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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  More fun than Pilot, just as safe - 2009 Mazda CX-9
  By Tripl3threat - February 3 - 3:06 am

  I purchased an 09 Honda Pilot EX-L and an 09 CX-9 GT this month, and while I think they are the 2 best SUV/X-Overs on the market (under $40K), I do like the CX-9 over the Pilot. The Pilot drives like a truck - not that different from my Ford Explorer. The CX-9 drives like a performance tuned car. Easy to get in and out for all seating positions, tight handling, good acceleration and smooth and quiet braking. The Pilot looks like it should be driving through the Texas ranch-lands, while the CX-9 is right at home next to the Cayennes and Q7s in the Costco parking lot. All up, the CX-9 is about $5k less than the Pilot. Most of all, the CX-9 feels safest for kid hauling, and is a lot of FTD.

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  Very Happy with Our Choice - 2007 Mazda CX-9
  By andrewtx - February 1 - 12:43 pm

  We traded in a 2003 Ford Expedition in which we were very disappointed for a 2007 CX-9. We immediately took it on a 1,600 mile trip. We averaged about 23 mpg on the highway (best individual fill up was 26.3 mpg). The performance of this vehicle is very impressive. It has the smoothest shifting automatic transmission Ive ever seen. Pickup is impressive. The level of comfort was amazing. Im 61" and usually suffer through long drives. However, a 12 hour (800 mile) drive in this vehicle was very comfortable. Lots of room for all our beach "stuff" with the 3rd seat folded down (umbrellas, cooler, beach chairs, etc). Even with all this stuff, we could still see out the rear window.

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  The Best "Mazda" - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By nikkidunford - February 1 - 11:36 am

  I have fallen in love with Mazda, the only thing is that oil changes are the not the cheapest but still not the most expensive. Non-dealerships dont usually stock parts for these cars. But well built great new design. Awesome car.

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  I was hooked on Toyotas ... not anymore - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By Nicole - February 1 - 10:00 am

  Ive owned the Mazda3 hatch (in the attention commanding Winning Blue, of course) for 6 months and I am VERY impressed. Ive never considered vehicles outside of Toyota or Honda and am so glad I took the leap. Ive never had better handling. I saw this car on the road and HAD to have it. I spent just a little extra to get the moonroof/6 cd package, rear bumper step plate, moonroof wind deflector, cargo tray, cassette player, and autodim mirror. Coming in at exactly $20k, every option was well worth it and, since I purchased them with the vehicle, they are warrantied for 50k miles too. Only thing to add now is the $700 Phatnoise MP3 system. Mazda is smooth to offer this voice activated system.

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  Former Camry Owner Loves the Mazda3 - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By Susan - January 30 - 11:56 pm

  I was tired of driving my "old lady" Camry and when I found this Mazda3, I had to have it. I chose the smaller engine for better fuel economy and added the sunroof option and a rear spoiler. This is a great looking car and so much fun to drive.

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  Loved my tribute!!I - 2001 Mazda Tribute
  By nat - January 30 - 10:23 pm

  I had my lovely car for close to 10 years when a truck backed into it and smashed the radiator and grill :-( still arguing with insurance. It had 150,000 miles on it and ran like a dream-- mechanics all said (both dealer & private) that it had many more miles on it. I had to get a new transmission at 147,000 miles other than that just the regular wear-- oil change and brakes. I am negotiating with insurance but I WANT MY CAR BACK!! I love my tribute and Im sure it has many more years left in it.

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  Overall great small SUV, minor issues - 2001 Mazda Tribute
  By HCP - January 30 - 9:00 pm

  I currently have 55K miles on my Tribute and have had no issues with it. There was a factory recall on a computer chip, and a seatbelt which was replaced at no charge, and the dealership gave me a nice loaner while it was fixed. I love the design, and it handles great in snow, mud and slush. I travel gravel roads daily and it is quite comfortable. I average ~17 mpg, which is my only complaint. The paint has held up quite well, and have not problems with molding, etc. The leather has also proved quite durable. The 4WD has performed beautifully in varied terrain. I would definitely purchase another.

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  Another Mazda - Another Great Ride - 2015 Mazda CX-5
  By basst95 - January 30 - 7:44 am

  My wife and I just bought the 2015 CX-5 AWD Touring. We got the blue ext / black int no tech but w/installed remote starter. Price $25250 before $500 Loyalty discount, trade in, and Tax / Title. Overall good price for great vehicle. Were still breaking in but handling, comfort, and overall design seem to be living up to the hype. My wife is enjoying features like the blind spot monitoring and rear back up camera. Layout is simple but intuitive and functional; from tilt / tele steering wheel, 40/20/40 folding seats to easy pairing of bluetooth. Gas mileage is right at 25mpg so well see how that holds up in the winter months. This Mazda out shined over the Toyota, honda, & Ford.

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  Poor Mans Luxury Sedan - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By SoCal23Female - January 29 - 2:00 am

  Hot little vehicle with a decent price tag.

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  Great Car, Great Price! - 2007 Mazda CX-9
  By John - January 28 - 9:00 pm

  As with others, my wife and I drove all the 6 + passenger CUVs. We wanted a car, not a van, which would carry at least 6 people comfortably and the CX-9 was the answer. We almost bought the MDX, but after one last visit and sitting in the 3rd row, our minds were made up. The CX-9 has everything, comfort, performance, looks and all the bells and whistles. We also wanted a car which would meet all of our needs, bluetooth a must, nav system, mp3 player, link to my iPod, separate temperature controls for front as well as back. Room in the back for 4 sets of golf clubs. The ride is superb and fun to drive. Just love this car. Test drive and you will be sold.