the stroller/crib space that we needed before. I have never been happier with a car! I got the 5 speed touring and love all the little extras it had to offer for a great price. It gets great gas mileage, has a great look that draws questions and second looks, and has the versatility so that kids can haul friends if need be. I love the sliding doors and the higher profile that keeps semis from driving over you. I would recommend this to anyone wanting to downsize form a minivan, but not lose the seating.

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  Great SUV! - 2014 Mazda CX-5
  By lchoate - June 7 - 2:27 pm

  Ive bought my 2013 CX-5 in 2012. So I have 13 months on the car now. I drive 5 days a week 60 miles round trip and average 30 mpg. I drive half city and half highway. I wanted a vehicle that saved me money on gas and had the height I needed to drive on the Houston roads when it rains and floods. It has made me feel very safe with the sensors in the side mirrors and I truly believe all car makers should make this feature a standard feature on all makes and models in the future. This has saved me on a daily basis from running infront of other cars when I could not see them and it also alerts me when another car is near by. I love the fact it has 6 airbags. Great car, easy handling.

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  I love my Mazda 5 - 2008 Mazda Mazda5
  By Heatherpoo - June 7 - 2:36 am

  I have been driving my Mazda 5 for about 3 months and couldnt be happier with it. I needed a larger car to accommodate my growing family (baby #2 is on the way). The Mazda 5 is perfect for my needs. Even though it is very compact on the inside, it is surprisingly roomy on the inside. It is easier to drive than a big, clunky mini-van. I can even fit it in most compact parking spaces. In addition it can seat 6, although I wouldnt recommend this car for a family of 4 unless youre not in need of much trunk space. The trunk is plenty roomy enough to fit my jogging stroller and groceries with the third row seats down, and the gas mileage is really good for a vehicle its size.

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  Fantastic Car! - 2007 Mazda CX-9
  By trish - June 5 - 10:43 am

  This is an amazing car! I just bought it 2 days ago. I got the Touring edition with DVD system, nav system, power lift gate, keyless entry, roof rack. The WOW factor on this car is a 10!! All heads turn when this thing comes down the road. The drive is fabulous and smooth. I got the 18 inch wheels instead of the 20 inch. The ride is much smoother with the 18 inch. The selling point of this car is the third row, I am 5 foot 10 (tall mom) and I can sit in the third row with plenty of leg room to spare. Truly a clever stadium seating design back there. I am in love!! I highly recommend this car in all aspects. This is going to be a big seller here in the USA.

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  So far so fun! - 2009 Mazda Mazda6
  By Chez LeighJ - June 5 - 5:00 am

  I looked for the right combination of sportiness, fun to drive and family friendly for 2 years. The Honda Accord coupe appealed to me. The kids did not fare well in the back. Nissan was so arrogant they would not let me have a test drive without a deposit. I loved the mini. My tallest in class kids are not likely to fit in the back for long. Alas, sporty moms have an option. The kids love the new car. Their sports car crazed mom, who raced motorcycles, is happy too. It reminds me of my Honda S2000, with room for the kids. Who said moms are delegated to the slow lane? Cool mom, cool car.

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  Exciting Car! - 2006 Mazda Mazda6
  By Wen - June 4 - 5:33 pm

  I have had this car for less than a month and I am so pleased with my purchase. This car has awesome passing ability and rides very smooth.

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  Better than all - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By john - June 4 - 5:26 pm

  This is by far the most enjoyment Ive ever had driving a vehicle.This is by far my best car Ive ever owned, and Ive owned over 50 cars.I paid about 20,000 and it competes with cars in the 30,000 range.I now have 2800 miles and have loved every mile of it.

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  Great Car For the Money - 2002 Mazda Protege
  By mung35 - June 4 - 9:00 am

  After having gone 1500 miles in the last month in this car, Ive come to know it fairly well. It has a lot of zip and performs great in all conditions. Awesome cornering and acceleration, great build quality and everything feels like it was made from premium materials. With that said, it has a few quirks. Clutch makes a strange noise when engaged below 1500 rpm. Also, fabric of the seats charges up your clothes and you so that the car shocks you everytime you reach for the door. Gas mileage isnt up to par with the Honda/Toyota counterparts; however those two lack the zip necessary to make a car fun. Being a previous Civic owner, I can vouch.

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  AWESOME! - 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By BADDOG - June 4 - 6:36 am

  My bride and I just bought this today, and what a roadster! Tons and tons better than the 1976 Triumph Spitfire I drove in high school. Handling and the top down experience are all above reproach. Plan to keep this car for a least 10 years plus and use it as a third car.

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  Performance and practical - 2005 Mazda Mazda6
  By Bill - June 3 - 2:23 am

  Had searched for a car with utility that didnt sacrifice performance and looked good.The 6s Sportwagon is a great do all car. Handles great, good performance from the 220 hp V6 and has a ton of room and nicely thought out convenience features. The quality of materials is excellent (although the interior door pull is a bit cheap feeling, hard plastic). I have the heated leather seats which are supportive with just the right amount of side bolsters. Nice, modern layout of gauges, quality and stylish. Will tell more after 12K miles as far as long term driving. Looked at Honda (Accord and new Civic), Nissan (Altima) as well as the Impala. This car stands out.