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:

• 

  So far so good. - 2011 Mazda Mazda3
  By mazda4_life - July 25 - 2:24 pm

  I got a 2011 Mazda 3 hatchback just last week after doing some initial research into the car. I have owned a 2003 Mazda 6 in the past and my sister has owned a 2004 Mazda 3. The newer features are nice, but I miss the 1 touch drivers window. I dont have GPS and its an auto with 42 K on it.

• 

  Awesome Auto - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By mckayped - July 25 - 1:13 pm

  Im very happy with the Mazda3 5- door. Phantom Blue with Moonroof and 6 CD - Auto. Looks sharp! Its a very tight vehicle that handles very well. A great package with many features = outstanding value. Thanks to all the reviews here for helping me decide on this vehicle.

• 

  Best Car on the Market - 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By OhttaHaveAYatta - July 24 - 11:43 am

  Traded in a Limited 2000 after it was stolen and wrecked. I really like all of the little improvements, things only a previous Miata owner would notice. Same great sport feel without all the gas hog effect. Thanks Mazda for all the little improvements. I was convinced to buy the 2006 over a 2005 for a little more money but sooooo many great new features.

• 

  2003 Mazda6 i - 2003 Mazda Mazda6
  By August - July 24 - 4:16 am

  First two years, great car, fun to drive, great looks, everything. Then the car starts to idle roughly, which triggers check engine light. Take it in for a diagnostics test, and it says to replace camshaft position sensor. Did that, only to have the car get worse. Take it into the dealer, who states that the cars engine has suffered a catostrophic failure. Oil burned up fast due to the cylinder head rings cracking. That resulted in the pulleys breaking off. Funny thing was, oil was replaced 4K before this happened, and no oil light ever came on throughout the entire ordeal. Fought with Mazda hard, but they never budged, so I got stuck with paying 3K left on a car that I dont even have.

• 

  I love my Mazda6 - 2005 Mazda Mazda6
  By Manny - July 23 - 2:00 am

  I really enjoy driving this car. Its comfortable, roomy, smooth driving, and I love the gas mileage. I was going to buy an Altima or an Accord till I test drove my Mazda6; I really liked it so I bought it. I recommended it to a friend and she bought one too.

• 

  Loving my CX-9 - 2007 Mazda CX-9
  By Kathy - July 22 - 11:20 pm

  We looked at every 7 seater available, and decided on the CX-9. It was a great choice. It drives like a car but has the capacity for 7. Compared to all the others you couldnt beat the price. Ive had numerous comments on it in the 3 weeks Ive owned it. I expect to see a lot more out on the road soon.

• 

  What a great little car! - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By golfprof76 - July 22 - 10:30 pm

  Bought this car just before a Georgia ice storm in Feb of 05, and I have to say that it is a great car on ice! I havent had a single problem with the engine, electronics or any other mechanical aspects of the car. I have only done routine stuff on it, plus whipped on a new set of Cooper tires (opt for anything but Toyo Tires, they are horrible). Tiptronic shifting is fun especially when trying to pass, just pop it into 3rd and youre off. Should have gotten a manual. Trunk space is however a let down, my stand bag fits at an angle and I cant even get my staff bag in at all.

• 

  Why did I sit out this long? - 2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Kshitish Soman - July 22 - 12:22 pm

  Ive owned several other convertibles from German makers previously and this is my first 2 seat roadster. Ive a whole slew of gripes. One stands out for myself: WHY THE HELL DID I WAIT THIS LONG TO OWN ONE? Three stand out for the price paid for a fully loaded GT. This car absolutely needs (1) a heated steering wheel (2) Exterior heated mirrors (3) Seat memory. But Im okay with living with what I have. Live in Jersey, bought a car at Russell Smith Mazda in Houston sort of on a whim and they offered excellent deal and support. Drove home that weekend with my daughter co-piloting (shes just got her license). It was the best decision and the most fun drive. The new shape is different and people turn around and ask if its a European roadster, only to then be confused by the Mazda sign. Who cares, its an absolute treat to drive. If I could live with all the PAIN of owning german cars, Ill live with whatever headaches this car can throw at me. Ive just changed my religion.

• 

  gas mileage - 2013 Mazda CX-5
  By robert_suv - July 22 - 11:01 am

  I own a CX5 AWD with a hitch. I have reviewed this car when it was new and I am now reviewing it after one years worth of driving. The most impressive feature for me is the outstanding gas mileage in this car. I recently hyper- tested my mileage for about 100 miles over flat and/or gently rolling country roads with a fair amount of traffic and squeezed about 40 MPG from the car. I average 35mpg normally. The info gauge seemed slightly generous with a reading of about 45mpg. I set the info gauge to averaging mode which is a little confusing as to how it calculates its figure but Im not complaining too much. The handling is outstanding although over bumpy road conditions it is a bit harsh.

• 

  GREAT CAR - 2003 Mazda Mazda6
  By MN6Owner - July 22 - 10:00 am

  Bought this car off the reviews of many others. Pluses: sporty feel, good gas mileage (average 24 with city/highway drivin), fun to drive, love the autolevel volume control for radio, trunk space is huge. Cons: Interior is cheap, no padding on door rests for elbows (Camry has nice padding), rattles underneath the gear shift, no torque from 1K to 2.4K RPM, no overdrive for automatic. Front seats could have more padding. These are all minor thnings for the first 3000 miles I have owned it. Considering trading this in for a bigger car because I am not sure how a baby seat and a booster seat for my 3 year old is going to ride. The AC takes a bit to turn on