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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  Fun to Drive (true zoom-zoom) - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By jjdawson - December 25 - 10:00 am

  [I hate driving in the crazy, stop and go, permanent-construction Denver metro traffic.] So, I opted for the automatic with sequential shift. Although I gave up quite a bit of manual-shift punch (I drove that one, too), the car is really fun to drive. I push this thing to its tire-screeching limits (no joke), but the car just begs for more. If it lasts five years the way I drive, Ill be seriously impressed with Mazda.

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  Great Car - Poor Quality - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By wardboom - December 25 - 3:53 am

  The car drives excellent and feels solid. However, I have had problems with the engine light repeatedly coming on (5k-10k miles) for no reason. The repair is under warranty but it is a nuisance to keep taking the car to the dealer for repair. Now at 38,000 miles the driver’s side wheel bearing needs to be replaced and the tires need to be replaced soon. The wheel bearing is also under warranty but I am told that the tire is normal wear and tear. It appears that the tires are an off-brand. I like the car but quality is poor. I would not buy another Mazda of any kind.

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  Miata Still Has It... - 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By vtmiller - December 24 - 8:26 pm

  Owned for 2 years and besides my Nissan SE-R 1992 (before they changed body style), this is the most fun car Ive owned and perhaps even ridden in. Even my buddys Porsche 911 (although powerful) doesnt generate the same feel as the Miata roadster. The Shinsen edition color got great reactions (some even asked what kind of car it was - Jaguar?) and there are tons of modifications one can do (under the hood) and styling. Ive kept mine pretty stock, but plan on adding turbo next year for some racing pep. Nothing is needed for daily driving, but if you want to zip through the city, park anywhere, and lose stress with windy road driving anytime -- this is the car for you! Love it.

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  Great Crossover - 2013 Mazda CX-5
  By lpmiller - December 24 - 6:40 pm

  We just picked up the skyblue CX-5 i Touring with the Bose/moonroof package and I must say, its an impressive car. Very roomy, drives very well for a crossover (not mushy around the corners) and while it could have more ooomph, its fast enough for most day to day driving. Very comfortable and roomy, in fact the first thing we did with it was buy a new dresser from Ikea. Car is too new to speak towards MPG yet, but the wife is happy, so Im happy.

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  New Car Performs - 2017 Mazda CX-9
  By K M Rich - December 23 - 1:12 pm

  I used to have a Volvo XC90 (for 10 years) but when it came time to replace, I needed to expand my horizons due to cost. A friend owns and loves the Mazda CX-9, so I took a test drive. My SO fell in love immediately. It took a little longer for me to come around, but for a turbo engine the car really moves. It has great styling (everyone around my office has complimented me) and the interior is beautifully crafted. The drivers seat is a little smaller than my previous SUV, and the actual cargo room is practically nil (without folding down the third row) but I love that the second row reclines and shifts in 2 pieces, making it very adaptable for my family. Gas mileage to date appears to be in range, although lower than I originally projected/anticipated. Overall Im pleased with my purchase.

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  The is an inferior vehicle, it is NOT a mini minivan - 2010 Mazda Mazda5
  By spine123 - December 23 - 11:32 am

  This IS an inexpensive, cheaply made & poorly designed SMALL car with sliding rear doors, NOT a mini minivan. If you do research, you will find that Mazda has a big mechanical problem with the rear-end camber that Mazda either will not or can not repair on the Mazda5 (as I experienced with too many trips to 2 Mazda dealerships). It leads to a horrible vibration, poor ride, LOUD noise, & premature tire wear. While the car handles relatively well, the engine is grossly underpowered for this small car. The 3 rows are nice but the front seats are very uncomfortable with very little leg room for the average adult. There is little interior storage. This is a poorly built car. DO NOT BUY!

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  Good as it Gets - 2002 Mazda Millenia
  By PERAL MILLY - December 23 - 2:00 am

  Had it for over a year now and 27,000 miles and its been great no problems till now best looking car i had

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  Great, if impractical car. - 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By meeata - December 23 - 2:00 am

  Im from Michigan and the Miata was an impulse buy for me. But I can live with all the impracticalities because it is so fun and involving to drive. With winter tires it fares decently in snowy conditions too. There are many faster cars out there, but the point of the Miata is the handling and feel. Friends always compliment on how classy and sleek the car looks.

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  Driving an SUV can be FUN - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By Tribute lover - December 23 - 2:00 am

  I drove 5 other SUVs and this stood out as the overall winner. Some other SUVs did certain things better - but this was the best package. Wind noise does intrude over 40 MPH, but with the radio on it drowns out the outside noise. This SUV really does handles great. My old car was an Acura Integra and I was worried Id be bored in an SUV. This car is fun to drive and it is zippy. It has a smooth ride, and lots of cargo space. You have to test drive this car. I drove it last and bought one that day (after driving the other SUVs for 3 months!).

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  Smart and Practical - 2008 Mazda Mazda3
  By jtk - December 22 - 4:13 pm

  We were originally considering the Civic but took a test drive in the 3 after reading positive reviews on this site (and others). Wow, what a pleasant surprise. The 3 has much more pep (especially with the manual), is better looking, and has more standard features than the comparable Civic LX. It gets fantastic gas mileage! 1500 miles on our 3, and were averaging around 30 to 33 mpg with about a 50/50 city/highway driving. Granted, its no BMW or Lexus but for well under $20K, you cant go wrong.