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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  MPV - Muti Purpose Vehicle - 2002 Mazda MPV
  By v946916 - January 26 - 2:00 am

  I did not think I would like a Mini-Van. I love the MPV, If you take a long trip and need more room - fold the third seat in the floor. When you arrive and you now need seating for 7, up comes the seat. Its so easy my 7 year old can do it. A great ride - great vehicle. Test drove and rented serval vans prior to purchase.

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  just better over the years - 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Tom - January 24 - 8:36 pm

  We have a 1993 Mazda which is fun to drive and has been dependable and mostly bulletproof for years. The refinement of the 2008, purchased new in 2009,is very impressive. The quick drop convertible top is just wonderful for changing moods and fun factors.

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  Amazing ride - 2009 Mazda Mazda6
  By Ra - January 24 - 8:20 pm

  Love this car! Have been driving since April and it is now mid September. I cant tell you how many times I am stopped by people who ask about my car. Not only does it look sweet, it drives like a dream - very smooth and fun! Best part is the roomy interior. I have two very tall teenagers who sit comfortably in the back as well as a very large trunk space. The 12 speaker Bose sound system sounds very good as well.

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  EVERYONE NEEDS THIS! - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By POO - January 24 - 10:46 am

  this car is fantastic! i went from a non-fuel happy silverado to this and all i can say is wow! gets about 25 mpg, wish it was a little better! i couldnt be more happy!

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  Zoom Zoom - 2010 Mazda Mazda6
  By Phil - January 24 - 2:26 am

  Im sold on Mazda. Bought S Grand Touring after owning a Progete5 for 8 years. It truely is the poor mans Lexus getting many extras for far less than a comparable equipped Lexus or Infinity. So far Im very happy; going on three months of ownership. I believe I got every option available so the as I added options it got a little pricey but I think worth it.

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  An alternative to Lexus - 2009 Mazda Mazda6
  By XLEX MAN - January 24 - 2:06 am

  Just purchased the Mazda 6 after driving a 1998 Lexus ES 300 for 9 years. I could not find a car that came close at all to the Lexus until now. The Mazda 6 is that car, it beats out all the other bland cars on the road to date. Everyone considering a sedan should consider test driving one.

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  Awesome little car! - 2013 Mazda Mazda2
  By acarlton - January 23 - 11:54 pm

  This car is very fun!When I totaled my Mazda3, I started looking at other cars but nothing came up to snuff like the Mazda. At 100hp per 6k rpms, it seems like not a lot, and its not. With a 5M, you can push it a little more and have more control over the car. The interior is excellent in the touring model and does not feel like a tiny car. Road noise is not nearly as loud as I expected. It does well on long trips, getting about 36mi/gallon. I know this is weird to throw in, but this little car handles potholes really well. And unlike one or two reviews I read, it does not "bounce" all over the road. Its very sturdy and handles pretty similarly to my Mazda3 (RIP).

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  Awesome new sports car! - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By Roland256 - January 21 - 10:00 am

  This car is one of the best sports cars I have ever driven in last 15 years of my driving experience. 2 days after I got the 8, I took it to the track, and got 0-60 time of 5.78 sec. and ran 1/4 mile at 14.2 seconds, which made me surprised since C&D said its slower a bit. Comfort at back is better than most coupes. Its even better than some sedans. Ive redlined it dozens of times now, and no problems with anything even though its still brand new.

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  So happy with my Mazda 5! - 2007 Mazda Mazda5
  By del - January 20 - 7:16 pm

  After tons of research, with all my basic needs and wants listed, I narrowed my choices to about 15. Then the hard work of getting in them and checking them out. At my age, um, senior granny, it wasnt fun and games getting in and out of all those vehicles! My highest priorities were: ease of entry, comfort, mileage and a flat cargo space to use when I go camping which could double for sleeping space if necessary. Once I saw the Mazda5 I was hooked in every way plus it looks great, feels wonderful, and is so roomy for my needs. How perfect for me. Im one happy camper! I purchased aftermarket leather for just the two front seats which serves my purposes very well!

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  Awesome sports car! - 2005 Mazda RX-8
  By Drek4 - January 20 - 3:00 am

  This car is awesome. The best car that I have ever driven. The sweet spot for this wonderful rotary motor is between 5000-8000 rpm, below that it`s just a civilized sedan. I love this car on the highway, so comfortable and at ease with any speed you drive it. The handling of this car is just fabulous thanks to the 50/50 weight ratio front/rear. Even the looks on this car are too good to be true. I don`t know why everyone says to always check the oil level on this car…Ive driven about 2500 miles with it since I got it and still at the same mark on the stick. The front seats are nice and comfortable. The BOSE sound system is nice and has a decent surround effect with its 9 speakers.