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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  Mazda3 - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By scchamps - July 29 - 12:16 am

  I rented this car for a weekend trip to try it out before I bought it. I was surprised how easy it was to drive. I loved the way it handled. It has great pickup. I enjoyed zipping around town in it. It really is fun to drive. I went to the Mazda dealership the day I returned the rental and bought one.

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  Love It ZOOM - ZOOM! - 2006 Mazda Mazda5
  By lkverse - July 28 - 10:36 am

  Got the manual transmission. Love it. Handles great. I have 2 teenagers and they love the room that it gives them, not to mention the reclining back seats. Wont need the 3rd row much but will be perfect for that extra kid every now & then. Only complaint, I had the car in my possession for 10 hours and woke up to frozen door latches. 3 of 4 doors wouldnt latch shut. Mazda gave me a free loaner for the weekend and I picked it up Monday early afternoon. Steering wheel mounted audio and cruise controls are a nice perk that youd pay for in most other vehicles. Has all the bells and whistles standard that I would want. Passenger front seat should have an armrest.

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  Best of class - 2010 Mazda CX-9
  By Billz1979 - July 28 - 10:00 am

  Coming from an Acura Owner who did a lot of research and nearly bought a MDX, the CX-9 is without a doubt the best bang for the buck. Cargo room, ride, build quality, everything is top notch.

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  Zoom Zoom now applies - 2014 Mazda CX-5
  By imadad2 - July 28 - 1:25 am

  Bought the Touring model of the CX-5 only because it has the bigger 2.5 liter engine. The extra 30 horsepower in the Touring and Grand Touring model really make a difference when driving. The Sport model is nice, but the engine makes the vehicle just average. Mazda has a winner here in the CUV division and I would recommend this SUV to anyone over the Forde Escape or Honda CR-V that are its main competitors. This market is competitive and Mazda has what I think is the winner when buying the bigger engine.

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  The Mazda5 = Fun to Drive! - 2010 Mazda Mazda5
  By eml5150 - July 27 - 2:16 pm

  Bought for a family of four replacing an 02 Ford Explorer. We leave the third row seats down 95% of the time and there is plenty of room. The 2.3 is powerful enough to zoom-zoom and acceleration is not as bad as some automotive reviews state; unless you pack it with 6 adults regularly or youre addicted to the throttle it will do just fine. Driving the automatic in sport mode provides better throttle response. Its fun to drive and its handling is impressive. The dynamic stability control and traction control are a safety feature finally available this year. Braking is very good. It stops quick. Dont spend more and settle for less. Mazda5 quality and features are a great buy for the money.

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  OMG, what a ride - 2008 Mazda CX-7
  By CX-7 ROCKS - July 25 - 9:30 pm

  I never thought I would buy an SUV, until this came along. The thing handles great and the turbo motor is awesome. The 18" rims are sweet. Wish they were chrome. Seat comfort is good, but I wish they were a little more grippy to go along with the solid handling. I cant say enough about the handling. It is on rails! period. The visibility is excellent, do not need rear view camera. I have garmin nav. much better than optional system. Tons of room up front which is all I care about, feels much roomier than EDGE. Although, premium fuel is recommended instead of required, I dont mind putting 93 octane in it, I feel the power difference between regular.

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  Loaded for the money - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By Hong kong fooey - July 25 - 9:43 am

  I cant believe the bells and whistles this car comes with and still is incredibly low priced,add to that the build quality,you cant go wrong.This car is great for a first time buyer or for someone who realizes that BMW has very little on this mazda.

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  Amazing - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By rylie1 - July 24 - 1:27 pm

  I drove this car for three weeks. I loved it. Unfortunately a guy turned in front of me without looking. My car got totaled. This car saved my life. The paramedics could not believe how much the car was squished and not me. Besides the normal symptoms of a crash, I am way better than I should be. This is one amazing car in all aspects.

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  2003 Mazda 6i - 2003 Mazda Mazda6
  By BBroadster - July 24 - 2:00 am

  Excellent headlights,and brakes. Enjoy shifting the automatic manually, came in handy in the Smokey Mountains. The 8way seat and double ajustable steering make it possible to find the perfect driving position.

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  just purchased - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By Haynes338 - July 24 - 2:00 am

  love the car best deal yet