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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  Excellent sports sedan! - 2003 Mazda Mazda6
  By JKP - October 6 - 10:00 am

  Had the car for a month now, and love it! Handles beautifully, holds five adults and their luggage, gets up and goes when you need it to. Love the looks - this car turns heads! I wanted a sports sedan for less than the $35k Id have had to find for the BMW 3 series, and Mazda provided one. As my husband and I are planning a family in the next year, we needed a safe car that can hold a stroller and all the other kid paraphenalia but I refused to settle for a boring car. This car covers both the mommy aspect of my future and the "heck, yes, I love driving" aspect!

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  Great family vehicle - 2003 Mazda MPV
  By bsavkur - October 6 - 10:00 am

  Just purchased a new LX MPV. We were sold on the handling, reliability, quadruple 5-star safety rating, sporty look and all the cool features at a very reasonable price (22k with rebate). We bought one with power sliding doors, roof rack, 4-seasons package, fog lights, rear step plate, side airbags and traction control. Got it at invoice price and $ 2000 rebate. We were turned off by the attitude of Honda Odyssey and Toyota Sienna salespeople, who demanded MSRP or more. Mazda salespeople were much more polite and helpful. Mazda needs to market this minivan a lot more.

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  My Mazda - 2003 Mazda MPV
  By Shane BRuce - October 6 - 10:00 am

  Best priced qualtiy minivan on the market. Great car!! The only issue I have is the front seat is a little uncomfortable. Otherwise a super buy!!

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  Quality controls could be better - 2004 Mazda Tribute
  By tom gio - October 6 - 10:00 am

  My car was delivered to me with a leaking windshield,anotherleak which soaked the carpet,a damaged headliner and the front end out of line.The dealer did all repairs to my satisfaction.Unfortunately,Mazda customer service didnt think this was anything to be concerned about.

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  Worried about gas mileage - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By hotrodbabe - October 6 - 10:00 am

  Im getting much lower mileage than I expected: 16.3 mpgal for the first 3 fillups, including one nice long road trip. I even ran out of gas after only 257 miles on a full tank of gas! That never should have happened. This is way below the advertised gas mileage. First there was the problem with the horsepower lower on the production cars than on the pre-production models; now lower gas mileage. Im starting to wonder about this engine!

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  super fun car for the money - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By Randoff - October 6 - 10:00 am

  I love the car. Its a bargain for all that you get with this car. Who can beat the cost (31,100) and still provide you with speed and innnovativeness. I love the red/black interior color combo. I dont like the quality of the material for the inside though. The dashbord looks "dirty" even when its clean. I considered the 350Z and the G35 Coupe. Both were a few thousand dollars out of my price range. My recommendation, get the RX-8 M/T. Peace!

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  Dont Hesitate to buy this Crossover - 2008 Mazda CX-9
  By Mark B - October 6 - 4:26 am

  I wanted to wait until I had 15,0000 miles before I wrote this review. I am 55 and buy a new car about every 3 maybe 4 years and have since I was 20. I have always had station wagon, mini van, SUV type vehicles. Owned mainly GM and Ford and I can say without doubt that the CX9 GT is the best vehicle I have bought. It handles beautifully, is so quiet and smooth. No problems of any kind in my first 15K miles. We have taken in the mountains of CO and gone on dirt mt. roads and the FWD was superior to any of my RWD vehicles. This is a roomy fun car to drive and I wouldnt hesitate to recommend it to anyone. I drove the GMC Acadia and its a nice car but not near as nice as the CX9 GT.

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  Best car Ive owned - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By bjerwin99 - October 5 - 11:43 am

  This is easily the best car that Ive ever owned. I switched to the 3 from a 2002 Honda Accord EX-V6 Coupe and never looked back. The mileage is great, it has lots of passenger room, and the hatchback plus fold down seats give tons of room. Mazda could charge $10k more and I would have still bought it.

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  Fun Fun Fun!! - 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By r0n - October 5 - 8:06 am

  I love this car! Sure, its not the most powerful or the flashiest, but its just unbelievably fun to drive. The handling is very nimble and confidence inspiring, while still being comfortable enough for a 60 mi roundtrip commute. Acceleration is very good despite only having 166 hp, but dont expect to win many drag races. Having the security and added comfort of the PRHT was definitely worth it. The whole process only takes 12 secs! Sure, I could have gotten something with more power, "practicality" or better handling specs, but none in this price range can match the Miatas quality, driver-vehicle connection, and fun factor. I dont regret for a moment buying this car.

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  Awesome & Different - 2006 Mazda Mazda5
  By CLJ - October 5 - 3:40 am

  I was considering a bland Honda Accord until I ran across the Mazda5 on Edmunds. This is a fun fun fun car to drive and its certainly not your run of the mill vehicle. I love the handling, the "zippyness", and the build quality. The versatility of seating options is also great. I bought a base Sport model with just auto transmission as an option and couldnt be happier. Traded in a hulking SUV (13 mpg) and am getting 25 mpg in the city so far.