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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  DESIGN FLAW WITH ENGINE - 2007 Mazda CX-7
  By nicho1 - March 5 - 11:21 am

  VVT, TURBO CHARGER, TIMING CHASITY AND AC have been replaced 2 times since 2008. do not waste your money or time on this vehicle regardless of how fun it is to drive

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  nice CUV! - 2009 Mazda CX-9
  By michigan - March 5 - 8:30 am

  got a good deal on FWD SP. very quiet and convincing ride. sense of safety in a large car but still nimble to maneuver. I was looking between Honda Pilot and this car wins in every aspects. hopefully it turns out to be reliable as well.

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  The little big SUV - 2014 Mazda CX-5
  By motiver - March 4 - 7:52 pm

  I drove a Nissan Altima Sedan (2008, 170hp), then an Infiniti G37 Sedan (2010, 330hp). Now I just bought this 2014 CX-5 Touring AWD. I am surprised how Mazda was able to pack in terrific gas mileage in a powerful engine. The comfort in the cockpit is top notch and I love the Bluetooth Phone and Pandora integration. The blind spot indicators are awesome. Makes me feel very safe and confident. The drive smooth and comfy. Huge leg room for everyone in the car (I am 6ft tall). Overall, it is downright amazing. I dont miss my G37 anymore. :)

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  Own an 06 and an 08. Both are great cars - 2008 Mazda Mazda5
  By coolmazda5 - March 3 - 9:33 pm

  Great car to ride and drive. Sporty feeling. Manual transmission available. Very decent fuel economy for a family car.

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  Love my new Mazda! - 2009 Mazda CX-9
  By chris - March 3 - 2:16 pm

  We just purchased our first Mazda and we are so happy that we did. It is actually fun to drive. My children cant wait to get in it everyday. I think it helps that it has a DVD player. I could not believe everything we received in our new car for the money! Bose stereo, DVD, Navigation system, heated leather seats, satellite radio, bluetooth.......so much more. This car is truly a hidden gem and hopefully more people will discover it.

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  True to expectations - Comfortable but some quibbles - 2014 Mazda CX-5
  By agaurav - March 3 - 6:16 am

  I have had my CX5 for 2+ months and driven 2200 miles in Dallas metroplex. It has been great so far with no surprises. Comfortable ride and no squeaks or any mechanical issues. Gas mileage for this FWD has been 27 mpg in mostly city driving with a very light foot and a constant eye on the current mpg reading. The USB port in the console charges phones at a slow rate since it has medium amp. The rear seats dont recline so not very comfortable for adults. Now that I am used to backup camera and blind spot monitoring, I need to be careful when driving wifes car without these aids. The gas tank is 15 gallons but I could fill only 12.2 gallons when range left was 5 miles.

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  more fun for the money - 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By paprika - March 3 - 4:23 am

  I have had my MX5 for 6 months now, and I am in love with it! The new body style is definitely eye catching.It performs great and corners fantastic. I must admit though I did expect better gas mileage with the a/c on, but it more than makes up for that in the fun category.

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  Perfect Car? - 2009 Mazda Mazda5
  By supercane - March 2 - 2:23 pm

  Xenon headlights. Bluetooth. Auto rain sensing wipers. Heated seats. Room for 6. Low 20s sticker. Is there a better vehicle on the market? We purchased our Mazda 5 last month and have not only loved the car but enjoyed tanks averaging above 30 mpg around town. Our growing family fits perfectly, our four dogs love the folded down cargo area, and we just came home from Vegas through snow with the vehicle handling perfectly. Notwithstanding some minor build quality issues, is is the best new vehicle we have owned in the last five years - and we have purchased 6. I recommend this vehicle to anyone. Best of luck trying to find a better overall value.

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  Mazda3 s sedan, auto - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By Loramay - March 1 - 11:30 pm

  I just bought my 2004 Mazda3 s last week, but Ive already driven it over 1000 miles on a trip. My first impression of the car was great, its sleek and drives well. The only issues Ive had with it are that the driver seat seems to be made for tall people with long arms. When I push the seat back so that your foot is a good distance from the pedals, I have to hold my arms out straight to hold the wheel. I also bought this car not realizing that the 2.3 L engine didnt get very good gas mileage. I was hoping to improve over my V6 mustang, but the mpg is only slightly better. But I like the way it drives, and I think it will be a great car for me.

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  Loving the 5 II - 2008 Mazda Mazda5
  By Johnny - March 1 - 7:30 pm

  Its been almost a year now since I bought the 5. It is my daily commuter. I was told to drive it like a sports car and I do. Commonly doing 85 in the interstate. Love the size and ease in parking. Still dont see many around and it fits our family of four. Better gas mileage than our Honda Oddy. Only issue with the 5 was that I couldnt get the gas cap off. It was a recall. All is fixed. I would buy another. Recently took it on four hour vacation, everything fit and mileage was great. Cant wait to see what the new one will look like. Most people dont know what it is. I like that. It stands out in a crowd.