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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  i love it! - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By Rachel4 - January 20 - 10:00 am

  i love my car, i am so happy with my pruchase i couldnt have done better.its awsome, i love it!!!!

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  Beautiful, affordable, and fun! - 2007 Mazda CX-9
  By Luluza - January 20 - 1:03 am

  I purchased this vehicle used with 46,800 miles. Runs and looks like a brand new car without having to pay the new car price. Totally happy with my choice of car after trying out the Chevy Acadia and the Nissan Pathfinder. It drives very nice and smooth. Its spacious but not overly big like some of the SUVs out there. I have the sport model which is the basic model but I love it because I dont need the leather seats or navigation system. Its pretty good on gas too. Not as bad as I thought.

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  You Cant Go Wrong - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By Very Good Purchase - January 19 - 5:53 am

  I am the type of guy who really does my homework before purchasing a car. I read many of the reviews on here, and on Yahoo. I visited 4 dealerships, and test drove the car at each of them. When I decided to purchase the car I did it online through Edmunds. Be careful, cause many of the dealerships will say a low price, but when you arrive it jumped up $2-3k, cause of options. I love the car. Handles great, got 30mpg on my first tank of gas, plenty of room, very quite, and easy to drive. Great Buy!

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  Very Good Vehicle! - 2011 Mazda CX-9
  By freedvr1 - January 18 - 11:45 pm

  I have had my CX-9 for 2 years and 36,000 trouble free miles. I have two small children and my wife and the kids have made several 1,000 mile road trips. Very comfortable and stable on the road. I also have a 550i BMW, and this car definitley is as much fun to drive. Relatively speaking. Best value out there!

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  Expectations Met - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By Pasha - January 16 - 9:20 pm

  Before purchasing MAZDA3 i, I owned "Toyota Corolla S" for 2 years. I was very unhappy with it, because it was a simple basic car with very low power, and was expensive. MAZDA3 i met all my expectations. At this price range, I would definitely recommend this vehicle. It has a quiet and smooth ride, and great corner handling. Compared to others at this price range, Mazda3 has much more power and still very fuel efficient. Unbelievable. In real-world driving, with 12 gallons of gas, I went 430 miles. I loved the exterior design. I really enjoy driving this vehicle. If you are looking for a car for $16,500, I would recommend MAZDA3 i. For this price, this is the total package today.

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  In love from the first moment! - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By Chris - January 16 - 8:03 pm

  I replaced my 2003 Ford Ranger Edge with the Mazda3 and couldnt be happier. The Mazda3 is by far the most sport tuned compact in its class. No car can compare. I continue to be shocked by the performance from such an inexpensive compact car. The seats are firm but comfortable. The ride sound is a little louder than most but I was willing to compromise for the 17 inch wheels and sport suspension. My $19,000 car has more options, bigger wheels, better acceleration, better handling and the same reliability as my mothers $28,000 Honda Accord. You cant go wrong with the Mazda3.

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  Love my Mazda - 2009 Mazda Mazda3
  By buckeye 4ever - January 16 - 5:50 am

  Decided to buy my first Mazda after studying Consumer Reports - so far not disappointed. Like others, the road noise is very noticeable but the car is alot of fun to drive. Only have had 2 issues with car so far (very minor). Was told that the brakes accumulate rust every morning with the humidity but after applying the brakes a few times, is gone (was told this was normal with Mazdas)and also thought had problem with braking system (icon was lite) but turned out to be low tire pressure. Icons almost identical (not good) and was told at dealership they get someone everyday with the same issue. Otherwise, this will be a great car for my daughter when she starts driving. (ugh the thought)

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  Gotta Love it! - 2009 Mazda CX-7
  By myzoomerama - January 16 - 3:53 am

  I love my CX-7! Traded in a 2004 Mazda 6, wanted to go back to a SUV type vehicle but got the the best of both worlds with my CX-7 - drives like a sports car with the upgraded comfort and appearance of a small SUV. Considered just about every SUV on the market including Ford Escape and Nissan Murano. The CX-7 consistently turns my head and for the price you absolutely can not go wrong!

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  Best SUV/Crossover for the money! - 2008 Mazda CX-9
  By s515fox - January 15 - 11:53 am

  This is our second Mazda, having driven a 2008 CX-7 since early 2008, which was a company car. We were so impressed with it, that we decided to buy the CX-9 for its greater seating and because of excellent consumer reviews to accompany our experience with the CX-7. We couldnt be happier with our purchase. We bought a program car with 18K miles on it for about $21K, with leather seats. Another $600 spent on a DVD player and $200 on GPS saved us about $2-3K for the factory installed versions. We couldnt be more pleased with this vehicle! The ride and comfort is better than the CX-7; its quieter and feels very luxurious. Well have this for a long time!

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  RX-8, Most fun car for the money - 2005 Mazda RX-8
  By Chris - January 14 - 11:46 pm

  I have been a fan of the old RX-7s since my youth so as soon as the divorce was final; it was time to trade in the Tundra for a loaded RX-8. I have owned many vehicles and this one by far takes the cake. I have never driven a more fun peppy car in all my days. The way it takes corners and accelerates on to the highways is a thing of beauty. The 9000 RPM redline is a dream and going over 80 miles an hour in 3rd is quite a feat.