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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  Pleasantly Surprised! - 2008 Mazda CX-9
  By T Clark - December 11 - 10:00 am

  Never thought about owning a Mazda. Test drove an Infiniti FX35 and compared to the Mazda CX-9 it was so much smoother and really has a lot of power. I was really impressed. You get so much more for your money with this model. Love the way it handles and my daughter loves having the DVD system. That was just an added bonus for us. Only had it a few days, but so far it has been great!

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  Love fades - 2009 Mazda Mazda6
  By mazda convert - December 11 - 10:00 am

  Bought it new but seem to be owning it used. Rattles and squeaks abound. Does drive and handle well. Great pickup great brakes. Transmission down shift feels odd at lower speeds, almost like it stuck in neutral. Wind noise in cabin too loud at freeway speeds. Sound system is average or below par. I find the driving position/seat comfortable. Enjoy spirited driving. the interior and reliability does not live up to the exterior and performance.

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  Loving My CX7 (NOT) - 2007 Mazda CX-7
  By Loving my CX-7 (Not) - December 11 - 10:00 am

  Well its me again and it looks as though the same problems everyone has endured with their Mazda, I am encountering also. In July I purchased my CX7 with 33,000 mi I was oh so pleased! In October my AC Compressor went out, Thank God I purchased the extended warranty. The whole compressor had to be replaced. I am so desperately trying to trade this car in, cause it looks like a host of problems is in my future. I have been told that it is only worth 10-14,000 when I paid 19,000, Wow! Mazda should be ashamed of themselves producing such a problem! I will have to take a HUGE lost, but whatever it takes to get out of this one, I will do!

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  Zoom, zoom? - 2010 Mazda Mazda6
  By Jim - December 11 - 10:00 am

  The car looks and rides great. Visibility is excellent and has all the bells and whistles; blue tooth, blind spot monitoring, Bose, heated leather, etc. What the car needs is a little more zoom in its zoom (another 20 or 30 HP would be real nice Overall - a good choice!

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  Its a love, hate relationship - 2005 Mazda RX-8
  By Jessica - December 10 - 5:53 pm

  I purchased my RX8 used almost 2 years ago. My engine started "fluttering" 4 days after I bought the car. I have only had problems since. If your RX-8 is not idling correctly, you need to have the engine replaced. Finally after 2 years of problems, mine are about to be solved. If you are looking to buy this car, please know that it is not a grocery getter. You have to heat the engine completely up before you can turn it off. Do yourself a HUGE favor and do some research. You would be amazed at what needs to be done for the upkeep of this car. I love mine to the point that I cant trade it in. Make sure you are willing to put in the time and effort to keep it up.

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  2016 MX-5 Miata equates to pure driving fun! - 2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Stig - December 9 - 11:58 pm

  If you dont mind having a small car or having to lug a lot of stuff and your goal is to not have a mundane commute, then this car will put a smile on your face every time you drive. Its just a blast for commuting, weekend canyon carver, and occasional track days.

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  posting an update of problems - 2006 Mazda Tribute
  By Michael Loughnan - December 9 - 11:16 pm

  At 3100 miles, transmission broke and was replaced. New transmission sometimes searches and kicks into gear, its back in the service department now going on 3days. Now have 4700 miles on it. Rear windshield wiper assembly fell off when I was washing it. After hitting the pavement, I have a nice scratch on it. Noticed an indentation in the middle of the dash about 3-4 inches long. Right front lower door sheet metal has 5 lines in it. Very poor workmanship and quality. Am starting mediation with factory right now. I feel ripped off. Wonder what will break or fall off of it next. I do not feel safe in this vehicle and recommend to those who might buy one, not to. Nothing but problems since I bought.

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  Simply the best compact car ever! - 2003 Mazda Protege
  By Brett Hall - December 9 - 5:16 pm

  The 2003 Mazda Protege ES has been one of the very best cars Ive ever driven or owned. It is rock solid, fun to drive, sporty (power and looks), and gets great gas mileage. Ive heard that the Mazda 3 is even better, and without a doubt that will be the next car I purchase. Ive driven the 2003 Honda Civic, 2003 Toyota Corolla, 2003 Hyundai Elantra, and a couple of domestics. Id rank them as follows: 1. Mazda Protege 2. Toyota Corolla 3. Honda Civic 4. any domestic compact 5. Hyundai Elantra If there is a weakness of the sporty Protege ES, it would be that the Honda and Toyota are more comfortable to drive on long trips. We prefer to take our mivivan on such trips.

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  Best 3rd CUV on the market for the price - 2008 Mazda CX-9
  By ceric - December 9 - 11:06 am

  I chose among Highlander, Pilot and CX9. Pilot is too ugly for my taste. Highlander is too expensive with ultra-cheap 3rd row and non-splittable. CX9 is the best deal out there. I was worrying about the reliability like most potential buyers would be. No problem for me after 1 year. Mazda service in my area is also superb. Loaners for repairs (TSB, etc.) and major services. The bottom like is that CX9 drives like a BMW X5 with more than $20K saved in your bank.

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  New Miata - 2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Larry Uglow - December 8 - 3:45 am

  They will move off the MSRP