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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  Red Raphaela the wonder car - 2000 Mazda Protege
  By jolie - November 23 - 11:30 am

  Yes, the title is silly but that is actually my nickname for my 2000 Mazda Protege DX. She jumped out at me when I went to a Mazda dealership a couple of days after Christmas, 2000. Buying her was the smartest thing I ever did, transportation wise. She stayed looking like a new car for five years. Even now, she just has a scar on her back bumper and another tiny ding on the rear trunk. Its only because I have a habit of putting it in neutral at stop lights and twice someone bumped me when the light turned green (my foot wasnt on the brake to turn the brake lights on). In nine years, I have only had to replace belts and brake pads. Honest!

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  Re-evaluation - 2008 Mazda Mazda5
  By jc - November 21 - 7:16 am

  I read a lot of reviews about this vehicle from different websites and after some test drives, we bought this vehicle. I like the features but I totally dislike the stiff leather seats and the stiff ride. The road noise, harshness and vibration are pronounced. We used to have an 05 Toyota Sienna and this is not even a mile close to the comfort of it. This vehicle does have its strengths too but riding comfort is not one of them. I tried the other trims later, the sport and the touring with fabric seats, for comparison and they ride way better than the GT with leather, but still not even close though to the Sienna that I used to have. If I could just turn back the clock...

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  Great fun cuv !! - 2007 Mazda CX-7
  By Ken McWilliams - November 21 - 2:55 am

  Its more like a car than a truck. Quick and nimble but more room than Honda CR-V or Toyota rav 4

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  bang for the buck - 2002 Mazda Tribute
  By rice - November 21 - 2:00 am

  Paid 21,500 with factory step guards and rear bumper step up plate, and the dealer installed an fantastic after market power sunroof that looks and acts better than a factory one. This is a GREAT looking car.I dare you to tell me a ML320 looks 20k BETTER! This car has much gettie-up, the V6 200 horse zooms. I has a little apprehensiv about buying a car with anything to do with FORD name, but I prayfully took a shot. So far 13,000 trouble free miles. Had a lot a snow this winter in new york and the 2wd pulled through 24in of snow with only minamil trouble, I can image what the 4wd would do. Gas mileage I would is better than average for a V6

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  New Car - 2007 Mazda CX-7
  By Kenny - November 20 - 4:10 pm

  There is a huge blind spot when backing up, the cockpit is rather tight; the large wheels make getting in and out more difficult than I realized at first. It is fun to drive, but the cabin space is more limited than I realized at first. The fuel gauge is hard to see and I have almost run out of gas twice. The ride is very smooth and it accelerates quickly. The tires are set very wide and I have hit a curb several times already.

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  Wonderful Car! - 2005 Mazda Mazda6
  By Tylor Cartter - November 20 - 2:06 am

  I bought this as a used car. It is a 2005 Mazda 6 hatchback and have had it for about a month. No problems at all and runs great. The fuel economy has been great! I love it... It got into an accident but was repaired impeccably! The only thing that needed replacing was a caliper boot which the dealership replaced. I would definitely get this again!

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  Not very happy - 2015 Mazda CX-5
  By mikyd1 - November 20 - 1:23 am

  Bought the 2015 Mazda cx5 because saw reviews and knew Mazda from the past. I am not very happy, sitting space is absurdly small I am 6 0 And almost dont fit in the copilot seat, the back seats are too small, no space very uncomfortable, the radio is cheap, the air conditioning is very weak, with 80* takes 20 minutes to cool the space, not cold enough, the car is brand new so Why in the world will not cool down, not a good ac system. If I could go back in time, I would NOT buy the Mazda cx5, consumes too much gas, the rear seats are too small and basic

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  Many strong features, a few minor irritants - 2011 Mazda CX-9
  By howard44 - November 18 - 11:34 am

  Weve had our GT for two months and 2500 miles. Id give it 93 out of 100. Its a stylish combination of fun and functionality. Compared to other SUVs, the CX-9 is sporty in appearance and handling. Engine is strong and relatively quiet. Transmission is smooth. Interior quality and design are well done. Third row is both usable and accessible. I think it stacks up well against the Enclave or Acadia for less money. There does seem to be a problem with wind noise on the highway. Like some other reviewers, I paid $100 over invoice, with front window tint and pinstripe tossed in.

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  Not too bad - 2010 Mazda CX-7
  By Jay411 - November 18 - 4:23 am

  Sporty looks both inside and out, suspension is a bit stiffer than similar cars in its class but it handles extremely well, braking is excellent, the turbo 4cyl. is surprisingly peppy but does have some "turbo lag" at times. Some minor complaints, the heated seats barely get warm and you would expect better sound quality from a Bose system, last but not least COME ON MAZDA both touring models should get an auto dimming rear view mirror!! Overall a nice little crossover with a great sporty feel. I tested the CRV, Outback and Rogue and ultimately choose the CX- 7

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  Questioning the purchase. - 2008 Mazda CX-7
  By cindy - November 17 - 6:53 pm

  We just bought this car 2 days ago. We drove quite a few cars and liked how this one took off (on premium gas)! Ultimately chose this one because of the great deal we got. Were mostly pleased with it. Whats up with the headlights? (We didnt drive the car after dark until after wed brought it home.) Theres a "line" across your field of vision which "divides" light and dark. Its not as obvious with high beam. Dealer service guy says its normal. Its very annoying. Seats could be a little more comfortable. Quieter ride would be nice. Better gas mileage, too. Everything else about the car were happy.