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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  CX9 Australian Review - 2008 Mazda CX-9
  By David Hill - August 12 - 1:50 am

  Ive had my CX9 now for 2 years and have done 60,000 Km (35,000 miles). I understand they are only released in North America and Australia (RH drive). 3.7 L V6 is great, the leather interior is well finished, goes hard but drinks fuel just as hard. Gas in Australia is $1.35 per litre, which means a tank is over $80 and I get about 450 km per tank. A few minor problems, drive shaft replaced the first week, factory fault with a bad highway shudder, always repaired fast without fuss. I do a lot of Brisbane inner city parks and I can nail the big bastard into most car spaces. Id buy another, I love it, we call it "Mazilla" as it is Japanese and large.

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  Madza5 Workhorse - 2006 Mazda Mazda5
  By Tom - August 11 - 3:20 pm

  I use my Mazda for hauling my Arts and Crafts booth and products. With the seats down, there is about as much room as a normal minivan. The one major complaint I have about the vehicle is the fact it gets extremely hot in the summer and the air conditioning takes a long time to cool off the back of the vehicle. Another issue is the door locks. My son has a 2002 Focus, a much less expensive vehicle, and the doors lock automatically after putting the vehicle in gear. Last issue is the remote entry system... terrible, terrible, terrible.

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  Zoom - 2006 Mazda Tribute
  By tom kuester - August 9 - 10:20 pm

  So far so good. Some tire road noise. Not sure about transmission. Exhaust needed repair. Still like it a lot. Good ride and mileage. Tows OK for a 4 cyl.

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  Its the small things... - 2007 Mazda Mazda6
  By 6 or 3 humm?... - August 8 - 3:23 am

  Overall, my Mazda has done everything and more. The long trips and are comfortable and short trips are quick! I enjoy the tight and quick response handling. As for quick comparison, my last car was a Ford SHO and I would have to say that the 4-cylinder in the Mazda really moves when you go from point A to point B safely.

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  What a fun car!! - 2003 Mazda Mazda6
  By shahidm - August 8 - 2:00 am

  Got the 2003 s trim during the year- end sales. The car is very comfortable and easily seats 4 adults. Almost perfect combination of practicality (I have three kids) and fun - and very reasonably priced. The auto/manual transmission is great and one can switch from one to the other on the fly while driving - you can even keep your foot pressed on the accelerator. Dash is nicely laid out with the controls laid out cleanly - and they are intuitive to use. Overall, very pleased with the car.

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  Love this car - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By jrnyace - August 8 - 2:00 am

  this vehicle was supposed to be for my wife that is 9 months pregnant. We chose the mazda "s" for the four-door capabilities. Im having more fun driving this car than my Dodge Hemi!

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  Good overall car - 2003 Mazda Protege
  By jpc477 - August 6 - 9:23 pm

  My wife & I purchased this brand new off the lot in April of 2003 so weve had the car five years now. It started off as her car, and then became my car after she bought a Honda Fit in August of 2006. Overall, the car has been a good car. The handling is outstanding & very responsive. It runs smoothly, and is comfortable to drive. The only issues we had with it was the alternator going out in it. The alternator went failed right after we bought it, and again about a year ago, but it was replaced at no cost both times. Other than that, its needed nothing other than routine maintenance.

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  AWFUL GAS MILEAGE - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By bono - August 3 - 4:06 pm

  This car would be OK with a GM engine

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  Unreliable so far - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By Soaring - August 2 - 2:00 am

  Loved this car at first. Fun to look at and fun to drive. However, the automatic transmission failed after 1,500 miles of normal driving, and am currently waiting for a brand new transmission. Overall, the car has good road handling and steering is good.

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  Be careful with this one.... - 2011 Mazda Mazda6
  By thill357 - August 1 - 7:15 am

  This is my first time owning any mazda and for the most part I can say it is OK. I own the Touring Plus model with a few extra features. First thing I must say is the car is very slow and the 4 cyl seems lousy and sluggish. It is a very loud engine for not being that fast... The extorior styling is beautiful. I love the trunk, even though fitting some larger boxes through the small opening can be difficult. Since the day I owned the car, the radio has been very staticy and even when close to local radio stations. Tried to take it back and get repaired and they said it was fine, which it is not. Heritage Mazda of Towson has bad service and is pretty expenisve. Prefer the Camry SE over this...