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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  2008 Mazda CX-7 - 2008 Mazda CX-7
  By happy buyer - January 25 - 11:46 am

  Great bang for the buck.... looks like an SUV, but rides like a car. Runs smooth, with great turbo. Love the car! Its a great buy!

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  2007 Mazda 5 - 2007 Mazda Mazda5
  By David A. Findley - January 24 - 3:33 pm

  Drove it to Disney World with the family the day after we bought it. There were 4 of us with luggage and it easily accommodated all. The drive was 11 hours and it was a good drive. It you are on the interstate around semis or driving in moderate to high winds this vehicle will tend to wander with you and it requires that you drive it at all times. No relaxing, pay attention! Drives like a sport sedan and is fun. Trade in was a Mazda 6S and we think the 5 is more fun albeit much less get up and go (power).

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  As fun to drive as the old one, just better - 2016 Mazda CX-9
  By Cedric - January 24 - 5:40 am

  Our 2010 CX-9 Grand Touring was still in great shape and we have enjoyed every 60,000 miles we drove in it but wanted to get a new car with all the modern bells and whistle and upgraded safety (the recent test report of the small overlap crash test of the old CX9 were not exactly making us happy). I loved the new model since I saw the first pictures and was very intrigued about the Signature trim level and the new 2.5 turbo engine. I had the new Jaguar F-Pace (look, performance, chassis, V6 supercharged engine and handling) and the Volvo XC90 (that interior!!!!). I daily drive a fun RWD coupe with a manual gearbox during the week and I want our family car to be fun to drive as it is the only car I drive during the week-end with the family and cargo (2 young kids). Living in Colorado, we take a lot of trips in the mountains and I want a car that is fun to drive on these roads and that allow me control. The 2010 CX9 was fantastic in the fun to drive department and I did not want to replace it by anything less engaging. I was wondering how the new engine would handle and I was absolutely not disappointed, the low end torque is immediately available and the car always feels more powerful than it really is. EVERYTHING is nicer in it compared to the old model, the materials and quality is impressive for its class and price. The Jaguar is nice but you need to add a lot of extra to get it to that level ($60k), still more powerful and truly plays in the luxury segment though. Handling, brakes, transmission, technology, everything works seamlessly.

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  mazda millenia S - 2000 Mazda Millenia
  By mercy - January 24 - 2:00 am

  I have not had any major issues with this vehicle as of yet. When I drive it I feel like I am driving a sports car even though it is a medsize car. The car feels very sterdy and I feel very safe driving it.

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  GREAT CAR - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By JTUCKER - January 24 - 2:00 am

  THIS CAR IS NOT ONLY GREAT LOOKING BUT IT IS ALSO FUN TO DRIVE..THE STYLING IS AWESOME... I ALWAYS GET COMMENTS WHEN I AM IN PARKING LOTS...I MADE A GREAT CHOICE IN BUYING IT... THE GET AND GO IS GREAT...

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  interior changes you should know about - 2014 Mazda CX-5
  By consumer77 - January 23 - 8:37 am

  There have been new updates to the interior as of November 2013 on the 2014 cx-5 model. I just purchased a white GT with Tan leather interior. The transmission shift gate has been greatly improved to a straight up and down shifter with a leather boot and chrome surround. No more cheap plastic look. I was pleasantly surprised when my CX was delivered to the dealer as I was not expecting this.

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  Awesome Car!!! - 2006 Mazda RX-8
  By aljor042 - January 23 - 3:36 am

  Just bought my 06 RX-8 GT with 30k miles on it and am loving it. Test drove one and fell in love immediately. The handling is amazing, it is unlike anything in its price range. The engine has plenty of power dont worry about what everybody is saying about a lack of power, this thing will move! Gas mileage isnt all that bad either I got 25 mpg on a 300 mi trip with the cruise set on 80.

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  Good car with a couple of minor issues.... - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By ddau - January 22 - 11:50 pm

  I have owned my 2010 Mazda 3 Gran Touring 2.5L 6 speed since October of 2010. I recently hit 30K miles on it. It does have some minor workmanship issues. When its cold, the instrument cluster rattles (which stinks if you have OCD). The front left speaker needs to be replaced. And now the front rotors are warped. The dealership told me over the phone this morning that in Colorado, warped brakes are a common problem, but they arent going to do anything about it because its wear and tear. Funny, I havent had any "common" brake warping problems in my other cars I own, especially at 30K miles. Its a decent vehicle, but I have been reading up on the Dodge Dart.... just sayin.

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  Sweet Ride - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By Taylor - January 22 - 9:00 pm

  Have owned an 06 3i Touring for a month. With automatic transmission, a/c, power package, alloy wheels, sunroof, 6 CD 6 speaker stereo. Great car. Cool looks, with silver exterior and black with gray interior. The interior layout, textures, design and feel is superb. The driver does not feel cramped or cheated, making it a pleasure and plain fun to drive. It is not a soft nor plush ride, but rather firm and sporty. Just right. The handling is top notch. 34 mpg my last fill up. We are big Toyota fans, but the Corolla is a dud compared to this, and we even liked it better than the newest Camry even though we love our current Camry. All the awards are well justified. Kudos to Mazda. Terrific car.

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  Great little car - 2002 Mazda Protege5
  By JM - January 22 - 4:53 pm

  Great car fun to drive. Handles like a Nissan Maxima but the price of a focus.