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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  First Mazda - Impressed so Far - 2012 Mazda CX-9
  By jk96 - September 8 - 5:55 pm

  We have 3 children and were looking to downsize from a Ford Excursion to a mid-size SUV. Our requirements were seating for 7, leather interior, and easy access to the third row. We drove every mid-size SUV out there in the under 40k price range and found the CX-9 was our favorite with the new Dodge Durango a very close second. Ease of rear access on the Durango killed it for us. I needed something my 6 year olds could do themselves and the Mazda was a breeze. Doors opened wide, easy slide second row for rear access, and the fact that I could still fit 3 kids in the 2nd row and fold the rear seats for cargo space if needed was a huge plus. Great value lots of options for the money.

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  Loving the 5 III - 2008 Mazda Mazda5
  By Johnny - September 7 - 7:10 pm

  Now with almost 20,000 miles. At 46 years old, I still love my little run about, though I have been told it doesnt fit my "image". I dont care, its still fun to drive. Works great for our two kids and still dont know anyone else who has one. I like being exclusive. A covered console is still high on my list of wants, no privacy. I also wish it was traction control equipped, but believe the 09 or 10 now have it. Still drive it fast and like the ZOOM ZOOM. Would buy another one in a second! Chevrolet is going to build a competitor called the Orlando. Oh, also wish the sliding doors were power.

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  Best car for the money by far - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By KCD - September 7 - 9:33 am

  Purchased this car as a commuter: 90 miles round trip up the canyons. Power is great and gas mileage is amazing. We average 35mpg climbing 2500 feet to get back home. We looked at the Corolla and the civic and there was no comparison. We went with the Mazda because of reliability, power, and gas mileage. It is also a much better looking car. This is our second Mazda, we still own the first: a 1990 Miata with 100K miles on it.

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  Roadster Heaven - 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Roadster Heaven - September 7 - 6:06 am

  What a dream to drive! First roadster ever and what a blast. When seated in the cockpit, I feel like a race car driver. Performance is surprisingly fast, it doesnt feel like it but look at the speedo and youre movin. Very comfortable, great design, love the heated seats. Bose sound system is great, especially with the top down, though a CD stacker would appreciated. I cant drive this car enough!

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  Original owner, 113K miles - 2002 Mazda Protege
  By Ray - September 7 - 5:26 am

  Ive just made my final payment. I have had not a single problem with the car. In fact the first set of brake pads lasted 90K miles and I am on my 3rd set of tires. The combination of good fuel economy, bulletproof reliability, well appointed interior, and great handling make this car a winner. If you can find a used one that has been well maintained buy it, especially the ES model.

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  Awesome car! - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By Carlos - September 6 - 8:33 pm

  I have had my Mazda 3 for two weeks now and totally love the car! After researching which cars were good and what I liked, I narrowed it down to the Mazda 3 and Civic. When I test drove the Civic, it was sluggish and felt cramped inside. When I test drove the Mazda 3, I noticed the greater space and almost gave myself whiplash because the pickup was so good. Im still getting used to the "smile" but I must say the car puts a smile on my face every time I drive it! Im finding excuses to got out just so that I can go drive it some more! This is my second Mazda and I love them both (wifes is 2003 Protege with 145,000 miles). Mazda is at the top of my list for future car purchases!!

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  Very sporty/very nice - 2006 Mazda Mazda6
  By Audiprof - September 6 - 6:30 am

  Two kids in college took me downmarket from the Infiniti and Audi range but Im not disappointed. Very smooth performance from the 6 speed auto which is well matched to the 6 cylinder engine. The S Sport model handles like a demon with very little body roll and is really a hoot to drive. Seating is supportive with a very good power drivers seat. Being over 50 Im not crazy about the rear spoiler which smacks of "boy racer" but overall the styling is eye catching and sets itself apart from the plain vanilla of Camry and Accord. The ride is just a bit rough over bad pavement and expansion strips but overall this is a great car.

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  Best Mini-Mini Van (and it seats 6!) - 2007 Mazda Mazda5
  By artemaria - September 5 - 7:33 am

  We were going to buy a Honda Odyssey, then we test drove the Mazda5. Once we test drove the Mazda5, we never made it back to the Honda dealership. The Mazda5 is a great value for a three row seating car. It looks great (better in person than in the pictures), is compact and is an absolute blast to drive. Ive driven it 75 mph with 5 adults and a kid in it and it still zoomed. The leather seats are great and have held up well to the punishment our kids dish out. The fuel economy is okay, but I thought that it would be better (the fuel economy is about the same as a current CR-V which is about the same size).

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  Awesome - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By mkeebler - September 5 - 2:00 am

  Just purchased my new RX-8 6 speed. What an awesome car! Ive owned 3 Miatas in the past 10 years, and this car is like the big brother (sturdy, fast, cool...). With 2 kids and a wife, this thing is even practical! The rotary engine is king! Sounds like a jet engine!

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  Still Love This Thing! - 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By christak - September 4 - 1:53 pm

  I originally posted here on 12/11/2006, three days after I picked up my MX-5. Well, here I am about 1 year later and I still love this car. I have nothing but great things to say -- still getting 30 mpg and have had no problems with the car. The PRHT is perfect; interior/exterior finish still looks great; no issues requiring any service or repair; extremely fun to drive with plenty of responsiveness; 6-speed automatic works great; still an amazing vehicle. I still suggest that you go get one!! ;-)