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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  6 is one of the best! - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By kiucool in MN - June 18 - 11:30 am

  I literally test drove 10 different cars before I decided on either buying the 6 or the Subaru Outback. I finally went for the 6 because it is 1000s less than the Outback. I live in MN. Winter driving is part of out lives here. I found that the 6 handles the snowy days very very well, thanks to its all speed traction control. My wagon has the luxury and sport pack; makes the car looks really sporty and its amazingly comfortable! The auxiliary heater is great for winter. Handling on dry pavement is solid and inspires confidence around corners. Headlights with intergrated fog lights makes driving in the dark a lot more visible and safer. The sport shift is a lot of fun. But downshifting to gear #1 is a little rough!

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  Sports Car Heaven - 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Tim - June 18 - 4:03 am

  The MX-5 has the heart and soul of a pure sports car. It appears and feels like Mazda put 110% into the MX-5. I am completely satisfied with the driving experience. Fit and finish are excellent. Performance is more that satisfactory. Interior comfort is excellent. I have never been so passionate and thrilled with ownership of any automobile. The bang you get for a very reasonable buck is great. Remember this is a sports car, so storage and frills are not the point ... its the driving experience. Before you buy a Porsche, BMW or S2000 go drive the MX-5. Youll have plenty of change left over. And your insurance agent will not reach so deep into your pocket.

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  Dead Engine - 2007 Mazda CX-7
  By J peterson - June 17 - 3:02 am

  Turbo malfunction, metal shards in engine total engine failure. Found out Jasper wont even rebuild them!

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  Mazda CX9 Grand Touring - 2010 Mazda CX-9
  By Andy_Stoy - June 16 - 7:36 am

  Took delivery of our new CX9 Grand Touring yesterday and have no regrets whatsoever. The CX9 was "hands down" the best vehicle in the class. We looked at Acura, Toyota, Hyundai, Nissan and VW and none of them compare to the CX9 in terms of features, styling, comfort and performance. Out purchasing experience was good. Pricing was a little high, but we opted for the top of line Grand Touring. You will not get the deal of the century on this vehicle due to demand and popularity, but you should walk out with a fair deal. Our dealer offer a couple of lease options if the monthly payment estimate scares you. We do wish Mazda offered a longer basic warranty.

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  Faithful Honda owner Switch to Mazda - 2013 Mazda CX-5
  By sasha4life - June 15 - 11:36 pm

  For many years I have been a faithful honda owner. I recently purchase the Mazda CX-5 FWD with tech pckg. It was a very difficult decison for me because I owned a 2006 Honda Civic. The decision was difficult because with the Civic I got 40 mpg. And with the CX5 in my research it only get 32 mpg. I switch because I use to own a Honda CRV and I missed having the CRV. I looked at Kia, Honda, Hyundai. None of those came close to the mileage or additional options you get with the CX5. Ive only had the car for 3 days. So far its a great vehicle to drive. It could be the bells n whistle of a new car that Im liking. Taking it on 4th july vacation. Will update comments

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  Great Car! - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By stephf - June 15 - 12:56 pm

  I bought the car brand new. It has 90K miles on it now. I havent had one problem with it so far. It has plenty of power. The rear spoiler really dresses up the car nice. Its an all round great sporty car to drive! I love it!

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  ZOOM ZOOM - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By Jason baltimore - June 15 - 10:23 am

  I was in the market For a new car i test drove a couple Then the Three Came along WOW i was very impressed the The ride resembles that of a BMW! Handles Very NICE Everything Is layed out were it should be my Mazda 3s is everything I wwas lookingfor in a car Thanks Mazda J

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  Lots of great, some not so great - 2015 Mazda CX-5
  By sshankster - June 13 - 8:07 pm

  First, I drove every crossover in this class when I was shopping. I mean every one. Some were smoother rides, some more space, but really, no other car matched the handling of the Mazda. If you like to drive, this is really the best one, and a few other reasons to love it. Personally, I like the design. I think it is sporty looking with nice lines. Great ground clearance. Others, like the Nissan had a front spoiler kind of thing that cut the ground clearance down. Mazda had true height. Inside is nicely laid out and the materials are decent quality for the class. I had read a lot of reviews of this car and there were several comments about road noise. Frankly, I dont know what they mean. Its not a Bently, but its more than reasonable. Could always be a tire issue. I got leather seats, Bose Sound, no navigation. So now to some critiques. Mileage is not as advertised. I really dont know how you get the miles they say without driving like your grandmother. You really cant drive like that with this car since the engine is geared high, must be to push the mileage, and it has other gas saving features. What that means is that, 1. You have to get used to the car sounding like marbles in a dryer when it starts up (for just about 1 minute so no big deal), but it is a little weird if you dont know it, and 2, you have to punch it more than you might be used to so it moves. Its a little hard to describe, but youll know it when you feel it, but you will get used to it. But when you do punch it, this car can move. Love the regular gas it gets. As far as comfort, the front seats are very comfortable, but I get complaints that the back seats are too upright. Mazda should give a reclining back seat like Nissan has. Another small thing is the center front console. I read one review where the guy complained it was too short for comfortable arm resting, and at least for my size, 511". he was right, it should be longer for a more ergonomic arm resting. Also, I would like the steering wheel to drop a little more, but not a biggy. The heated seats take a little longer to warm up than I would like, and the only other thing is the radio. Most reviewers complain that even the upgraded Bose doesnt sound so good and they are right, if you dont have a good HD signal. In HD, it sounds really good, in non HD, it is pretty lame for an upgraded system. So for all my negatives, I like to think of them as constructive criticism, I really love to drive this car. If you are a driver, if handling, good (not great) economy, great pickup (just with some extra pedal) are important, great styling, this is the right crossover. Bottom line, it is for drivers. se

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  RX-8 Delivers Maximum Smiles per Mile!!! - 2006 Mazda RX-8
  By Froggy RX-8 - June 13 - 10:36 am

  Test drove RX-8, fell in love at 9,000 rpm redline, bought on spot. Screams like a 4-seat F-1 car. This canyon carver runs down M-3s, 911s, and occasional Lambo on CA P.C.H. Hwy 1. Driven 36,000 miles so far, very reliable, comfy seats, compliant ride, good Bose stereo. Not lazy to drive like Chevy V-8. You MUST adapt your driving style to get max speed. Keep it from 5,000 to 9,000 rpm and rotary happily howls. Tiny low weight engine allows for mounting low and rearward in chassis for near mid-engine balance, low center of gravity. Rotary uses oil to lube its seals so top off oil at about five gas fill- ups. 17-20 MPG fine for fast car. If you need big mpg skip all sports cars.

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  2007 Mazda3 - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By Jennifer Galloway - June 13 - 6:16 am

  I have been very happy with the reliability, power, and comfort of this car but disappointed with the poor fuel economy.