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:

• 

  Awesome. - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By poulain145 - August 18 - 1:00 pm

  I have had my blue, automatic, S Hatch for over a year and I absolutely love it. It is by far my favorite vehicle that I have ever had. I love the styling, and the roomy interior. The quality of the interior is very nice, and the car gives a very smooth ride. I dont have the road noise problem that some people have complained about. Its far more quiet than the Corolla I had before. I drove this car from Phoenix to San Diego in July and it was great. I must say that insurance on this vehicle is a bit expensive when compared to the Toyota I had before. One complaint that I have is that the air pressure gauge light is always coming on and I find myself putting air in my tires a lot.

• 

  Best SUV/CUV out there - 2007 Mazda CX-9
  By newmazda - August 18 - 11:50 am

  After driving every car in this segment and comparing prices, the CX9 GT fully loaded with NAV and DVD is the best deal out there. There are other very nice 7 seaters out there, but this is the best overall package because of the interior design.

• 

  Great Car - 2005 Mazda Tribute
  By Mimi - August 17 - 3:03 am

  I switched from a Mustang Convertible and was anxious that I wouldnt get that thrill moving up to an SUV. Obviously it isnt the same, but I thoroughly enjoy my Tribute. I picked the Tribute over the Escape because a)I liked some of the curves of the body style better and b)it seemed like everyone had an Escape. It handles like a car and has a much softer ride than hubbys Jeep Liberty. Never have any problem fitting my "stuff" into it and those who ride in the back seat are very comfortable. Auto 4WD is great and it just kicks in when needed. I have heated seats, sunroof, and leather and all are wonderful. I highly recommend this for those who want the room, but the drivability of a car.

• 

  Miata-class fun, Audi A4 practicality - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By Bryan in Central VA - August 15 - 3:23 pm

  Plenty of creature comforts (heated leather, Bose, Xenons, ABS, steering wheel controls)...looks like a little BMW 325. I wanted something japanses to replace my service issues on my last three Audis and two Passats. This car is smaller and less expensive but even more fun to drive. Strong engine (w/5- spd) loses steam at 65 mph+ 9great around town baut looses punch on highway. SP23 was ltd edition and I have not seen another in 3 months of ownership. I would not have considered its "peer economy" competitors. Buy it for style & handling - not price. SP23 thinks its all grown up. A relative bargain for a "euro" sedan. Combination of Jetta/A4 and Miata. Practical fun with reliability.

• 

  SPORT Wagon is Correct Name - 2005 Mazda Mazda6
  By PM013 - August 15 - 2:00 pm

  I have a 2005 fully loaded Sport Wagon (May 2005) and I have 10,000KM (6,000 Miles). This is one fun car to drive! My wife always fights me for the keys, Took it on our first real highway trip this summer and got 29MPG at 75MPH. Great SPORT wagon. No regrets at all.

• 

  Love It - 2002 Mazda Tribute
  By Carluvr - August 15 - 10:00 am

  I love this SUV!! Im used to the gear shift getting in the way of the radio controls, so i just use it to rest my hand on when Im changing stations. The gas mileage is surprisingly good and I have no complaints!

• 

  Tribute - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By shanelawson1 - August 15 - 10:00 am

  Our Mazda Tribute is an awesome vehicle to drive. We drove over 1500 miles on vacation and the drive was extremely comfortable. The vehicle is a great value for the price.

• 

  Best in Class - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By cbdupont - August 15 - 10:00 am

  Best value of the small SUVs. Handles more like a car than a truck.

• 

  Performance and Design beats MPG - 2005 Mazda RX-8
  By piston to rotary - August 14 - 10:10 pm

  Love the looks and performance of this automobile. Interior accommodations are very nice and high quality. I have been looking at these autos for the last three years and finally took the plunge and found a low mileage 05. Prices appear to be falling and the car doesnt appear to have the residual that I thought it would, Seems folks might have been scared off by the less than ideal mpg and high octane requirements. All in all this is an excellent vehicle that performs beautifully, looks outstanding, handles like a slot car and has good Japanese quality.

• 

  Everything I expected and more! - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By Jon - August 10 - 12:16 pm

  I knew going into this vehicle that it would not get as good of gas mileage as other vehicles in its class. That said, this car continues to impress me. Ive owned for over a year now and drive a lot of miles commuting 80+ miles per day and travel with it alot. Now, after 40K miles the car is still running like new! I ensure the car is maintained religiously and that has paid off with zero mechanical problems to date. Oh yeah, by the way. To help counter the MPG issue, try this... slow down.