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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  Best Crossover for your $ - 2010 Mazda CX-7
  By SoCalGal - November 20 - 7:13 am

  I have had my Mazda CX-7 for a month now. It has been nothing short of a great experience. The display of average and current fuel economy is helpful. What set it apart from others in its price range was the interior styling. I chose the black cloth, which has silver accents on the door panels. The trunk space is amazing, with enough room to pack essentials for a weekend getaway. It is comfortable on long drives and handles great on curves, hills, you name it. Spring for the iSport model over the iSV edition. The Bluetooth alone is worth it.

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  Follow-up Review - 2009 Mazda Mazda5
  By njmommy1 - November 20 - 7:01 am

  I am writing a follow up review on this car, because I gave it a stellar rating a year ago, however I would not want anyone to buy this car based on that review. We have had the car two years. We have 40,000 miles on it, and are thankfully getting rid of it this week. I still love the design, the extra space in the back, the ability to seat 6 when needed, but the car is NOT reliable, and very unsafe. Here is a list of issues we have had: the rotors are shot, replaced the rear shocks at 36,500 (Mazda would not cover under warranty), we have replaced tires, had steering go out while driving (covered under warranty), gas cap broke, rear wiper broke This car shimmys squeaks and feels unsafe.

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  Fun Fun Fun - 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Naomi - November 19 - 6:53 pm

  I have only had my car a few days but, I can sum it up in one word. WOW. This car is a real head turner.

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  AWESOME RIDE!!! - 2010 Mazda CX-9
  By cathman - November 19 - 2:02 pm

  Amazing vehicle!! Bought used w/40,000 miles. Incredible used car deal! Absolutely loaded... Handles like its on rails(for a big car). Avg. 25.6 mpg on a 3 state road trip! Tons of power, and super comfortable!!Im a major Mazda fan... 03 MPV has 185,000 on it and still gets 26.5 mpg! Mazda zoom zoom thru & thru!! If u need a big family vehicle without needing a minivan...Go buy this car!

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  2005 MPV - 2005 Mazda MPV
  By dav mc - November 19 - 1:33 pm

  Our 2004 Odyssey was totaled by another driver. The MPV was the best value for the features. It drives better than our Honda and looks much sportier. We were able to get it for 36 dollars under invoice, then the dealer took off $4000 in rebates. They even delivered it to me and signed the paper work on my kitchen table. This is my 3rd vehicle purchase through the internet and all have been great. I actually enjoy driving this van although it is my wifes. If you are a smaller adult (under 6 foot and under 200 #s) the seats will fit you better than the domestic vans. We have only had it a few weeks, but love it so far.

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  new mazda - 2010 Mazda Mazda6
  By Anonymous - November 19 - 2:00 am

  Great car, huge interior, looks great, feels super smooth from the shifts to the ride.

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  My 10th Mazda - and still no regrets! - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By Anonymous - November 19 - 2:00 am

  Purchased my 5-Door GT after a 10 year hiatus from Mazda during which I have owned 4 BMWs, including 3 3-series and a Z4. Terrible experience with the latest 3-series so went back to Mazda and I love this car! It is a little noisy on the highway but nothing the amazing sound system doesnt solve. Loose stabilizer bar in rear at 3000 miles was fixed quickly and the car is amazing again! Love the looks, love the performance, love all the features! Nothing from Toyota or Honda even comes close! And my BMW is barely keeping up anymore - cant wait to trade the BMW in for a Mazda 6! Lost my pearl white 3 especially now that Ive added a bike rack to the roof! Love this car!

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  Love the Smile - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By Anonymous - November 19 - 2:00 am

  Ive only had my Mazda 3 sport for a little over 1 week, but so far I love to drive this car. I try to think of places I need to go just to get in and go somewhere. The bose system is awesome, such clarity. I owed a 2001 Maxima so Im having to adjust to the stiff ride of the Mazda but hopefully I will get there. I read some reveiws about road noise on another site I dont hear it, I do hear the engine a little but thats fine. If you want a compact sedan or hatchback you must drive the Mazda 3 the handling and the power this little car puts out will amaze you.

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  Just the right size, great value - 2006 Mazda Mazda5
  By Puzman - November 18 - 4:00 pm

  Weve had our Mazda5 for about 2 months now. (my other car is a 2003 Protege ES, so I like Mazdas...). You get a lot of car for your money - its quite roomy, very quiet and comfortable on the highway, gets good mileage considering the size of the car (were averaging 27 mpg overall), is reasonably fun to drive, and is perfect for a small family (were 2 adults, our 6 year old daughter, and a golden retriever). Acceleration is OK (not too different from my Protege), but its certainly not overpowered. ;-) Handling is pretty good, considering size of car (although I notice a lot of front end dive when braking). Brakes feel soft and underpowered. Great road trip car.

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  07 Touring I - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By Ja_sinn - November 18 - 7:13 am

  This was a toss-up between the 06/07 Civic and the 3. In the end the Mazda 3s suspension broke the tie. The sporty handling and smooth ride was on Mazdas side. The Civic felt a tad bumpy. For a 2.0 the car can move paired with the 4 speed sport-shifting automatic. My wife commutes with the car about 160 miles a week so the gas savings was what opened us up to the car, yeah the Civic got 40 but really, no comparison between the 2 for handling. Cant get the wife to give it up for a day.