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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  This Car saved our lives. - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By sonsah - October 8 - 9:16 pm

  I was recently in a car accident in my new Mazda3. This car was so amazing and so safe (I had the side airbags and ABS option) that we were told by several authorities that it was a miracle that we walked away from the scene, with just bumps and bruises at that! The car was totaled, but we were in very good condition. I owe my life to this car and wouldnt even consider buying a different model now.

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  Love it! - 2009 Mazda Mazda6
  By Annie - October 8 - 5:53 pm

  Fun to drive. Great fuel mileage. Lots of pickup for a four cylinder. Great body style. Mazda is a great car to own. Doesnt get the respect it deserves!

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  Mazda CX-5 GT - 2014 Mazda CX-5
  By vladeze100 - October 8 - 2:28 am

  I bought a 2014 Mazda CX-5 GT and absolutely love it. I was a big fan of the vehicle when it came out, but felt that the 2.0L engine was not powerful enough for me. When I test drove the 2.5L, I knew that this is a car for me and bought it. I am impressed with the overall quality of the interior (other cars Ive owned - Audi, Lexus, Nissan, Toyota). This is one sweet SUV. Trust me, test drive this before you buy any other small SUV and compare it to what you were thinking of buying. Mazda really makes fun to drive, high-quality vehicles.

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  A Mazda 6 in a SUV skin - 2014 Mazda CX-5
  By imadad2 - October 7 - 10:14 pm

  Went to buy a Mazda 6 and since this would be my first Mazda decided to look over the other models. Impressed with the CX-9 and the old CX-7 (looked at CPO models) I decided to look at the CX-5 that replaced the CX-7 last year. At first I was not all that impressed until I looked at the Touring model. For only $1500 more I could get a small SUV instead of a car. So, took it for a test drive and it drove exactly like the Mazda 6. This 6 had a little more pep because of the difference in weight, but this SUV drove like a car and that is when I knew I was hooked. Way to go Mazda. I hope I am driving this for the next decade.

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  FUUUUUUNNNNNNN. .zzzzooooommmmmm - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By arby96921 - October 7 - 2:00 am

  fun little car... dont need the 200+ horsepower on a small sedan... 130 hp is sufficient enough.. not only is it fun but has a nice "kick" on take off.. this is a car i would diffinetely keep to pass on to my teenage boy... (this is a keeper)

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  So Far So Good - 2002 Mazda Protege5
  By emhawk77 - October 7 - 2:00 am

  I have had my PR5 for over 8 months now. I was in the market to trade in my awful, terrible, never buy one, Mercury Cougar. I wanted a used car, but after test driving the PR5, I was hooked. I wanted an automatic, but manual was all I could find. However, the manual is so fun and easy to drive, that I barely notice its not an automatic. If things go well with the car for through 60,000 miles, I may be a Mazda owner for life.

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  Love my zoom zoom zoom - 2010 Mazda CX-9
  By cx9lover - October 6 - 11:06 pm

  Ive had the gt cx9 for a month now. I absolutely love it! I was worried it wouldnt be as smooth as my Lexus Rx, but I dont even notice the difference! I considered the Acura mdx, the Buick Enclave, and the Highlander. This was definitely the best choice! I love the keyless entry, the third row, the sirius radio, the ipod connection (sounds awesome with Bose speakers), and the navigation! I feel like I got a pair of Jimmy Choos for half off! I do wish the doors automatically locked after shifting to drive, and that the cargo cover was available for power liftgate doors (got used to both with my lexus). Great car all around, I dont miss the Lexus one bit!

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  Mazda surprises us - 2008 Mazda CX-9
  By Phillip Jones - October 6 - 2:33 am

  Bought this new a year ago. Driven it to California and back (Dallas). Really enjoy the drive, interior room, fuel mileage, nav system, and performance. Engine performs nicely. Rear entertainment system is nice: kids really like it. Powered rear door/hatch is really handy. A/C is powerful. 3rd row seats are split, and easy to bring up and put down. This is our first Mazda and were really impressed with this vehicle. Ive hit speeds up to 85mph and the CX9 handled well.

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  CX-7 Heaven - 2010 Mazda CX-7
  By Alan O. - October 5 - 9:32 pm

  We love the car for all its positives above. Cons: front pillar blind spots and so-so fuel economy. With current fuel prices however, no big deal.

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  Better than a Sky or Solstice! - 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By MikeW1956 - October 4 - 9:46 am

  I just bought my used 2006 GT a few weeks ago with only 22K miles on it. Ive driven a number of two-seater convertibles, mostly Honda del Sols and one Toyota MR2 Spyder. The Miata definitely feels like more car -- the leather seats seem solid and luxurious, and I love the dashboard layout, redundant layout controls, remote entry, carpeting and cloth top. The trunk is practical, although not as large as the del Sols. The only real drawback so far has been the gas mileage. My del Sol averaged 32-33 mpg in mostly city driving; first two fill-ups with the Miata have shown 24.9 and 25.9 (the second with about 50% freeway driving). Thats in line with published figures, but is still not great.