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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  GT wagon ownership experience - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By zoomdm - April 3 - 10:20 am

  Strong enough for a 4 cylinder. Fun to drive. Fairly quiet ride and pretty sports look.

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  Great Car - 2000 Mazda Millenia
  By SOrlando - April 3 - 10:00 am

  This is a very fun car to drive, and is great to look at. The overall quality is great. I am a traveling saleman, and have no problems with the Millennia. it is also my second millennia

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  Fun - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By Mbeech - April 3 - 10:00 am

  This is a great car and fun to drive, I love the way it handles and lots of room for 4 people, or two adults and 3 kids.

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  My First SUV - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By MWi1068196 - April 3 - 10:00 am

  My experience with my 2003 Tribute ES 2WD has been outstanding by most accounts. Previously owning a 2002 Millenia, I was familiar and comfortable with the Mazda lineup. After much research, I decided to purchase the Tribute. Im very satisfied with my decision. Its a great vehicle for me in all areas and I love the way it handles, drives, and rides. The build quality is great, along with the improved warranty over the 2002 models. My Tribute has all the bells and whistles less the 4WD option, but that wasnt necessary for me. Plenty of room, fun to drive, excellent value for the money. Ill definitely purchase another one down the road.

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  RX8 - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By nuss - April 3 - 10:00 am

  All Around great car

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  Yellow Peril - 2005 Mazda Mazda6
  By Vic - April 3 - 5:03 am

  I have a gold 2.3 sporty, handles and sticks to the road beautifully. Most impressive car as my last Mazda was 12 years ago and that was the MX6. Stunning performance and reliability.

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  Class Leader - 2009 Mazda Mazda6
  By Jeff - April 3 - 5:03 am

  I bought a loaded up Mazda6 for my wife to get her hands-free in heavy traffic. What can I say? This is a great looking, nice handling car thats has a decent ride and is relatively quiet. It really is very Lexus-like in many aspects. We drove this after driving comparable Altimas and Accords and this was the winner, hands down. This was the best combination of ride, handling and comfort by a wide margin. All the magazines may be raving about the new Accord, but this is the new class leader in my book.

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  Great 7 Passenger CUV - 2008 Mazda CX-9
  By JB03 - April 2 - 2:16 am

  This purchase was for my wife. She was a minivan driver and I have always liked sport sedans. We were both ready to leave our minivan of seven years, but with 3 growing children ages 5 to 12, we needed to maintain 3 rows and 7 passenger capability. Since we have owned 2 previous Mazdas (I currently own the MZ3S) we were very excited about the CX-9. The CX-7 was nice but too small for our needs. This CX-9 fit our needs perfectly. Although a fairly large vehicle at about 200" long and almost 5,0000 lbs, it drives like a sporty sedan on steroids. Acceleration is brisk and the ride is fairly smooth. The BSMS helps to minimize blind spots. Overall we are pleased with this vehicle.

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  High performance, Great Value Mid-SUV - 2007 Mazda CX-7
  By Frank - April 1 - 11:03 pm

  I was in the market for a larger AWD car to replace my wifes current BMW 528i. We test drove Honda, Toyota, Ford, BMW, Suzuki, Volvo and all were either poor performers or overpriced. The CX-7 combined the performance and value we were looking for in a car which is fun to drive. The Sport version comes with quite a few standard options though we added the driver electric seat and remote start. The cars only negative in my opinion is the turbo-lag which doesnt kick in until 2000 RPM. In terms of value, the CX-7 is $3k-$15k cheaper than its competition (Pilot, Murano, X3).

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  Good for the money - 2007 Mazda CX-7
  By corne - April 1 - 11:13 am

  Ive never been a Mazda fan until I purchased my CX 7 grand touring. I purchased it with 3171 miles and practically it is new. CX 7 has a very nice design inside and outside with a lot of options easy to use and also very good steering and brakes. You wont realize how fast it jumps to 80mph. Fun to drive.