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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  No Regrets - 2009 Mazda CX-7
  By torchum - May 25 - 1:20 pm

  The wife purchased this vehicle and although it does not have the bells and whistles of an optioned model (sure wish it had a few more basic ones though) we are very pleased with it. Working with dealership on a few issues but over all very impressed. The 2009 motor vs the 2010 motor is night and day and the main reason for buying an 09

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  Big enough, small enough... - 2006 Mazda Mazda5
  By Jay - May 24 - 10:03 pm

  We purchased this car 2 years ago because it was the only car of its description sold in this country - smaller than a minivan, but with great space efficiency and the availability of a manual transmission. Pros: Space efficiency, smooth shifting manual transmission, unique exterior, loads of head room, better gas mileage than a minivan. Cons: While weve found it adequate (with tinted windows), AC could be stronger. Engine strains a bit - contrary to report elsewhere, you will NOT get higher than 31 or 32 mpg even under ideal conditions. We average about 28 mpg. Original tires wore out way too quickly (about 20,000 miles).

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  2008 Mazda CX-9 - 2008 Mazda CX-9
  By kam 0203 - May 24 - 7:00 pm

  Even though Im not a professional reviewer, I see the CX-9 as a step closer to versatility in a vehicle. Love to drive it and is in the top 4 most powerful engines in or around its class.

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  wifeys 2nd mazda 6 - 2009 Mazda Mazda6
  By dailydrivernc - May 23 - 5:28 am

  ive been reading reviews of suvs on here thinking of trading our 6. after reading about the issues with the arcadia i thought id check out reviews for the car i already own. these 6s rank high and i thought id put in my 2cents. our 6 has push button start, roof, all options but nav and leather. telescopic steering is nice. fastest 4cyl ive ever drove. 34mpg @65mph, city mid 20s. back seat room is largest and most leg room ive seen. fit and finish is nice but plastic on windsheild pillars starting to warp at just 36k miles, and we park in a garage. guess in the sun at work during the day is taking its toll. traded a hybrid civic on this, 6 has +pwr,+room, and almost same mpg

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  I love my Mazda 6 (Zoom Zoom) - 2009 Mazda Mazda6
  By omie m6 rocks - May 22 - 1:53 am

  we finally made a choice between the mazda 6 and the ultima. love the maual mode and all the goodies that come with the mazda 6.

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  First Mazda - 2005 Mazda Tribute
  By John - May 21 - 6:13 pm

  This vehicle is just ok. We traded in our Eddie Bauer Expedition so its hardly fair to compare the two. The Mazda is louder inside than we expected and the mileage isnt really that great. Comfort is ok when you consider the size.

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  Awesome Affordable performance - 1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By dbensyl@att.net - May 21 - 10:00 am

  This is my third Miata after owning a 1990 and then a 1994 model. I have owned many cars from cheap imports to a Lexus LS 400. In my opinion the Miata is the most trouble free car on the road to own and operate, and a joy to drive. I put over 100,000 miles on the first one and only replaced an $8 headlight (excluding routine oil changes, tires, and filters). The only weakness I have seen in these cars is that the OEM spark plug wires do not last that long. Replacement spark plug wire set will last for another 100,000 miles and cost around $30-35. This car is always a blast to drive and will never leave you stranded.

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  i love it! - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By sterster - May 21 - 10:00 am

  i think its a fantastic car. it looks great and i get nothing but complements. the manual is responsive and the steering has gotten me out of several situations with ease.

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  The most fun for your dollar!! - 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By no3minus - May 21 - 10:00 am

  For my money, there is no more fun per dollar available on earth than the Mazda Miata. I think the best part about this car is its total IMpracticality! With too few horses to get into real trouble, you acutally get to work the gears on this car, and it handles superbly.

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  One drive is all it takes - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By Tyler - May 20 - 5:10 pm

  Ive had the car now for almost three months. This car drives like nothing out there in the price range. I got the bose and sunroof option it was well worth it. Friends get in the car and are shocked by the quality,performance, and of course the bose. The car drives great, doesnt feel like a small car and i love the sportier suspension.