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:

• 

  fun little green machine - 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By GLS - April 25 - 11:00 am

  We have owned sports cars over our 22 yrs of marriage and I can say this is the most FUN one. My wife wanted a fun car and I think we found the perfect car for her. Yes , the engine noise is kinda loud but its a good loud. Very small inside as in you "wear" the car. The trunk does its job other than the lack of a spare tire. The engine allows you to feel as if your driving a go cart all the time. balance and handling are great with only the mr2s we have owned being close. My wife comes home everyday with a big smile on her face even if she s had a bad day at work and I credit this little car I could have done this review in really just one word,FUN!

• 

  2010 Mazda3 Hatchback - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By twebb - April 25 - 6:43 am

  Great car for the money. It has good power and a hint of exhaust note that make it fun to drive and it handles well. The updated styling looks good, and the hatchback is convenient for hauling small loads. The only slight drawback is the fuel economy - Im averaging 24.2 mpg w/ 2500 miles driven. I suppose if it had 20+ less horsepower and was slightly smaller like the Civic it would be better. Ill take fun to drive and a couple less mpg.

• 

  Very Happy - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By Roxy in Northern, VA - April 24 - 3:53 pm

  Before buying this car, I shopped for over a year for the right car. Other vehicles I considered were Nissan Altima, Acura TSX, and Honda Accord. I am very happy with my Mazda. It is so responsive and fun to drive. I live in Northern, VA, where there is a lot of traffic. I am happy to say, I have used this car many times to get out of bad traffic situations. It accelerates quickly, even with a car full of people. Its so comfortable and stylish. My only gripe is that the horn sounds weak and I dont think the mileage is all that great. Overall, Im extremely pleased.

• 

  Excellent overall - 2008 Mazda CX-9
  By mazdacx9zoom - April 24 - 8:50 am

  I have been shopping for family car for a long time. I test drove many cars such as Honda Pilot, Odyessy, Toyota Highlander, Toyota Sienna, GMC Acadia, and Hyundai Veracruz. I was going to get Honda Odyessy since it is very affordable and looks good, but I did not like how it drove. However, after I drove Mazda CX9, it was love at first sight. I love how it drives. Exterior and interior looks great. They did great design overall. Ride is firm and roomy for 7 adults.

• 

  The Zoomer - 2007 Mazda CX-7
  By San - April 24 - 2:00 am

  Ditto prior reviews. Wanted a fun & functional AWD SUV. Own & love a 98 Honda CR-V, but disappointed in the 2007. Researched & tested 2007 CX-7, all Toyota SUVs, Murano, Pathfinder & CR-V - but when I drove the CX-7 (1st & last of the test drives) I smiled a lot and so did my husband. Bumpy start with the dealership but once I drove off with AWD, Tech Package, Dim Mirror with HomeLink, satellite radio & more, Ive been happy. The gas cap needs to be replaced. Gas mileage has been better than expected. From the handling & solid feel to the Navigation & Sat radio, this car is FUN and our teenager & his friends always ask if were taking the Mazda - which weve affectionately dubbed "The Zoomer."

• 

  this was the best decision ive ever made - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By D.Coplin - April 22 - 7:40 pm

  this car is amazing...it meets my every need....it goes fast looks good and can hold all my junk!!!!!! its the real meaning of zoom-zoom because thats all i do!!!!!!!

• 

  My second and favorite - 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Johnj - April 21 - 8:06 pm

  This is my second Miata. The first was a 95. I absolutely love this one too. It is more responsive and Mazda has achieved the desired union of car and driver. I dont feel as much like Im driving a car as I have extended my body. Everything is in exactly the right place. The shifting cannot be better. The power is more than adequate. And, my mileage is actually running at about 30 mpg with a combination of city and highway - 70% city. I couldnt be happier with the car... So much so, that we bought another one a few months later for my wife, trading in a Mercedes SLK.

• 

  All good except for interior noise - 2006 Mazda Mazda5
  By Avinash B - April 19 - 7:40 pm

  So far 25K miles, going good. Pickup and handling is excellent, very easy and fun to drive. I do however get wind noise seeping through the door frame glass. Has been checked my Mazda several times, looks like a design flaw. Recently, started getting wobbling sound from rear, was told it is the tires getting old.

• 

  Love the handling and styling of my new Mazda CX-3 - 2016 Mazda CX-3
  By Steven - April 18 - 3:37 pm

  I had a 2016 Acura that I purchased earlier this year and it had a defect that could not be fixed so I decided to trade that car in. I saw the CX-3 on the road and loved the styling. I started researching and read the really good reviews on Consumer Reports and other various you tube reviews. I went and test drove the car and was not disappointed. I had a Mazda 6 in the past and this car handles like a little sports car and is very fun to drive. The acceleration is great, fit and finish are first rate. I was disappointed that you could not get a power seat, but to be honest I have not missed it. The Bose System sounds great, the navigation, bluetooth and infotainment system are really easy to use. There is a mute button instead of an on/off switch for the stereo so that also took some getting use to. The gas milage is really good and even with it small fuel tank I am only filling up once a week. For a small car the ride is very good, it is firm, but that is what makes it such a great handling car. Road noise is really good and even though the engine has a course sound to it, it sounds really sporty. I choose Soul Red with Almond Leather interior, it is beautiful. Update: The Mazda CX-3 is a great car, I still love it now with 6700 miles. It really handles well, has great acceleration for a small engine and looks very attractive.

• 

  Fun! - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By Tyler - April 18 - 10:36 am

  I bought this car to replace my 96 Pontiac Bonneville. This car was a huge improvement! Given, the interior wasnt quite as nice, but it was sporty, which was what I was looking for. The car is much more responsive than I would have expected and has an all around sporty feel. If you want a nice smooth, quiet ride, this car isnt for you. You can definitely feel the road (which I like), and its a little loud inside, but it could very well be my tires. The suspension is superb, you can take 90 degree turns going 30 mph on a dime. If you get this car, make sure to get the manual! This is what makes it so much fun!