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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  Wish Mazda 9 were imported - 2000 Mazda MPV
  By Ken - May 19 - 6:26 pm

  Bought this van new, fully loaded for about 25,500. No significant problems. Approaching 100,000 mi. Starting to look for new people mover. MPV is still being made in Japan under Mazda 9 badge. Unfortunately, Ford is trying to get you to buy higher priced Flex, and forced Mazda to drop import. Nothing else on market carries the easy handling, small size, multiple flexibility, and comfortable ride. I still get compliments on the smooth ride.

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  Lots of car for the money - 2008 Mazda CX-9
  By MF - May 19 - 12:00 pm

  Compared with Honda Pilot, Acura MDX, Toyota Highlander. Id not considered the Mazda originally, but when we drove it we loved it. CX-9 clearly offered much more car for the dollar than others in its class. The build quality seems excellent, interior materials are very nice - much better than Honda or Toyota.

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  Love IT - 2006 Mazda MPV
  By Bren - May 18 - 10:33 pm

  I just bought a new 2006 Mazda LX-SV and love it. The way it drives and handles, the look and layout of the seats. I love that the 2 middle seats can be close or apart from each other. It handles very nicely and comfortable to sit in.

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  owned it 1 month & have tried to sell it - 2008 Mazda Mazda5
  By mary - May 18 - 10:13 am

  Hate it, way too small, cheaply made, inside scuffs easily, only 2 choices for exterior color if you dont want the too light cream interior-ugly gray and too hot black. The front passenger seat is so small its claustrophobic, useless trunk with 3rd row up, 2nd row barely fits 2 small kids and their back packs. The worst vehicle Ive had in 35+ years of driving. My 13 year old van I got rid of for this car was far superior. AC is not intuitive. Car is too narrow to fit my soccer foldable chair in. I guess if you buy cheap,you get cheap.

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  Good Decision - 2007 Mazda Mazda6
  By sebass - May 18 - 1:56 am

  I bought the Mazda6 almost two weeks ago after test driving the Fusion, G6, Mustang, and Mazda 3. For the money this was the best vehicle I drove. Everytime I test drove another car I would end up comparing it to this car. I was impressed with the smooth ride a surprising power from the 4cyl right of the bat. With all the standard features of this trim leve no other car could come close to matching the price. So far im very happy with this car. The first tank of gas got about 25 mpg, I expect it to get better once the engine is fully broken in.

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  big problem sudden acceleration - 2017 Mazda CX-5
  By L. Hinde - May 17 - 1:56 am

  After shopping the other suvs out there we settled on Mazdas Grand Touring CX5...love the red color and the fit and finish. We had a good test drive, no problem. However after picking up the one we ordered and driving it about 10 miles were were slowing down for a flagger at a road repair situation. Just as we got to the flagger he stepped in front of the car to move the sign from slow to stop. Dont know what went wrong but thankfully we were going slow and had my foot on the break but as the man stepped in front of the car the car revved up to 4000rpm. I immediately put the car into park but the engine wouldnt slow down so I had to turn the engine totally off. It was a dangerous situation and could easily have ended in disaster. When the flagger waved us forward I started the car and drove a bit up the road....called the dealer and had them pick the car up. The eyesight not only didnt work but reacted in the opposite of what it was designed for.

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  GOOD FUN AND RELIABLE - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By vinlanda - May 17 - 1:30 am

  Wasnt sure at first, but have grown to like this vehicle. Good pep, sporty style, and easy on the eye. Only downfalls, are the interior collects way to much lint and dirt, and the gas pedal is too hard or sticky. But overall it is a good vehicle and am pleased. Little noisy, but better tires helps that.

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  My first Mazda and I like it a lot. - 2014 Mazda CX-5
  By kathyma - May 16 - 4:16 pm

  Ive owed this new 2014 Mazda CX-5 AWD Touring for about 5 months now (purchased this year, 2013). I overly like it a lot. I narrowed my choices down from three similar vehicles at the time: Mazda CX-5, the Chevy Equinox and the Nissan Rogue. Here are my current conclusions from this very nice Mazda compact SUV that also feels like a sports car...

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  Crossing over to a true Crossover - 2008 Mazda CX-9
  By Jeff M - May 15 - 2:40 pm

  Have had the Mazda CX-9 now for several weeks now and truly enjoying the experience. We purchased the touring over the grand touring based on available features and price. We have been very pleased with the ride and available features Mazda has put into this vehicle. We went from a Suburban to the CX-9 and that was difficult at first because of the difference in interior room. The 9 is built on a truck frame but feels more like driving a car. Its fun to drive and very comfortable. You will be impressed.

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  Luxury Sports Sedam - 2014 Mazda Mazda6
  By moveover - May 14 - 6:07 am

  Have had the car for 2 weeks now and love it. The GT has all the options you expect to find in a luxury car. The handling is great and you get good mileage too.