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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  MX5 Sport 6 speed automatic, a zoomer - 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Denny - June 17 - 3:16 pm

  We bought the car out of state and drove it 750 miles home. It got a good workout. It rides and drives good. The seats though are a little narrow for a wide bottom person. All the gauges are in a good location. On a long trip the car is not ideal because of its limited space on the interior. There needs to be more room inside it so the seats can recline further back. You never feel like you are in a "little" car when passing and being passed by other vehicles. The Miata feels very substantial. For a daily driver the car is great. It is the best stress reliever from a long day at work. Gas mileage on the interstate is over 32 mpg. The top is easy to raise and lower. The trunk is fairy large.

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  2002 MPV is OK - 2002 Mazda MPV
  By Nigel Chubb - June 16 - 5:06 am

  Has been reliable and fun to drive. The five speed transmission sometimes bangs audibly between 1->2 and 2->3, especially after braking and then accelerating. Im worried about what this might mean we keep it past the warranty period. The rotors went at 18,000 km but replaced under warranty. The Dunlop tires it came with wore out way too fast - before 48,000 km for the first set and the second set almost done at 56,000 km now. Dealership would not compensate, Dunlop would not answer my emails to discuss. Otherwise service very good at Mazda dealers - due to job changes and moves Ive used three different ones regularly.

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  Great Commuter car - 2006 Mazda Mazda5
  By David - June 16 - 12:16 am

  We love ours. Its perfect for commuting. I can drop three kids off to school, drive to work, and still have a fun drive while getting 20+ MPG.

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  red roadster - 2016 Mazda CX-3
  By red roadster - June 15 - 2:43 pm

  This is a really fun car. Ideal for a single, smallish person. Drives great. Technology is great, although takes a little practise to master. Sound system is also excellent. Seats are very comfortable for me but might be narrow for a larger person. No center console which is challenging for someone who kept mine full. Not a lot of storage and small trunk. Ok so far because the seats easily fold down. I am happy to exchange this more limited space for a shorter body length and ease of city parking.

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  Best Buy - 2009 Mazda Mazda5
  By LEE - June 14 - 8:30 am

  Just picked up 2009 Touring a week ago. Love the utility for its size. Have 2 children but no longer need to carry baby stuff. Need 3rd row seats once in a while. Drives like a car and is much better looking then a Kia Rondo. Like the rear doors.

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  Mazda CX-7: fantastic crossover - 2008 Mazda CX-7
  By Nikster - June 11 - 7:00 pm

  Ive owned this car for just under a month now, and am totally blown away by how much fun it is to drive. I have a Lexus ES 300, and bought this car for my wife. But I find myself arguing with her over who gets to drive this on the weekend. Great looking exterior, good looking interior, excellent functional features. I got the GT AWD with the technology package - just love the way the nav screen moves to reveal the CD player. For a family of 2 who needs more space but doesnt want to go for a large SUV, this is perfect. The way the turbocharger kicks in to give the car a boost, is phenomenal. Gripes include an over sensitive light sensor that dims the screen, no memory seats.

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  Okay, but - 2008 Mazda CX-7
  By mrs_ollie - June 11 - 5:36 pm

  I have enjoyed driving this car for more than a year and a half now. At this time, though, I have 19k miles and need new tires. Also, the fuel economy could be better, this is why I selected the 4 cylinder. Otherwise, the interior has weathered my family and dog wonderfully and the car has as much pick up as the day I drove it off the lot.

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  Better than any Minivan! - 2008 Mazda CX-9
  By ejhc11 - June 10 - 5:00 am

  I just got this about two weeks ago, still w/ only 560 fun miles on it. I compared to an Audi Q7 3.2 which was out of my budget. The Mazda was better in rear passenger room and ergonomics for 2nd and 3rd row passengers. Power was also better because the Mazda was lighter, mine was a FWD CX-9. A lot of technical features for the money. Nice sporty alternative for a 7 passenger vehicle than buying a minivan.

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  The Little Engine that Can - 1998 Mazda 626
  By ds91776 - June 10 - 2:00 am

  I have had my 626 for over a year now and it ahs been a real champ. The car is classy inside and out, reliable, and is not a Camry or Accord. I wanted an inexpensive, classy mid-size, but loathed buying a Camry or Accord and the 626 nailed it.

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  poor fuel economy - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By larry kelly - June 10 - 2:00 am

  This vehicle gets very poor milage,average 16 city, 20.4 highway. This vehicle with its 17 inch wheels has a poor turn radius, about 40 feet, On trips this little car is rough riding.Poor rear vision with people riding in the back seat.Large trunk but low height.