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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  CX7 Turbo compression - 2007 Mazda CX-7
  By tjr12 - December 29 - 7:50 am

  On my 2007 cx7, Mazda warranty replaced vvt & timing chain that was grinding during start-up. While replacing, the mech found the intake cam way out of phase & called Mazda Canada tech line for approval to correct. Mazda tech line asked for compression after vvt & timing chain replaced. Dealer Mech found #1 at 70/170; #2-40/100; #3-60/140; #4-30/80. Mazda Canada tech said this is ok and to send me home, happy that they replaced the timing chain. My Mazda Dealer told me they would recommend doing the required repairs but because Im requesting warranty to cover it because its a result of the timing chain. I called Mazda Canada & they told me to go back to my Service Manager to fix? Help!

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  little blue devil! - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By monk - December 29 - 4:00 am

  Everything in the car is great. : ) i give it an A++++++. i traded my Honda Accord for this bad boy. Its handling is superb and gas mileage is great; interior is like driving a BMW. I recommend this car to everybody.

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  Initial review: Great! - 2013 Mazda CX-9
  By syndic8r - December 29 - 2:04 am

  I shopped around and looked at a number of reviews and test drove a number of vehicles before deciding on the CX-9 Grand Touring Tech to replace my 04 Highlander. Great vehicle for the price. The ride is very nice and although the 20s do make the ride a tad rougher (as reviewers have said), overall the ride is more than acceptable. Vehicle has good power, which is helpful as I live in a hilly area. Gas mileage is right at 18 in a mix of city and highway driving short distances each day Finish is great, quiet, tech package is very good and easy to operate. Very happy with the car.

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  Glad the passengers have grab handles! - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By harley613 - December 27 - 3:26 pm

  Having a blast with my MP5 since I bought it early in the summer. Incredible handling has been the best part of the experience so far. My only grumbles are poor fuel economy at highway speeds, not enough vroom, and a lot of suspension shudder when hitting bumps while cornering hard.

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  Good car minus the navigation - 2013 Mazda CX-9
  By skgpo3 - December 27 - 1:57 pm

  I have owned this car for two years now. I got it when I had two kids I now have 3. Overall we have run out of room. My 65 husband puts either the driver or passenger seat all the way back causing cramping in the 2nd and third row. It creates constant fights with my kids as they then both adjust their seats trying to get more room. You cant fit 3 car seats across the 2nd row. I can barely do a Costco run with 1/2 a third row up. The navigation is horrific and always freezes leaving me to pull over and enter my destination in my cell. My husband hates my navigation and refuses to use it. When it does work, the directions are not great.

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  My 6 - 2005 Mazda Mazda6
  By Happy 6 Owner - December 27 - 1:16 pm

  Since Ive only had my 6 two months, I cant say how well it will last or whether or not itll break down at the least opportune moment. I can say, however, that its been a blast to drive it. The handling is very nice, and the color is fantastic (I have blazing copper metallic - very cool). I love the leather seats, and my parents love the "wall of airbags" and steering wheel mounted controls. One negative thing Ive noticed is that it takes awhile for it to really accelerate (I think that its due to the automatic transmission - it has to be pushing the gears to the edge before it shifts). Everything else about the car I love - it is my first car, after all.

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  Expected a little more from the Zoom Zoom people - 2010 Mazda Mazda6
  By galesburgcoins - December 26 - 11:45 pm

  First new car I have ever owned...had 3 years now. I picked this car because everything else looked alike. A+ on that, I think its sexy hot and unique. My biggest complaints are that it doesnt have a lot of power (same engine as Mazda3 I believe - probably rocks in that model) and the gas mileage is horrible for a 4 cylinder. It gets like 20 mpg AND has a lack of power...hmmm. I always find lots of minor annoyances in a cars interior design and the 6 is no different. One think I really hate is that if you open the rear windows and not the front windows at 30 mph+ (for my dog) it totally pops your ears with negative air pressure...never seen anything like it! It actually hurts!

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  My New Mazda 3 Sport 5 Door - 2009 Mazda Mazda3
  By Andy - December 26 - 6:10 pm

  I recently purchased a Mazda 3 5 Door Sport after leasing a Honda Accord for the past three years. This car is GREAT! I had a couple friends recommend it and after the test drive I knew it was the car for me. Its got great styling, good fuel economy, and is fun to drive. The Sport version is loaded with a ton of standard features that were upgrades on other cars I looked at. The 2.3L engine has plenty of power both off the line as well as to get up and go on the highway. I went for the automatic (for my wife) but the manual shift option performs very similar to a manual transmission, giving you a little more control. All-in-all I am fully satisfied and would recommend this car!!

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  More 4 your Money - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By ib1netmon - December 26 - 10:00 am

  After exhaustive shopping on features and performance, we bought the Protege5, and it is a great little car - compare to the Matrix base - same HP, but the 130 on the Protege is a lot snappier despite the numbers, 4 wheel disks, and 16 inch wheels. I got this car for more than $4000 less than the Toyota dealer offered me on the Matrix! (including $2200 rebate from Mazda, but who cares WHY it is cheaper). Lets not even go into the ridiculous prices on the Subarus. You cant touch this much car for that kind of money anywhere else!

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  Good All Around Mini-Van - 2000 Mazda MPV
  By kazman - December 26 - 10:00 am

  The smaller size just seemed like a better fit to my wife and I. It is very stylish and full of clever little features. It does have some flaws but so doesnt every vehicle.