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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  I Love my CX-5!!!!!! - 2013 Mazda CX-5
  By peach2460 - September 8 - 10:34 am

  I bought my CX-5 in March. I traded a 2011 Ford Escape 4wd 6cyl for it. This was the best decision I ever made. I am getting 37mpg on my drives to work. I drive secondary roads on my 25 mile drive to work which are anywhere from 30-55 mph. My car now has 2100 miles on it and the gas mileage is awesome. The Escape I had only got 23-24 mpg.And the handling was mediocre at best and acceleration poor. My CX-5 is so much fun to drive and the handling is fantastic especially through the corners. I love everything about this car. I think the acceleration is just fine even up hills. I never thought I would buy a 4cyl automatic because the were doggish, but this one is definitely not. Buy one.

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  Perfect Blend - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By Chad Wadsworth - September 8 - 10:03 am

  My wife laid down the law and said our second car could be anything as long as it had room for car seats. Thinking she had crushed any chance of my buying a sports car, I just grinned and began my search for an RX-8. Fantastic performance- you will not be disappointed with the lack of lowend torque unless you want to spend your saturday nights challenging at red lights... Not my thing, but listening to the sweet whine of the rotary at 8,500 rpm, cornering on rails and feeling like you are driving a uniquely designed machine- definitely my thing. Vehicle design is subjective, but I love it and after years of driving euro sedans I even like the interior. Overall a perfect blend.

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  my zoom zoom - 2006 Mazda Mazda5
  By Kimberly - September 8 - 6:56 am

  I told my husband I didnt want that typical soccer mom look and we both wanted something that was economical for the whole family. We went online to find something that would work for us and came across the Mazda 5. Immediately the next morning we went to a dealership (3 hours from home) and found there were only TWO or THREE Mazda 5s available around this area. We opted for the Mazda Sport which has almost all the features of the touring including the 6 CD changer and sunroof but not the navigation system. We drove it home that same day. The only thing that I can find to improve the Mazda 5 would be a better A/C for the front and back of the vehicle.

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  LOVE IT! - 2007 Mazda CX-7
  By Sweet Drama - September 7 - 11:50 pm

  Until I test drove the CX-7, I had no idea this car existed. After that, there was no turning back! I absolutely love this car! Im a person who on the average buys a car every 2-3 years, this is by far my favorite! I just cant say enough about it and/or Mazda! If it wasnt for my Dad loving his Miata so much, I would have never walked into the Mazda dealer! This crossover does not feel like a 4 cyl, not with the turbo. The drive is amazing, the braking is smooth and the handling is fabulous! Overall its a lot of fun to drive and the perfect car.

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  Love it! - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By Adverrt32 - September 7 - 2:46 pm

  This is my first new car, I love everything about it except the gas tank openeing on the passenger side of the car. Guess Im just used to Honda.

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  I love this car - 2007 Mazda CX-9
  By StevePetro - September 5 - 2:16 pm

  I just picked up a CX-9 GT AWD with navi and the power rear gate. I love this car. Coming from a minivan to this there is only one concern. Take some caution with the rear door. Kids who are used to sliding van doors like to swing open the large and wide back doors. If you have kids put on the child safety locks and open the doors for them. Other then that I love this car!!

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  Good Value - 2010 Mazda Tribute
  By KD - September 5 - 1:53 pm

  I was looking for a smaller SUV that wouldnt break the bank. The Sport model comes well equipped for the price. The seats are comfortable, with the armrests being the right height. Visibility is excellent, although the rear headrests obscure the view through the rearview mirror somewhat. Very solid feeling on the road, the electrically boosted steering at low speeds is a nice touch!

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  MY CAR - 2001 Mazda 626
  By DIANEDLE - September 5 - 10:00 am

  First front wheel drive I have ever owned, excellent in snow and ice...I am so impressed!!

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  Good for a temporary car - 2002 Mazda 626
  By Memphishold - September 5 - 10:00 am

  My girlfriend and I shopped around till she found this 626. She wanted something else, but nothing else seem to offer greater value for similar price. At first, we liked it a lot and she talked about keeping it for a lot longer. However, now theres a problem with the intake manifold, and three seperate repair shop cant seem to fix it. Its still running okay, but she cant help but wonder when the car would give her troubles. Its a good car, just that it disappointed us quite a bit after just two years. Getting this car at a low price allowed my girlfriend to save up for another car, so well be shopping for another Mazda, maybe Mazda 3 to replace this

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  Very fun car? - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By AlekPower - September 5 - 10:00 am

  I love this car so far. It is really fun, and very helpful for road trips. Even though I have had the check engine light on 3 times for minor problems, its a really neat car. Hatchback is very cool and seats are very comfortable.