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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  Literally a bang for your buck! - 2009 Mazda CX-9
  By Charles Family - March 17 - 11:56 pm

  Picked up the Touring AWD on 9/15/09. All I can say is that Mazda has the gem of 2009 here. Forget Toyota and Ford, test drive the CX-9 and you will be in for a shock. There are items that come standard in this puppy that you would have to get as options on anything else. With the dealer incentives (4k) you are driving away with a vehicle that would cost 40 large anywhere else! Factor in the end of Model year and dealerships trying to get rid of inventory.. there is just a ton of value here! Our 3 kids love this vehicle for the space and the wife adores it because it literally drives like a car. Before you buy anything else.. Test drive the Mazda CX-9

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  Love My Van,Not The Dealer - 2000 Mazda MPV
  By Barbara Olson - March 16 - 2:00 am

  I have owned my van for 3and a half years now. I dont think I could ever go back to driving a car. I love the extra protection I feel being up higher and with the size of the van. The only problem I had was it pulled to the left, which my original dealer claimed they fixed. I found my tires on the left side wore out at only 41,000 miles,even though I had them rotated regularly.

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  Great Car - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By Freeze - March 16 - 2:00 am

  Fun to drive, inexpensive, and practical.

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  Richard - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By dicsern - March 16 - 2:00 am

  Great handling, driving car. With the lower torque numbers, I started out driving in lower gears, ie, 3rd and 4th. After a little experience with it, I found 5th and 6th are strong gears also, but certainly not a blast at acceleration. The engine doesnt seem to lug at lower RPM, just doesnt pull out like a BMW. The car is well built, solid and fun!!

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  Cool Car - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By TeamMom - March 16 - 2:00 am

  This car gets alot of looks. It has been a fun car to drive

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  Awesome ride - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By Eric Miller - March 16 - 2:00 am

  I think the 6 is the best midsize car to come out in a long time I have always loved Mazdas but when this came out it caught my eye it has the interior of a $40,000 car, It has the exterior of no other its sporty and stylish and beautiful.

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  Great wagon and easy on the wallet - 2002 Mazda Protege5
  By iusta - March 15 - 10:00 am

  Other than the power vacancy, this car is awesome. Great style, incredibly comfortable seats, plenty of room for my dog. What the car lacks in straight-line acceleration, it makes up for in handling. Also, the car is wonderfully forgiving on the highway. Makes the miles slide by comfortably. After driving a Jeep Cherokee for the last three years, Im happy to get into a reliable and affordable car that fits all of my needs. And besides, Id just get in trouble with the law if the car was as fast as Id like it to be.

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  Outstanding - 2008 Mazda RX-8
  By LeConte - March 15 - 3:56 am

  This is my third RX 8 had a 2006 Shinka, a 2007 GT RX8 and now the 2008 40th Aniversary Edition. The looks never stop from people even from those in Porche and other sports cars. The handling is great on this one and much better than the 2007 that I had. As for the gas mileage as many before me have said who when they buy a sports car ask what the gass mileage will be. I have been driving Rotary engine cars going back to the 76 RX4 and I have never tired of driving one. All one has to do is drive one and they will know they have gotten into something special.

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  Awesome Car - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By Natalie - March 14 - 11:40 am

  I got my Mazda almost 2 months ago. It is my first car, and I absolutely love it. Everybody is jealous! It gets great gas mileage around town, and the interstate mileage isnt bad either. It is a really great car, and its the best to drive. I recommend this car to anyone who is looking for a sporty sedan. It has plenty of room for you and 4 other people. For all the options that you get compared to other cars in its class, it is a number one pick, especially for the price.

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  performance in a hatchback - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By MnMazda - March 13 - 8:23 pm

  Recently purchased Mazda 3 hatchback with 2.5 liter engine and 6 spd manual transmission. After 1000 miles of local use, we took a 4000 mile driving vacation through the Rockies and Arizona/Utah. For two people, the cargo capacity of the hatch was great. The car performed flawlessly, with plenty of power in the mountains, and easy cruising at 75+ mph on the freeways. Our average mpg over 4000 miles was 29.5, most miles at freeway cruise. Handling was crisp and confident in the mountains, and comfort was very good on long driving days. Plenty of power and speed in freeway passing situations. The more that I drive this car, the more I like it.