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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  Viewpoint from a Professor - 2002 Mazda Tribute
  By Professor - March 31 - 10:00 am

  I have had my 2001 Tribute DX/V6 for a little more than a year. Call it luck, or simply a reasonably well-designed vehicle, no problems at all @ almost 40,000 miles. With the exception of some wind noise at highway speeds, and wishful better fuel economy...pretty satisfied with my purchase. I would encourage a tight maintenance schedule however.

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  2009 GT with Techno Pkg - 2009 Mazda CX-7
  By ultimate_meenie - March 30 - 9:30 am

  Having a fun car to drive is a top priority for me, at the same time I like something practical; cx7 fits the bill perfectly. The power is good and the handling is excellent. It looks, feels and drives sporty. The tech package is great, lots of nice features for the money. My biggest disappointments so far have been the excessive road noise and lack luster Bose stereo. In terms of gas mileage; Mostly city-18MPG and mostly highway- 22MPG. In my shopping I think Rav4 \Forester are the best all around choices; Santa Fe, most refinement and bang for the buck, CX-7, best sporty crossover; poor manÂ’s FX35-X3-RDX.

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  Mostly makes me smile - 2016 Mazda CX-5
  By michaelveloz - March 30 - 1:27 am

  I traded in a new competitor C-SUV recently for the Mazda GT and overall I am happy with the purchase. It makes me eager to drive it! The exterior styling and color (sould red) are very sexy looking (comapred to my previous crossover SUV), the interior is clean, and elegant feeling. The driving experience is so much more engaging and fun - great handling, great braking, decent acceleration. The tech gadgets all work well, including the infotainment system.

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  Most fun for your money by far. - 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Lee - March 29 - 9:03 pm

  The MX5 is all about the driving experience. Hugging the curves, wind in your hair (if you have any), hearing the exhaust - its all part of the enjoyment the Miata gives. Sure, its a little small, but thats the main reason its so fun. Under 2500lbs of auto makes going, stopping and turning quickly much easier. The engineers of this car nailed the 06+ design, as they have for the previous 2 generations. I use mine as a daily driver, and in the winter I just throw on some snow tires and go. Its 50/50 weight balance handles it great. If youre thinking of getting a Miata, go try one out. Youll be hooked.

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  Fun Car - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By Flute - March 26 - 8:56 pm

  This car has excellent and fun driveability. Great pick-up and passing speed. Paddle shifter availablility. Most fun car Ive ever had the pleasure to own and drive.

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  Do not drive in weather conditions - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By mlf - March 26 - 2:00 am

  needs to be faster than the high performance NEON. tried to drive in A LITTLE SNOW and could barely move. Styling is great. fun to drive when it is dry outside. Very original looking.

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  Sweet!! - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By htown21 - March 26 - 2:00 am

  Bought My RX 8 about a month ago. Awesome car for the price range. The perfect sports car/daily driver. Room for 4, decent power, handles like a dream. Features are great, heated seats, bose 9 speaker system ,6 disc in dash, interior design and exterior design is awesome too. I am constantly getting stopped by people about the car. Only bad thing is ...... you guessed it , the GAS, it sucks down gas like your buddies suck down beers at your house. But I still love the car.

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  Mazda 6 drinks + than I do, big problem - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By stanstill30 - March 26 - 2:00 am

  I just bought a brand new mazda 6 2004. Performance exceptional. Only two things... first it drink more than I do. Also cant get warmed when temperature exceed -20 c°. Beside that I cant ask for more from a sport sedan.

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  Thumbs Up from my teenage daughter - 2009 Mazda CX-9
  By Shawn Faunce - March 25 - 10:10 pm

  Normally we travel on long trips in our Grand Caravan, but on this trip from Detroit to Mackinac over Memorial Day we drove the CX-9. My teenage daughter that seems to complain about everything these days had nothing but praise for the CX-9. So did the other kids. Despite being smaller, it really felt like there was more interior room. I couldnt believe all the luggage and the people I was able to haul comfortably. Much more fun to drive than the mini-van too.

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  Big switch from German made vehicles - 2008 Mazda CX-9
  By Gary - March 25 - 5:30 pm

  After owning 3 VW Passat Wagons (8 total German made autos) we made a decision to go with the CX-9. Enormous price difference and a larger cargo area made the difference. Low price put us in the Grand Touring. Great styling, nice interior appointments. Too early to tell about reliability. Looking forward to use all-wheel drive here in Michigan.