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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  Better than okay... not excellent! - 2009 Mazda RX-8
  By debrucer - October 6 - 6:56 pm

  I have owned sports cars all my life and my favorite had a 50/50 weight distribution (75 Alfetta GT). This car doesnt feel as light, or as peppy from what I remember. The only other rotary car I drove was an old MX2, right hand drive imported by a service man and traded through a local dealership. he had bought two, and had to sell one to pay for the EPA expenses to end up with one car. It was hot... this car is not so hot. Not nearly enough torque. Features are nice, variable speed/temp redline is pretty kewl, and rev-limiters in general, also kewl. if youre going to have a hot car you should drive it hard... and this car really isnt all that "hot". Im not "sorry" I bought.

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  Great value - 2006 Mazda Mazda6
  By ponchojack - October 6 - 6:31 am

  Ive had my Mazda almost 5 years. It has been a great, fun car to drive with very low maintenance costs. The interior is comfortable and highly functional, even with the standard options. The only gripe is the turning radius. Not an easy car to work in tight spaces. This might be a trade off for the good handling at speed. The motto "zoom, zoom!" truly applies to this car. Its just fun to drive.

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  Mazda surprises us - 2008 Mazda CX-9
  By Phillip Jones - October 6 - 2:33 am

  Bought this new a year ago. Driven it to California and back (Dallas). Really enjoy the drive, interior room, fuel mileage, nav system, and performance. Engine performs nicely. Rear entertainment system is nice: kids really like it. Powered rear door/hatch is really handy. A/C is powerful. 3rd row seats are split, and easy to bring up and put down. This is our first Mazda and were really impressed with this vehicle. Ive hit speeds up to 85mph and the CX9 handled well.

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  CX-7 Heaven - 2010 Mazda CX-7
  By Alan O. - October 5 - 9:32 pm

  We love the car for all its positives above. Cons: front pillar blind spots and so-so fuel economy. With current fuel prices however, no big deal.

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  Unlike Anything You Have Ever Driven - 2011 Mazda RX-8
  By strata1 - October 5 - 2:47 am

  The RX-8 as a sports car is amazing. It is such a nice car to be in and drive because it looks great both inside and out, is comfortable, and handles phenomenally well. When you floor it, you are treated with a very responsive, short-throw transmission and an engine that will rev up to 9000rpm. When you want to relax, the seats are comfortable, the cabin is quiet, and the rotary engine gently hums as you go along at highway speeds in top gear. The only drawback to this car is the rotary. Its low on power and torque yet is as thirsty as a V-8. It is also designed to eat oil and requires a topping off every second fuel up. There is also the issue of flooding.

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  Better than a Sky or Solstice! - 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By MikeW1956 - October 4 - 9:46 am

  I just bought my used 2006 GT a few weeks ago with only 22K miles on it. Ive driven a number of two-seater convertibles, mostly Honda del Sols and one Toyota MR2 Spyder. The Miata definitely feels like more car -- the leather seats seem solid and luxurious, and I love the dashboard layout, redundant layout controls, remote entry, carpeting and cloth top. The trunk is practical, although not as large as the del Sols. The only real drawback so far has been the gas mileage. My del Sol averaged 32-33 mpg in mostly city driving; first two fill-ups with the Miata have shown 24.9 and 25.9 (the second with about 50% freeway driving). Thats in line with published figures, but is still not great.

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  Decent van for the price - 2006 Mazda MPV
  By kazmojo - October 3 - 3:33 am

  I had my eye on this van since I bought our last car several years ago. Mazda had built this generation MPV for 8 years or so, and so had plenty of time to work out any kinks. And it shows in terms of reliability and quality.

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  Okay Car, Not Built as well as Protege. - 2009 Mazda Mazda3
  By John - October 3 - 3:33 am

  Owned previous vehicle(Oldsmobile)7 years, owned this vehicle only 6 months. Purchased because we were very happy with our 2003 Mazda Protege. Interior quality lacking relative to Protege. Plastic scuffs easily and rear seat fabric fraying after only 2,000 miles and 3 months. Fuel tank holds 14.5 gallons. Reads 3/4 full after 2 gallons used and 1/2 full after 5 gallons used. Road noise evident. Extremely small trunk relative to competition and other Mazda. As a conservative driver highway mpg is great at 35 mpg, but local mpg at times in low 20s. Audio system subpar relative to other Mazda. A/C does not blow very cold compared to older Mazda. Dealer service was terrible on issues.

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  TRANSITION - 2003 Mazda MPV
  By massman - October 3 - 2:00 am

  Great vehicle so far. Those looking for more space and versatility without spending a fortune for an SUV and the gas to put in it should consider the MPV. Sporty looks and sporty feel in a minivan that doesnt look, feel or drive like a normal minivan.

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  tribute - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By Don Lewis - October 3 - 2:00 am

  It looks fantastic. Has many features. Great power.