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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  Very nice car with minor flaws. - 2006 Mazda Mazda6
  By Daniel K. P. - May 28 - 6:26 pm

  Ive only had the car for 6 weeks. So far I consider it a good buy. I will mention the flaws, and anything else Im happy with. The car doesnt have enough insulation to keep out surrounding noise. The turning radius in the car is too wide, which is odd. I mean, why? The lumbar support on the drivers seat has already broken. When stepping hard on the gas to pass on the highway the engine drops down to 2nd gear and the tachometer comes very close to the red line. The gas mileage is not as advertised, although Ive been told by a knowledgeable friend that it will probably increase in time with engine break-in. The seats are somewhat uncomfortable after sitting in them a while.

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  Zoom, zoom is not just a slogan - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By mikedugas77 - May 27 - 7:20 pm

  Wow, the driving performance is amazing. I loved my old cars (86 Mazda RX-7 and 99 Subaru Impreza Outback wagon), but I really, really love my Mazda 3. I get at least 35 mpg highway. The clutch is so smooth. The steering and handling is that of a fine tuned luxury car. The acceleration, especially at higher speeds, is very impressive for a 2.0L. Many neat interior design features. If you love driving, but want something economical, look no further. If you want a small luxury car, get it fully loaded and enjoy.

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  Mazda CX-9 2010 - 2010 Mazda CX-9
  By Kiki - May 27 - 4:30 am

  Truly a zoom-zoom crossover. Has tons of convenience features. Sleek outer appearance. Good gas mileage. Nice two-tone leather seats. Does not lock automatically when in Drive. I miss this feature. GPS is great but, you need to know your basic route or it will take you on a wild ride, hundreds of miles out of your way. Told me to go through San Antonio to get from Corpus Christi to Houston.

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  V6 tows great - 2001 Mazda Tribute
  By ddeemo - May 27 - 2:00 am

  Owned a LX V6 4WD for over 2 years and now have almost 35,000 miles. It gets decent gas milage for a SUV with so much power. Tows very strongly, towed car and equipment on trailer 3000 miles cross country with no problem. Able to pass many cars up hills that could not go faster, while pulling about 3500# trailer load with little effort. Reliability concerns initially with a leaking brake master cylinder, security key error and a few minor problems fixed under waranty. It has been reliable last 25000 miles and has not left me stranded ever like my friends BMW X5 has 3x.

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  Great Value And Good Looks - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By Tyler Bolden - May 27 - 2:00 am

  This is my 2nd Tribute. I purchased a 2001 DX/V6 and loved it. I traded it because I receive a good deal for a new 2003. Its a great vehicle for the money and performance.

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  Best Bang For Your Buck - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By cah - May 26 - 9:26 pm

  I had a 2000 Protege. I thought I loved that car until the first time I sat in my new 3. The handling is that of a European sports car. I have received many compliments. Fit and finish is excellent. I have never been happier with a vehicle purchase.

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  Buy a real sports car not this one - 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Made a big mistake - May 26 - 7:03 pm

  Have owned real sports cars (vetts, S2000, porsches) downsized to this, with such great reviews got this thought my wife would also like it, terrible ride not even closed to the handling of an S2000. I not talking about raw power, but handling, how can anyone call this a sports car WHAT A DISAPPOINTMENT will sell as soon as I can. If you want to save a few dollars buy a used S2000 or Boxster you will be driving a real sports car.

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  Great Value - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By Jeff - May 26 - 5:03 pm

  I really made the right decision with the charcoal grey 5 door S. Black leather, sunroof, 6 disk in dash, 17" wheels and a very nicely done interior make this car a pleasure. I have read about peoples winter issues and I live in the NE and believe the fault is more the Goodyear tires that come standard. I recently put a set of Nokian WRs on the car and have had no problems whatsoever in the winter. The handling of this car is great! The feedback through the steering wheel keeps the driver in tune with the car at all times. One word for the car is tight! Int/Ext styling are sharp, hatchback holds a ton of stuff. Best car around for the money! Gets 28mpg with spirited driving. Go get one!

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  New but have a good feelin about it... - 2008 Mazda CX-9
  By researched4months - May 26 - 4:03 pm

  We are still under 1k miles so I havent let loose on it however, I can tell it is going to be fun once I do. 30-70 mph acceleration is fantastic. We shopped for months for the perfect car and we feel we got it with the CX-9. Did we need the back up cam and navigation system? Not really, but we really wanted the Blue and it was the only one available. There is plenty of room for us and our new baby. The only downside for me is that the seats are a bit narrow in the front, however, I am 64" 290 lbs. This is the first vehicle I dont have to put the seat ALL the way back!

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  Unparalleled Fun - 2010 Mazda MazdaSpeed3
  By bscanlan - May 25 - 11:36 pm

  Just got back from a short trip with my two day old 2010 MS3. What a fun and confident car. I did extensive research for months on what would give me some sense of practicality with a great deal of performance. Camaro (RWD), Genesis (RWD), WRX (Snoozing plastic interior), and others (various maladies); and the MS3 came out on top. I made the right decision! Handling, power, safety, interior design, and fit and finish make it the perfect car unless you can store it on weekdays and during winter and drive it only for fun. Though maybe the MS3 is superior for that too.