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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  Some problems Ive had so far - 2013 Mazda CX-5
  By lj9 - February 17 - 2:59 am

  I have a fully loaded 2013 model. KMs not as promised, I do have all wheel drive and dont live on flatlands though. I have had to change so far: GPS - old one turned off for no reason and was always searching for a signal, changed driver mirror, vibrated over 100 km, back up camera, went blank after one week. Current problem - anti lock brakes kicks in at low speed on dry road. Mazda dealer cannot find problem, would no show up on test drive with mechanic. Mirror sensor flashes on left turns, passenger side sensor does not detect sudden lane change from other cars. A/C takes forever to cool car.

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  Great Automobile - 2012 Mazda Mazda5
  By cogo1020 - February 16 - 11:55 pm

  The 2012 Mazda5 is a great car for the value! Great design, great ride, great performance, and absolutely great interior comfort! It looks pretty stylish on the outside too! I love this car! You will not be dissapointed.

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  Best Handling in its class - 2005 Mazda Mazda6
  By Aviboy97 - February 15 - 8:06 pm

  The driving dynamics of the Mazda6 are just fantastic. The 2.3L 4 cyl could use more power, but at highway speed, it performs very well. Fuel economy is around 31 highway, and 25 around town. Overall, I get about 27 with mixed driving. Build quality and reliability have been excellent.

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  Just Bought My New 2010 Mazda5 7/10 - 2010 Mazda Mazda5
  By luv2drive - February 15 - 1:50 pm

  Ok so I just bought this, honeymoon isnt over only 1k miles on it. Went on a trip w/family little cramped on room but they have racks & a basket or container for purchase will def.invest in one of those.Overall zipping around town love it,look love it,performance loaded,ran great not a slug. Used to drive a loaded suburban this forces me to not keep as much junk in the back as I usually do. It is easy to clean truly a fun car to drive. I dont feel Im in a mom car whatsoever, feels like Im in a little sporty vehicle. Cant say much more than I LOVE IT! You will too but it will force you to keep it clean =@). I have 3 kids one is 16 & tall,very comfy in it and in back row.

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  Buy One! - 2002 Mazda Protege
  By HowieinVA - February 15 - 10:00 am

  This car is the steal of the century. I bought mine new in 03 as it was one of the few 02s left at the dealership and got a great discount on it. For an econonomy car price you get one of the most fun and well built cars on the road. If I had $25k to spend on a car, I think Id still would have bought my 5spd Protege ES. This car has so much poise and is so easy to drive at any speed. It handles like a miata, looks great, is comfy and man does it love to play! This is my 3rd Protege and definitely the best so far. I highly recommend this car.

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  rx8 rules - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By friest - February 15 - 10:00 am

  the rx8 is a totaly asome car

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  Great value - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By Great from A to B - February 15 - 8:13 am

  This is the first car that I have owned and I bought it new in 2006. I loved this car for all seasons but winter. This car is horrible in the snow! The handling is great if the roads are not wet. The car is overly noisy going over puddles and water. I have no other complaints about this car besides driving it in snow/ice.

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  It just keesp running!! - 2003 Mazda MPV
  By Randy - February 15 - 3:33 am

  I bought this van brand new. Two deer have totaled out the front quarter, it is a little top heavy and dangerous on water, but for the most part if you put water tires on it that fixes the problem. I am upset that they discontinued the van.

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  Great RX-8 - 2006 Mazda RX-8
  By NEM - February 14 - 2:56 pm

  So far love this car. Wonderful handling and cornering, excellent acceleration, reasonably comfortable. Unique engine sound grows on you. Try this car out if you can find one and get ready to enjoy. Not great on fuel mileage, but it is a sports car. It can carry two in the rear seat for at least a couple hour trip, and there is space in the trunk so it is practical. Excellent Bose sound system too. A great combo of practical and performance.

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  Definitely a Drivers Car - 2016 Mazda CX-9
  By drivingLover - February 14 - 7:04 am

  I bought CX-9 a week ago and more than satisfied with it. Searched every model in 7 passenger category including minivan and came down to new Pilot, Sorrento, Q7, X5 and CX-9. As multiple reviewers mention CX-9s third rows not big enough for adults but all of the crossover SUVs in the 7/8 passenger category have same issue. If you want adults in third row, go for minivan or full size SUVs. Also, reviewers mention that CX9 has least cargo capacity but hey how many times one drive with third row up and fully loaded cargo. I picked CX-9 among all cars that I was searched for because its Value for money. I was considering touring model with tech package priced around $40k but got sport trim with heated/powered front seats as it has all features that important to me around $33k (dealership gave me $1900 off MSRP which is remarkable for vehicle this NEW). Some important features Id really liked are brisk acceleration, quietness, LED head/tail lights, three zone climate control and ride quality. There are plenty soft touch material in the cabin where you rest your hand. Headlights are automatic and detect low light situation via a sensor on the windshield and turned ON by itself. Ive a 6 month old and she is more than happy while riding in the CX9. Fuel mileage I got at 25.4 in combine driving so far but one of the highway trip showed 29 in the trip computer. HD radio is good and if you adjust Bass/Treble, sound system works great as CX9 is too quite. Definitely a Drivers car and recommended over other 7 passenger CUVs. "