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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  Last Mazda For Me! - 2000 Mazda Protege
  By Lamrin - April 2 - 4:43 pm

  This was my first new car. I regret the purchase. I should have gotten a Corolla. Gas mileage is a joke for a small 1.6L auto. I had the rad replaced twice under warranty. At 3 yrs I noticed rust on the bottom front passenger side door. I now have rust inside both rear wheel wells (winters are harsh where I live). AC no longer works and never blew very cold. CD player is extremely finicky. Sometimes it plays, sometimes not. I think it might be related to temperature and humidity. Volume goes up when turning it down. The OD button doesnt work anymore. Some dash lights in the tach are blown. The car is very reliable. Its never broken down on me. I like the interior and trunk space.

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  Best Car Purchase - 2012 Mazda CX-7
  By bheft2012 - April 2 - 12:12 pm

  My husband and I just upgraded to an SUV and have been searching and shopping for over 6 months. I saw this car on the lot and it was so beautiful I had to test drive it, I didnt care about the price. I drove it and WOW, rides beautifully! The comfort of a luxury SUV for a reasonable price. I drive an hour and a half total to work everyday and I get great MPG! We bought it with 65k miles on it and we havent noticed any big issues or little issues. It takes turns sharp and clean, accelerates amazing for having a 4 cylinder engine. I feel like I have a 6 cylinder engine for the mpg and price of a 4 cylinder. My family and friends love riding with me, they always choose my car for carpool!

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  Fun but only in the sun - 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Shinsen - April 2 - 10:00 am

  Love the looks. Many think it is a exotic at first look. Great car for nice sunday drives. Very fun to drive and gets the looks!!

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  Mazda 3s Sedan - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By jhuttner - April 2 - 10:00 am

  Picked up my Mazda 3s sedan in black mica one month ago. Car offers good bang for the buck and the engine pulls hard...best towards the top of 2nd gear. The 5 speed shifts smoothly although the clutch could be a little heavier. Car looks good and the rear end is sporty I think. Sound system is good (get the moonroof 6 CD package!) and the glovebox is roomy too. Four wheel disc brakes with nice wheels are a welcoming feature that not many cars in this price range offer. The console is good and the trunk has plenty of room.

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  Zoom Zoom! - 2005 Mazda Mazda6
  By Anthony Saturno - April 2 - 9:00 am

  This is after driving 1200 miles. Wanting to replace my 99 Honda Accord V6 Coupe, I drove the Mazda, and a Pontiac G6. The Mazda was clearly the better automobile. The steering has a nice weight and feel to it. The car handles like a sports car, yet the ride is not jarring. The leather seats are very supportive. I love the 6 speed automatic and the ability to shift myself. And the color, Lapis Blue Metallic, is stunning.

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  good deal - 2006 Mazda MPV
  By bukake blitz - April 1 - 5:40 pm

  i got the LX-SV for less than $18k out the door. Its not as comfy as the Sienna but for the price it will do. Took it on a few 2 hour rides and no complaints so far. The gas mileage is average for a van. Handling is decent with good road feel (unlike other vans). A basic Sienna without side airbags would have cost about $5k more. The transmission has felt fine so far.

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  Best SUV for the Price - 2009 Mazda CX-9
  By KeithE - April 1 - 6:06 am

  Best 3-row SUV out there. Drove Mercedes, Lexus, Cadillac, Audi and Volvo, none compared on interior quality and exterior style to the CX- 9. Top that off with a price which was minimally $10K less than anything else, and you have a real winner. GT package does shift the ride quality to the firm side, but the handling achieved more than compensates. Car has every bell and whistle found on the "high priced badges" with better styling interior and exterior than any of them. Dealership experience has been excellent.

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  Bought it and LOVE it!! - 2007 Mazda CX-7
  By CX7Fan - April 1 - 4:13 am

  I purchased my CX-7 in April of 2007. I absolutely love this vehicle. It is fun to drive, comfortable, and I get pretty "decent" gas milage. I live in Texas, so the summer did persuade me to have the windows tinted as it was a roasting oven. Others on the road do not realize the acceleration, handling capabilities, and speed that it has as a Turbo injected vehicle. I love it. I look forward to purchasing the CX-9 late this year too. The one issue that I am having with it is the clicking noise during "hard" accelerations. I was told it was because I was using mid-grade gas. Since switching to high-grade, I occasionally get the noise, mostly when over 95 degree outside.

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  Enjoying my GT CX-9 - 2007 Mazda CX-9
  By Rob - April 1 - 3:26 am

  Ive had my GT CX-9 for a week and have really enjoyed driving this vehicle. Does drive a bit bumpy due to the 20 inch tires but I love the handling on the roads. I also looked at the Acadia and Pilot but fell for the stylish looks of the CX-9 and Im very happy with my choice.

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  Great car, great price point - 2014 Mazda Mazda3
  By zstardust - April 1 - 2:46 am

  Ive put 10,000 miles on my 2014 Mazda 3 since buying it in March. Its a comfortable ride (excluding some road noise), well styled, and turns heads. It has zip / zoom zoom. My car is mica black, with the basic sound system since I already had a high end GPS system and couldnt justify the additional cost of the XM / GPS feature. Even the basic sound system is more than acceptable, with my iPod docked to it. Im getting 35 mpg consistently (mostly highway, some in-town mileage) without going hybrid. Moving from a Ford SUV to the Mazda 3 took some getting used to, but Ive made the transition and Im a convert. This car deserves all of the accolades its receiving.