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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  Great except for the GPS...zero support from Mazda - 2011 Mazda Mazda3
  By jsites - October 20 - 6:49 am

  Great little car. Except the built-in GPS which is a rip-off. My brand new grand touring Mazda 3 came with outdated 2009 copy right maps on and SD card. After having a number of problems and fails with this GPS outdated maps (cant find direct route to the dealership for one thing.) I have attempted to get updated maps..... I am even willing to pay the hideously over-priced fee of $200 to get updated maps, they are simply not available (I was promised by the dealer when I bought these maps were easily upgradeable) The OEM supplier Denso says they are "out of stock", they do not respond to multiple emails Ive sent, they refer me back to Mazda, which refers me back to Denso..... what a joke!

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  Love this car, hate the drivers seat, - 2016 Mazda CX-9
  By 3rd Time CX-9 Owner - October 19 - 2:35 pm

  First off, the new CX-9 is easily the best looking SUV on the market for the price. I would definitely consider it a class above in regards to looks, interior quality and design. However it is missing some major things that set it back. In my opinion Mazda dropped the ball in regards to some features the CX-9 lacks compared to its competitors. The sunroof is too small (every other car in the segment has a dual or panoramic sunroof option), cooled seats and heated steering wheel (again, available in all competitor cars), passengers seat adjustment is limited to forward and back only. Oh, and then comes my biggest complaint about the car, the drivers seat. The drivers seat was down graded from an 8-way adjustable in the previous gen to a 6-way for the new CX-9. They dropped the adjustment of the tilt of the seat bottom, or thigh support adjustment. The seat feels like its tilted forward, Im always sliding forward out of the seat when braking. I would give anything to be able to tilt the front part of the seat upwards so i feel like Im securely and comfortably positioned in the seat. I have never driven a vehicle where it was so hard to find a comfortable driving position. All my complaining aside, the interior is ultra quiet and super plush. It definitely gives the feel of a luxury car ride. The materials are of top quality and the design is very ascetically pleasing to look at while riding in the vehicle. The functionality of all the controls are well executed and much so satisfactory. One of my favorite parts about the vehicle is the driving experience. The vehicle has the ability to shove you back in your seat under acceleration and passes on the highway with ease. The handling is unbeatable by far, with the ride not compromising to much from the stiffer suspension setup. Back seat space is not to complain about and cargo room is ample. All in all Mazda outdid themselves with the design of the new CX-9 and its an SUV i would highly recommend, that is if you can find a comfortable driving position is that darn drivers seat!

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  Fun to Drive & Keep!!! - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By SS in AZ - October 19 - 11:13 am

  Purchased new 12-2002 after 350000+ miles on a 1991 Mazda Protege LX. No mechanical problems with the engine in this car!!!Only had to replace lock motor for $400.00. I use Mobil 1 and stay on top of the maintenance. Fun to Drive but you need to keep the tires aligned and rotated or they will be worn in a year.

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  My new rig - 2005 Mazda Tribute
  By dale nelson - October 19 - 7:33 am

  Previously drove an Infiniti G35 for two years and find the Mazda Tribute to meet all of my needs....excellent stereo (nearly as good as the Bose system in the Infiniti)...Lumbar adjustment works well....plenty of power, but only getting about 16 mpg in town so far....Anyway I would rate this rig as an 8 against the 10 of the Infiniti.....not far behind for $15,000 less cost and cargo room is excellent even compared to larger SUVs that I compared it with......I swore I would never own an SUV, but I love this rig.........

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  Give it an A, not and A+ - 2003 Mazda Mazda6
  By Cee - October 19 - 2:00 am

  Great car...good accel, excellent looks, stylish interior. This car MUST be purchased with the manual transmission, V-6 Sport Pkg. Otherwise, go buy a Corolla and a child seat for the back. Great Bose sound (even better with XM Radio). While I dont drive it a ton, I absolutely love the time Im in it. Being its new, it still gets a lot of looks and curiosity. (I doubt he was sincere, but an owner of a BMW 5 series asked me if I wanted to trade while we were sitting at a traffic light.)

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  2003 Mazda 6 with leather seating - 2003 Mazda Mazda6
  By redsoxfan - October 19 - 2:00 am

  The seats can be uncomfortable on long trips. Also, when the trunk is released, it does not pop up very high (maybe a couple of inches). This is not convenient for shopping. The trunks in the other cars in this category fully pop up when you press the remote button on the keychain.

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  Nice im surprised - 2002 Mazda Millenia
  By bandit - October 19 - 2:00 am

  Its a good car gets good highway gas miles..runs smooth..very comfortale

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  Good buy... - 2002 Mazda Protege
  By chrisfenl - October 19 - 2:00 am

  I really enjoy my Protege and am glad I decided to purchase it. It has more power than other small sedans that Ive driven, has very reponsive gas and break input, and handles incredibly well. The suspension is fairly tight, so you feel bumps more, but this also makes turning feel more stable. Its a great car, and I plan on holding onto mine for a long time.

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  Great SUV - 2004 Mazda Tribute
  By plugf15 - October 19 - 2:00 am

  Downsized from a Durango. Tribute is much nicer ride and fun to drive. No problems and great value!

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  Excellent mini van - 2004 Mazda MPV
  By John Prosper - October 19 - 2:00 am

  My Mazda MPV is very fun to drive, suspension is awesome in the corners. Has everything I need for comfort and plenty of poweer for a 3.0 litre. Only draw back is shift lever interferes with radio, but controls on the steering wheel do away with that. Very happy with my purchase.