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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  My Mazda - 2003 Mazda MPV
  By Shane BRuce - October 6 - 10:00 am

  Best priced qualtiy minivan on the market. Great car!! The only issue I have is the front seat is a little uncomfortable. Otherwise a super buy!!

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  Dont Hesitate to buy this Crossover - 2008 Mazda CX-9
  By Mark B - October 6 - 4:26 am

  I wanted to wait until I had 15,0000 miles before I wrote this review. I am 55 and buy a new car about every 3 maybe 4 years and have since I was 20. I have always had station wagon, mini van, SUV type vehicles. Owned mainly GM and Ford and I can say without doubt that the CX9 GT is the best vehicle I have bought. It handles beautifully, is so quiet and smooth. No problems of any kind in my first 15K miles. We have taken in the mountains of CO and gone on dirt mt. roads and the FWD was superior to any of my RWD vehicles. This is a roomy fun car to drive and I wouldnt hesitate to recommend it to anyone. I drove the GMC Acadia and its a nice car but not near as nice as the CX9 GT.

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  Best car Ive owned - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By bjerwin99 - October 5 - 11:43 am

  This is easily the best car that Ive ever owned. I switched to the 3 from a 2002 Honda Accord EX-V6 Coupe and never looked back. The mileage is great, it has lots of passenger room, and the hatchback plus fold down seats give tons of room. Mazda could charge $10k more and I would have still bought it.

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  Fun Fun Fun!! - 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By r0n - October 5 - 8:06 am

  I love this car! Sure, its not the most powerful or the flashiest, but its just unbelievably fun to drive. The handling is very nimble and confidence inspiring, while still being comfortable enough for a 60 mi roundtrip commute. Acceleration is very good despite only having 166 hp, but dont expect to win many drag races. Having the security and added comfort of the PRHT was definitely worth it. The whole process only takes 12 secs! Sure, I could have gotten something with more power, "practicality" or better handling specs, but none in this price range can match the Miatas quality, driver-vehicle connection, and fun factor. I dont regret for a moment buying this car.

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  Awesome & Different - 2006 Mazda Mazda5
  By CLJ - October 5 - 3:40 am

  I was considering a bland Honda Accord until I ran across the Mazda5 on Edmunds. This is a fun fun fun car to drive and its certainly not your run of the mill vehicle. I love the handling, the "zippyness", and the build quality. The versatility of seating options is also great. I bought a base Sport model with just auto transmission as an option and couldnt be happier. Traded in a hulking SUV (13 mpg) and am getting 25 mpg in the city so far.

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  Mazda 6 Sport 6-spd manual - 2015 Mazda Mazda6
  By marvandam - October 2 - 12:56 pm

  I was down to the 2 sportiest and reliable sedans- Accord vs Mazda6. I wanted a manual and unfortunately the Accord Sport only comes in gray and black. I saw the Soul Red 6 and fell in love. The Accord had a more spacious cabin- the 6 has more dramatic style which cuts out space- but Ill deal with it- rather stand out on the road and not be another suburban middle-aged man driving an Accord or Camry (no offense). It drives like a sports sedan- lots of fun. Manual shifter is amazing and excellent MPGs. Engine has a nice tone to it- more of a growl than a typical 4 cylinder engine. The ride is firmer- but I love it because it handles better- thats the trade-off.

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  A College Students Dream - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By Camille - October 1 - 9:46 pm

  I have had my mazda 3 for almost a year now and I love it. Ive driven it from the coast of California to the coast of Florida and I couldnt ask for anything better. The ride is smooth, reliable, and enjoyable.

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  OUTSTANDING VALUE - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By dmarsh - October 1 - 8:16 pm

  Purchased car used from the original owner in June 06. Car had only 15k on the odometer. Ride & handling are exceptional. My P5 is a 5 speed & I consistently average 30 mpg around town. Exterior fit & finish is terrific while the interior materials are comparable to those found in more expensive cars. The car feels tight & solid. Layout of all instruments is very intuitive. Red illuminated instrumentation is easy to read and looks sporty too. I absolutely love this car & find it to be superior to many of the small & midsize cars that GM currently manufactures (I am a former 15-year GM employee). This is not sour grapes, just the truth. Great engineering & content planning by the Mazda team!

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  Awesome... - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By Talis - September 30 - 11:13 pm

  I bought my Protege5 to replace my first car (a 94 Grand Am). I looked at used and new cars all over NJ, but when I saw this dark blue baby sitting in the back lot I fell in love. My Protege5 is basic with only floor mats and wheel locks added. I love the 5 speed tranny, but I sometimes wish I had 6 to row, and the buzzy 2.0L is lack luster after about 70mph (and 3500rpm in 5th). The rear eats up just about everything and my 6ft-something friend can sit in the back (short trips only) with little complaint. The radio and HVAC controls are VERY easy to use.

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  Pure happiness - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By larry b - September 30 - 8:50 am

  I am 67 years old but feel like a 20 year old driving this car. For only a portion of the cost this car handles as well as a Volvo S40. It is comfortable and surprisingly roomy for my wife and me. The fuel mileage, while not great, is tolerable for a car that has such get up and go.