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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  Safety Testing - 2016 Mazda CX-9
  By Kazzortho09 - February 8 - 1:42 am

  I like the car, but the results of small overlap IIHS crash test for the 2016 model are not out yet. The 2014 model did poorly: http://www.iihs.org/iihs/ratings/vehicle/v/mazda/cx-9-4-door-suv which is very concerning to me given that I am purchasing the car for its 7 passenger (family) capability. Plus, if they are going to sell it at MSRP of $45,000 for the signature trim, then why not get an Acura MDX or spend a little more and get a Volvo XC-90 both of which have a much higher safety rating.

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  So glad I chose the 6 over the Taurus - 2009 Mazda Mazda6
  By Seablazer - February 7 - 10:00 am

  Pros: one of the best looking cars on the road today, great features (mine is fully loaded, minus remote start), and an overall extremely fun ride. Cons: none, well, just wish Ford would have allowed cooled seats to be put into the 6.

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  Fun to Drive and Your own Toy - 2008 Mazda Mazda3
  By Rafiq - February 6 - 10:06 pm

  Fun to drive. Sleek exterior, especially the 17" alloy wheels. Though rumours are they wear out fast, but driving them with care wont hurt. Me and my friend did a fast acceleration in our work parking lot, and 0-50 seems to go in 5 secs. And ya truly Mazda did the ZOOM ZOOM. Anyone interested, grab it.

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  Poor Gas Mileage -nothing to do about it - 2006 Mazda Tribute
  By wynn003 - February 6 - 5:53 pm

  Ill just list the bad stuff (Im sure youve read enough good stuff so I need to balance it). I replaced a 1993 V6 Navajo that does 15 MPG. Now sticker says 22-26MPG on this tribute. I drive both so Im hoping maybe 24MPG, but would be ok with 22MPG since its more in the city. Guess what I get? 16-17MPG!!! Ive told this to the dealer and all I keep getting from them is that its right, that they (Mazda) are revamping the whole mileage rating because its not accurate. !??!? Why not just list the right one? I got a 13 yr old newer car to get 1 MPG more? I dont even drive aggressively anymore. On top of that, when I accelerate from a stop sign, I can feel a thud in the gear.

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  Doesnt Feel Like a Minivan - 2004 Mazda MPV
  By elaine mct - February 6 - 2:36 pm

  Overall, this car was a perfect choice for me. I like that it is smaller than most other minivans. I have three kids and they have enough room to keep them apart. :) I love the way it drives. I find myself going faster than I should be, because it has quite a bit of engine power. On the downside, I have been surprised by the quality of some of the materials they have used. I have had one handle break on the back of the passenger seat. Other than that, I love this minivan.

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  Fun! Fun! Fun! - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By KimH - February 6 - 5:03 am

  Just bought Mazda3 S hatchback! Smooth ride, punchy engine, (who needs a 6 cylinder), saved a lot of money. Soft leather. Handles very well. Quiet engine. I love driving my car, and being able to get all friends in. So far, so good!

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  Dependable transportation with good MPG - 2001 Mazda 626
  By Jim - February 4 - 11:13 pm

  This is my 2nd 626. I sold my 1998 626 in 2002, and bought a truck. Sold the truck to get higher MPG going back and forth to work. Pros: MPG (29 highway, 24 all-around), dependable, reliable, no problems to date even with 80K miles (had 59K when I bought it). Cons: Ride quality decent, pick-up and transmission arent the greatest (but to be expected with a 4 cylinder); AC isnt strong when idling (again, 4 cylinder issue). Im very happy with this car. Its not fancy, gives a decent ride, has good gas mileage, is dependable, and I can take the family (including 15 and 8 year old) on 4 hours trips with no leg room complaints. It wont create envy of others, but gets you there.

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  Getting better all the time... - 2010 Mazda Mazda6
  By Ian - February 4 - 4:40 pm

  Further to my post of Aug 23, Ive now covered 1500 miles and had a longer time to evaluate this really good car. I congratulate your reviewers, as their previous comments were spot on. I got over $4250 off the price by the way. Im getting 21.5 mpg around town and 25 on a run with clearish roads. The braking and steering is brilliant. If I have to avoid an accident, I cant think of anything Id sooner be in then a Mazda 6. Its built in the USA too! Back seat splits and folds (Honda please copy) Runs on regular fuel (Nissan V6s please copy) Stability control standard (Nissan please copy). 215 55x17 tires are so much more sensible than the previous 45x18s (with our appalling roads)

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  Top selling sports car - 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By bmoman - February 4 - 10:00 am

  Classic roadster, very nimble. Lacks power, but release of turbocharged MazdaSpeed will fill void. Or additional horsepower is readily available through aftermarket supercharger or turbocharger installation.

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  mx-5 - 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By poul olesen - February 4 - 10:00 am

  Performs beautifully. No mechanical problems. Goes smoothly through curves. The car is generally liked by onlookers. Went to several countries in this car, had great fun. The trunk must be packed with care.