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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  Love It So Far!! - 2007 Mazda Mazda6
  By Owned Many Cars - July 14 - 2:40 pm

  I love to drive this car!! Its like a go cart on steroids. Zoom Zoom Zoom!!! From handling to get up and go it has plenty to keep it interesting. I also get a lot of "cool car" comments. Brakes and handling are also pretty nice (hence the go cart comment). I used to go through cars a lot, but so far I think Ill be keeping this one.

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  great awd ride for $18,900 dollars - 2005 Mazda Tribute
  By mazdajerry - July 13 - 9:50 pm

  Most bang for the buck for an awd suv, the Kia Sportage would be close behind. 200 hp and still 18-19mpg in town, and 23-25 on the highway is fine by me. In my opinion it is the best looking suv, with the MDX close.

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  The Most Fun and Value in a Compact. - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By gamerguy73 - July 13 - 5:00 pm

  I had such a good experience with my 2004 Mazda 3s 4 door that I eagerly awaited the announcement of the 2010 version. Heard it was going to be released March 2009 back at Nov. 08 LA Auto Show. So a few weeks ago on March 8, I bought a 2010 M3 s 4 dr Sport with Tech and Moonroof/Bose packages. I am super pleased with everything, the fun to drive/performance and everything that made the previous gen. is all here, with a major amount of refinement and additional standard/optional features. If possible, consider getting both the Tech and Moonroof/Bose pkgs; the Tech pkg has several great features like advanced keylees entry, push button start and the Nav (small but vibrant screen).

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  GREAT CAR! - 2002 Mazda Tribute
  By michst2789 - July 13 - 1:10 pm

  This is my second Tribute, before this I had a 2003. This a great car that could last for a long time. Reliability is great, gas mileage is lacking, but that is expected with an SUV. Comfort is really good and it really gets up and goes with that V6 engine in it. GREAT CAR OVERALL!!

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  Great car - 2009 Mazda Mazda6
  By Edward - July 13 - 11:56 am

  This is an excellent car to have. Great value for the money, lots of standard equipment, rides and handles great. The car is comfortable to sit in and great on space. This is my second Mazda and I dont regret buying this car, as the last one was a reliable car.

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  RX 8 Lover - 2009 Mazda RX-8
  By ZoomZoom210 - July 13 - 8:06 am

  I bought my RX 8 to replace my Mazda6 that was totaled in an accident. I am a car enthusiast that was looking for something sporty and fun to drive. Well, I got both in this car. I bought the 6 speed to add to the enjoyment of driving a sports car. I also picked the Crystal White Pearl which I absolutely adore. I find this car fun and sporty! Just know that you are getting basically a two seater with suicide doors. Dont expect to haul the family around for the back seat has very limited leg room. I am averaging about 16 mpg in the city so if you cant afford Premium fuel, this car is not for you. Overall I am thrilled with my RX 8 and am a true RX 8 Lover...

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  Bye bye minivan - 2007 Mazda CX-9
  By hernandez fam - July 13 - 4:46 am

  Weve had a minivan for six years more than anything for the space. With two kids car seats plus grandma, we certainly use all the space. We looked at everything out there but for the money we could not find more space and comfort. Wwe love the ride and all the features in it. Mazda has put out an awsome crossover. Thank you.

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  very pleased! - 2006 Mazda Mazda5
  By limey - July 12 - 5:00 pm

  Just purchased a new Mazda5. So far we are very pleased with it. It certainly is a lot nicer than the Volvo turbo we traded in.

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  2 months and 3,000 Miles into it... - 2014 Mazda Mazda6
  By spoonman42 - July 11 - 4:16 pm

  I drove an Acura TSX for 10 years and 175k miles and it was hard to let go. I researched for a year and narrowed down to 4 cars: Mazda6 GT, Honda Accord EX-L 4-cyl, Audi A4, and BMW 328. I quickly deleted the German cars because I didnt want to pay for premium fuel. Nothing wrong with the Honda, just a boring drive, but great features. When I sat in the 6, I knew I was home, great overall experience with all the creature comforts and Great MPGs.

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  Still Going After 170K Miles - 2002 Mazda Protege5
  By Bryce Be Quick - July 11 - 1:20 pm

  Outstanding build quality and handling. Dumped the original equipment Dunlops in favor of less expensive/better wearing Kumhos, and this has eliminated the hydroplaning issue as well. A true overdrive 5th gear would help the gas mileage. This is the car which helped make Mazda: other than the Miata, before this retooled Mazda sedan debuted in 2002, there was nothing in the Mazda stable to make good on the Companys "Zoom-Zoom-Zoom" ad campaign. Actually prefer the P5 to the second-gen Mazda 3 - yes, the 3 more refined, and with more horses, but the 130 HP P-5 has a kind of teenage spunk, whereas the 3 more the mature adult.