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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  GREAT LITTLE SUV - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By joey72447 - May 10 - 10:00 am

  It was a toss up between the Tribute and the Escape. The Tribute looked better and appeared to be roomier. There were too many confusing models with the Escape and I believe the Escape price was higher for the same options. I chose the Tribute hands down.

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  what a ride - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By tris - May 10 - 10:00 am

  I went to the dealership with my 02 VW GTI to get the window fixed and left with the RX-8. Never looked back.

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  Lovin It - 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Certifiable - May 10 - 3:53 am

  Looked at S2000, Z3/4, Audi TT, and many others. Wanted a weekend "toy". This was by far the best value, without sacrificing any of the features I wanted (zip and more zip). Better handling in the curves than the others.

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  2004 Sport Wagon - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By cbohrer - May 10 - 3:03 am

  Purchased used with 56K on it. Love the handling and the styling. Different than the typical midsize car. I get a lot of double takes when driving it. Handles as well as my BMW 528it. Good size vehicle. Comfortable ride and good visibility. Only have had the oil changed, no problems yet. Plenty of get up and go, but the mileage could be better. I drive mostly interstate and have been averaging 26-27 MPG. I used to get nearly 30 MPG on the Bimmer, and it was bigger and heavier. It is noisier on the road, but this could be the tires on it. Two are OEM and two are different brand. I like the dash lighting.

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  Glad I saw it coming - 2007 Mazda CX-7
  By Mike Dee - May 9 - 10:36 pm

  I love the way this car responds and holds the road. It is just so much fun to drive and handles very well for an SUV. It doesnt handle a tight as a German sport sedan, but it comes close.

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  Unbelievable Fun and Functional! - 2007 Mazda CX-9
  By BAM - May 9 - 6:00 pm

  I love my new CX-9. I had no intention of buying a Mazda - stumbled on the CX-9 by chance. This car handles better than any competitive model I drove. The interior styling and features are very well thought out. The car is so functional - my car is loaded with navigation, Bluetooth phone capability, iPod connection, dual climate controls, etc. Because the spare tire is under the car, versus in the trunk, the third row seats easily fold flat with the tug of a strap and one smooth movement. And the bonus, there is plenty of leg room for the passengers in the third row.

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  Mazda RX8 AT GT - 2006 Mazda RX-8
  By Rotary Owner - May 9 - 2:00 pm

  Beautiful car, fun to drive, but not quite there yet. I waited until 2006 to get mine so Mazda could work out the kinks of a new design, but I had many of the same problems found in the 04s. If you buy, buy used after seeing a report of repairs - some cars are great, some cars are bad, there doesnt seem to be an in-between. Buy a used one with 30K - 40K miles and that didnt have its engine replaced and you should be happy. And above all else, dont buy a 6-speed AT - the transmission wont let the car rev high enough to burn out the carbon build out. I love rotaries, but they should be MT, so Im selling this one and keeping to my 79 RX-7 for my rotary fun (still running).

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  Very Nice for the Price - 2009 Mazda Mazda6
  By Dub75 - May 9 - 12:23 pm

  I purchased my 2009 Mazda6 in November of 08. I traded an 06 Mazda 6 V6. I never thought I would own a Mazda but after having owned two I am a loyal customer. The only problems thus far with the car is the stripping around my windshield just above the dash has melted from the Texas heat. I took the car into the dealership and the service manager informed me they would have to take my dash out to replace the stripping. He advised not to do this because it may have rattles in the dash after re-installing. I am questioning the A/C. It sometimes doesnt seem to cool properly. My previous 6 had A/C issues. Hope this one is not the same. All in all it is a very nice car for the price.

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  impressive...very impressive - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By paul0346 - May 8 - 11:33 pm

  My wife and I own a dog, and with our first child on the way, we desired a vehicle that would allow us to keep the dog away from the baby, and have the space to carry a pack n play crib when we drive to visit our relatives, that still gave us decent gas mileage (i.e. SUVs were out). We researched the Toyota Matrix/Pontiac Vibe, VW Jetta Wagon, and the Mazda 3 wagon. After test-driving all vehicles, the 3 stood head and shoulders above the rest in regards to performance, comfort and styling. We are very impressed with our 3!

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  Great Value! - 2007 Mazda Mazda5
  By Kim - May 8 - 8:26 pm

  The Mazda5 is a great care for the money! It handles the road really well and has a great turning radius so it is easy to fit into smaller parking spaces!! It also gets great gas mileage. The only problem we had, and thought we might, is the low profile tires. They dont absorb much shock so if you happen to hit a big pothole, it will probably bend your wheel. (this happened to us) Also one of the tires is wearing from the inside out. We will replace the wheel and get better tires. Hopefully this will not be a repetitive problem.