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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  Excellent Crossover - 2010 Mazda CX-9
  By EHood - January 7 - 5:56 pm

  I test drove all the others in the segment and there is no comparison. The CX-9 handles like a car 1/2 its size. It has brisk acceleration, corners well and has excellent brakes with no fade. It has good space, but for those looking for all the bins to put stuff in (like the Pilot or Acadia), you need to look elsewhere. The AWD system is seamless and we have received many great complements. Thank goodness Mazda made this vehicle- I can finally have fun driving my two (soon to be three) kids around town. I owned a 2007 Pilot and the CX-9 beats that in every facet hands-down.

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  The Best Thing on the Road for under 20K - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By R Benjamin - January 7 - 10:00 am

  I did a lot of research on the Mazda3 and boy did it pay off! It has more HP than the Sentra, Elantra and Corolla. Its fun to drive and great on the highway. Mazda did a great job with the interior design (plastics look top notch). I was a little disappointed with the fuel economy. Aside from that, the car rides smooth and it has plenty of passing power for the highway. The sporty design and feel puts it at the top of the class in the economy/compact car segment. Heated leather seats are a huge plus. I also like the leather trim in the doors. I wish they would give you a trial offer for Sirius when I purchased it. I might have been more inclined to keep the service had they done so.

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  Moms ride with an attitude - 2005 Mazda Mazda6
  By serrao01 - January 6 - 4:40 pm

  This car is great...I throughly enjoy driving it. I traded in a horrible Honda Element which during the first year became THE ELEMENT OF SURPRISE. The Element left me on the side of the road at 500 miles and Hondas reliability/customer service was of no assistance. I am now devoted to Mazda. The car is a thrill to drive on the highway with a mix of comfort and get up and go to get me past those crawlers . I have had a couple of minor problems with vibration noise that the dealership repaired quickly. No complaints.

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  Never go American again! - 2003 Mazda Protege
  By newMazdalover - January 6 - 10:00 am

  Went from a 97 Pontiac Sunfire GT to this car (LX model), its the best move I ever made! The car handles extremely well and turns with no effort. The Pontiacs interior cracked and jittered from day one (bought it new) especially on rougher roads,fit and finish on Protege is better than friends BMW. Drove Corolla, Civic and Cavalier; no comparison! Corolla & Civic are too expensive and need I say what I thought about the Cavalier? Buy American? When we design them better, I will. Protege is inexpensive and drives extremely well for an economy car. love the 5 speed, its like buttah! Toyota and Honda, BEWARE!

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  MXn it up - 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By JT - January 5 - 9:03 am

  I bought my car just 9 days ago, and drove it from Charleston to New Orleans on the third day. I love it. It handled nicely in the morning rain on the East coast, and it was so much fun coming across the panhandle in the sun in the afternoon. As the sun went down, I ran the heat, and I was comfortable. This is a very responsive vehicle, a joy to drive. The 6 speed manual feels totally natural on this car, and it makes for a fun drive. The seat wraps around you, so it is as though you are one with your car. If you are looking for a fun, sporty car, you will not go wrong with this car!

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  REAL PLEASURE - 2007 Mazda CX-7
  By J A - January 4 - 10:16 pm

  This car is absolutely fantastic. It is the total package. Looks, performance, comfort. Bose system is a nice upgrade. Definitely a great value, and choice.

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  4cyl Tribute 29 mpg - 2005 Mazda Tribute
  By golfguyy - January 4 - 7:26 pm

  For what this vehicle is, a small suv with a 2.3L 4cyl that you can fill with your stuff, it is PERFECT. It comes loaded w/single CD, AC, alloy wheels, per W/L/M, tilt. The only option I wanted was cruise and that was only about $150 extra. 2.3L w/the 5 spd has plenty of get up and go, AND just checked mileage again to find this 4cyl front wheel drive got 29.1 mpg! For the size of the SUV and what you can haul in it, you cant beat it.

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  What a beauty! - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By Markus Thormann - January 4 - 1:10 pm

  This is a wonderful car. I compared it to other similar cars in its class (Civics, Jettas, Golfs, Subarus, Corollas) and the M3 stands above all of them. I am elated to have purchased this car!

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  After 6,500 miles I still love it - 2013 Mazda CX-5
  By sdpadsfan - January 3 - 8:17 am

  After months of research and more test drives than I can count, I purchased my CX-5 about 5 months ago. I have not regretted the decision. I am 65" tall and needed a family vehicle that was comfortable for me to drive and had room for car seats in the back. I also wanted a vehicle that got good mileage. The CX-5 is perfect for this role and is fun to drive too! I know a lot has been said about lack of power, but I have not had any issues where I thought it needed more power (Disclaimer, my previous car was a 2004 VW Jetta with the 2.0 engine).

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  Big surprise - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By Mark - January 1 - 3:36 pm

  My wife researched this car for 2 months, but I did not pay much attention to her reviews. When we went to test drive the car I was very impressed by its looks and handling. Also very impressed with the options the car came with. Blue-tooth, 2.5 ltr engine, 6 speed manual, etc too many to name. Also very impressive dashboard design. I also like the 17" tires.