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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  Fun car to drive - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By Mohan Nayak - March 14 - 2:56 pm

  I bought a black GT Mazda3 and it sure looks beautiful. The packages included in it like the bose and moonroof make it really worth the price. The interior with leather looks very slick. I get 27-28 mpg. Overall it is a good choice for a cost effective sedan with features. No other car will give you traction control and stability control at this price.

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  Its practically perfect - 2009 Mazda Mazda5
  By ccg - March 14 - 5:10 am

  Even though the car had good reviews, I didnt want to drive it because, well, its a minivan. So glad I saw it in person. Its so much cuter than a big ol behemoth "mini" van. Its perfect. Im hauling kids to college in 2 short years and I wanted something small enough to park and maneuver, but with room for "stuff." I knew sliders were great for little kids, but it didnt occur to me until I took my mom to church how nice that access is for an elderly person, too. My in town mileage has been around 24.5 mpg. The "auto" climate control is taking some getting used to.

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  Excellent vehicle for the money - 2008 Mazda CX-9
  By Scott - March 13 - 4:30 pm

  Originally I was set on a CX-7, but after I sat in a CX-9 in the showroom, I fell in love. I was very impressed how much rear legroom it had and the 3-zone climate control. Then I drove it, and the first thing I noticed was how much quieter it was than the CX-7 and how smooth the enigine and transmission were. It also doesnt feel like youre driving a large SUV. My dogs fit in the back with room to spare. I went from a Celica to this, so cornering, parking and gas consumption are much different, but I knew that it would be.

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  Best in class - 2007 Mazda CX-9
  By jtwiss - March 13 - 2:06 pm

  I all most bought a GMC Acadia. The big difference from this crossover is the fit and finish and the bang for the buck. I noticed the attention to details like the leather padded doors to the LED backlighting on the doors. This list goes on. I also look at the Audi Q7 at $55k and for $20k less the Mazda is in the same class as the Audi. Why pay $20k grand more for the Audi? From the back and side they look very similar.

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  Replaced My 95 - 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By jv - March 13 - 12:20 pm

  After 11 years of constant fun it was time to upgrade. Ive been waiting anxiously for the 2006 and Im not disappointed. Much faster, much better ride, quieter, and just as solid. I love the new roof design, although I worry that the front panel will fade differently than the rest of the roof. But, since the roof is only up when it is raining, I doubt that it will ever show. We love the car so much, my wife is trading her Mercedes SLK 320 for another Miata (I cant bring myself to call it an MX5) as soon as she can find the color (Copper Red) that she wants.

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  Bingo. - 2014 Mazda Mazda6
  By howard44 - March 12 - 1:50 pm

  I wanted a five-passenger sedan that is agile, stylish, fuel efficient, equipped with the latest safety technology, and available for $30,000. After much research, I found one vehicle that meets these criteria IMO: the 2014 Mazda6 GT. The Mazda6 is widely regarded by professional and consumer reviewers as the “driver’s car” in its segment. Its good looks are perhaps rivaled by the Fusion and Optima, but personally I find the 6 more gracefully sculpted. MPG is great at 28/40. The suite of available safety features (listed below) is incredible—again, the Fusion comes close, but for more money. As for price, I paid under $29,000 after dealer discount and Mazda rebates (+ .9% financing).

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  All around great car - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By Eury - March 12 - 1:10 pm

  My wife got one of these as a loaner when her 06 Jetta TDI died, after driving it for a week, I loved it so much I went out and bought one for myself. It has excellent space, Im 6 tall, and can sit in the backseat after Ive adjusted the front to where Im comfortable. The hatch is a wonder of engineering how it can be reconfigured with all the compartments, and it is big enough for everything I can throw at it. I love the seat fabric, its comfortable, tough and cleans up well, and best of all, this car is FUN to drive! It handles great, and the ride is sporty without beating me up. Honestly, I love it more every time I get in it.

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  Very Pleased with 1st Mazda Top Notch - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By Christian - March 12 - 12:20 am

  Recently bought my 3 and I am very happy with it. I have put about 1800 miles on it. Handles great, decent brakes (like to squeak when backing out of driveway). Hatch is very roomy, I am in the process of moving and it has been able to carry everything so far. The fog lights are useless, not worth buying on the 4 door; come standard on 5 door. I love the styling, projector headlights, euro style tails. Visibility is excellent, back seat a little tight for taller people, good for average height. Cant wait for the speed edition coming next year; do I hear TURBO ALL WHEEL DRIVE? Look out econo cars....

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  Still the best - 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By azwildcat - March 11 - 9:33 pm

  This is my third Miata and it is still the best bang for the buck! Great styling and even better handling.

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  Fun car to drive - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By geisen111 - March 11 - 7:33 pm

  I just bought this car and I love it. This is the first 4 door car I have owned and it is very comfortable. Fun to drive. I love the style and sporty look of this car. I want to drive it all the time. There are some very nice features that make this car a great purchase. It has a luxury feel at a very affordable price. It has a lot of room considering that it looks small from the outside. I would recommend it to anyone looking for a sporty 4 door car.