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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  Honolulu traffic - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By lockmittel - July 2 - 10:00 am

  I like to compare it to my friends new Jetta. Of course he paid alot more and cant control his radio from the steering wheel as I pull away from him!

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  Hatchback great small package - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By madmazda3 - July 2 - 10:00 am

  I purchased my mazda3 right on the spot when I sat inside. I had been looking at small cars for 2 weeks, Ford, Toyota, Nissan, Suzuki and Huyndai. The interior build quality and the added features that are standard made the decision for me. not to mention the room in the hatchback. The rear gate lifts almost straight up and out of the way. The cargo configurations are plentiful and my two dogs ride great with the seats flipped forward. Although I am 64", I fit without the tight feeling I felt in many of the other cars I tried. The guages are excellent and the sporty interior is very pleasing. The engine was a surprise in the fact that I felt as though I was driving a 6 cylinder.

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  BEST CAR MAZDA EVER MADE - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By DNOBLE - July 2 - 10:00 am

  THIS CAR IS THE BEST CAR IVE EVER BUILT.

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  Great Car for the Price! - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By Godfathr - July 2 - 10:00 am

  I love my Mazda6s 5-door. The engine comes to life at about 3500-4000 rpms and it flys after that! The car handles better than most cars that I have driven. For the price it is a excellent car. I personally like it better than the BMW (low end) 3 series cars because of the interior room and the engine (not to mention it saves about 5 grand). Performance and appearance mods are begining to come out and they are making this car faster and making it look better. I would recommend this car to anyone. I am very pleased with it and the service that Mazda has is unbeatable.

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  Van for Young at Heart - 2004 Mazda MPV
  By BRIAN KIRBY - July 2 - 5:53 am

  I bought this van for my wife for Christmas 04. She was against a minivan, except for a Mazda. We both agreed that it is the only van that looks even somewhat sporty. We have had NO problems with it of any kind. The only thing that can be annoying is the stiffer than normal ride. I can still deal with it though. It just mostly rattles change and other items stored in its many compartments. I am very pleased with the quality and value this van has provided. Definitely the best vehicle I have owned. Very smooth engine. Quick and sporty without a minivan sway and feel of bulk. Fuel mileage on the highway is actually better than my 2000 Ford Focus. The 5 speed auto helps keep revs down. GREAT VAN.

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  Fell in love....now HATE - 2008 Mazda CX-7
  By jerseygirl - July 1 - 12:30 am

  This was my second car ever and I was completely in love until the cars issues began! It killed me to see this car break so much because it was my baby. Turbo went twice, tires had to be changed at 20000 miles, navigation only works when it wants to, the engine ticks VERY loudly, squeaks like a 30 year old car, battery just went due to bad starter (still fighting dealership over that), the gas mileage is terrible!,the paint scratches very easily, and the abs has failed more then once. This car could be a awesome car if they fixed the problems! I loved it so much when I bought it!

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  The Best Three Row Crossover under $50K - 2016 Mazda CX-9
  By Clem - June 30 - 10:42 am

  Recently bought the CX9 Grand Touring after test driving the Honda Pilot Elite and the Toyota Highlander. The Pilot was nice but Honda does not do a good job of asorbing imperfections in the road. I traded in my 2013 Honda Accord sport and test drove the 2016 Honda CRV as well before pulling the trigger on the CX-9. The Hondas are really nice on smooth roads but fall significantly in my eyes on imperfect roads. The Highlander was smoother on imperfections but felt big and not as maneuverable as the CX9. Both the Pilot and Highlander appeared roomier inside, but one drive of the CX9 and it was no contest. Folks have made a lot of fuss over the 2.5L Turbo, but it is as smooth as butter. The more I drive this CX9, the more I love it. The drive is extremely quiet, smooth, comfortable and more than enough power to do anything I need a car to do. Some are concerned that the CX9 doesnt go 0-60 in 6 plus seconds....really, this is an three row SUV. It will do 0-60 in 7 plus seconds and that is faster than most family sedans. If you are one of those people who need to find something wrong with a vehicle i.e.. v-6 power, turbo, panoramic roof, cooled seats, Im sure you can find it. If you are truly in the market for an SUV, you have to go and test drive this CX9. We bought the CX9 and our kids are grown. We considered the Lexus RX350 (could not justify the price for us), Nissan Murano (very nice but i was disappointed in the ride quality...we owned the 2004 Murano and loved the way it drove. The 2015 Murano Platinum on 20"wheels did not soak up the bumps as well as i remember the 2004 doing and the V-6 was not as smooth). Have not driven the Durango, Explorer, Traverse, or Acadia so I cannot comment on them and I wish I had taken the opportunity to test drive them as Im reading good things on the Durango. In the end, Im extremely happy with my purchase as this is my first Mazda and if this holds up well, it will not be my last.

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  Best Unknown Deal - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By jaredpg - June 29 - 2:00 am

  Why this isnt the most driven car on the road, Im not sure. Considering Price, style, performance and reliability (1 year 26,000 miles, couple rattles, nothing major thus far) it cannot be beat. My daily commute makes me smile. Few can claim such a thing. Dont buy the Protege5, I like that people still look twice at it, wondering "What kind of car is that?"

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  Lots of Fun!! - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By Midnite Angel - June 29 - 2:00 am

  This is a great car, I love it!!! Its fun, sporty and so cool. Cant wait for warmer weather to get here, to open the windows and moonroof up. The midnite blue color is really nice.

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  Fun Driving!!! - 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By daRick - June 29 - 2:00 am

  This is not a limo nor an SUV, but a true sports car! It handles like one and in many ways better than most high- end European sports cars at non law- breaking speeds! Fun to drive and takes curves as if it were on rails. Porsches, BMWs, etc. need high speed to really bring out their best--this baby does it while doing under 55 miles an hour... and the purr of the exhaust is a beautiful thing to hear...Just love it! PS Im rating COMFORT above for a sports car; not comparing it to my Acura family sedan!