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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  Exciting fun car - 2015 Mazda CX-5
  By todhug - March 11 - 3:29 am

  I looked for over 3 months for a new car that I could purchase to replace our family van. Ive been driving vans for 20 years and it is finally time to get something much cooler and funner to drive. I looked at all the CUVs and even a Mini Cooper Countryman. After doing much research I decided put purchase a 2015 Mazda CX 5 from Freeway Mazda in Ogden, Utah. First, let me say that it was one of the best car purchasing experiences Ive had. Freeway Mazda created a pleasant car buying experience with none of the traditional high pressure gimmicks and they gave us a very good deal. They Mazda CX 5 is fun, beautiful, and and eye catching car. Everyone that I pass looks.

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  Quirky and Loads of Fun - 2006 Mazda RX-8
  By RX8LA - March 11 - 2:20 am

  I may be a bit biased as I inherited my moms 1984 RX-7 as my first car. It was light on its feet, smooth, high revving and nimble as a go cart - so is the RX-8. The car isnt super fast, especially from a dead stop, but it has lots of pep and is plenty fast as long as winning drag races isnt high on your must-have list. The handling is wonderful and the car looks great inside and out. The nav system can fold away if you dont want the screen to show, and the Bose stereo can get painfully loud. This is the first car where I cant stand to turn the stereo to max. Negatives - fuel economy is SUVish and the car gets hot inside from the engine. The A/C can barely keep up on a hot, sunny day.

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  150,000 KMs later... - 2007 Mazda Mazda5
  By shawn303 - March 10 - 11:05 pm

  Bought the car new in December 2006 and have put 150K on it. Good - reliable engine and tranny. - OK if you have 2 children - good on fuel - pulled an 8 foot tent trailer with it all the way to the east coast - no leaks Bad - front suspension components give up very fast - wheel bearings give up really fast - tires do not last long at all - low clearance so if theres snow or raod kill, youll hit it and cause damage - exhaust system is rotted out and needs replacing - rust under wheel wells - stiff ride - no arm rest for co-pilot in front seat?

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  No keyless entry or alarm - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By Mazda3 - March 10 - 12:10 pm

  If you want keyless entry and alarm upgrade to the turing model. If you are considering getting a mazda3, consider getting the model above the i sport. Overall, this is a really good car. Only other issues so far is this noise on the passenger side of the car, not sure what it is but will take it back to the dealership to have it checked out.

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  Great price to value ratio - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By k2kiceman - March 10 - 4:36 am

  I love this car, traded a 99 Jeep Cherokee on the cash for clunkers program. no regrets so far, its a lot of fun to drive and the fuel mileage is double that of the Jeep. Build quality seems to be excellent and the car has good acceleration and shifts smoothly and precise.

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  Best Kept Secret Out There - 2006 Mazda Mazda6
  By yamura - March 9 - 10:00 am

  I bought my 06 6s in early 07. Probably sat on the dealers lot a long time because of the manual trans. However, maybe because of that I got a very good deal, too. Aside from a headliner that pulled away from the rear window and breakage of the lumbar support about 400 miles prior to expiration of the warranty, and somewhat early replacement of the battery, the car has been trouble free. It is a hoot to drive, strong runner with a good mid-range, and surprisingly good gas mileage avg about 22 in town and 27 on hwy.

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  Very satisfied owner - 2002 Mazda Protege5
  By snbcnadeau - March 9 - 12:56 am

  We chose our blue beauty over a Subaru Legacy, which was my wifes idea. She got it right. It actually has more rear seat legroom than the Legacy, handles better, and we can fit a stroller and a kids bike in the back with the hatch closed. I love how sharp the handling is, the styling is lights out, the functionality is superb (use the car for dump runs for two families with no problems), and reliability has been relatively up to expectation. Both headlights had to be replaced, which was surprising. Didnt have to do that on my 11 year old Altima. Overall, would recommend this car for any small family (we have 2 small kids).

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  dont get what you pay for..... - 2005 Mazda Mazda6
  By MCOLANNINO - March 8 - 4:53 am

  Switching from a Outback I was looking forward to a smaller, sleeker wagon but Im not won over by this one. Some minor but noticeable cons: It comes with an ashtray ... who uses an ashtray anymore? Making room for the ashtray storage seems wasteful. It has a built in storage for sunglasses above the rear view mirror which doesnt allow moms to clip on their 2nd rear view mirror for the kids. Lastly, a big CON, the rear windows go down ALL THE WAY. Im used to rear windows stopping about 8" from the bottom; anyone with infants be aware, the rear windows come all the way down. Also for some reason the air conditioner runs automatically. I dont get why that is?

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  What it is --- and what its not - 2016 Mazda CX-3
  By T - March 8 - 3:02 am

  The CX-3 isnt for everyone, and Im not sure whether it is properly classified or considered a "crossover"---whatever that means. I initially didnt give the CX-3 much thought because it is very compact. However, if you look more closely, this car---a subcompact hatchback---offers a lot of features and value for the dollar (especially Touring trim) if you dont regularly transport more than a couple of adults or much cargo. Its not going to win many drag races, but it handles well and is more fun to drive than any of the other AWD vehicles that I test drove (including the CX-5). It also isnt intended for off-road use (not many crossovers or SUVs are), but it has handled snow-packed dirt roads without any problems. Im getting about 29 mpg in mostly city driving to this point. Again, the CX-3 isnt for everyone. If you want/need an AWD vehicle but dont need much room or off-road capability, take a look at this car and judge it for what it is.

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  BEST SPORTCAR MADE $ FOR $ - 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By george mitchell - March 8 - 1:58 am

  I am a retired auto mechanic so I inspected the used Miata before I bought it .The woman I bought it from is 72 years old and she was having problems getting in and out of the car .It was time to let it go .It had only 38,000 miles on it and was never driven in the winter time . It was spotless inside and out .I put a set of new Perelli tires on it since I noticed a bubble on one of the tires . It runs great and it is a joy to drive . If you are planning to buy one used please know your limitations and get it inspected by a Mazda mechanic .Find a shop that specializes in Masda cars ,pay them to inspect it thoroghly .If you buy the car, this shop can service it for you .Under no circumstances buy the car without having it inspected by a certified mechanic, not your husband, or boyfriend .Money spent on the inspection will be the best money you will ever spend ! Make sure they check the tires for tread wear and bubbles on the inner and outer side walls .I hope the post helps someone with their purchase . George Mitchell