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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  In love from the first moment! - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By Chris - January 16 - 8:03 pm

  I replaced my 2003 Ford Ranger Edge with the Mazda3 and couldnt be happier. The Mazda3 is by far the most sport tuned compact in its class. No car can compare. I continue to be shocked by the performance from such an inexpensive compact car. The seats are firm but comfortable. The ride sound is a little louder than most but I was willing to compromise for the 17 inch wheels and sport suspension. My $19,000 car has more options, bigger wheels, better acceleration, better handling and the same reliability as my mothers $28,000 Honda Accord. You cant go wrong with the Mazda3.

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  Holding strong after 15 years - 2001 Mazda Protege
  By kamary99 - January 16 - 2:14 pm

  My 2001 Mazda Protege has been my main car since it was new; it recently passed the 100K miles mark and is still going strong. The ABS is vital for winter driving. Never been in a serious accident. Still has good pick-up and responsiveness. Hard to imagine getting a better value for a car than this. Major repairs so far: Transmission got replaced about five years in. Front brakes replaced last year. It definitely needs new struts and perhaps shocks at this point; the handling has deteriorated some. Minor issues: Digital clock stopped working immediately. Rust around the wheel wells starting about 3 years ago. The hubcaps wont stay on at all anymore.

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  Love my Mazda - 2009 Mazda Mazda3
  By buckeye 4ever - January 16 - 5:50 am

  Decided to buy my first Mazda after studying Consumer Reports - so far not disappointed. Like others, the road noise is very noticeable but the car is alot of fun to drive. Only have had 2 issues with car so far (very minor). Was told that the brakes accumulate rust every morning with the humidity but after applying the brakes a few times, is gone (was told this was normal with Mazdas)and also thought had problem with braking system (icon was lite) but turned out to be low tire pressure. Icons almost identical (not good) and was told at dealership they get someone everyday with the same issue. Otherwise, this will be a great car for my daughter when she starts driving. (ugh the thought)

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  Gotta Love it! - 2009 Mazda CX-7
  By myzoomerama - January 16 - 3:53 am

  I love my CX-7! Traded in a 2004 Mazda 6, wanted to go back to a SUV type vehicle but got the the best of both worlds with my CX-7 - drives like a sports car with the upgraded comfort and appearance of a small SUV. Considered just about every SUV on the market including Ford Escape and Nissan Murano. The CX-7 consistently turns my head and for the price you absolutely can not go wrong!

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  Best SUV/Crossover for the money! - 2008 Mazda CX-9
  By s515fox - January 15 - 11:53 am

  This is our second Mazda, having driven a 2008 CX-7 since early 2008, which was a company car. We were so impressed with it, that we decided to buy the CX-9 for its greater seating and because of excellent consumer reviews to accompany our experience with the CX-7. We couldnt be happier with our purchase. We bought a program car with 18K miles on it for about $21K, with leather seats. Another $600 spent on a DVD player and $200 on GPS saved us about $2-3K for the factory installed versions. We couldnt be more pleased with this vehicle! The ride and comfort is better than the CX-7; its quieter and feels very luxurious. Well have this for a long time!

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  RX-8, Most fun car for the money - 2005 Mazda RX-8
  By Chris - January 14 - 11:46 pm

  I have been a fan of the old RX-7s since my youth so as soon as the divorce was final; it was time to trade in the Tundra for a loaded RX-8. I have owned many vehicles and this one by far takes the cake. I have never driven a more fun peppy car in all my days. The way it takes corners and accelerates on to the highways is a thing of beauty. The 9000 RPM redline is a dream and going over 80 miles an hour in 3rd is quite a feat.

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  Love Love Love it! - 2012 Mazda CX-9
  By nicclements - January 14 - 8:32 pm

  We bought this car new in 2012. I waited this long to review to make sure I just wasnt being reactive. This car has it all. As a soccer mom, Im constantly picking up and dropping of kids, swapping car seats, and running errand. The sliding 2nd row makes it easy getting car seats in and out, and fitting even adults in the 3rd row. The power liftgate is handy. Theres plenty of room for fitting our 60lb dog and all our bags back there (though I would recommend buying a liner). This week was the first time really testing it on snow and it did great. Not only is it quick, agile, and fun to drive...Its just plain makes life easy. I recommend this car to everyone!

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  Terrible Road noise - 2007 Mazda Mazda5
  By Jerry - January 14 - 4:13 am

  Even though the handling is very good and fun to drive, the road noise is so bad you can hardly talk to other passengers. You cannot talk to people in the rear of the car without screaming. The radio is the worst sounding on any car Ive ever owned. If Zoom Zoom is the only thing you care about this is a good pick for this segment, but if creature comforts and having conversation with someone else is of value, look for a different vehicle.

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  Reliable - 2001 Mazda MPV
  By Wayne - January 13 - 9:43 pm

  Bought my MPV new and it has lived up to its billing. Nice ride, comfortable seating. Just change oil, brakes, and other routine maintenance and the van does the rest. Drives more like a car than a van. Easy to configure seats and take out and out back seats for hauling stuff. Wife and daughter can drive it as its not "boaty". The only thing that has broken is the cable for the spare tire. If you buy one make sure to learn how to get it at the spare.

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  Gabs review - 2007 Mazda CX-7
  By gabrielh - January 13 - 9:16 pm

  Bought this car 3 weeks ago and my wife and I absolutely love it ! We were looking for a car that combines space, performance and looks and this is THE one. My wife wanted more comfort and space than our Subaru Impreza WRX and and I wanted a "sporty" car. The CX-7 is the perfect combination of both. I dont regret selling my WRX for this car. Only bad point on the CX-7: the single CD player (and 6 CD player in option) doesnt play MP3s (seems only the 6CD player with NAV package is mp3 compatible)!! Come on! We are in 2007!!