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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  Love my car! - 2010 Mazda CX-9
  By MGL - April 13 - 5:03 pm

  Absolutely love the car. Weve had it for two weeks. Ive already used it once for a long trip. Our kids love the 3rd row. We started out wanting to get the GMC Acadia, but the GMC dealer didnt want to work with us at all. We decided to go to the Mazda dealership the next day, and had no problems. Im really glad we decided to go with the CX9. It has so much space and it is fun to drive.

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  terrific combination - 2006 Mazda Mazda5
  By nat - April 13 - 12:36 am

  My only gripe is that the engine averages 26-27mpg on my mixed loop. The same engine gives 32 hwy on the Mazda3, but Mazda chose a different ECM chip on the 5. Bummer, would have been nice to get the better mileage at least on the stick shift, where the engine has ample power even under load.

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  love this car - 2012 Mazda Mazda3
  By luvmymazda1 - April 11 - 5:27 am

  I just got my Mazda 3 4 days ago and I love it. I had been looking at buying a new car for about 5 months and I was trying to decide between the mazda and the dodge dart. As of now I think I made the right choice The only negatives to this car is I dont recommend if your going to have frequent passangers in the back seat it is a little tight. If you really need a navigation system this one is not adequate but for me I live in a small city so to me it is cute decoration. The heated seats will be nice in the winter I like how you there are 5 settings instead of just on or off. The seats are comfotable. I will wait to review more when I drive it in winter

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  You Will Be Surprised! - 2010 Mazda MazdaSpeed3
  By TheProf - April 10 - 12:20 am

  For months, I read up on all the info out there on the 2009/2010 MazdaSpeed3, and decided to go for a test drive. The car lived up to its reputation regarding performance and acceleration...it really goes when the turbo kicks in. I bought the car for $450 under dealer invoice at the end of the month. The surprises: The BOSE stereo system is very good, but this is not a "knock-em-dead gorgeous system". The clutch is a little stiff, and can take some time getting use to it. The seats are narrow, and firm. The fog lights work so so in terms of improving vision during foggy nights. The biggest surprise: The gas mileage I am getting....as in 30-32 MPG highway, and mid-20s around town!!

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  Excellent and Fun to drive car - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By Alex - April 9 - 4:03 pm

  I love this little mazda 3 GT. It is extremely fun to drive with great handling and decent fuel economy. It never feels like it lacks power and it constantly turns peoples heads. Plus the amount of standard features this car has makes 50,000 dollar luxury cars look mad.

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  2010 Mazda CX7 iSport - 2010 Mazda CX-7
  By Rehan - April 8 - 12:10 am

  Initially test drove sedans from toyota, honda, mazda but went to buy crossovers due to added functions as well as fuel efficiency very much comparable to a sedan. 2010 CX7 is better than 2009 CX7 in terms of fuel, and after driving Honda CRV and Toyota RAV4 find it very smooth, stylish and less costly.

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  Love my first Mazda - 2011 Mazda CX-7
  By divs444 - April 7 - 7:18 pm

  Ive only had this car the last two days and its really been fun to drive. This is my first crossover and was a smooth transition from my 08 honda civic coupe. It drives and rides like a car! The spacious seats, cargo room, bluetooth feature are my favorite.

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  Saved my life - 2015 Mazda Mazda3
  By nfp - April 7 - 3:24 pm

  I bought my 2015 Mazda 3 s Grand Touring sedan just after a crash that totaled my 2014 model with the same trim. I was T-Boned at full speed on the driver side by an SUV. The impact spun me 360 degrees and across the divider in opposing traffic, and I was hit on the other side by an oncoming car. My car was creamed. But side, curtain and front airbags cushioned me in nano-seconds, the frame held up enough, and my automatic 911 system triggered a call through bluetooth while I was still figuring out what happened. I slid out from under the airbag, out of the car, and stood there shaken but absolutely unhurt, not even sore. A 5 star safety rating? You bet! No way I wasnt getting the 2015!

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  Head turner that does it all!! - 2007 Mazda CX-9
  By Great Vehicle - April 7 - 12:26 pm

  Never had a vehicle that got so much attention from other drivers; they are literally in awe. It rides great, handles fabulously and tows my boat better than my wifes Chevy Trailblazer. Vehicle has done everything Ive asked from hauling 6 people, large patio furniture, and towing boat in excess of 2,500 lbs. Previous best vehicle was Honda Odyssey, however, I like the Mazda even better because of the extra horsepower. Bought this vehicle without my wife test driving; crazy move, however she loves it and boasts about it everytime we pass an Acadia or Honda Pilot.

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  Great Vehicle - 2013 Mazda CX-5
  By jlsfla - April 7 - 9:36 am

  Posted week ago in Forum when purchased. After 1 week am in love. Great interior, seats extremely comfortable, handling feels very positive. Everything within easy reach. Sound system very good. Havent checked gas mileage yet but seems good. Has that "heavy feel" in the front end making you feel more in touch with the road while driving. Enough power when merging into traffic. Quiet inside though there is some road noise which seems to come from the tires. All in all compared to the Honda CRV and Toyota Rav 4 it wins hands down. Road trip coming up in a month or so so will get a real feel then. Great vehicle to consider.