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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  A great SUV - 2010 Mazda CX-9
  By DKNY - August 15 - 10:16 pm

  Bought the CX-9 to replace an Acura MDX. Its a great value, thousands less than an MDX or even a Chevy Traverse with leather. It drives beautifully and the interior looks great with French-stitched leather and contrasting accents. Its every bit as roomy, luxurious and comfortable as the MDX, and looks a lot better than the current MDX, or just about any other SUV.

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  Zoom Zoom with lots of room - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By GaylordMays - August 13 - 1:46 pm

  The RX-8 wont go 0-60 with blinding speed. Its only 1.8 liters, but if you want to rip through a winding roads like sports cars are meant to do, you cant beat it for the price. Its worst feature is gas mileage. I love the interior layout. All the gauges are clearly visible and the huge 10K tach with the digital speedometer is way cool even though I dont look at it much; I shift by sound. If I get to wound up in the post 8000 rpm whine the audible alarm that goes off as I pass through 95K mark reminds me to shift. I havent experienced any maintenance problems (mines a 6 speed manual). My biggest thrill comes from the G-force engaging the limited slip differential in the curves.

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  a detailed look - 2009 Mazda Mazda3
  By Jimmy P - August 12 - 9:36 pm

  I got the 09 M3i, 2.0 manual. I deliver pizza and do a lot of driving. Ive driven nice cars; a porche, some bmws and a few other nice cars so Im trying to be completely objective with my review and will break down my scoring on the scale above. Performance: zippy, but not real fast, cant hang with the big boys but the handling is superb, which brought the score up to a 7/10. Comfort: I drive for HOURS! Im never uncomfortable. 7/10. Fuel economy: I avg 27 mpg...depending on the use of AC and if im driving like a maniac which i sometimes do. 350-290 miles per tank.(usually around 320). 7/10. Fun to drive: that the handling is so surprisingly responsive combined

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  Close to a perfect 10! - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By ppdiablo - August 12 - 2:00 am

  This is a great car for the money. I got it loaded and out the door with tax and license for 21,000.Great looks with great performance.Dont know whats up with the gas milage.I only getting 22 at best.Even with the bad gas milage I love this car...fun to drive and would recommend to anyone.

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  bought new in 99 still driving fine - 1999 Mazda 626
  By deason - August 10 - 12:10 am

  I purchased this car new in 1999. The first problem i had was in 2004 i replaced the front struts. then had to replace the front axle . after 100K miles i had to replace the drive belt along with the water pump. i consider this a good car... no problems at all till around 100K miles which i think is pretty standard or better than standard for most cars. will drive until it stops running

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  Great Car for the $ - 2008 Mazda Mazda6
  By 1RADDAD - August 9 - 4:46 pm

  Great Car Black on Black

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  Pros and Cons - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By Tin - August 9 - 7:36 am

  I just bought my Mazda 3 about 3 months ago and I will give you guys a full feedback. 2 months later, I got rear-ended on I95 at 70 mph by a SUV and Im ok. The trunk is crushed and rear window is shattered. Overall, this showed me that the car is extremely safe. I must say that out of most sedans out there, this is probably the safest car out there. The airbag DID NOT pop, so not sure if thats a good thing? PROS - Got the car for $24k with Nav + 6 cds + moonroof. Takes 87 octane gas (yay!). 18" rim a plus. Spacious trunk. CONS - Fairly noisy engine. Expect a bumpy ride - cheap suspension. I know its the Mazda3 (not 6) - dont expect a lot of backseat room.

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  I Love It!! - 2007 Mazda CX-7
  By Kristin - August 8 - 5:40 pm

  This really is an awesome car! I test drove almost all other SUVs on market like it, and the CX-7 was my favorite. So MPG isnt great, but for the SUVs on the market today, I am not surprised. The Mazda CX-7 is fun to drive and the performance is great. I sold my old Lexus GS-300 (Ill admit it was the first model made back in the 90s) and bought this car, and I am not disappointed in the performance or the handling. The AWD is a must for snow conditions and traction control is a nice feature. Had to get 3 recalls done, but I got a letter in the mail telling me I needed to, and they were paid for. Never had a problem with reliability. Great car!

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  More problems than its worth - 2005 Mazda RX-8
  By Ron - August 7 - 3:56 am

  I have tried to like this car. Looks great. However have had many problems. Replaced both headlight assembly and taillight assembly for moisture problems. Front end, exhaust, brakes have been worked on. Replaced motor mounts, spark plugs, and now transmission. Still have a tapping noise in the engine when in gear. Lots of road noise. Tired of taking it to the dealership. Had a 1993 Mustang that gave me less trouble.

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  Love it so Far - 2007 Mazda CX-7
  By Keith - August 7 - 2:23 am

  Had the vehicle for about 2 weeks. Sold a Lincoln LS-V8. Love the cornering capability of the Mazda. I wanted the cargo capability of an SUV, but didnt want to sacrifice handling. I have not been disappointed. Over 40 with kids still at home, so comfort for trips was also a concern.