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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  Whats Not To Love? - 2008 Mazda CX-9
  By John In NJ - March 12 - 10:03 pm

  Got my new CX-9 about a week ago and am still learning about all the wonderful features. It has a firm, sporty ride that doesnt insulate the driver from the road. While visibility is very good for an SUV, the Blind Spot Monitors are superb. Smooth shifting transmission couples with a powerful responsive engine. Interior fit and finish is first rate.

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  The Mazda CX-9 is our favorite! - 2009 Mazda CX-9
  By Kelli Bells - March 12 - 12:53 pm

  We did a lot of looking around and test driving. We liked the Ford Flex, Buick Enclave, and GMC Acadia, but the Mazda CX-9 was just a better deal all around. We were able to get more options for the price than we could have with the others. It has a sporty body style, and the 20" rims just sweeten the deal! The 2nd row can adjust, so you can move the seats up to make extra room for the 3rd row. The 2nd row seats also partially recline which is a favorite feature for my kids. This car is definitely fun to drive. Its smooth! Even with 20" wheels, its still a smooth and comfortable ride. If looking at the CX-9, definitely check out the Grand Touring, the options are great!!

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  Perfect GT with sports car moves - 2005 Mazda RX-8
  By ss8 - March 11 - 7:00 pm

  All controls buttery smooth and all surfaces look and feel expensive. Still finding thoughtful touches after months of ownership. And the ride and handling ... smooth engine with flat torque curve betray pretty good acceleration. Sound is exquisite. When you decide to brake entering a turn, it is always too early. Ride is supple over bumps, but somehow sporty handling. No other car I have driven has a front end that feels so light when changing directions. Turn-in is immediate. Best of all, handling at limits very forgiving and comfortable (as can be possible). Easy to rotate at limit with throttle and brakes. 21 MPG same as previous 5-speed WRX, not as bad as others said in my experience?

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  Great Car - 2008 Mazda Mazda3
  By Bassplyr_10 - March 11 - 2:43 pm

  I was looking for a new car for a long time that had good gas mileage and didnt use super unleaded gas. I wanted a sporty looking car that looked good inside and out. And this car was perfect. I drove other high end cars such as the Audi A4, Volvo S40, and Subaru WRX, I personally think that the interior of this car beats all of those car, the leather is awesome and it is very comfortable, I would recommend this car for any driver, young or old!

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  LUV this SUV - 2004 Mazda Tribute
  By plinard - March 11 - 10:00 am

  Love to drive this little beauty. Very comfortable downsize from my van. Sporty and good milage for engine size. Comfortable for two of the teens in our house but wouldnt want all three in the back at the same time. Great stereo upgrade package and cargo tray. Fun car.

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  MAzda - 2004 Mazda Tribute
  By Mfbosch - March 11 - 10:00 am

  Great vehicle. Seats are a little stiff but everything else overcompensates for it. Very sporty, handles well.

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  Zoom Zoom - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By Floating Dragon - March 11 - 10:00 am

  Not too hot on gas mileage but otherwise a great car.

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  I almost bought a Matrix too - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By Tom Waits - March 11 - 10:00 am

  The interior is better than anything else in its class. The engine has plenty of power, and still good mileage. The base model of the 5 door is packed with standard features like cruise, tilt, 17 inch wheels, and CD. The only thing I liked better in the Toyota Matrix was rear seat leg room, and its slightly cheaper.

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  The best ever - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By Frank Ortiz - March 11 - 10:00 am

  Interior & exterior design Mazda did what every cool person has been doing to their cars for year, You really have to try really hard to make the Mazda 3S look better than it already looks. These guys are genius

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  I love this car - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By amiss28 - March 11 - 10:00 am

  I love my new mazda 6. It is so fun to drive. Mazda realy has gone the exrea mile with this one.