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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  Made for the business driver! - 2009 Mazda CX-9
  By ZoomZoom - February 8 - 5:36 am

  I love this car! I live in my car for work with a typical drive of over 10 hours a week and this car is made for me. The radio features allow easy reception anywhere, the seat is very comfortable and the Bluetooth will end up saving my life. And so very, very fun to drive. Researched to death and came down to this or the Highlander. One look and I was in love.

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  "Driving [still] matters" - 2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Sofyan Bey - February 8 - 4:50 am

  The Miata represents one of the purest new sports cars money can buy and the new one continues that tradition, but adds news levels of style and technology to the mix. This the very first convertible sports cars I have ever owned, between the constant availability of company vehicles and the fact that I metro to work, I decided I wanted a toy car as my personal ride. And boy, this new Miata fits the bill quite nicely. Everything about this car still feels like a toy and I love how it attracts stares from envious BMW and Porsche owners like nobodys business. The whole design has a new level of sleekness and masculinity that a Miata has just NEVER had. Its a huge hit for loyal Miata owners and to someone who has never owned one in his life [me]. The 200 pound weight loss is immediately apparent the moment you drive off, while the slickness and precision of the slick 6-speed manual challenges the best transmissions from Honda and Porsche. The new SkyActiv-G 2.0L 4-cyl has been tuned for greater throttle response and a meatier mid-range pull. It even sounds great and youd never guess that the engine is shared with the lonely Mazda3 economy car. The interior has new levels of refinement and [dare I say] luxury. With an Audi like 7-inch Mazda Connect infotainment screen and a BMW like controller right below the shifter [which does get in the way at times]. I found the leather bucket seats in my GT tester to be quite supportive and comfortable. My 57" 160 pound frame fit perfectly in the car, but anyone over 6 may find the drivers seat doesnt move back far enough and the steering wheel still doesnt telescope. There isnt much in the way of storage space and the trunk is puny, but hey its a sports car. The ride quality is comfortable enough to be daily driven on the crappy roads in DC and with the top up, the interior is fairly hushed by roadster standards. Overall, Ive had the car barely a week and I could NOT BE HAPPIER. I look forward to my drive to work and I even find myself looking for reasons to go for a drive, and that is the whole point of owning a toy like this. Bravo Mazda, bravo.

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  Best Car EVER! BMW is only other car I can compare to! - 2008 Mazda Mazda6
  By npalafax - February 7 - 12:52 pm

  Bought used at 70k Base i hatchback with sport package same car as the photo above. I really loved the hatch vs one with a trunk. It came in handy more than I ever thought. And still wish I had it. The only other car that I can say drove anything like this was a BMW which I now own. Ironically, the previous owner I bought it from sold it because she bought a new BMW. The only issues I ever had were: 1.Thermostat at 83k common problem threw a engine light so never over heated. 2.All the motor mounts failed at the same time. This car was defiantly well loved and cared for. Sadly was totaled at 98K in a garage fire in my building otherwise I would still have it. BUY A 4cyl v6 has a lot of probs

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  Looking Good - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By shippy1973 - February 6 - 7:23 pm

  Excellent handling and acceleration for a 2.3L. May be a tight fit for taller people. Really fun to drive. Way too much brake dust on rear wheels. Factory tires will be expensive to replace. Has 17" rims. A/C could be colder. Comes with almost every option most drivers want as standard. Love the steering wheel controls. Trunk space is adequate unless you shop for groceries once a month. As advertised gas mileage (approximately 27). Gas light comes on at about 2-3 gallons left. Love the interior panel lighting. Auto/Manual mode is cool to play with and you dont have to downshift when in manual mode. Rear leg room is sparse. Overall, I am very happy with my purchase 7 months in.

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  Great fun car! - 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Red Fanatic - February 6 - 5:36 am

  I owned a 93 Miata for 6 years before getting the 06. Bought from a dealer on eBay. This is a terrific car, fun to drive, and is my daily driver. Top seals well and keeps me dry in inclement weather. Its got great power/weight ratio and the 6-speed box is great.

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  Great Car - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By Dan - February 6 - 1:40 am

  Although Ive only put less than 500 miles on my car, it has exceeded my expectations. The handling is superb, braking is excellent, and acceleration (4 speed auto, 2.0 145hp) is not rocket-like, but I can enter California freeways above freeway speeds with power to spare. Interior and exterior details make it look like its much more expensive then it really is. So far so good. Good Job Mazda!

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  Subaru Convert - 2007 Mazda Mazda6
  By pb - February 5 - 1:00 am

  I was a Subaru owner, now a happy Mazda6 owner. From my 1st glimpse, I knew I wanted one. It is a solid car that looks and feels great! So far it has given me what my 3 Subarus couldnt.

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  surprisingly fun to drive - 2003 Mazda MPV
  By bacrandell - February 4 - 10:00 am

  When we first test drove the Mazda MPV we were impressed with how it handled. The steering is responsive and the braking is quick. It didnt seem to roll as much in turns as one might expect a minivan to do. Now having driven for 6 months, we still enjoy it a great deal. It has made several long- distance trips in addition to the usual around town driving. It has sufficient power for passing on the freeway, and the steering feels tight in turns. It seems to have sufficient room for our little family. It feels quite safe and secure.

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  We Love IT!!! - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By PHAGE - February 4 - 10:00 am

  The number one requirement for my wife and my car is that she, 5ft 3in, has the ability to conveniently see out of all the windows and I, 6 2", need to have adequate leg room. This car is Sophisticated the right amount of power without the gaudy engine noise.

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  Almost Perfect - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By Ciaraswtp143 - February 4 - 10:00 am

  Needs lock button lights, needs better speakers. thats all. its a great ride. and sporty and sexy. fast and fun. i have a fully loaded V6 apperarnce package (ground effects) all leather and lapis blue. the best color. i love it