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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  Our CX-7 Goes to the Ozarks - 2007 Mazda CX-7
  By blkcherimika - January 10 - 2:23 am

  Our CX-7 Goes to the Ozarks - October, 2007 Our first vacation in more than eighteen months was also our first significant road trip in the CX-7. We were both curious as to how the little XUV would serve as a constant companion for a week. I won’t belabor the point, but the comfort, performance, handling and utility of our baby was remarkable! She proved to be the best travel vehicle we’ve ever owned. This was a seven-day trip that took us from the flat Red River Delta of Northwest Louisiana to the magnificent Ozark Mountains of Northern Arkansas. We encountered rain, high winds and extreme temperature swings.Through it all, CX-7 Sport never failed. Never.

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  HOT MOMMA! - 2005 Mazda Mazda6
  By Alice Cherbonnier - January 10 - 12:33 am

  Theyre not kidding when they say "zoom zoom"! The handling on this car is fantastic--very much the sports car in station wagon guise. Mine has no extras except the 6-CD stereo option. Still, its like driving a Volvo station wagon (Ive had several Volvos) on steroids. (Incidentally, Mazdas nicknamed "the American Volvo" in some circles, due to their family relationship and some shared components and trim). The manual transmission not only is fun, but it allows me to manage RPMs to save on gas. Am getting about 25 miles to the gallon, better than predicted even by Mazda--and Im not talking going 55 mph.

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  Fun to drive, looks sharp - 2007 Mazda CX-7
  By CX-7 Owner - January 9 - 9:26 pm

  I bought my CX-7 about a week ago. Incredibly fun to drive. Transmission changes gears smoothly and effortlessly. Never feels heavy or ponderous. Able to zip ahead when you want to pass, whether youre going 30 or 80. Handling and braking are very good. Handles turns and cloverleafs much better than other SUVs without feeling like the car is leaning. Exterior styling is great. People have walked up in parking lots to ask about it and offer compliments on how good it looks. Have found myself just going out to drive, or heading to a store 20 miles away just to get a chance to drive a little more.

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  Wow! Amazing upgrades in 2017 - 2017 Mazda CX-5
  By Judy Barfell - January 9 - 9:14 pm

  We traded our 2016 CX-5 for 2017 Grand Touring CX-5. Wow! The many upgrades are amazing. Safety features includes new and improved backup alerts, out of lane driving alerts, heads up display with speed, highways signs, brake now alert, 2 driver memory seats, 6 way passenger electric adjustment, and on and on. This car is so quiet compared to our 2016, with tinted windows and good gas mileage. The best car we have ever owned!

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  Wonderful - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By ksmazda - January 9 - 2:16 am

  This has been a great family vehicle, its reliable and extremely fun to drive. Weve moved twice since weve owned it and could not believe how much we could cram inside. The interior cleans up nicely with a vacuum or carpet cleaning. The only issue weve had with the interior is that the cloth on one of the doors wasnt glued well.

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  Mazda Miata MX-5 - 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By olderrm - January 8 - 10:00 am

  I bought this car as a fun alternative to my SUV and love every minute of driving it!! It makes daily sales calls fun and takes the edge off of all of the windshield time. On days when it is possible to pop the top, that is the most fun of all! With the wind blowing through your hair and the radio blairing, what could possibly equal that?!!!

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  Vinces Rx8 - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By vince michael - January 8 - 10:00 am

  I have owned Rx7s but this one is right on the money.It handels great and has even helped me to avoid an accident.Sometimes its hard to feel safe in a sports car. Not this one! The Rx8 is the best of its kind yet.

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  Mazda 3s 5door- It Really Is Zoom Zoom!! - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By Rillo - January 8 - 10:00 am

  This is my first new vehicle purchase and I have to say that I am VERY impressed overall. I love the body styling, the 17" alloy wheels, and the abundance of options you can choose from to customize your car! The handling and agility the car provides is incredible for this price range. The engine has a definite refinement about it that I did not feel in the Corolla, or Civic. Interior space is nicely appointed and can fit four comfortably. It feels large. The hatchback also provides ample room for cargo when the rear seats are folded down. Ergonomically the interior beats the competition hands down. My only complaint, gas mielage is lower than anticipated.

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  2004 Mazda 3 - 5 speed 2.3 litre - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By sy32004 - January 8 - 10:00 am

  My first new car and i could not be happier. There are minor things that i feel could be better, but overall this is a great car.

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  AWESOME CAR - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By earp - January 8 - 10:00 am

  the best car i have ever owned