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 Ride for a Big Vehicle - 2008 Mazda CX-9
  By parunner - July 19 - 2:23 am

  We bought this because we needed a family vehicle with more space. We went from a VW Passat and honestly there is not much difference going to this bigger vehicle. It drives wonderful.

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  Great Car - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By Siddharth - July 19 - 1:46 am

  I have now owned the 2007 Mazda3 S Touring for 3 months and am extremely satisfied with my decision. First the 2.3L engine gives great power without any noise. The car is very smooth to ride and handle. The 17" alloy wheels that come with S Touring provide an added coolness to the car. The interiors are extremely good and can rival that of any luxury car. The fuel efficiency is also good for a 2.3L engine. This is a great car if you are looking for an alternative for Honda Civic or Toyota Corolla. Looks better than its competitors, is more powerful and provides nearly the same fuel efficiency.

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  The Winner is........... The 6 - 2009 Mazda Mazda6
  By Hockey Fan - July 18 - 4:03 pm

  Where to start? I was in the market for either the Audi A4 or Lexus IS250 but landed in a Mazda 6. I drove past a Mazda dealership, the new 6 just stood out. I went in, test drove the car and here I am 3 months later loving my decision! They compare the Mazda 6 to the Accord and Camry (class- wise) however, it does not compare! It is far superior and should instead weight against cars like the A4 and IS250. Sounds crazy I know but I am a total gear head and was dead set on one of the aforementioned cars. The 6 changed my mind! This car is nimble, responsive and fast! It has all of the high end comforts without the high end price tag. I could not be happier with my decision.......!

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  Pretty nice - 2009 Mazda Mazda3
  By JOHN M - July 18 - 12:06 pm

  This is our first foreign car and shes not too bad. We bought the Mazda 3 i Touring edition. You see we drive a 2002 Vette and a 05 Tahoe so we are used to V8s. We looked all over and went through all the motions in comparing the Civic, Nissa Altima, Cobalt, G5 and G6 and the Mazda 3. In the end we decided that the Mazda 3 looked the best and the gas mileage was nearly as good or better than the others. We like the ride, sporty feel and its pretty comfortable. We also bought the version with the Goodyear tires instead of the Toyo for the winter time. Im a bit disappointed with the mpg so far around 26 but I hear they need to break in so we will see.

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  Zoom-Zoom - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By Fish fosh - July 18 - 4:13 am

  I purchased this car 5 days ago. I have had 4 Beemers looking to race me. (I didnt of course). People young and old look at this car. Lots of flash for the money.

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  Really Amazing Overall - 2016 Mazda CX-9
  By VO - July 17 - 11:42 am

  If you like a great responsive sporty SUV this is your car. Yes as other review said third row can be a little more roomier but if you dont use it very often the cargo space is great. It is very well designed inside and out, very quick to accelerate and handles as a sport sedan. All driving aids and safety features are great too. Highly recommended

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  Mixed Emotions - 2003 Mazda Mazda6
  By jimsrod - July 17 - 3:00 am

  Performance, comfort and functionality are balanced nicely with the 6s. The interior/exterior are the most sporty and the price is very competitive for its class. Mazda service has been okay in trying to resolve issues. The dashboard makes an annoying noise as well as the sunroof "ticks or pops". I still need to take it to the dealer for the dashboard so I cant give a negative there but they cant pinpoint the sunroof noise. Brakes could be better but thats not just a Mazda problem, all manufacturers have brake issues. Throttle response was annoying but Mazda fixed it. 1st year of a new model but I got 0% financing so it was worth it. All cars have issues so overall Im happy.

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  Excellent so far. - 2010 Mazda CX-9
  By Todd - July 17 - 1:26 am

  Bought the CX-9 after extensive research. Looked at the Honda Pilot & CR-V, Ford Flex, and a few others. It came down to the Pilot & CX-9. The Mazda has more power, better interior/exterior, better brakes, and seems to ride better. We traded a Honda Odyssey for it & it is our first Mazda product. Vehicle is black & looks absolutely sweet after its been washed. Couldnt be happier w/the purchase. Capital Mazda of Cary gave us a great price. It is loaded (back-up camera, Bose system, auto rear hatch). Took it home for under 30K. And gave us exactly what we wanted in trade for Odyssey + threw in some extras. Very happy we went /the CX-9!

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  Love it - 2007 Mazda CX-9
  By Carlover - July 16 - 1:50 pm

  I love everything about this SUV, minor changes and better quality i would ask, don`t get wrong is minor like door handles. Love the Bose, leather, blue tooth, zoom zoom power, rims, this SUV is great.

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  TOP RIDE TO HAVE - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By HotMazda3Mama - July 15 - 10:00 am

  This car is one of the best out at this year. The cool low sleek design on the outside and the sporty, modern/futureistic design on the inside make for one of the best (of all things a hatchback) all around vehical for a younger gerneration. Another great thing about the mazda 3 is that it is one of the smothest, most quiet rides that I have ever owned, cutting road noise to almost a minimum and taking turns, bumps, and rough driving to another level (very comfortable)!!! This is the top ride to have if you are wanting heads to turn as you dirve by. Mazda definatly lives up to Zoom Zoom in this car.