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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  It survived the Dragon - 2007 Mazda CX-9
  By MikeM856 - November 14 - 10:30 am

  Love this Car!! My wife and I bought a used 2007 GT this June as our future child-mobile. We have driven it all over the country in absolute comfort. As chance would have it we were in Tennessee at the Tail of the Dragon, and this CX-9 performed amazingly well. It took all of the turns beautifully. What a great car!! It fits seven adults or five and A LOT of gear. Great camping car. We looked at this and the Subaru Tribeca. In the end it wasnt even close. Highly recommended.

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  zooming around - 2002 Mazda MPV
  By zoomingaround - November 14 - 10:00 am

  Test drove 6 vans on the market and the Mazda won hands down. My wife didnt want a van but we needed it for the family. Bought the ES model with a sunroof, it is one of her favorite vehicals she has ever owned. Everytime we drive it she says "I love this van". It is roomy for seven, rides great, has better handling that any other van we tested, and the best value. After the dealer price and rebates we got this van with tons of features plus leather interior, duel sliding doors, sunroof, and great performance for the same price as the base price Honda. Anyone needing a van needs to seriously look at the Mazda.

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  I used to own a Vette! - 2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Jeffreytheman - November 14 - 10:00 am

  Because of finacial reasons I sold my 2000 Corvette that I loved! I was in the market for an affordable convertible. I liked the styling of the Miata but I was concerned about going from a V8 to a 4cyl.All I can say is this is the most fun car to drive. I look forward to driving it every day. I really love it, even if some people say it is a girls car!

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  Very impressed! - 2017 Mazda CX-5
  By MC - November 13 - 4:13 pm

  I was debating between the 2017 Honda CRV and 2017 Mazda CX-5. I test drove both and the CX-5 was the clear winner. The CRV was nice and had great features, but just felt a bit boring. Also, it was very apparent when driving the CRV that it is much larger than my current Mazda 3 hatch. Out of curiosity I tried driving the Honda HRV. The exterior if the HRV is super cute, but it was missing many of the tech features I wanted and had a super whimpy engine. I then drove the CX-5. Despite being about the same size as the CRV, the CX-5 was much more car-like in its handling. With the sport mode on, it is very peppy and responsive. On paper, the CRV and CX-5 look very similar in terms of features, quality, and price. But getting behind the wheel made all the difference. While I dont think you could go wrong with either the CRV or CX-5, Id recommend the CX-5 for anyone who prefers a more sporty, car-like ride.

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  Excellent Bang for the Buck! - 2002 Mazda Protege5
  By yfrnaks - November 13 - 9:16 am

  This is the most trouble-free car I have ever driven. I currently have 131,000 miles on it and have only gone in for maintenance and one repair. In addition, the shop mechanics have never found anything that would need repair. Only repair: Replace EGR valve ($370 Seattle, non- dealership). Driving: Drives terrible in the snow, even with Michelin X-Ice tires and traveling well below 25 mph. If driven faster than that, you can expect the car to slide two school bus lengths when braking. Rain, car slips a lot too.

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  The Perfect Roadster!! - 2010 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By JDR2020 - November 13 - 8:56 am

  Having owned Corvettes and German cars for 25 years, I purchased a 2008 MX-5. Except for the radio and seats, loved it. Picked up my 2010 Grand Touring last week. Guess what? State of the art BOSE sound system, high-end seats, perfect shifter and 500 more RPMs in each gear! It cruises at 80mph and will outrun any competitors on a twisting road. Best yet, this perfectly balanced car gets 35mpg. It retains 65% of its value over three years and is inexpensive to maintain. Probably the only car on the road today where the driver is one with the car. The only problem is I want to drive it all the time.

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  Fine Fun - 2000 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By pg - November 12 - 11:23 am

  For the price, no car matches the Miata for care free driving fun.

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  I LOVE my Miata!!!!!!!!!! - 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By L Bennett - November 11 - 10:00 am

  It will take corners very well and is so easy to drive.It is a beatiful little car, and always depenpable.I get 31 miles per gal. on the highway-better than I had expected.It is a great car!

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  Fun, fun, fun - 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By sport - November 11 - 10:00 am

  Have had a Miata since 1989. Still the best deal in a roadster around. You can spend more for power and automation but you cant have more fun for the price.

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  TAKES 20 YEARS OFF - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By Mattinla - November 11 - 10:00 am

  Wow, so much fun to drive. It may be aimed at 20 somethings, but trust me - load it up with all the options like the leather, the navigation, the xenon, and keep the 5 speed manual, and we 40 somethings feel 20 years younger! My last two vehicles have been Explorers. It was time to have fun again. And where else can you get these kinds of features in a car at this price? Nowhere! I drove the Vibe GT, and it was like driving an egg beater. The MINI is overpriced and too small to be practical and the PT Cruiser is done. I wanted good gas mileage, performance, and style, with some luxury touches and I got it.