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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  First to own in my area. - 2010 Mazda MazdaSpeed3
  By Kargoth - July 25 - 4:56 pm

  This car was a blast from the get go and I cant even red line it yet. The Touqe starts low and the acceleration is impressive for its size. After test driving the evo I actually choose this model. It felt more stable and was working very well. Smooth shifting. Wish it had a moon roof but I can deal. The interior set up with out the Navi is the way to go. Just adding the satellite pkg later. Plenty of room for you and your friend. 10* better then the WRX, GTI, and RalliArt lancers. The rear of the vehicle is the only part I am a little curious about. I dont prefer the bug look but it works with the overall feel of the vehicle. Test drive one and you will not be disappointed.

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  Head turner - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By Rosie Andretti - July 25 - 10:00 am

  Luvin it! Real Head turner. I bought the Blk on Blk. So cool,the Humm it makes on the take off is fun. Smoothest clutch I have driven. Worth the $. Japanese Racing is great! The RX8 is tight. RX8 is hot. Cant open it up yet as I have just put the first 100 mi showing it off. My last car was totalled on the freeway. I feel safe in this one. Highly recommend this car. Very exotic and intimidating. Great in town and freeway car. Easy to park in the parking garage @ work. Comfort is a 10.

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  DGs Review - 2005 Mazda Tribute
  By Kay Green - July 25 - 10:00 am

  Fun to Drive and it handles like a passenger car.

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  Great Car - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By happyboy - July 25 - 10:00 am

  A thrill to own and drive. Excellent road handling with sports package.

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  Check out Mazda 6 - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By RickNatalello - July 25 - 10:00 am

  I just bought my Mazda 6 less than 2 weeks ago and I love it! I did the research online and drove at least 3 other cars (Nissan,Honda,Chevy) and the Mazda was my favorite. The style is sporty and on the same level as the Altima but at a better price tag. The interior is refined and classy - very well thought out (and not cheap looking). The car handles very well and I saved some cash and bought one with the manual transmission, wife cant drive it (yet) but it is very smooth to operate and I dont have any complaints/doubts about my decision. My advise, look around and drive different cars...but dont forget the Mazda 6!

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  Very fun car - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By chadrawson - July 25 - 10:00 am

  Just purchased a mazda after test driving all other cars like the maxima, focus grand am. Main thing that I like about this car, not only looks good on the outside but has the interior and the balls under the hood to back it up. For example my friend has a camamro z28, raced him and it kept up with him till about 80 then thats where the v8 keeps going, but lets face it, how many times you going to pass someone or go faster than 80?the mazda 3 and its interior and was fun to drive. But it has no thrust when your getting on the road or riding the throttle. Got the Bose stereo has a sub in the trunk included,

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  Happy Owner - 2004 Mazda MPV
  By R Travis - July 25 - 6:43 am

  The vehicle has been a pleasure to own and drive. Its smaller size has proven to be a great asset, both in driving and garaging it. It is very comfortable, fun to drive and the gas mileage is surprisingly good. Its insurance ratings are good too, so the insurance premiums are moderate. It is a well liked and welcome member of our family.

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  Love this car - 2008 Mazda CX-9
  By Go Revs! - July 25 - 6:00 am

  Edmunds review is spot-on. I bought the GT AWD with Assistance Package (nav+), the rear entertainment system, and towing package. Interior storage up front and cup holders are a little lacking, the rear doors open wide (pro/con), and the wheels communicate a lot of road imperfections. That said, I love my cx-9. Fun to drive; interior feels very upscale; looks great inside and out. From the outside, youd never guess the interior space -- seats slide and layout is great. It is huge inside, other than height (though there is plenty of headroom). Got the towing package to use a cargo carrier for keeping trash barrels outside on trips to the dump (this vehicle replaces my pickup).

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  One more good review for mazda 5 - 2010 Mazda Mazda5
  By ras1305 - July 24 - 10:38 am

  one more good review for mazda 5

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  Great Minivan - 2006 Mazda MPV
  By Lee - July 23 - 2:20 am

  Loaded with features at an awesome price. 17" wheels, leather, moonroof, 6 disc CD changer, dual air, roll down rear windows, power sliding doors, and more. My gas mileage on the highway has been 26.5 mpg consistently. It is garageable in a single car garage.