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:

• 

  Loved it....BUT..... - 2016 Mazda CX-9
  By Shadowsmom06 - January 13 - 4:48 am

  So after hours online searching for the pefect suv I found the new cx-9.... I went to my nearest Mazda dealer to test drive and fell in LOVE....but one missing must have...NO HEATED STEERING WHEEL.....very disappointed.....come to find out that the 2016 cx-9 in Canada HAS one....WHAT???? please mazda add for us Americans and Ill buy one.....thanks

• 

  Fun and practical - 2006 Mazda Mazda6
  By RAHanson - January 13 - 12:56 am

  I wanted a fun-to-drive station wagon as an alternative to an SUV. The Mazda 6s met the mark. The manual transmission is great--very smooth clutch, quick response (much better than automatic). It holds the road well. It has plenty of cargo room. Unlike some other wagons, the back seat folds completely flat--this is great, especially for transporting animals.

• 

  Made of Win - 2009 Mazda Mazda3
  By shawn - January 12 - 3:00 pm

  Love my car, it is a beast, so glad I got the manual trans though, without it I could imagine this machine being a little sluggish for my tastes. I wanted a car I would enjoy for many years to come and I think I have it. Excellent gas mileage, even considering how I drive it at times, got 39 recently, mix of highway and back roads, and I tend to drive fast, needless to say, impressed with the zoom zoom. This car is a flat out awesome for its price, and has a lot of potential and I just got the base line model!

• 

  Update to driver from Salt Lake City - 2013 Mazda CX-5
  By utahdriver - January 12 - 11:22 am

  After 2,600 miles everything is going great. The performance is better after the 2,000 mile mark. No problems to date. The last three gas fill-ups used 33 gallons with 921 miles driven, 27.9 miles per gallon in mixed city/highway. This car is very tight and drives like a dream on the highway. I really like the blind spot monitor system and the center rear seat fold down is handy for long items. For you owners with the auto I found that by shifting to Neutral and pressing the engine off button the radio/blue tooth says on, and engine is off. Then shift into park and finish the phone call or radio until you exit. Just push the engine run button twice to completely turn off the car.

• 

  Zoom, Zoom, Zoom! - 2004 Mazda MPV
  By Bonkey - January 12 - 10:00 am

  This mini van is very comfortable, and roomy enough for 7 adults to sit comfortably. The cargo hold is very versatile, as it features a flip down rear seat which allows the rear cargo space to be completely flat for transporting large objects. With the rear seat flipped up, the rear cargo hold becomes a nice sized pocket able to hold gracery bags steady for the trip home. Plenty of room for luggage, too. We took a car trip with 2 adults, and three teenage children, and we all fit into the car comfortably, including two pieces of luggage each!

• 

  fun to drive - 2005 Mazda Tribute
  By mr.pv - January 12 - 10:00 am

  love it, iam big guy and need a lot of room. the sound will blow you away.a 10 in my book.

• 

  We love this car! - 2014 Mazda Mazda3
  By tomandtess - January 12 - 2:49 am

  We traded in our 2011 Ford Fiesta for this car. While the Fiesta was fun to drive on short trips, going any distance caused my husband to have to see his chiropractor! After trying out five different vehicles and doing tons of research, we knew this was the car for us! We have two crew cab 4WD trucks and a minivan. We just wanted another car for when he and I take long road trips, skiing, running errands, etc. and still get great gas mileage. We found it!

• 

  Feels Great! - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By A. Brenneman - January 11 - 3:00 am

  Every time I drive this car it makes me smile. The car handles extremely well, has good power and looks great inside and out. Have taken one 2000 mile trip and am very pleased. The seats were comfortable and had good support. The trip felt much shorter than it actually was. Mazda has done a wonderful job creating an an affordable car that feels anything but.

• 

  Gem of a Car - 2009 Mazda Mazda6
  By TheTman - January 9 - 8:00 pm

  I drive about 25K miles per year, and I replace my cars every two years with new ones. The last car I loved was my 2002 Passat. I finally found the perfect replacement in the Mazda6. Ride, quietness, interior, and handling are exceptional. The engine is good, though not as eager as the Passat. IMHO the newer Passats just are not as pleasing. Mileage on country back roads is about 30. Oh yes, the interim cars I had were Acura TSX and Saturn Aura. Sorry, just no emotional connection with either. Do try a 6. Price is right, and you will not be disappointed. I have come to like the car more, the more I drive it. The 6 has an attitude I like.

• 

  love my new wheels! - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By kitty+randal - January 9 - 2:00 am

  Ive been driving my MP5 for 6 mths. and totally love it. It handles well in the city and highway. Its comfortable, has tons of room for my stuff and looks so cool. Ive never been happier with a car. I dont think there is anything in its price range that holds a candle to this baby! I highly recommend it!!