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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  Most fun and utility for the money! - 2009 Mazda Mazda3
  By Cenbit - January 31 - 5:33 am

  This is really a good car compared with my sisters 08 VW rabbit sedan. The fuel economy is very different. In the city I average 23 mpg, and highway 32 mpg. Its much better than VW.

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  Fun Ride - 2007 Mazda CX-7
  By zoomzoom - January 30 - 9:30 pm

  My wife and I had a second child which prompted us to start looking for something will more room like an SUV/CUV. We were trading in an Acura TL which is a fun car to drive. We were looking for something that was fun to drive like the TL but had more room. We started shopping around for an Acura RDX, Volvo XC90, Subaru Tribeca, and Nissan Murano. Then we found the CX-7. WOW! The test drive sold us on the spot. A fun ride with a model style that turns heads. It had great pickup and cornering. It had room for family use with a young sporty look and feel we were looking for. We ordered all of the extras except the Tech Package. The Bose system is crisp.

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  soo much car for your money! - 2014 Mazda Mazda6
  By jrabakker - January 30 - 12:08 pm

  I was going to buy a used car (Audi) at first as I wanted a nice upscale ride. As I was reviewing the gazillion options out there, I stumbled on the 2014 Mazda 6. Could not believe the looks of this car, especially for that price! Made it to the dealer the next day for more on-site research and a test drive. I originally planned to get the Touring, but after some review of the GT I really felt I would regret not taking the GT and all its extra features and luxury. I ended up indeed getting the GT, and added the adaptive cruise control package and the door window sills. If you go GT, get that MRCC package, as that cruise control is amazing!!!

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  I Love my Mazda 6 Wagon - 2005 Mazda Mazda6
  By Joyce Hausler - January 30 - 6:53 am

  Performance in awesome. I rented one for a week prior to making the decision. All controls are within drivers reach. This has much more room that most SUVS I test drove. The sport wheels let you feel more bumps than Id like but that is the only negative I have.

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  Its the not so "Minivan" minivan - 2006 Mazda Mazda5
  By Family Man - January 29 - 8:40 pm

  I really love to drive my 5. We use it to haul the family around and it does great. I love the lines and features you get for the money. Mazda did it right when they redesigned their line up and gave birth to this great new model. The sport shifter is great and the fuel ecomony is acceptable. The 17" wheels really help it stand out from the rest and makes me feel more sporty. When I drive this around I dont feel Im driving a van. In fact many people ask me what it is. I have started to see more around and everyone I talk to loves it. Great car for the money and perfect for the person not ready for a really minivan.

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  3 Months later - 2008 Mazda Mazda6
  By Robert145 - January 29 - 3:26 pm

  Im enjoying the car. I did notice that it does not have a good tight turning radius. I have been on the highways somewhat. Very quiet comfortable ride. The glove box is small. I miss the compass on the rear view mirror.

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  Bought new in 2004, now has 170,000 and going strong - 2004 Mazda MPV
  By kaiserdr - January 29 - 8:53 am

  I rarely give anything five stars but the service I have had on this vehicle deserves it. I bought my MPV brand new from the dealer and only had routine problems. My vehicle is approaching 170,000 miles and runs perfectly. We have maintained the exterior and interior of this vehicle. If the engine fails, I will buy a rebuilt engine, install it, and hope it lasts as long as the one now. I was recently at the dealer to have the air-bag replaced and a mechanic there said several owners bring their MPVs in for maintenance and have more than 250,000 miles on them. The only unexpected failure I had on this vehicle was last year when the sunroof leaked and I had to replace the seal.

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  Fun! Fun! Fun! Economical! Oh and Fun! - 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By James - January 29 - 7:50 am

  I used to own a 04 RX-8 which was a total blast to drive. So I was very happy to discover the fun factor is even better with the MX-5! The RX-8 was fast and agile but so too is the MX-5, it just doesnt have all the stress raising quirks of the RX-8! Like poor gas mileage, thirst for oil, and Hot interior due to the hot nature of a rotary engine. The MX-5 seems every bit as quick and is very agile! I love the sound of the engine, quick shifts, and solid road feel! The Bose sound system is terrific and adjusts automatically to compensate for ambient noise top up or down. The feel behind the wheel is fantastic! The dash layout is classic european sports car, I love turn indicator placement!

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  Great car! - 2002 Mazda Millenia
  By Grampa - January 28 - 4:53 pm

  I bought this car used - 2 years old with 26,000 miles. Ive now had it for 6 years and have had only tires and brakes needing replacement. Its been a great car and I love driving it. Just wish it was a bit better on mileage, but cant complain, cause it really gets up and goes!

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  makingasale - 1999 Mazda 626
  By hays1ch - January 28 - 10:00 am

  overall not a bad vehicle but for me its to small, engine performance is really good,climbs mountains great,city driving could be better as far as milage, but highway milage is good.