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 to drive - 2005 Mazda Mazda6
  By flennie - September 25 - 3:30 am

  This car makes my 20 miles commute a joy -- really enjoy the handling. Steering is precise and the car stays flat around curves (my previous car, Corolla, and my husbands Prius made me less confident about going around bends and curves).

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  Lemon? - 2002 Mazda Millenia
  By kahuna - September 25 - 1:50 am

  I bought my Millenia new in 2002. Had problems with it from beginning. It is the white with gold bottom. Loved all the extras for the price. Very loud interior road noise. So bad you cant talk on cell. Engine light problems early on, caused by Mazda requiring premium fuel--which they later revised--but not until they had to work on the engine 5 times! Very tough dealing with Mazda. I read other reviews about how quiet theirs are. I wonder if were talking about the same car. I even bought new tires that are supposed to be known for their quiet ride. When those didnt help, I realized it was the car. Im glad all the others are satisfied. It was a lot of car for the price, but a lemon!

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  A happy "shotgun" marriage - so far! - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By Russell - September 24 - 7:53 pm

  Became acquainted with the M3 as a rental car while an SUV wed recently purchased was in the shop for some fit/finish issues. Liked how it drove and handled. BUT - our other car (Honda Civic Hybrid) was beginning to have serious premature trouble. Had to find something, fast. Looked at the Corolla and Civic, but we also test drove another Mazda3. Wasnt disappointed .... drove off the lot with it.

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  DO NOT BUY REPLACED 2 ENGINES - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By Jessie - September 24 - 7:30 pm

  This is th absolute worst car I think of all time. I bought this car brand new in 04 and it has been nothing but problems. I have replaced 2 engines and that is just the beginning, everytime I turn around something is wrong with it and it cost a pretty penny to fix everything. This car makes awful rattleing noises, it breaks down on me while driving on the road about once a week, whick is very dangerous in traffic. The dealership has been absolutely no help and often have to argue with them. The problems are never ending! It pretty to the eye and thats bout as far as it goes.

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  Loving my new 2010 CX-9 GT! - 2010 Mazda CX-9
  By FormerH3Owner - September 24 - 10:00 am

  I just picked up my Crystal White Pearl Mica GT last night. I LOVE this vehicle! My last two rides were H3s, which cost the same if not more then this beauty. I now realize how much I overpaid for my H3s after seeing all you get for your money with Mazda! I cant think of anything else I would want in a vehicle. It gets great gas mileage for the size (avg. 20 mixed), seats 7 when needed, the exterior and interior remind me of a Lexus, love the 20 inch wheels, rides like it is on glass - and all for way under $40k!

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  King of the Compact Sports sedan - 2011 Mazda Mazda3
  By Moses Tunde - September 24 - 10:00 am

  It took me a while to decide on Mazda.It was my son who opened my eyes to the aesthetic masterpiece of the mazda3 design. After getting past the grinning front end, everything about mazda is sophisticated.I have the 6speed manual, which was a little hard to obtain.My car tackles corners with unparalleled confidence. The gearbox was a close ratio one and the best any car manufacturer ever invented.The ride is supple, yet not floaty; brake is very assuring, yet not blunt; Four wheel independent suspension indulges me, yet not compromising in handling. I do not have any gripe with my new mazda. Not only is the interior the highest quality of any car in it class, everything came standard! Bravo! mazda.

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  One of the worst - 2002 Mazda MPV
  By zzz - September 24 - 7:33 am

  Shocked to see average consumer rating is 8.8. One if the worst ever owned. People must not own this vehicle for long, or drive it very much, otherwise how could you not have these persistent problems: coils, pcv hoses, fan control modules (all these have failed multiple times, some even after the recall work). Lesser frequent problem: tranny totally quit, front stabilizer links, control arms, wheel bearing, coolant reservoir cracked, intake bellow gone bad (too lean CEL), O2 sensor, catalytic converter below threshold, driver side window motor, flex pipe leak, rust everywhere. All these problems happened on an MPV bought new and religiously maintained.

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  So far so good - 2008 Mazda CX-9
  By Satisfied - September 24 - 2:36 am

  Have had it almost 2 weeks and its been fun to drive. We are getting a lot of looks as this Crossover is not often seen. (Youd think that with the Motor Trend SUV of the Year Award that more people would buy this vehicle!) We had a Toyota Sienna and this rides & handles very similar. We have not noticed any "engine noise". We were shopping for a Highlander but totally fell in love with the CX-9... a lot roomier and much better style!

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  A blast to drive and looks good - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By JZ - September 24 - 12:03 am

  Overall the car is a great experience. I replaced the expensive run flat tires when I took a nail in the sidewall and bought a spare on eBay. Driving it to work can be frustrating because you have to hold it back in heavy traffic. Its fabulous to drive on trips. My first rotary. I like the sounds but miss the rumble of a big V-8. My mileage started out low but has improved to a steady 20 mpg. If you drive slow on the freeway, you might get 22 (downhill).

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  Amazing Vehicle - 2014 Mazda Mazda3
  By knucklehead11 - September 23 - 9:26 am

  I just picked it up on Wednesday, September 25th. iTouring hatchback automatic. I traded in a 2008 Mazda3 iSport manual for this. The gas mileage on this car has been incredible. It has been improved by a land slide compared to my 08. Much smoother ride, great interior fit and finish, and the exterior is beautiful. The interior reminds me a little bit of an Audi, and someone told me they almost thought the exterior was Lexus-like. It has already done well on a road trip. Although the 2.0L isnt the beefiest in power, and yes there is some road noise, it is still an economy car, and for its price it cant be beat, so I give everything 5 stars. I highly recommend this car to anyone.