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:

• 

  You Will Be Surprised! - 2010 Mazda MazdaSpeed3
  By TheProf - April 10 - 12:20 am

  For months, I read up on all the info out there on the 2009/2010 MazdaSpeed3, and decided to go for a test drive. The car lived up to its reputation regarding performance and acceleration...it really goes when the turbo kicks in. I bought the car for $450 under dealer invoice at the end of the month. The surprises: The BOSE stereo system is very good, but this is not a "knock-em-dead gorgeous system". The clutch is a little stiff, and can take some time getting use to it. The seats are narrow, and firm. The fog lights work so so in terms of improving vision during foggy nights. The biggest surprise: The gas mileage I am getting....as in 30-32 MPG highway, and mid-20s around town!!

• 

  Excellent and Fun to drive car - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By Alex - April 9 - 4:03 pm

  I love this little mazda 3 GT. It is extremely fun to drive with great handling and decent fuel economy. It never feels like it lacks power and it constantly turns peoples heads. Plus the amount of standard features this car has makes 50,000 dollar luxury cars look mad.

• 

  A joy to drive, but hurts my back - 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By SRS - April 8 - 3:46 pm

  Gets appreciative looks. More elegant and cheerful than recent redesign. Never enjoyed driving more, but chronic back injury (herniated disc) with tiny interior: makes me wonder if I will have to sell. Im 62". Seats are like 90 degrees; no lumbar support. Road can be harsh - avoid potholes, speed bumps. Pebbles make lots of noise. Sound system with road noise -- tinnitus. Right elbow opens cup holder, right knee cant straighten. Fixed wheel position. Visibility only fair with top. Automatic shifter very stiff after starting. Heater, AC, wipers good. Cornering easy, fun. Accelerates well. Top easy to operate. Sound system is good; allows adjustment of midrange. Top latch replaced.

• 

  2010 Mazda CX7 iSport - 2010 Mazda CX-7
  By Rehan - April 8 - 12:10 am

  Initially test drove sedans from toyota, honda, mazda but went to buy crossovers due to added functions as well as fuel efficiency very much comparable to a sedan. 2010 CX7 is better than 2009 CX7 in terms of fuel, and after driving Honda CRV and Toyota RAV4 find it very smooth, stylish and less costly.

• 

  Love my first Mazda - 2011 Mazda CX-7
  By divs444 - April 7 - 7:18 pm

  Ive only had this car the last two days and its really been fun to drive. This is my first crossover and was a smooth transition from my 08 honda civic coupe. It drives and rides like a car! The spacious seats, cargo room, bluetooth feature are my favorite.

• 

  Saved my life - 2015 Mazda Mazda3
  By nfp - April 7 - 3:24 pm

  I bought my 2015 Mazda 3 s Grand Touring sedan just after a crash that totaled my 2014 model with the same trim. I was T-Boned at full speed on the driver side by an SUV. The impact spun me 360 degrees and across the divider in opposing traffic, and I was hit on the other side by an oncoming car. My car was creamed. But side, curtain and front airbags cushioned me in nano-seconds, the frame held up enough, and my automatic 911 system triggered a call through bluetooth while I was still figuring out what happened. I slid out from under the airbag, out of the car, and stood there shaken but absolutely unhurt, not even sore. A 5 star safety rating? You bet! No way I wasnt getting the 2015!

• 

  Head turner that does it all!! - 2007 Mazda CX-9
  By Great Vehicle - April 7 - 12:26 pm

  Never had a vehicle that got so much attention from other drivers; they are literally in awe. It rides great, handles fabulously and tows my boat better than my wifes Chevy Trailblazer. Vehicle has done everything Ive asked from hauling 6 people, large patio furniture, and towing boat in excess of 2,500 lbs. Previous best vehicle was Honda Odyssey, however, I like the Mazda even better because of the extra horsepower. Bought this vehicle without my wife test driving; crazy move, however she loves it and boasts about it everytime we pass an Acadia or Honda Pilot.

• 

  Great Vehicle - 2013 Mazda CX-5
  By jlsfla - April 7 - 9:36 am

  Posted week ago in Forum when purchased. After 1 week am in love. Great interior, seats extremely comfortable, handling feels very positive. Everything within easy reach. Sound system very good. Havent checked gas mileage yet but seems good. Has that "heavy feel" in the front end making you feel more in touch with the road while driving. Enough power when merging into traffic. Quiet inside though there is some road noise which seems to come from the tires. All in all compared to the Honda CRV and Toyota Rav 4 it wins hands down. Road trip coming up in a month or so so will get a real feel then. Great vehicle to consider.

• 

  Affordable without much sacrifice - 2009 Mazda Mazda5
  By Familyof5 - April 7 - 5:36 am

  We have 3 kids and couldnt see affording $30,000+ for a new minivan or a cross-over. This car was much more affordable and will cost much less to maintain. It rides like a car, but has a interior layout like a minivan. We wont be able to tow a boat or carry an 8 wide piece of plywood, but we never did when we had that capability with our previous minivans. The kids love it, but we havent taken the first vacation in it yet, so we may be sacrificing on space and power when the car gets fully loaded with luggage. Im a tall guy and I push the limits on most cars. Leg room and head room could be better, but I fit and I like the feel when I drive.

• 

  Very satisfied wuth my Tribute - 2004 Mazda Tribute
  By TribOwner - April 6 - 1:20 pm

  After 3+ yrs of ownership I remain very satisfied with my Tribute LX. I carefully researched all comparable vehicles vs my reqts. I still believe it is the best value for the money of its kind. After 40K miles, I installed quieter, softer riding tires vs the factory tires; noticeable change in ride and quietness. Easy thing to do. My young adult teens really like the leg room space in the back seat and enjoy driving it. MPG is competitive. I have the premier sound system. Sporty, responsive engine that can be used to tow if you wish (I have not yet).