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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  Very small, fun, hard to customize radio - 2006 Mazda Mazda6
  By Clinton70 - May 16 - 12:06 am

  Ive had this car briefly. Its fun to drive and didnt have problems in the 5 months I had it. It was small though. The radio stunk as it didnt play mp3 discs and didnt have an aux input. It wouldve been almost $500 to upgrade to aftermarket because of a trim panel connected to the climate is $200. The ride was nice, the steering sporty, and gas mileage is good for the highway and mediocre for city. Good power.

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  No XM unless you go top of the line - 2017 Mazda CX-5
  By JMT - May 15 - 6:22 am

  I was very surprised by the fact that XM radio was an option that was only available on the Grand Touring. Very disappointing...I almost bought the car. Oh well.

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  2007 MX-5 with power hard top - 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By chris - May 14 - 12:50 pm

  The MX-5 with power hard top draws a lot of interest. The top works easily and I dont notice the extra weight. The trunk space isnt compromised either. With the top up, however, there is a huge blind spot on your left side so adjust the mirrors carefully. Im six foot three and I fit comfortably. The copper red mica is attractive without screaming "look at me". The engine is willing and scoots quickly. The transmission shifts lightly, but even with the 6 speed, it seems like it needs another gear when cruising on the freeway.

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  Awesome Ride - 2007 Mazda Mazda6
  By rick31621 - May 9 - 4:46 am

  Great ride, awesome acceleration, average gas mileage.

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  RX8 value is the best - 2005 Mazda RX-8
  By bsilly - May 8 - 6:00 pm

  I purchased my RX8 in December after doing extensive research. The RX8 is the best value in the coupe category. It is the most distinctive car on the road and performs admirably. The true cost to own is better than the new Ford Mustang and I feel the RX8 is flat out more reliable than the Nissan 350Z. Plus it comfortably accommodates 4 people (unlike the new Mustang which has virtually unusable rear seating). Unless you want to reduce to a 2 seater and pay $20,000 more for similar coupe styling that the new Corvette offers, the RX8 is the best option. $20K in price difference can buy me this RX8 and a new Mazda 3s for my wife! The only real cometitor is the Infiniti G35,

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  OKAY CAR - 2002 Mazda Millenia
  By Nino - May 8 - 10:00 am

  its pretty good for its price....got it only for 5k

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  Fun to Drive - 2001 Mazda Tribute
  By kmgwinn - May 8 - 10:00 am

  I owned a Mazda MPV and replaced it with a used Tribute and love it - fun to drive - handles wonderfully - very pleased with my purchase - even with higher miles it handles like a new car. Would recommend it!

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  Mazda 3s - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By Bob - May 5 - 3:03 am

  The car is a great car for the $. I only have one real knock against this car; it has too much road noise. Mazda really needs to work on this - it should be a simple solution and would dramatically improve the driving pleasure!

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  Love our new (used) Mazda 5! - 2006 Mazda Mazda5
  By zandy - May 4 - 3:10 am

  We bought the 2006 Mazda 5 two months ago after looking at other wagons for a long time. We liked the fold down 2nd and 3rd row seats. It is very similar to a minivan with the 2nd row bucket seats, sliding doors, and slightly elevated drive; but I still call it a wagon because I DID NOT want a minivan. Others complained about the AC/heat, but I think its great - never turn AC above 2. The car drives great. Overall, Im not that impressed with the MPG - weve only filled up the car twice in the two months weve had it, but both times it averaged in the low 20s. FYI - were suburbanites in our 30s and only drive 50 mi/wk.

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  My experience with CX7 - 2008 Mazda CX-7
  By Liz - May 1 - 6:40 am

  Im currently leasing a Mazda CX-7 and for the most part its been fun to drive, I do have an issue with Mazda the quality of tires they are choosing is the lowest, and I say this because Im in the tire business, I only got 12,00 miles with the original tires. This is very disappointing I went to the dealership and they dont want any part of this they direct you to Bridgestone even worse, its wear and tear and that is b%$%^%^%. I have bought and leased may other cars never had this problem. Yes it has 18 wheels but choose a better class tire "BRIDGESTONE TURANZA" is a low class tire and they know it. I have replaced my tires and the ride is more smoother. Good luck to anyone that buys a Mazda