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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  fun car - 2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By steveh - October 20 - 10:00 am

  great preformance and fun for the bucks

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  Great car, IF it starts! - 2002 Mazda Tribute
  By Kathy Cass - October 20 - 10:00 am

  I have had much distress over a repetitve problem that the service people cannot fix,sometimes my car wont start,leaving me stranded.They replaced the immobolizer.They cut and reprogramed new keys,a tech took it home,and couldnt get it started,had to be towed back to the dealer.Then they thought it was a wiring harness connection,took apart and reconnected, and were convinced it was fixed.I am so stressed and upset over this,I was to go on a trip this morning,but still need to get the car towed,and confront the dealer.This may be a lemon,but I have had trouble getting callbacks from the servicing dealer,Pugi.

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  Not your Mamas Mini-Van - 2002 Mazda MPV
  By TrueBeliever - October 19 - 5:40 pm

  This is the mini-van for you if youre looking for space but dont want to sacrifice sportiness. Its fun to drive and extremely comfortable. Handling is more car-like than you can imagine. Its loaded with convenient features. Mazda scored a BIG hit with this MPV. I highly recommend a test drive.

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  Better than Pilot - 2016 Mazda CX-9
  By Steve - October 19 - 12:02 am

  Great for 3rd row access with 2 car seats in 2nd row. Honda did not think of this for the pilot

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  Much promise, little delivery - 2007 Mazda Mazda6
  By Jon - October 18 - 10:40 pm

  Smooth engine, good handling and nice auto box ruined by worst ride of any car I have owned in 23 years of driving (avoid the 18 inch alloys and Pirelli P Zero tyres). Looks great outside, cheap materials inside. Loads of space and easy loading on the hatch. Lousy economy. Overall, disappointing, as on the surface much more interesting than competition.

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  Mazda3 Review - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By pmoney - October 18 - 10:36 am

  The manual car is fun to drive. Sometimes changing the gear is not smooth. The fuel economy is not so great but you forget about it once you start driving the car. The interior design is better than Civic and Corolla in my opinion. The price is reasonable compared to a Civic.

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  2 years and still loving it - 2008 Mazda CX-7
  By Lisa - October 18 - 8:56 am

  I bought this car on an impulse the day before I moved to Colorado from Texas. I had driven a Mazda 6 for a few years before after converting from Honda, and was really impressed with the company, so decided to give the new sporty SUV a try...it was a great choice! I normally dont like driving SUVs or trucks because they feel too big, and the CX-7 is a perfect fit for me! I have the black on black model and adore driving it. I take it to the mountains all year and it handles great, even in thick snow and icy conditions. Im always the one volunteering to drive when its time for road trips and such, and I usually hate driving. Overall, its a great car with solid looks and performance.

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  No No No more Mazdas for me. - 2005 Mazda Tribute
  By BNAride - October 18 - 8:33 am

  Two weeks after purchase gas pedal stuck wrecked vehicle and could not get parts from customs. Recalled for gas pedal shortly after. I have had recalls for door latches. The headlights have been replaced due to condensation build up. Now the door ajar light stays on. Latest I am told that I need to have the engine replaced due to the oil light staying on. I am really disappointed in this vehicle. I have owned 6 mazdas and they have been great.

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  Sweet car for the class - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By motonole - October 17 - 10:00 am

  Right off the lot it has impressed. Its still new, but the fit and finish is excellent. Also, see favorite features.

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  Mazda 3 is the top of the 3 - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By ETM3 - October 17 - 10:00 am

  Hey Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla can you read the number 3 from the back of my car? I have two weeks with my Mazda 3 and I love it. I am so glad I chose this car instead of the other two competitors. Its faster, more stylish and has a longer warranty.