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:

• 

  Excellent value! - 2010 Mazda CX-7
  By cchen - February 26 - 11:49 am

  I looked at all the compact SUV in the price range, and before deciding on the CX-7, CRV and RAV4 were my other final candidates. Simply put, CX-7 just felt more expensive. It offeres a combination of style, refinement, and driving pleasure that is very rare in this class. In addition, where else can you find power and heated seats, rear view camera, auto A/C, moon roof, and bluetooth all for $25K. Yes, the CX-7 can use more room and power, but it never felt slow in my daily communite, and it is large enough for my family of 4 plus a 120LB dog. CX-7 looked stunning inside and out, and you probably wont find another same car in the same parking lot.

• 

  2004 Mazda 6s 5-Dr - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By Kurt Oosterlinck - February 25 - 11:16 am

  Looks like it been awhile since anyone has commented on the 5 door model. Bought mine new and just turned 40,000 miles thanks to my short drive to work. The wagon got me in the dealership, but after the sales person pointed out they had a 5 door sedan, I was sold. The car was fully loaded with all the options and no problems at all in six years, body, paint, hardware all holding up very well. The 5-dr hss a sportier look than the 4-dr that still has a great look today. Much better handling than its counterparts, and has plenty of zoom- zoom. Other than routine service every six months and tires, this car hasnt cost me a penny. City mpg 18, hwy 28-30. Its my 10 year car, maybe more.

• 

  2008 Mazda3 s hb - 2008 Mazda Mazda3
  By dukefirst - February 25 - 8:39 am

  Just traded our 2008 3 for a new 2012 Mazda5. Sad to see it go, the car has been absolutely bulletproof for us from Day 1. Cant recommend it enough. 67k miles and nothing other than scheduled maintenance for us! The is the poor [smart?] mans GTI.

• 

  A reliable car - 1999 Mazda Protege
  By Sundar Ramamoorthy - February 25 - 2:00 am

  I bought a new 99 Mazda, march 1999. Till date I have travelled 62000 miles. All I changed are the tyres and brake pads.

• 

  Not Bad - 2000 Mazda MPV
  By cdv - February 25 - 2:00 am

  Good Van. It has provided a lot of comfort over long hauls (weve done roughly 15K miles per year). The MPG has worked out to be in the low 20s and requires nothing outside of regular maint. All-in-all, it has proved to be a good van.

• 

  great car - 2001 Mazda Tribute
  By thanasi - February 25 - 2:00 am

  this car has a bit of muscle with its D.O.H.C. engine. When the adds say that it is like riding a miata, they are correct. the handlin is not exactly like a sports car, but it is much better then any other suv that I have driven.

• 

  Wheeeeee!!! - 2003 Mazda MPV
  By jim and jenni - February 25 - 2:00 am

  Spent 12 months minivan shopping (literally). Started with the MPV, drove every van on the market, finished with MPV. When you include the $2k rebate, I cant imagine how you can do better. 200HP, 3000# towing capacity, magic 3rd row seat, awesome crash test ratings, beautiful interior and exterior, 6CD changer, DVD player, double power sliding doors, roof rack, traction control, side airbags, spoiler, rear air cond, 4 year bmp-bmp wnty etc for $24k. Drives great, much more fun to drive around town than the big minivans.

• 

  Oh What Fun It Is To Ride....! - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By cyclng - February 22 - 8:40 pm

  Looked at it for the styling; bought it for the performance. Anyone looking at this car should strongly consider it.

• 

  Discribed by my 13yr old son, AWSOME! - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By babyneen - February 20 - 10:00 am

  I have only had my "2003" Tribute less than a week, but I am very pleased. This is a fine looking vehicle. My husband is a truck man and he loves the look, ride, and comfort of our Tribute. The kids love the room and call the vehicle AWSOME!

• 

  The perfect ute? - 2002 Mazda Tribute
  By willob - February 20 - 8:40 am

  We love our Tribute so far. Good height, excellent milage, roomy, nice ride. Seems to answer all needs.