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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  WOW! - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By Ghis - June 30 - 10:00 am

  The new Mazda 3 is really an excellent car. In comparison, the Corolla, Civic, Sentra or any american compact car are far far away behind! Fun to drive, economic, comfortable, a lot of space! After 9000 km, im still in love!!

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  Best car ever - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By judge - June 30 - 10:00 am

  Wow! Cars are usually just to get from point A to point B, but this sure makes getting there lots of fun. Great car to drive, lots of zip with the 5 speed manual. Great audio system, seating and comfort. I researched cars for two months before getting the 3i. Every other car I did test drives on was okay, the 3i was an immeadiate differnce where you felt like you were in something special. People cant believe this much car for so little money.

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  Hands down, the most car for under $20K - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By Paul M. Hirsch - June 30 - 10:00 am

  The Mazda3 has been the most satisfying purchase I ever made. It turns every trip or errand into an action packed blast. (Please obey the speed limit.) The right ammount of power, great brakes, superb handling and feel, and a shifter that makes you want to shift. Not only is it ridiculously fun, it is also ridiculously practical. I can fit 2 car seats and a booster in the back seat. (Carefully selected, narrow seats, mind you, but still 3 seats.) Attention people with 3 children: Dont get a minivan or SUV as a second car. GET A 3! I considered a WRX or SRT-4. Both are faster. Neither can match the complete package and value that is the Mazda3.

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  2007 MX-5 Miata Grand Touring Hardtop - 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Dannie - June 29 - 4:13 pm

  Outstanding all around vehicle. A sheer preasure to drive. Great handling, plenty of power, good build quality, good looks inside and out. Beats the competition, hands down! I drove the others and came back and bought the MX-5 Miata! 30 mpg! The top is a work of art! Greatly enhances look of the car. Wheels may be too large in diameter - may distract from overall appearance due to size. At first sight, eyes are drawn to wheels instead of car! At second glance everything seems to mesh and look good - have mixed emotions - not sure if a 16 inch wheel might have been better aesthetically.

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  We chose it over the Q7 and XC90 - 2016 Mazda CX-9
  By JCS - June 29 - 2:10 am

  Now that we have had the CX-9 for about a month I feel I am qualified to provide a detailed review. We have a 2016 in the Signature trim. We also have a 2015 BMW 328i X and we traded in a 2011 Honda Odyssey. Believe it or not, I was looking at the new Audi Q7 and the Volvo XC90 and chose the CX-9 over both of them (and not just because the Mazda is $20k less). In short, we love the Mazda and I feel it is the best car we have ever owned (I have owned about 7 cars). We needed the utility of an SUV/Van that fits 7, but wanted better driving dynamics than the Odyssey. While we lost some of the utility of the van, the Mazda is almost as fun to drive as our BMW. For $45k, the overall level of refinement and luxury is amazing. The car is by far the quietest car I have ever had and almost everything has been well thought and executed. With every car I have owned I frequently thought to myself, why did they do it that way – did they ever drive the car after they designed it? With the Mazda I thought yes, that makes perfect sense (with very few exceptions). Both the interior and exterior styling are great and the car feels so much lighter and smaller than it actually is. The 4 cylinder engine provides more than enough power and I have never felt I needed more. So far we are averaging about 23MPG in mixed driving. All seats are comfortable and the access to the third row and space in the third row is fine for our needs – occasional car pooling for short rides with pre-teen kids (we have two kids). The ride is a great combination of compliant and sporty. It is far more forgiving over broken pavement than either my BMW or the Odyssey, but it is still fairly fun to throw into a curve. I think Mazda has a real winner here and they could compete directly with Audi and Volvo if they just added the option for a few more features: front parking sensors, heated steering wheel, birds eye overhead view, real time traffic on the nav, vented seats, Apple Car Play, and a 10 way driver’s seat. For the $20k difference in price, I was willing to go without these, but if they could make them an option for $5-$10k, that would the decision a no brainer. The Audi and Volvo have a few more available features, but they were not important to me. Further, I just don’t like the styling of the Q7. While it is a great to drive and loaded with tech, who wants a homely car? To me it looks like a bloated station wagon. The Volvo looks nice, but does not ride well. It has that typical truck/SUV bouncy ride. The Audi and Mazda drive more like a car. Further, the Volvo appears to have big quality problems in this, its first model year. I read the owner’s forums whenever I am considering a new car and there are many, many owners complaining about problems they have with the Volvo. Both the Audi and Mazda don’t have nearly the number of complaints. In summary, highly recommended.

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  Lot of engine for a little car - 2005 Mazda RX-8
  By victor - June 27 - 1:33 pm

  Ive had my RX8 for three years, and I still get comments about it every now and then. Its a unique car, considering the rotary engine. Let me start there: The rotary has a great range, getting up to 8,000 rpm. It really starts to sing once you get above 4k. You can tell Mazdas engineers spent most of their time and money on the engine. Inside, you get most of the typical features for this kind of car. The gauges look really cool, but thats really the only thing inside that was engineered. The backseat is comfortable enough, and surprisingly roomy with the four doors. This car is a blast to drive, but it can be a rough ride, especially with the Bridgestone OEM tires. Somewhat rattly.

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  Im impressed! - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By DonMTL - June 27 - 4:26 am

  5K miles in on a 06 fully loaded S hatch. So far Im impressed and quite proud to drive it. I came from the 4X4 scene but the fuel just got too much to deal with. This is quick, comfortable and fun to drive. Too small for ski trips, but excellent for 98% of my requirements. I would definitely recommend.

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  Our Second Millinea S - 2002 Mazda Millenia
  By John Chik - June 27 - 2:00 am

  We traded-in our 1997 to buy the last of an excellent car line. Mazda should have come up with a replacemetn.

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  I love my car - 1999 Mazda 626
  By krissy - June 27 - 2:00 am

  I love my car. I had a 95 626 and traded it in for a 99. I could not find a vehicle that I liked as much as this one for the price.

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  Love This Van!!! - 2002 Mazda MPV
  By Love This Van - June 27 - 2:00 am

  Just sold my Windstar with 42K miles. Bought an 02 Mazda after much research. I totally love this van! Its awesome! Most stylish design on the road by far. Tumble down seat and back "well" with cargo net is so handy! Beats my Windstar for keeping things controlled in the back. I sit up higher, the engine is quiet and smooth. Drives so pleasantly and is so easy to park and manuver. Much, much like a car. Dealership very willing to deal, walked out with a SWEET deal including a factory-installed DVD!Hope my feelings havent changed in a year! Dont be afraid of this van-its a definate winner.