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:

• 

  Not Sorry the Grand Caravan was totaled - 2006 Mazda Mazda5
  By aug1972 - June 9 - 10:23 am

  I replaced a Dodge Grand Caravan, a gas guzzling beast that was totaled by a semi with my new M5! We are a family of 4 and with the kids bigger, we did not need the stroller/crib space that we needed before. I have never been happier with a car! I got the 5 speed touring and love all the little extras it had to offer for a great price. It gets great gas mileage, has a great look that draws questions and second looks, and has the versatility so that kids can haul friends if need be. I love the sliding doors and the higher profile that keeps semis from driving over you. I would recommend this to anyone wanting to downsize form a minivan, but not lose the seating.

• 

  Great SUV! - 2014 Mazda CX-5
  By lchoate - June 7 - 2:27 pm

  Ive bought my 2013 CX-5 in 2012. So I have 13 months on the car now. I drive 5 days a week 60 miles round trip and average 30 mpg. I drive half city and half highway. I wanted a vehicle that saved me money on gas and had the height I needed to drive on the Houston roads when it rains and floods. It has made me feel very safe with the sensors in the side mirrors and I truly believe all car makers should make this feature a standard feature on all makes and models in the future. This has saved me on a daily basis from running infront of other cars when I could not see them and it also alerts me when another car is near by. I love the fact it has 6 airbags. Great car, easy handling.

• 

  I love my Mazda 5 - 2008 Mazda Mazda5
  By Heatherpoo - June 7 - 2:36 am

  I have been driving my Mazda 5 for about 3 months and couldnt be happier with it. I needed a larger car to accommodate my growing family (baby #2 is on the way). The Mazda 5 is perfect for my needs. Even though it is very compact on the inside, it is surprisingly roomy on the inside. It is easier to drive than a big, clunky mini-van. I can even fit it in most compact parking spaces. In addition it can seat 6, although I wouldnt recommend this car for a family of 4 unless youre not in need of much trunk space. The trunk is plenty roomy enough to fit my jogging stroller and groceries with the third row seats down, and the gas mileage is really good for a vehicle its size.

• 

  Fun but hurts - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By TTprod - June 7 - 12:30 am

  This is a Great little car cant ask for more for what you get. I am 62" the seat is a little small for me but thats my fault I should of went for a longer test drive the gas mileage is off the best I have got so far is 30.16 mpg the worst is 24.86 I drive interstate only the same way day in and day out I have just over 10,000 miles now and two oil changes. I think if I got the 2.0 with the power seats I would be more happy with the seat but my other car was an Infiniti with a 12 way power seat. the car is fun to drive and I have got use to the seat great part I can sit in the back seat just fine and my head does not touch the roof as a driver or rear passenger. spend the extra 1k for power.

• 

  My 3300 miles in an MX-5 PRHT GT - 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By dcrisler - June 6 - 5:56 pm

  Well as the title say, I have driven 3300 miles now. The car has been flawless, I took it back to the dealer to have the advanced keyless remote reprogrammed to lock the car if I move more than 2 feet from the car. The remote stays in my pocket and works great. The retractable hardtop has been flawless and is a work of art. The trunk is larger than my old S2000 and while the MX-5 would loose a race to the more powerful S2000, it is just as fun to drive. The 17 inch wheels look great and the brakes work very well. My only complaint is the Bose 6cd/mp3 radio does not display RDS data or scroll the mp3 titles. Other than that the car has been every thing I expected.

• 

  Lasting Fun - 2012 Mazda MazdaSpeed3
  By vnmn - June 6 - 9:55 am

  After now owning the Speed3 since March I have come to find this little car to be a very good sports car as far as power delivery and over all athleticism goes, it just does everything it is supposed to no matter how hard you push it. I really look forward to driving it daily. The seats are a bit fugly and uncomfortable, those being my two largest complaints(MAZDA, GIVE US ALL BLACK LEATHER WITH POWER!).As far as the front grille topic all the new Mazdas have a grin so bare it. Torque steer on this Gen is not an issue, it actually makes this car more fun and I wouldnt want it without some. I drove a 2012 GTI yesterday and it seriously bored me, it really felt lethargic in comparison.

• 

  Fantastic Car! - 2007 Mazda CX-9
  By trish - June 5 - 10:43 am

  This is an amazing car! I just bought it 2 days ago. I got the Touring edition with DVD system, nav system, power lift gate, keyless entry, roof rack. The WOW factor on this car is a 10!! All heads turn when this thing comes down the road. The drive is fabulous and smooth. I got the 18 inch wheels instead of the 20 inch. The ride is much smoother with the 18 inch. The selling point of this car is the third row, I am 5 foot 10 (tall mom) and I can sit in the third row with plenty of leg room to spare. Truly a clever stadium seating design back there. I am in love!! I highly recommend this car in all aspects. This is going to be a big seller here in the USA.

• 

  So far so fun! - 2009 Mazda Mazda6
  By Chez LeighJ - June 5 - 5:00 am

  I looked for the right combination of sportiness, fun to drive and family friendly for 2 years. The Honda Accord coupe appealed to me. The kids did not fare well in the back. Nissan was so arrogant they would not let me have a test drive without a deposit. I loved the mini. My tallest in class kids are not likely to fit in the back for long. Alas, sporty moms have an option. The kids love the new car. Their sports car crazed mom, who raced motorcycles, is happy too. It reminds me of my Honda S2000, with room for the kids. Who said moms are delegated to the slow lane? Cool mom, cool car.

• 

  Exciting Car! - 2006 Mazda Mazda6
  By Wen - June 4 - 5:33 pm

  I have had this car for less than a month and I am so pleased with my purchase. This car has awesome passing ability and rides very smooth.

• 

  Better than all - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By john - June 4 - 5:26 pm

  This is by far the most enjoyment Ive ever had driving a vehicle.This is by far my best car Ive ever owned, and Ive owned over 50 cars.I paid about 20,000 and it competes with cars in the 30,000 range.I now have 2800 miles and have loved every mile of it.