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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  So far so good - 2006 Mazda Mazda5
  By mike - December 28 - 8:56 pm

  Had the vehicle for about 1000 miles now and I really like the thought that went into it. Finally found a vehicle that had what I was looking for without paying the premium price. Fuel mileage is nearly 30 on the highway but I dont drive it hard. Handling is great. Even considering the recall I still love it. My only complaints are things that should be easy to resolve.

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  Mazda 6 S - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By Duket68 - December 28 - 1:13 pm

  I compared the Acura TL, IS300, G35, Passat, and others before making the Mazda my choice. I was dead set on a V-6 so the S model was the only choice, too bad I didnt know gas would rocket up! After looking at all the comps, and for the price, the Mazda was the best choice in bang for the buck. I commuted and wanted something with some zip (or Zoom Zoom), the reason for the v-6 and just couldnt bring myself to pay the extra $10K for a TL, IS300, or G35. I got it all in a Mazda. I think Mazda is the sleeper; in 2004 when I bought my car you just didnt see that many Mazdas. So 27000 miles later, I still like my car, nothing is broken except for the wallet for owning the V-6. Its still fun!

• 

  Well satisfied - 2003 Mazda MPV
  By Anna Wells - December 28 - 10:00 am

  We moved into a mini-van when my 3rd child was born. 2 yrs old and 24,000 miles. 5 yrs later still driving it, has been on many vacations, have done only routine maintenance, and have replaced the tires once. The transmission may be going, but up until now, it has been very reliable and a great vehicle for my family.

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  Great Vehicle, Snow Far - 2008 Mazda Mazda5
  By MattC - December 27 - 4:00 am

  We leased for 2 years and would probably buy it, but for the issue of snow driving. It is a problem for my wife, and I notice a big difference from our other car, which is a wagon. If you live nearer to the equator, its really a great car.

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  Take it or leave it - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By amanda2471 - December 25 - 5:40 am

  I like my mazda because its has a nice design, an amazing amount of space, and its a nice ride. I was also impressed at how nice the car was a really reasonable price. However it has not always been a very reliable car. At only 3000KM the fuel pump died and I didnt have a car for 2 months because the part was on back order in Japan. Then at 15000KM I had break problems and the break clips had to be replaced. Then last week at 58000KM the transmission died. My lease is up in appox 9 months and because of all the reliabilty problems I probably wont buy a mazda again.

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  A blast to drive - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By rjenk - December 24 - 2:00 am

  The RX-8 is an absolute blast to drive. Steering and handling are exceptional. There are so many little features and design aspects that are included that youll find things months after purchasing...many that will make you say "now why didnt someone think of that before?" This is truly a family sports car. The unique doors makes it easy for rear riders to get in/out.

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  Good overall - 2009 Mazda Mazda6
  By bricknord - December 16 - 10:03 pm

  Pros: Body style is distinctive. Standard DSC. Roomy. Quiet at highway speed. Uncluttered dash controls. Huge trunk. Nice firm suspension. You dont blend into the sea of Camcords in a parking lot. Good combination of fuel efficiency, size, handling, and looks. Base stereo far better than our Civic EX-L. Cons: Front seats shaped weirdly, not the best comfort. Steering wheel obscures top of gauges when adjusted properly. Stupid red gauge lighting reminds me of wifes old junky pontiac grand-am. Auto trans shifts in and out of overdrive too often. Clear shifter surround panel scratches easily. Little support from online forums, not nearly as much as VW or Honda message boards.

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  Very funny to drive - 2008 Mazda Mazda3
  By yleclerc - December 15 - 11:21 pm

  I love this car and maybe its the best one I drove in my life. Very powerful for a little sport car but need a better conception for excessif user like me. Very safe to drive, I didnt an non-responsible accident who someone has crashed into me at 50km/h and felt nothing with those airbags.

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  You have to pay to play - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By Pepe - December 14 - 11:33 am

  The car is a perfect compromise for someone wanting a light, agile sports car, but still needs some practicality for family or friends. It could have a little more oomph off the line (like the Mustang) but the weight and handling balance would most likely suffer (like the Mustang). I dont know of any car that is easier to drive fast, or combines powerful braking, easy heel-toe shifting, communicative steering and a very friendly (high revs are rewarding not anxiety causing) engine. There may be better cars in any one of the above attributes, but I can only afford one car, and this one is IT.

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  Great Design and Fun to Drive - 2010 Mazda CX-9
  By FugieNY - December 14 - 2:13 am

  This car has great features and a beautiful exterior and interior design. When compared to Honda or Nissan, the interior quality is about the same or better. It has many standard features like bluetooth, leather, heated seats, rear passenger climate control and an ipod jack. The CX-9 has a nice firm sporty ride, smooth 6spd transmission and a roomy quiet cabin.