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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  From Costco to Autocross - 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By MX5inSac - October 26 - 4:53 pm

  I was only looking for a small manual transmission car to get out of the boredom of minivan, and bought a 1996 Miata. This little car surprised me in many ways. I didnt know that I had petrol in my blood before! The Miata is slow by the number, but fast once the road starts to curve. The handling capability surpasses my comfort zone, which is why I start to autocross to appreciate this fine roadster more. Needless to mention, one can turbocharge a Miata to get 200+ HP without harming the engine (which was designed to be turbocharged). It is also a practical car. I go to Costco in the Miata, and seldom need to put anything in the front seat. Try that with a Boxster or MR2!

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  Great CUV and Great Value - 2008 Mazda CX-9
  By Who Knew - October 26 - 4:23 am

  Had to replace my 04 SRX and researched for months. Looked hard at new SRX, R350, MDX, Q7, Pathfinder, Enclave, Outlook / Acadia, but decided on fully loaded CX9 GT AWD (black on black). This thing has every feature and better than the more upscale brands. An amazing animal! - a huge CUV family bus with eye-popping looks, sports car handling, great seating / comfort and space shuttle technology - how do they do it? This car is extremely well designed, way quieter / tighter than the SRX, fun to drive and has more toys to play with than our basement. Without a doubt, the best car value for the money in any price range. Very pleased with my choice!

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  Very pleased. - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By Joe - October 25 - 11:16 pm

  I really like my Mazda 3. I traded a 2000 Miata for it, and expected a letdown in the fun-to-drive department when it came time to trade. I didn’t have much money to spend, and I needed something economical for my very long daily commute. Those criteria don’t usually lend themselves to much fun. Or so I thought. The Mazda 3 is great fun to drive. The 2.0 liter engine revs willingly and the five-speed manual shifts smoothly and positively. It corners flat, the steering is precise, and it brakes confidently. And for an inexpensive car, the 3 doesnt look or feel cheap. Materials and build quality are good. There really is something to the "zoom- zoom" stuff.

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  I love this car! - 2009 Mazda Mazda6
  By Boss Man - October 25 - 9:53 pm

  I have owned my Mazda6 itouring for 4 months now and I can tell you without a doubt this is the best car for the money on the road. I test drove 13 cars before deciding to pull the trigger on the 6. I drove both the i&s and decided on the 4 cylinder for the fuel economy. It has plenty of jump and is really fun to drive. I love the improvements they made redesigning this car. I have put this car up against the BMW 3 series, the Acura TL, the Honda Accord, and several more. It more than holds its own with handling and suspension. Everyone tells me how nice this car is. It is so fun to drive. What more can I say? Zoom Zoom!

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  Reliable little workhorse - 1999 Mazda Protege
  By 99ProtegeOwner - October 25 - 2:00 am

  I purchased a 99 Protege DX (used for only 5 months - repoed) in 1/00 for my wife. I have had to invest no money in this car other than for gas and oil. No electrical problems, no mechanical problems. Comfortable for our family of four. Adequate acceleration for a 1.6 auto; dont expect to be pushed back into your seat. Good fuel economy - high 20s to low 30s in mostly urban driving. Nice, conservative styling. Could use more sound insulation, though. I recently acquired a Montero for my wife, and plan to use the Protege myself - itll make a good substitute for my 96 VW Jetta money pit.

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  My Perfect Van - 2003 Mazda MPV
  By nick123 - October 25 - 2:00 am

  I bought the van for my wife, but I find myself always driving it. We got the LX with all the options. The only drawback is the interior noise, it can be loud when its windy. Other than that, its a great van for the price.

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  ANOTHER SUCCESS STORY FROM MAZDA - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By Jim Vesta - October 25 - 2:00 am

  The 2.3 liter engine gives this lightweight car a lot of Zoom Zoom. That said, you still feel like there is more real metal than plastic like in a lot of cars.

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  Driving matters - Mazda stays true to this! - 2016 Mazda CX-9
  By Olaf Roepke - October 24 - 11:10 pm

  Very happy with my CX-9 GT. Have put 1,500 miles on it and love it. Great ride, high quality materials, torquey engine (although hp a bit on the weak side with regular gas). Love the active safety features, Lane Assist works really well, blind spot monitoring is a big plus. Gas mileage is at least in the low 20s in mixed driving. Only complaint I have the tank shows DTE = zero when there are still 2.5 gallons in the tank!

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  Awesome Bang for the BUCK!!!! - 2002 Mazda Protege5
  By dan the man - October 24 - 10:00 am

  A loaded car with moonroof, ABS and side airbags for 17200.00 is a hell of a deal in my book. I have read many reviews and the complaints seem to revolve around three issues: Power, Stereo, and Roof Rack wind noise. Why buy a car with 130 HP and an engine under 2000cc and then say it has too little power? The car has plenty of get up and go. The stereo is not the greatest, however, that is easily corrected at your local stereo dealer. The wind noise is not too bad. Sure when the moonroof is open at 70 MPH it gets a little loud, but thats natural. In a nutshell, this car looks great, is fun to drive, and wont break your bank.

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  Mazda 6s - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By nick c - October 23 - 11:20 pm

  I drive 20,000 miles a year and have had absolutely no problems whatsoever with this vehicle. The performance is sensational. This car handles like its on rails. The traction control actually works! This vehicle is very predictable in the snow and rain. Overall terrific value. I highly recommend this vehicle.