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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  Awesome Car! - 2007 Mazda CX-9
  By Edge - December 24 - 6:13 am

  I traded in my 2003 Expedition and wanted something a little smaller with better handling/ride, but still needed the 3rd row seats. Looked at the Explorer, Pilot and Acadia but the CX-9 was in a different league when I test drove it. Im very impressed with the CX-9 and feel I made the right decision.

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  Best car for the price - 2012 Mazda Mazda3
  By montanac - December 23 - 6:19 pm

  I see a lot of picky reviews. I wanted a car as cheap as I could get it. I was unwilling to sacrifice gas mileage, cosmetics, reliability, and a sporty ride. Thats hard to find in these price ranges. This car provides. Would I like the ride of the Mazda 6 better? yes..oh but different price range. This car smacks the competition for someone looking at new for under $17k.

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  Poor Mans BMW - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By GLC - December 23 - 9:13 am

  Have owned this car almost 3 yrs. No mechanical/quality problems. Routine service only. Handles similar to my drowned BMW 325i, despite that it is FWD (specs for size wt and interior dimensions close, but definitely not nearly as refined as BMW, but ok for ~1/2 the price. Excellent outward visibility. Mileage ~22 mpg city and high 20s hwy. Good looking, especially to the younger set. Lots of amenities, leather, rain-sensing wipers, 5 speed auto with manual mode, atuo on-off headlights, side air bags, CD, heated seats, and more. Would definitely recomend this model for someone who wants a fun to drive, economical, utilitarian and reliable car that runs on regular gas. It is a GLC as in great little car.

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  Compact SUV that is fun to drive - 2008 Mazda CX-7
  By Lurking - December 22 - 3:23 pm

  Ive enjoyed my first month of owning my new CX-7. It is a beautiful vehicle and it has carried me through 6" of snow and a blinding rainstorm already. I test drove many other vehicles in this category but the Mazda was, by far, the most fun to drive. That consideration was not at the top of my priority list, but its superiority there outshined some of the smaller disadvantages. One thing I wish I had known was just how poor the gas mileage is. My vehicle is returning 13mpg in the city and about 19 mpg on the highway. Im not even sure how a 4 cyl engine can possibly return such poor numbers. I recommend the vehicle with the caveat that you must be willing to accept poor gas mileage.

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  The Total small SUV Package? - 2014 Mazda CX-5
  By jmr1061 - December 22 - 2:45 pm

  The 2014 really addressed what was the biggest problem with the 2013, and thats the power. The increase in power along with a couple of new electronic features for 2014 really makes one wonder if this isnt the complete package when it comes to small SUVs. There are a couple of other SUVs on the market that may be slightly more comfortable, or have a more user friendly electronic interface, but the 2014 Mazda CX-5 seems to have it all at the price. Interior materials, along with design, fit and finish are of a very high standard. The vehicle is extremely spacious for its exterior dimensions. It has very efficient use of space for both passengers and cargo, and its looks are great!

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  "good value" " atractive design" - 2008 Mazda CX-9
  By Don - December 22 - 7:20 am

  Cx9 best value for the cost..very good in snow here in Colorado... very responsive handling. Driver position very comfortable. Xenon head lights useful on mountain roads at night. Third row seat and storage area a big benefit along with sun-roof and side warning system. Excellent sound system and navigation... best value for the price in this category.

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  Another love-hate relationship - 2005 Mazda RX-8
  By Liz - December 21 - 9:30 pm

  While I love the look and feel of my car I have had many difficulties with it. Mazda acknowledges the engine problems that the 2004/2005 RX 8s have and thus have extended the drive train warranty. However, my car has been in the shop more times that I can count. The check engine light is constantly on, even after my engine was replaced! Started with the typical stalling you see in these cars, and went downhill from there. Most recently my oil cooler line completely rusted out, which the mechanic states he has seen in multiple RX 8s. Its a fun car, but as the dealership has told me AFTER pushing me to purchase the car...it should be used as a sports car, not your every day car.

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  Hot Car - 2016 Mazda CX-9
  By ES - December 21 - 9:00 pm

  My wife and I traded a 2014 CX-5 for a 2016 CX-9. The vehicle is outstanding in all respects except for one glaring and unforgivable fault. The air conditioning system is woefully inadequate. The car has been to the dealer twice and I have been told that there is no fix possible. It is an engineering fault. That said, Mazda Corp tells me that it is within specs. This cannot be true as the air temp wont blow any colder than 54 degrees. According to my research air conditioning should blow between 40-45 degrees. In the hot humid summers of central Kentucky the cab is stiffling and is barely adequate on even 75 degree fall days. I dont care about all the other wonderful attributes of the vehicle. If its not comfortable in the cab, then to me it is worthless. Since experiencing this problem, I have found one review that gives the CX-9 rave reviews but found themselves "roasting" on a 80 deg day. They hoped that this was not a problem with other vehicles. I sincerely regret buying this vehicle and am in the process of trying to get a buy-back. Heed my warning. Mazda Corp has not been cooperative.

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  CX-9 Sport Model - 2010 Mazda CX-9
  By galo - December 21 - 10:16 am

  After driving it for only 1 week, my wife absolutely loves it. It is stylish and elegant, very quiet ride and comfortable. The 3rd seat is what sold me, plenty of leg room for an adult, same as the 2nd row. Although I think Mazda could have dressed up the interior with more chrome pieces, I still like the way it looks, I feel that the CX-9 is more ergonomic than other crossovers. We looked at GMC Acadia, Chevy Traverse, Honda Crosstour, Hyundai SantaFe and Toyota Venza and none appealed to us as much as the CX-9. I definatelly recommend it.

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  AWESOME SUV - 2004 Mazda Tribute
  By NESSA - December 21 - 10:00 am

  WELL I FIRST WENT IN TO THE MAZDA DLRSHIP TO PURCHASE A MAZDA 6. CAME OUT W/ THE TRIBUTE. I DONT REGRET THE DECISION, I LOVE THIS SUV. ITS FUN TO DRIVE AND VERY ROOMY. CANT WAIT TO DRIVE TO SOUTH PADRE ISLAND DURING SPRING BREAK! BEING AND INSURAMCE AGENT MYSELF, I COULDNT BELIEVE HOW GOOD THE RATES ARE FOR INSURING THIS VEHICLE. MY HUSBAND AND I LOVE THIS VEHICLE!