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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  Minivan for the Non Minivan Mom - 2007 Mazda CX-9
  By Robert - December 30 - 1:10 am

  We looked at everything in a 7 passenger configuration, at the end we where left with the CX9, Honda Oddyssey, and Audi Q7. The Mazda beats them on almost every level. If this car had captains chairs it would have no comparison, not even the Acadia/Outlook.

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  Will never purchase a mazda again. - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By coakub - December 29 - 6:59 pm

  words cannot explain how horrible my experience with mazda was. first my clutch failed(due to pressure plate wearing unevenly) with no warning at 19500 miles, after only owning since november, and then the service department treated me like crap, ignored their mechanics who said it was defective, screamed at me to the point i was in tears in the middle of the floor, and refused to cover the repairs, corporate was not much a better experience as they didnt care and wouldnt give me any answers. i contacted the local news stations and everyone in PITTSBURGH PA will know what has happened.

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  Fun but Unreliable - 2002 Mazda MPV
  By Zach - December 29 - 5:13 pm

  Lack of reliability has been the biggest disappointment with this vehicle. Tires were bald before the warranty expired. Within a year after warranty expired, oxygen sensors had to be replaced ($500) and engine coils had to be replaced (another $500). My sister-in-law has the exact same make/model/year, and shes had the same problems--its like clockwork. It also emits a stinky sulfur smell immediately after turning off. At least its purty and comfy and fun to drive.

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  Fun Family Car - 2007 Mazda Mazda5
  By Daisy - December 29 - 1:13 pm

  We looked at everything from the Ford Edge, the Pacifica to the Honda CRV and Toyota Rav4. While each of these models have some cool features the Mazda5 had the basic cool features, PLUS family roominess, fuel economy, sleek looks, and zoom zoom for less money than all the others we looked at. We are so, so pleased with our purchase. Mazda has the quality that provides peace of mind too. The most fun about this vehicle is the fact that we get a fun to drive family car with fuel economy. It only took $31 to fill er up from less than 1/4 of a tank so that is nice and we got about 330 miles out of it. LOVE IT!

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  Wish I had done this years ago! - 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Billiebad - December 29 - 8:16 am

  It should be illegal to have this much fun! I love this car. Qualifiers - this is a third vehicle and will not be driven in the winter, mid-Nov to early March. But the fun/quality/value rating is very high. Not a ton of storage but there is a functional trunk which will hold one bag of golf clubs with some effort - woods come out and are packed separately in the trunk. Performance with automatic and a/c is well within expectations. This is not a race car - it is an extremely fun car to drive. If over 40, test drive the stick and the A/T in normal driving conditions. The A/T enhances the fun - it is easier to enjoy the convertible without the stick. Personal preference though. Zoom zoom!

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  Dont Bother! - 2008 Mazda CX-7
  By JD - December 27 - 2:43 pm

  Terrible in winter conditions; poor visibility; safety belt signals 30x for front passenger if you so much as have a briefcase on the seat; really dim driving lights (I have to use my high beams as much as possible).

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  Great value but could be so much more!! - 2016 Mazda CX-9
  By scottworks4u@hotmail.com - December 27 - 6:27 am

  Now that I have been driving this car for a month heres what I have learned. First, I love the car and definitely made the right choice. The ride is so much smoother than the pilot or highlander which we test drove. The interior finishes rival that of lexus, acura, etc.. That being said there are some things you should be aware of. The rear lift gate, does not go all the way up. Im 62 so the first time nearly gave myself a concussion. now im more aware of it. If you are short than this will not be an issue for you. The navigation & entertainment system are poorly designed. Its quite difficult to scroll through stations while driving. For navigation, you cant enter any address while driving, this means the passenger also. No android or apple play system. Finally, the front seats are quite narrow. Im 62 212 pounds and I feel restricted in the seats. If you are a bigger person or just like more space you will probably not feel comfortable. The cargo space is ample. If you need a lot more cargo space than recommend the Honda pilot but the CX-9 works perfectly for our family.

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  Best vehicle for the money - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By BuffaloSoldier - December 27 - 12:46 am

  Amazing car for the money. Looked at Corolla, Cobalt, Civic, RSX but this car had everything for the right price. Drive feels very firm, like an Audi A4 or Volvo S70 that I have driven. Interior is very comfortable and exterior is gorgeous.

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  Fun to drive - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By Speedrcccr - December 26 - 10:00 am

  Lots of fun to drive. European styling, large wheels and nice taillamps make this car look like a Lexus IS 300.

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  EVERYONE smiles at this car - 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By lifesabrook - December 26 - 10:00 am

  Bought this as a second car -- midlife fantasy, tantalized me from its spot on the car lot. Got great price on 1-year old model with only 8,200 miles on it. I smile when I drive it, and everyone else smiles back. Corners like crazy and maneuvers with confidence. White paint chips easily, and while my car has sport suspension, alarm, gorgeous wheels and stainless racing exhaust, it really needs cruise control; leg position on accelerator gets VERY uncomfortable on the highway. Passenger seat also rattles on bumps when empty and black cloth seats always look "linty."