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 Love Love it! - 2012 Mazda CX-9
  By nicclements - January 14 - 8:32 pm

  We bought this car new in 2012. I waited this long to review to make sure I just wasnt being reactive. This car has it all. As a soccer mom, Im constantly picking up and dropping of kids, swapping car seats, and running errand. The sliding 2nd row makes it easy getting car seats in and out, and fitting even adults in the 3rd row. The power liftgate is handy. Theres plenty of room for fitting our 60lb dog and all our bags back there (though I would recommend buying a liner). This week was the first time really testing it on snow and it did great. Not only is it quick, agile, and fun to drive...Its just plain makes life easy. I recommend this car to everyone!

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  Reliable - 2001 Mazda MPV
  By Wayne - January 13 - 9:43 pm

  Bought my MPV new and it has lived up to its billing. Nice ride, comfortable seating. Just change oil, brakes, and other routine maintenance and the van does the rest. Drives more like a car than a van. Easy to configure seats and take out and out back seats for hauling stuff. Wife and daughter can drive it as its not "boaty". The only thing that has broken is the cable for the spare tire. If you buy one make sure to learn how to get it at the spare.

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  Gabs review - 2007 Mazda CX-7
  By gabrielh - January 13 - 9:16 pm

  Bought this car 3 weeks ago and my wife and I absolutely love it ! We were looking for a car that combines space, performance and looks and this is THE one. My wife wanted more comfort and space than our Subaru Impreza WRX and and I wanted a "sporty" car. The CX-7 is the perfect combination of both. I dont regret selling my WRX for this car. Only bad point on the CX-7: the single CD player (and 6 CD player in option) doesnt play MP3s (seems only the 6CD player with NAV package is mp3 compatible)!! Come on! We are in 2007!!

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  Love the car - 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By billswjr - January 13 - 12:56 am

  Whoever designed the car had a previous Mazda. Should have left the turbocharger. Doesnt have the kick that my Mazdaspeed had. Cruise control and extra leg room really made a good road trip car. Really good around vehicle.

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  The superior vehicle - 2007 Mazda CX-7
  By jack - January 12 - 2:56 am

  This is a vehicle that has plenty of room in it and is an absolute joy to drive. The turbo really gets this vehicle moving.

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  1 Month Test Pt. 1 - 2006 Mazda Mazda5
  By the_hero87 - January 11 - 4:20 pm

  Had the car for about a month. Im taking a trip next week from WI to Washington D.C. Ill write another review when I get back. I bought my 06 Mazda5 with just over 82K miles. Ive driven about 1,000mi and I havent had anything happen with the car that I feel makes this vehicle any less than a 5/5. The couple of things I noticed where: I had to pop in one of the plastic fillers where the fog lights are, as mine doesnt have that option and it popped out. I also did notice that, no, it isnt the best in the snow. But its a 4 cylinder wagon, WHAT DO YOU EXPECT!? But I know with a good set of snow tires, shell do just fine. Ample fuel mileage, about 23cty, 28hwy.

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  Wow! - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By Scott - January 9 - 3:06 pm

  This is a great car! Its fun to drive and gets even better gas mileage than the window sticker promised. It looks cool, seats four adults comfortably, and I got a great deal too.

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  Bolt-on mods - 2002 Mazda Protege5
  By Craig - January 9 - 3:26 am

  I read all of the reviews on this car on Edmunds.com AFTER I purchased it and have noticed a recurring suggested improvement: power. I agree. The engine is rated at 142 horsepower stock but what it needs is more mid-range power and torque. After installing Racing Beats cat-back exhaust system and K&Ns Typhoon Intake the Protege5 not only sounds great but now produces just the right amount of power and torque at the RPMs I prefer: 3000 to 5000. The Protege5 is a sports car at heart, it just wants to breathe better. Whats better is that the intake and exhaust were not that difficult to install -- floor-jack, jack-stands and metric tools are all you need; just follow the directions!

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  Drives Great - Almost a Home Run - 2014 Mazda CX-5
  By scmtbdoon - January 8 - 5:42 pm

  The perfect car – if your criteria is: 1) Drives like a small BMW sedan, 2) Carries camping gear, bikes and kayaks down bad dirt roads to your favorite primitive campground. For an SUV it is high on utility and it is the first SUV where the S truly means sports car-like performance. However, it is not the perfect car if your criteria includes: 1) Tomb-quiet interior under all road conditions and speeds, 2) Zero intrusion of road-feel of any kind through the brakes, steering or suspension or 3) Extended off-road terrain crawling. The exterior is sleek, muscular and emotive without being overdone. 19" wheels are handsome. The interior is elegant rather than flashy – like an Italian suit.

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  Great Sports SUV - 2010 Mazda CX-7
  By SriDevi - January 8 - 12:30 am

  Straight out of the showroom, this sweet engine gave me 27.8 mpg while driving both city and highway miles. Its gutsy, sleek, well made, and exceptionally responsive. Compared the Scion, Honda Element, Rav4, Mazda 3, Saturn Vue, and chose this car. My expectations are high and it delivers. At my fingertips are great, useful features, plus it earns high safety scores, and has excellent cargo room. Ive owned pickups, vans, station wagons, a jag. This vehicle capitalizes on the best features of each of them. Its sporty, handles on dime, can haul big stuff, has plenty of guts. Cuts through Michigans snow, doesnt lose its grip on slippery roads. Im so happy I bought a CX7!