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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  Best in show - 2008 Mazda Mazda3
  By LB - August 15 - 1:56 am

  I took my time and test-drove almost every Asian or European car in the small-sedan class but the 3i Touring stood out. Now that Ive had it for 3 months and taken one long trip (2000 miles), Im more convinced than ever I made the right choice. The competitions cars are either fun or economical, never both. This car is. Ive been getting over 30 in the city and over 40 highway, up to 44 mpg! Not a fast car but zippy and very nimble. I paid $15,700 for mine with the ABS-6 airbag option. Wow. Absolutely get the stick. The worst problem is road noise but every car this size has it so I guess its just part of the deal.

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  So Far I Like - 2008 Mazda Mazda3
  By NorCal Driver - August 14 - 11:46 am

  Was looking for a stylish car with good gas mileage for my budget. Mazda3 so far is meeting my expectations. Have only driven about 500 miles on it. It has quick acceleration and looks good on inside and out. Love the orange lighting on dash and six disc changer also aux jack is a plus. Glove box is huge and trunk is good size for car. I am getting around 25-28 miles to the gallon, thats with mixed freeway city driving. Engine is a little noisy and first minute of starting up it idles a little rough. I have not noticed much road noise. Takes corners like a champ. Speakers are average, will be replacing with some components soon. If you have extra 5k go with the Grand Touring.

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  CX-9 Long Term Review - 2007 Mazda CX-9
  By ThatGuyFromOhio - August 13 - 11:03 pm

  We have had our CX-9 GT AWD for nearly 3 years and it is a great people mover that is still fun to drive. It has maybe the best 3rd row access in the whole segment. The styling is great (with the 20" wheels). Looks better with the roof rack too. When I bought it had the Ford engine, and it has worked perfectly. The gearbox is smooth and the ride is still nice and tight. Only after two years have some little things (small plastic interior pieces) have come loose. But overall a great car that seats seven with a lot of flexibility. The mileage could always be better, but I cant complain, it is a big truck that has some go to it. My biggest issue now is do I get a newer one in 6 months

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  somewhat disappointed - 2005 Mazda Mazda6
  By adrianne - August 13 - 8:40 pm

  Four months new and under 3K miles, so not enough info on mechanics, etc. I do a LOT of errands and have some things I love and HATE, namely: shifter - "sporty" automatic zig-zag maze made like a manual. Having carpal tunnel and shifting 10x or more a day between PRD absolutely kills the hand/wrist. Pickup: extremely slow and extremely jerky, and I mean with a pronounced jerk when stepping on gas. A full 1-1 1/2 seconds to kick in, which makes it useless to dangerous when passing and power/speed is needed. Test drove 20 minutes or so but never noticed the bad pickup, and shifting wasnt done as many times as would be done in a normal day, so it wasnt noticed. HATE radio volume depending on speed!

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  Dreams Come True! - 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By jmalave - August 13 - 6:50 pm

  I fell in love with the first Miata in 1990. I was a senior in high school at the time and could not afford to buy it. Well 11 years later, i finally did it. I have a 2001 sunlight silver LS model with the six speed transmission. what a great car. I love it. never think you cannot fit in it(I am five foot eleven and weigh 250 pounds) and yes a golf bag with clubs fits in the trunk.

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  From 7 to 1 - 2013 Mazda CX-9
  By mrpladd - August 12 - 11:42 am

  Test drove 7 SUVs and all were nice and capable but the CX-9 was the only one that really excited me after the test drive. Pilot, Traverse, and Pathfinder were too cavernous. Explorer had too many bad reviews (here, CR) and I rented one for a weekend and it was falling apart at 1700 miles. Acadia was overpriced. Durango was a really nice ride and came in a very close second but was probably more SUV than I needed (I dont tow). The CX-9 website does not do justice to the looks of this SUV. It is very sharp looking and people have given me nice compliments. Got it last week and drove 2 hours to Boston this weekend. So comfortable. Didnt want the drive to end. Fit kids and luggage no prob

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  great wheels - 2010 Mazda CX-9
  By Jerry - August 11 - 7:03 pm

  Less than a month since purchase and we are very happy that we chose cx-9 over Highlander etc. Overall mileage 19-20, highway 22-23. Although I am tempted to zoom-zoom at times. As I have read there are better tires to be had, but I am in no rush. Still learning some of the bells and whistles. Love backup camera and xenon headlights. Plenty of space.

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  Love It! - 2005 Mazda Mazda6
  By Scott Brandt - August 11 - 6:13 pm

  I compared the 6s to the VW Passat/Jetta, Nissan Altima, Honda Accord and Toyota Camry. The Mazda gives up some power to the Altima and Accord, but the driving dynamics more than make up for it. Great seats (mine has the LX heated leather seats), responsive steering, crisp handling with a firm, smooth ride - all wrapped up in a sportier exterior made the choice an easy one. For my money, the combination of sportiness, safety features,driving dynamics, and comfort make the Mazda 6 a winner.

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  2006 Mazda 4-dr SUV 5 spd Manual - 2006 Mazda Tribute
  By Jane - August 11 - 2:16 am

  Have had the car for 3 years now. Although the car seems underpowered with the smaller engine the gas mileage is very good, the manual transmission really makes the difference. Comfortable in town and on trips and handles very well. So far has aged well both inside and out despite dogs and kids.

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  Mazda Dealers at there worst !!! - 2002 Mazda Millenia
  By mbarleta - August 11 - 2:00 am

  I have to say after owning many brands from Hyundai to Saab, there has never been such dissapointment as my experience with Mazda. The car is great. However after only 3k when I returned it to the dealer for an oil change they washed it with a brush and destroyed the paint(black). Not only can I say the dealer was uncooperative, but even worse Mazda has never returned a letter or phone call. As I said in the beginning of my comments the car is great, I just hope that if you buy one you never need the manufacturer to back you up. Enjoy the car.