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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  Smooth Rider - 2010 Mazda Mazda6
  By Abe - February 20 - 10:00 am

  I originally wanted to purchase the Mazda 5 but my wife wanted a Sedan not a van. So I went with the Mazda 6 and so far I really like it. This is the first Mazda that I have purchased. It rides very smooth, looks very sporty and has pretty good pick up for a 4 cylinder car. The rear seat can sit 3 adults comfortably. The Mazda 6 is an excellent value for the price.

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  Great looks and good handling - 2009 Mazda Mazda3
  By Nadeem - February 20 - 4:40 am

  I just bought this car two weeks ago and have already put 600 miles on it. Its just so fun to drive. Even though I deprived myself of a manual transmission (it can be a pain on hills), the automatic transmission provides a fun acceleration. Very strongly built, I had someone bump into me (on the THIRD DAY of purchase!!) but thankfully not even a scratch on the rear bumper! The leather interior rivals my friends BMW 3 Series, and the Bose System is very powerful. However, plugging in both my iPod aux cable and power cable at the same time gives minor buzzing sound (probably something wrong my cable).

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  CX7 POOR GAS MILEAGE - 2007 Mazda CX-7
  By hiiweare1 - February 20 - 12:13 am

  Got one 5 days ago. Its fun but I wish the drivers seat came standard with automatic adjustment, its just a little uncomfortable. It may be a four cylinder and turbocharged but Its also like to drink a lot of premium gas.

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  The Amazing Miata - 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Eric - February 17 - 10:56 am

  After four years I have to say I still love my Miata. My mission the day I bought it was to buy a WRX. However coming out of a convertible I was not prepared to totally forego an opening top. The WRX at that time did not have an available sunroof. The other problem, they were so hot all I could find were automatics! Just down the street was a Mazda dealership and I thought why not, the price was right. My test drive sold me 100%! I scared the salesman so that was a bonus. As a former policeman I drive like one ;) The handling is simply spot on superb. Though the stock Bridgestones were awful under 50 degrees. I put on GForce T/As and love them. One request - a bit more HP.

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  Good Car - 1998 Mazda 626
  By len - February 17 - 9:43 am

  Too much vibration when car exceed 70 mph. Driver seat too low.

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  Summer Love, Canadian Winters Hate - 2009 Mazda Mazda5
  By mazdarx75 - February 16 - 5:19 pm

  I have Mazda5 09 GT model. I love the styling inside and out on my GT model. Very functional for my family of 4 and a dog. Option for 6 is great when needed as long as it is the exception. Does everything I need in the summer but when cold weather hits, I think of getting rid of it every winter. The power locking sliding side doors, manual sliding, will not work in cold or freezing temps. Took to Mazda and all they did was lube the door latch. Problem did not go away. Door keeps trying to lock even when I am driving. Not a safe feeling when driving and kids are back there. So this is my 3rd winter with this Van and make both doors close, I cannot wash it till spring.

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  Excellent car (for me) - 2002 Mazda Protege5
  By tiborgh - February 16 - 2:28 am

  Bought the car in 2006 when it was less than 3 years old, with 47,000 kms (about 30,000 miles). Now it has 192,000 kms (120,000 miles). I still love the car, while my wife hated it from the beginning. Very fun to drive, very practical, had less mechanical problems than the 2002 Corolla that we purchased new. Had to replace the original speakers and install an amplifier to have a decent sound. Stiff suspension and loud road noise are a deterrent for many, but that just adds to the overall fun. Recently the rear wheel wells and the doors started to show some rust. Mechanically it was quite robust, only two minor problems so far, an ABS sensor and a tie rod.

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  Compact....??? I say its a sport. - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By Guto - February 16 - 2:00 am

  I’ve spent about 3 months looking for a compact. What I found? Good cars, reasonable prices, and a total lack of attention to the small segment of cars. Mazda certainly created another concept for compact cars. I bought an M 3i sedan with power package, ac, sport/auto transmission and it is worthy everything single penny I spent. It is incredible to drive; it has an amazing design (exterior and interior), and an engine that needs no comments. The car is unquestionably the best in its segment

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  Phenomenal Vehicle - 2010 Mazda CX-9
  By DD_Plays_Softball - February 15 - 5:20 pm

  Wow, I am so happy with this vehicle. The bluetooth is awesome, and it was standard! I would have had to get the $40K Pilot to get it with a Honda, and it is not even available on the SE version of the Highlander. My last car was a CTS and this handles better around turns (less body roll, really). Better rollover numbers than ANY crossover even better than the low riding Flex - check out the stats yourself at the government website safercar.gov. The space behind the second row is enormous, again much longer than the Pilot. The interior is really nice at night with window switches light up with LEDs - a really nice touch (great job Mazda). My first Mazda but I am very impressed.

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  Solid - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By S - February 14 - 9:46 pm

  After only 500 miles, Im sold. Fun to drive, lots of Zoom Zoom, steering/handling is precise. Ample power (way more than my 02 Subaru Outback). Just took a road trip over the mountains to Eastern Washington and it was a champ. Oh, and averaged 31.4 mpg my first trip, cruising at about 70. Good stuff.