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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  My Favorite Car - 2007 Mazda CX-7
  By CXRabbit - May 13 - 12:56 pm

  Ive had the car a little over a month and, by far, its the best car I have owned. Mazda really gives you bang for your buck. Quality is outstanding, ride is comfortable but firm (more like a sports car than like a plushy car). It handles superbly, and I didnt feel like there was any adjustment period coming from a smaller car - it felt natural to drive. I even parallel parked it the first week of ownership (of course, rear-view camera helps). I dont agree with anyone who says it needs a V6. Theres no guarantee a V6 is going to take "regular" gas... look at the BMW. They also arent more efficient. Look at real-world results from CUVs with the 6... they are averaging about the same MPG.

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  Copper Blazed Fun - 2006 Mazda Mazda6
  By Matt - May 12 - 10:36 am

  I own a Copper Blaze Metallic hatchback with the 6 cylinder and the 6 speed auto. Great car that is plenty fast and looks great. A very visible car that hauls mulch, bicycles, or my wife and I to a fancy dinner. This car does it all. City mileage is a little disappointing (22-23mpg), but highway mileage is pretty good (28-30). With a decent size gas tank, 450 miles between fill-ups is easy. The manumatic is useless as in all cars but the 6 speed auto shifts nicely. Having to take the car in for an oil change is a bummer and Mazda will not sell the needed oil filter wrench through a dealer. Overall, a great value and a lot of fun.

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  I LOVE my M3 - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By m3sguy - May 12 - 12:36 am

  Its Zoom Zoom Zoom to the fullest! Fantastic Car and so much fun to drive. If you can, get the S edition (Grand Touring for the 06 models). The 4 door S sedan in Rally White is what I have with all 4 packages. The leather in the Mazda 3 smells so so good! :-)

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  Nice Car!!! - 2003 Mazda Protege
  By Frei - May 10 - 10:00 am

  I just bought this car today and Im already in love with it. Im 19 and its my first new car. Im so happy I chose this car over the cavalier I was looking into. The exterior is really sleek and the interior is BEAUTIFUL and comfy. My last car was an oldsmobile, so Im used to a very smooth ride and for an economy car this one rides decent. Im also used to a V6 and this car surprised me, its got pep for its size! I recommend!

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  Quality Vehicle for a good price - 2004 Mazda Tribute
  By Tim PD1 - May 10 - 10:00 am

  This is a well built vehicle. I would buyanother one and tell friends to buy one. It looks better then the escape because of the matched color paint on the outer body. I do wish it would get just a little better gas mileage. over all I would get this SUV again in a heartbeat.

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  GREAT LITTLE SUV - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By joey72447 - May 10 - 10:00 am

  It was a toss up between the Tribute and the Escape. The Tribute looked better and appeared to be roomier. There were too many confusing models with the Escape and I believe the Escape price was higher for the same options. I chose the Tribute hands down.

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  what a ride - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By tris - May 10 - 10:00 am

  I went to the dealership with my 02 VW GTI to get the window fixed and left with the RX-8. Never looked back.

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  Lovin It - 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Certifiable - May 10 - 3:53 am

  Looked at S2000, Z3/4, Audi TT, and many others. Wanted a weekend "toy". This was by far the best value, without sacrificing any of the features I wanted (zip and more zip). Better handling in the curves than the others.

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  Glad I saw it coming - 2007 Mazda CX-7
  By Mike Dee - May 9 - 10:36 pm

  I love the way this car responds and holds the road. It is just so much fun to drive and handles very well for an SUV. It doesnt handle a tight as a German sport sedan, but it comes close.

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  Unbelievable Fun and Functional! - 2007 Mazda CX-9
  By BAM - May 9 - 6:00 pm

  I love my new CX-9. I had no intention of buying a Mazda - stumbled on the CX-9 by chance. This car handles better than any competitive model I drove. The interior styling and features are very well thought out. The car is so functional - my car is loaded with navigation, Bluetooth phone capability, iPod connection, dual climate controls, etc. Because the spare tire is under the car, versus in the trunk, the third row seats easily fold flat with the tug of a strap and one smooth movement. And the bonus, there is plenty of leg room for the passengers in the third row.