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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  Worth the money, big time! - 2010 Mazda Mazda6
  By Rob - June 12 - 11:43 pm

  Purchased this car in December of 09. I put about 3000 miles on it, so far and I cant say anything bad about it. The car handles great (put winter tiers on it) in the snow, dry or wet. The Luxury package is worth the money on the GT-i4. I am glad I got this car instead of the Nissan Altima, the Mazda is just a better car overall in my opinion. We drove to Montreal in a snow storm, and we all felt very confident that the car would take us there safely. Nice quiet, firm, stable ride. The Bose sound system with the Centrepoint Surround Sound is great, the Bluetooth, the blind spot monitoring system, the DSP, all great options. Great US built car (it was about time). Well done Mazda!

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  A Blast To Drive! - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By Stroup - June 12 - 10:00 am

  I fell in love with this car from first site, and finally broke down and purchased a black manual, with grand touring, rotary accents, body appearance, and spoiler. It is so fun to drive, and turns a lot of heads. Comfortable for long drives as well, and really does well on the highway as well as windy mountain roads. Hugs the road like a pancake, and the engine sounds great! Fitting two in the back seat is such a huge plus (although dont make them sit back there for too long).....I highly recommend it for anyone looking for a sporty, fun car to drive that is still practical. GHave fun, and see you on the road!

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  My Mazda 3 - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By saymiles - June 12 - 10:00 am

  The Mazda 3 is an excellent car for a person on the go. The trunk space is excellent and the car is very comfortable and fun to drive. The radio controls on the steering wheel make it safer from me when Im driving. The ACL feature (volume louder as you go faster) is great, but it doesnt help you maintain the speed limit. Ive also had a few problems with my automatic driver window and the passenger air bag disabled light (it comes on even when I have a passenger) and Ive only had the car for 2 months. In all it is a great car, and any problems Ive had are all covered by the warranty!

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  SunShine - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By triley1785 - June 12 - 10:00 am

  I love driving this car. The feel of it on the road and handling. My boyfriend even enjoys riding the car. Im glad I purchase my sunshine.

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  Mazda Fun - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By Xinger III - June 12 - 10:00 am

  So far this has been a good decision; the car has enough go to feel safe and sporty. Weve had a couple of minor problems like needing an alignment and the drivers side sun visor losing tension; both we repaired under warranty with no problem. For a car that I paid <$18K it has been a great choice. My wife loves it and I enjoy driving it when we go on trips. I would recommend it without reservation. If I was buying it primarily for me then I would chose the 6 cylinder but the wife likes it because she doesnt need to fill the tank often. When I drive it I find it to have plenty of power, good handling characteristics and it is just plain fun.

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  loove the cx7 - 2008 Mazda CX-7
  By gary - June 11 - 4:10 pm

  love the cx7..the only problem is the tires only lasted 27,000 miles..everything else works perfect.. my wife loves the car..and i enjoy driving this suv...car has no problem running 100 mph and has more left in it...no complaints...only the tires... yes they are 18" and cost me 750.00 for a new set..

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  Bulletproof Fun! - 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By MichaelJ3D - June 11 - 1:30 pm

  I purchased this car for the fun factor and it has delivered! I have owned several sports cars in the past and this one is by far the most fun (and reliable). I bought the car with high miles after talking to my local Mazda dealership and they told me mileage is not a issue and they were right. Ive had it for a year now with no problems. I drive it daily and grow to love it more each day. This car doesnt disappoint!

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  GOING TO MISS HER - 2001 Mazda Protege
  By Willowbefree - June 9 - 7:40 pm

  Ive loved this car for the past 9 years that I have owned it. The tires have been the greatest disappointment...expensive to replace when I had to replace them after the first 30,000 miles. (Dunlop has a set that fits and lasts much longer...however still at $120.00/piece) Zoom zoom zoom is very true..I love this car during the summer here in WI..it grips the roads and I can fly! In the winter I need to change modes and respect what the season brings. I love the 60/40 back seat split as I take my xc skis and boating gear with me often. Overall, Im going to miss my Mazda and hope my "new" Subaru treats me 1/2 as good. (needed room for more gear and a puppy)

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  Miata with seats for six? - 2007 Mazda Mazda5
  By Zoom-zoom - June 9 - 5:53 am

  My family loves our Mazda5. I bought it for my wife and kid but occasionally drive it myself. My weekend toy is Mazda Miata and this little wagon (Mazda5 is not a minivan!) is the closest thing to it. Considering the size, the handling is amazing and it’s lots of fun on a long winding road. Brakes are excellent and on par to my daily driven 5 series BMW (they also dust as much though). Fuel economy is decent, with 32 mpg going 65 mph on a highway and 22-24 around town. It could’ve been better if Mazda offered more engine choices. However, I can see that this car is not for everyone, especially for people who hate driving.

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  Saltzs 2 Tributes - 2001 Mazda Tribute
  By Moi - June 9 - 1:20 am

  I purchased this vehicle brand new. I have read reviews about problems. The only thing I can say about that is it must have not been taken care of properly. My suv went in for all the maintenance when needed. Because of this I purchased a 2010.