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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  best vehicle ever driven - 2006 Mazda Mazda5
  By king - August 21 - 12:53 am

  Vehicle is fun to drive, steering wheel is easy to control and the speed is great as well. In all is the best minivan I have ever driven and I will recommend it to any of my friends and families without hesitation.

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  2007 Mazda CX-9 - 2007 Mazda CX-9
  By zrtmanz - August 20 - 5:13 pm

  After driving almost every crossover out there at the moment including the Edge, Murano, MDX, X-5 and Lincoln, this beats them all hands down. For the price, you cannot beat it for quietness, handling, power and styling. Zoom Zoom is the sleeper and they are coming on strong.

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  2002 Tribute - 2002 Mazda Tribute
  By Chubart - August 20 - 8:50 am

  The main problem Ive had with this car are the trouble lights. It has been in two accidents and theyve never quite fixed the wiring.

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  Fun and cheap economy car - 2000 Mazda Protege
  By Jim Bob Henry Bob - August 20 - 2:00 am

  Ive had this car for a while now and have come to love it. I test drove several similar cars at the time such as the civic, neon, sentra and corolla, but the protege was superior in almost every way. Interior looks upscale, the handling is awesome and the motor is pretty peppy. It still could use another 20 horsepower and some squeeks have worked in over time, but not many. Excellent car with no problems.

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  Zoe - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By Norm - August 19 - 2:03 am

  I really enjoy this car. I have only one complaint and that is regarding the car stereo. Mazda made it nearly impossible to replace the radio with an aftermarket model. Or at least have the option to install an Aux input module for my MP3 player. Otherwise I love this car.

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  Grant Tourer it aint - 2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Richard - August 19 - 12:04 am

  My prior soft top experience was with my TR8. The Miata GT is certainly more reliable, has more creature comforts, and handles better, but Grand Tourer it aint. Eight hours on the freeway in 100+ weather is not so good, I got leg cramps after 3 hours and the road noise even with the top up precluded conversation. Lack of handy cockpit storage and decent drink holders is a problem on long trips with two people, as is the lack of trunk space. That said, blasting along Angeles Crest in the early morning, or anywhere else, is guaranteed to get me smiling. I bought this car for fun not convenience, and it delivers. Follow-up = still great fun to drive locally. I especially like the 3 second top up or down. Hit a deer but it was still drivable, so pretty stout as well! Repair cost wasnt too bad.

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  Great Value! - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By mojay - August 18 - 11:50 pm

  We have had our 6s for 6 months without any problems. We had a VW Passat prior to the 6 and had countless problems with it. We love the sportiness of the drive and the high feature content in the interior. It was a great value compared with other vehicles with the same option list.

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  Awesome. - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By poulain145 - August 18 - 1:00 pm

  I have had my blue, automatic, S Hatch for over a year and I absolutely love it. It is by far my favorite vehicle that I have ever had. I love the styling, and the roomy interior. The quality of the interior is very nice, and the car gives a very smooth ride. I dont have the road noise problem that some people have complained about. Its far more quiet than the Corolla I had before. I drove this car from Phoenix to San Diego in July and it was great. I must say that insurance on this vehicle is a bit expensive when compared to the Toyota I had before. One complaint that I have is that the air pressure gauge light is always coming on and I find myself putting air in my tires a lot.

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  Best SUV/CUV out there - 2007 Mazda CX-9
  By newmazda - August 18 - 11:50 am

  After driving every car in this segment and comparing prices, the CX9 GT fully loaded with NAV and DVD is the best deal out there. There are other very nice 7 seaters out there, but this is the best overall package because of the interior design.

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  Fantastic car if you have smooth roads - 2010 Mazda MazdaSpeed3
  By slow_jim - August 18 - 6:29 am

  I owned this car for about a year and had absolutely no issues with it. Added on a couple of goodies (Corksport intake and cat delete, Cobb Accessport) which significantly increased the power without sacrificing MPG or driveability. For the $$ the MS3 really is the performance bargain of the century. Great build quality and reliability, handling, power, its all there. Dont listen to the weenies who complain about torque steer, its really not bad or difficult to control. Wheels spinning? STOP PUSHING THE GAS PEDAL. Its not complicated. The only reason I got rid of the car was the ride comfort. We have horrible roads in Ohio with giant potholes and lots of speed bumps so it was just a pain