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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  GREAT BUY! - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By Frank - November 2 - 3:33 pm

  After 4 years with an Audi A-4, needed something more reliable (it had major, constant repairs) and economical, that was close to the pep, style and quality of the Audi. Found it in the Mazda 3s! Looked at the 2006 models, but didnt like interior fabrics so waited for 2007 models. Grey fabric is perfect. Over 600 miles so far, and love it. Rides great, plenty of zoom power, over 30 MPG, seats VERY comfortable, controls well designed, and surprisingly quiet despite prior 2006 reviews of "road noise". Audio sound system excellent, tight turning ratio, and easy to handle. Overall, a great ride and great value. Consumer Guide reports a long, trouble-free car life. Hope so. Perfect.

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  So glad I test drove this car - 2013 Mazda CX-9
  By abrandvo - October 31 - 3:21 pm

  My previous car was an 06 BMW 530xi. Needed to go to an SUV to haul grand kids and golf gear. 3 seats were a must, and I wanted a quiet and enjoyable driving experience, up to date technology and now that I am retired, a reasonable price. The Audi was too $$, BMW was too small and $$, Kia and Hyundai looked & felt cheap, Nissan had poor service record and Honda Pilot was ugly. That left the Toyota Highlander LTD and the CX-9. I took long test drives in both cars in various driving and weather conditions and the Mazda CX-9 was a no brainer. Quieter, more responsive, stylish in and out with a cleaner looking dash and instruments. Technology is more advanced and much easier to use.

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  The perfect car. - 2016 Mazda CX-3
  By Giuliano - October 31 - 7:58 am

  Ive had this car for three weeks and I love it, traded from a 2011 Mazda 3 Grand Touring Hatchback. The technology is amazing in this car. The power is great for a car in this class, it handles beautiful around the bends thanks with the help of the AWD system, paddle shifters and sport mode. The cargo space is a little small then expected, cant fit no more than three people, which doesnt bother me. They do need to make the gas tank bigger. 11.9 gallons is very small for a crossover with an AWD system. It should a 14 gallon tank. I get an average of 32 MPG. They also need to fix the heads up display. It will only display how fast you are going and the cruise control speed. In order for the navigation directions to show up, you need to add the i-active package which is another $2,500 bucks, and surpsingly enough, theres no power seats. Which is a bit of a downer. Other then that, its a great car.

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  Best Compromise - 2007 Mazda Mazda5
  By Ben Elkins - October 30 - 11:56 pm

  This car is great! We have had ours for 3 months now, and have no regrets. We have the manual transmission and get 27/32 MPG. I am 25 with a wife and 9 month old, and my wife and I both love the car. I love the big horsepower 4 cylinder, great on gas but still plenty of pickup. Very versatile.

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  Finally Got One! - 2002 Mazda Millenia
  By PWBJR - October 28 - 2:00 am

  I have wanted a Millenia since they were introduced in 95 and finally got one! The 2002 S Model is stylish, fun to drive, and didnt break the bank. It does so many things right that I look past its few shortcomings. With only 13k miles on it, Ill be enjoying this one for a long, long time.

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  Happy With Choice - 2004 Mazda Tribute
  By jim & deb - October 28 - 2:00 am

  We did not know what we wanted to buy, So we ended up with our Tribute, and are we happy we did . It is a lot of fun to drive, nice handling,pretty quick , and very roomy inside. Most of all we think the price was reasonable,it is a lot of vehicle for the price tag

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  Best Sports Sedan for the Money - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By SJB1 - October 28 - 2:00 am

  The Mazda-6s by far is the best sports sedan for the money. I just traded in a 2001 Nissan Maxima that I paid 5 thousand dollars more for and this car blows it away in every category. The reviews and ratings on this car speak for themselves. Very highly rated automobile and well deserved. It also has a 4 year 50,000 mile bumber to bumber warranty.

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  My Tribute - 2002 Mazda Tribute
  By Evelyn - October 27 - 3:56 pm

  After driving minivans for 12 years, I needed a change but did not want to drive an "ordinary" car. After alot of looking and comparison shopping, I spotted the Tribute and was sold. Ive only had it for 3 months but havent had as much fun driving a vehicle since I was 20 and had a sports car. I love it and it has lived up to my expectations so far. Only thing that gets in my way is the gear lever when I reach for the radio controls, and that is a minor point.

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  Awesome Ride - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By George - October 25 - 2:00 am

  Well this is my first car I have ever purchased, I previously drove my moms Infinity J30. Well first of all the front looks great, I wasnt sure when I kept seeing the pics and all the reviewers talking crap about the front of the car but trust me in real life once your standing infront of it, it does not look bad at all. I like hip hop/rap so a good sound system is a must, I bought the cheaper version just standard everything and the system is LOUD the bass does not bump like if you had Subwoofers in the car but it is really loud anyway. I love driving it on the expressway in Chicago because the acceleration is crazy! Def take it for a test drive I did and bought it...

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  Awesome Ride - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By George - October 25 - 2:00 am

  Well I travel to downtown Chicago everyday so I needed a commuter car, Im 6 ft and 220 lbs so I wasnt too sure about this small car but so far so good. I love rap/hiphop so a good sound system was a must and this system BUMPS, its not the same as having subwoofers in the car but its really loud anyway I love pluggin my ipod into the car and listening to my playlists. The car is awesome on the expressway the acceleration is totally responsive and fast. One more thing, dont be put off by the look of the front of the car all the pics look weird but seeing it in person is completely different, this car is a good looking car!