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:

• 

  A Great Fun Ride & Great MPGs - 2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Richard - September 17 - 8:33 am

  I purchased the manual Sport and its Great in almost every way. A bit more interior storage would be nice but other than that, its a car you will WANT to drive. Its fun, handles very well, and gets looks everywhere I go. The 6 speed manual is wonderful. One of the very best Ive ever driven. I dont really push it and am a conservative driver and the MPGs are fantastic. Average 28.5 in town and over 40 MPG on Highway if you keep it under 65 MPH. Recent interstate highway trip of over 100 miles on rolling terrain got 42.5 MPG !! Great with the top down but loud cabin at interstate speeds with top up. Would recommend this car to anyone who wants a fun to drive, sporty convertible that gets great MPGs and makes you feel happy every time you get behind the wheel. ----- Its been a year since I purchased this car and although I only drive it 200 - 300 miles a month it still is a great car. Still wish it had more easy to get to storage but that being said I would buy it again. Only small problem is that the convertible top does not pop up as much as when it was new which makes it a little harder to get a grip to raise from the inside while seated. ZOOM ZOOM.

• 

  Best thing ever!!!!!!!!! - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By Mazda3 Zoom Zoom - September 17 - 8:13 am

  I purchased a Mazda 3i about a year ago ,and i love it! Very very fun to drive, and you cannot get all of the same features at a better price. Mine has the power pkg, Moonroof+6CD. I also ordered mine with the tiptronic auto, very cool. Overall I love it would defiently get one again.

• 

  Shhh...dont tell anyone why you REALLY bought it. - 2013 Mazda Mazda2
  By troyohchatter - September 16 - 3:06 pm

  $14K out the door (I got a deal!), no options, no infotainment to speak of; just a small Japanese hatchback. Basic transportation. And for that purpose, in and of itself, it was well worth the money to buy. But its so much more. Its like driving a go-cart to work every day. The steering is spot on, brakes are fantastic, and the handling overall is unbelievable. The seats are sporty and comfortable and the ergonomics are the best I have seen in a long time. Furthermore, no options still means you get keyless entry, windows, locks, and an iPod/MP3 capable sound system. Just an overall good car.

• 

  Acceleration Issue - 2014 Mazda CX-5
  By jam2825 - September 14 - 6:35 pm

  I purchased my 2014 CX5 in early 2013. It has 25,000 miles at this time, mostly highway miles. In the last 6 months there have been times when accelerating to pass, the car accelerates to extreme after I have let off the accelerator, and the tachometer flies up as if the accelerator is sticking. The accelerator also flies up while breaking. It is becoming more and more frequent. After reading another review on the same subject, I felt it necessary to confirm the issue. I am very disappointed, as this vehicle was not cheap.

• 

  Zoom-Zoom Is So True - 2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Gabbie - September 14 - 8:41 am

  Bought a Miata MX-5 on December 26, 2016. It was a great, no hassle, no high-pressure sales experience with sales rep, Ken Baxley; he was a pleasure to work with. And I LOVE THIS CAR!! It is so doggone much fun to drive. This is the second one Ive owned, and its more comfortable and handles even better than the 2007 model I had.

• 

  Most fun Crossover to drive - 2008 Mazda CX-9
  By Bobzilla - September 14 - 2:56 am

  I test drive the Saturn Outlook, the new 2008 Highlander, Honda Pilot and the 2007 Acura MDX. The CX-9 was more fun to drive than all of them and still gave me a real third row seat. I took my 22 year old son with me and we both tried getting in and out of the back seats in all of them and the Mazda was the easiest. I found this the ideal car for taking my road bike to the club starting point and hauling 7 family members to dinner and the most fun to drive of all the cars. Economy seems the same as my 1997 Camry V6 so far on the first two tanks.

• 

  Just bought my first zoom zoom - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By sweetmetal - September 13 - 1:13 pm

  I have wanted to be the proud owner of a Mazda for a long time. I finally came across one that I could as one person said "pry from someones hands" for a price I could afford. Just as I imagined the adrenaline raced through my veins as I drove it for the first time.. So I am addicted. I am IN LOVE with this car and from the reviews I have read that will not change anytime soon! So far so good.

• 

  A/C & brake disc issues - 2007 Mazda Mazda5
  By karnollege - September 13 - 6:59 am

  I love my 2007 Mazda 5 - see my post dating back to July 2007. None of those opinions have changed. However, a few months ago my a/c compressor failed - a very big deal in Southern Arizona. My mechanic learned it was defective & Mazda acknowledged it and paid for a new one, which was appreciated. Then my brake discs rusted - my mechanic explained this shouldnt happen in a 5 year old car. So-o-o-o-o, I guess this explains why this car was such a good buy! Its given me pause about the Mazda brand & next time I may go back to my tried & true Honda, Nissan, or Toyota.

• 

  My Mini Van - 2005 Mazda MPV
  By MePreshus - September 13 - 5:10 am

  I loved the Mazda MPV so much that I searched in 3 states before I found any used ones. I drove 200 miles to pick it up, and have never looked back. I have 4 kids and we all have plenty of room, and that includes 2 car seats. It was the look and the features of the MPV that had me hunting it after seeing a used one at a near by car lot (It was already sold. We will be trading it in unfortunately in about 6 months, but the good news is - it will be on another MPV. Kudos to Ford/Mazda.

• 

  Another Great Mazda - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By Barney - September 12 - 10:06 pm

  Ive had a bushel of mazdas over the years and this is the best hatchback yet. So much fun to drive. Never been to the shop for more than tires. Plenty of power, better than 30 mpg average, a ton of room, wicked reliable.