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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  Solid Sports Sedan - 2005 Mazda Mazda6
  By Jpmerrill - August 31 - 8:40 pm

  I picked up this car after my last one died without considering much else. I always liked the utility of four doors but wanted something sporty and equipped with a 5 or 6 spd, the Mazda seemed like an amazing value and I always admired the looks. The v6 is a solid piece, good for cruising and supplying passing power on the highway but a little weak before 3k RPMS. The manual transmission is a treat and one of the slickest shifting operations Ive used. Interior quality is better then what you pay for and the exterior has a fantastic and pleasant appeal. Gas mileage is marginally good, but I did opt for the v6 so any complaint is self inflicted. Overall love the car and the value it offers.

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  Fun to Drive - 2007 Mazda CX-9
  By percy98 - August 30 - 5:16 pm

  We looked at the Infinity FX and Audi Q7 and decided the CX-9 was a much better value. Fully loaded, it was significantly less expensive than the other two vehicles. The handling is superb, brakes are great and headlights light up the whole road. Very fun to drive.

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  A Sports Car Like No Other. - 2010 Mazda RX-8
  By Nawaaz Ismail - August 30 - 10:00 am

  I used to own a RX8 6 years ago. It slipped out of my hands, and now Im proud to say that Im back in this car: A 2010 RX8 R3. Theres a lot of criticism on this car within the media. Mostly because of its lack of power, poor fuel economy, and higher than normal oil consumption. Not many people understand how good of a sports car it is. It has an extremely rich driving experience. Its one of the lightest and most nimble cars out there, and you can really appreciate that when you start pushing the car. The last 2 cars Ive owned before this were clearly more faster & expensive, yet this is the car that I truly connected with. Its hard to explain in words, but this car is irreplaceable.

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  Nice B Segment Alternative - 2011 Mazda Mazda2
  By arevee - August 30 - 10:00 am

  I read a lot about this car before the purchase and find the following to be true. The car handles very well, but does have some roll. The steering and brakes are great and the engine has enough pep for me. I had a Yaris prior to this car and find this an all around better vehicle.

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  Great fun car - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By Braden - August 30 - 10:00 am

  The Mazda3s Grand Touring hatchback is just a hoot to drive. I downsized from BMW sedan that I liked to drift, and while the Mazda3 cant drift it can dart and squeeze through traffic like the BMW just couldnt. The car is very practical, very fun to drive, the engine loves to rev and everything on the car is very intuitive. if youre looking for a small, fun, practical car - hard to beat this one as I looked at everything. closest to it is the VW Golf/GTI - and then youre talking German size repair bills in a few years. no problems with the Mazda so far and it has 15k miles on it.

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  Great car - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By great little car - August 30 - 10:00 am

  Coming up on 2000 miles, great car so far. 2.0 l engine is fairly peppy. The larger engine would be nice but I love the mpg. Averaging 32-35. Car is very fun to drive and really "sticks" to the road. Reminds me of a BMW rental I had in Germany. Seats can get a little uncomfortable on trips > 3 hours. All around good car, which is fun to drive.

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  I loved my car. - 2000 Mazda Protege
  By zachisawesome - August 30 - 1:06 am

  I bought this car in 2004 and kept it until this year when I unfortunately crashed it. It was a wonderfully reliable car in the 5 years I owned it. The battery failed once but I cleaned the alternator and it was back to charging just fine, and never failed again. Handled great except in rain, but that could have been tires and brakes getting old. Never had a problem with the CD player volume not working like some people have said. Interior and exterior was still holding up well. It only went into the shop once for regular maintenance though needed to go back for brakes and suspension. Definitely a much nicer car than my friends civics and corollas, and just as reliable. I loved this car

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  Sooooo not the minivan - 2013 Mazda CX-9
  By mamams - August 29 - 6:44 pm

  I just purchased my CX9 and let me tell you, I am loving it. I did not want to get out of it after my first drive to work. The interior is very comfortable and the small touches that Mazda has added are really nice. For instance, there is a little well in the center console for your USB or charger cord to rest in, so that you can fully close the console. The all weather mats were standard on my model and I love them too! I drove others, such as Ford, GMC, Chevy, and never felt like I was LOVING driving them. Once I saw the CX9 reviews, I thought I would try it, and am so glad I did. This car is VERY fun to drive. I am so ready for my first road trip in about 3 weeks!

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  Best choice for compact sedan - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By Kayla - August 29 - 2:43 pm

  I bought my 3 Memorial Day Weekend and I couldnt be happier! I traded in an 03 Civic LX coupe and was looking for a 4 door that had that "sporty" look. I didnt like the look of the Civic sedan or the redesigned Jetta. I had a 97 626 and was already impressed with Mazda as a manufacturer. In my opinion the 3 will probably replace the Jetta as a sporty, powerful compact sedan. Quality parts, smooth, quick pickup in the 2.3, very attractive inside and out. The sport automatic is a great plus for moving in/out of traffic. I wanted a red car but did NOT want a light interior so the black w/red detail in the seats was another plus. The only con to consider is the rear leg room (tight for long legs).

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  Satisfied - 2009 Mazda Tribute
  By Tim Beaver - August 29 - 12:06 pm

  Ive had the Tribute for about a week now. So far Ive noticed a few things that werent right upon delivery. The drivers seat has a hole in the cloth, the grab bar on the passenger side has screw plugs that dont quite fit, and the paint job isnt perfect with globs and runs and bad orange peel on the rear hatch. None of this is a deal breaker though as this was purchased as a winter beater/cargo hauler to save my G35 Coupe and C300 from unnecessary wear and tear. Looked at Ford Escape, Honda, Toyota, Hyundai and Kia offerings. This vehicle was the best combination of features/value/fuel efficiency I could find. I look forward to many winters of pleasant AWD commutes with this vehicle.