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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  Best of all worlds - 2005 Mazda RX-8
  By Michigan Mom - February 4 - 5:00 pm

  This car is a pleasure to drive: very responsive and agile, but also comfortable. Fit and finish are excellent, especially for a $30,000 car. The backseat easily accomodates medium-size adults or a car seat or booster seat. My kids (2 1/2 and 5) love riding in it. I also drove the Volvo V40 and was disappointed by the quality of the interior finish as well as the power. I also considered the Audi A4 and the BMW 3-series, but they get really expensive when you load them up with options. With the RX-8 you can get all the options and a thrilling ride at a reasonable price, and also stand out in the crowd.

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  Best 7 Passenger SUV out there - 2010 Mazda CX-9
  By JT - February 3 - 12:30 pm

  Had it two weeks. Thrill to drive. You name it, we considered it. Bottom line was MDX, Traverse, and CX-9. MDX offered really no extra value for the money and the 2nd row didnt allow rear entry on both sides! MDX 3rd row terrible. Easy on the CX-9. The Traverse was just too long for our garage. Its half a foot longer than a minivan. For our family, this was the best value and ride. We got every feature and were treated well. No regrets. We were surprised how much we liked CX-9. Always presumed wed buy an MDX (actually disappointed it wasnt as good as wed expected).

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  LOVE IT - 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Jim S - February 1 - 3:30 am

  Ive had my MX-5 for a week now and am thrilled! Ive been an Honda/Acura owner for 20+ years so my standards are high. Very quick/fast, great gas mileage, easy open/close top. Wish it had a space for change, cup holder on driver side hits knee. Ride is a little stiff but it is a sports car not luxury sedan. Great road grip, steering response. Small trunk will still fit my golf bag (less driver).

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  fun to drive - 2005 Mazda Mazda6
  By Myslandi - January 31 - 11:30 am

  This little four banger really takes everything you can give it and wants more. I was going to buy a V6 but, the four was just as much fun and really flies up the hills and never talks back. used to have a dodge stratus ES V6 and this is way more fun to drive.

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  Timeless Elegance - 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By thereitis - January 31 - 11:03 am

  Exudes the timeless elegance of a British roadster unlike any convertible on the market. It says "look at me" in such a mature, polite manner. Responsive yet surprisingly comfortable, the MX-5 drives/handles as well or better than European automobiles (expertly crafted in Japan).

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  Love my CX-7! - 2007 Mazda CX-7
  By fdixon7182 - January 30 - 12:36 pm

  Aesthetically this car is absolutely beautiful. This is what the Porsche Cayenne should look like. Acceleration is fantastic. Initial mileage 20.2 mpg (and that is not all highway!). Base stereo sound is just so so, compared to the standard of excellence we have become used to. It is a phenomenal car for the money. No, the base model doesnt have all the bells and whistles of a Lexus, etc., but it still feels luxurious!

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  Wow!! - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By Anthony - January 29 - 8:03 am

  There is no better car than a Mazda3 in this class. I look forward to driving mine every day. Its great on gas, has a great audio system, and definite curb appeal. I recommend this car to anyone whos searching for quality, economy, safety and fun. Youre doing yourself a disservice if you dont at least drive one of these before making a purchase.

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  Have now owned for 1 year - 2007 Mazda CX-9
  By Dan - January 29 - 2:53 am

  I have now owned my 07 CX-9 GT for 1 year - this review may be helpful for people buying/considering the 08. This is a terrific crossover SUV... very fun to drive, roomy, great- looking, great build quality, lots of features, even has pretty good gas mileage (I got 24.5 mpg on a long highway trip @ 70 mph last week; I get 18 mpg around town. I do try to drive gently, e.g. slow starts and stops). I did lots of homework before I bought and still see nothing on the market that compares. I have had great experiences with Mazdas and expect to be very happy with my CX-9 for a long time to come.

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  The most fun car I have ever owned - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By J.J. - January 28 - 1:40 pm

  i bought my Protege5 used with 47,000 miles, and its the most fun to drive car Ive ever owned! Its a sports car in hatchback (its a not station wagon) clothes. This car easily satisfies conflicting requirements. It has quick reflexes, goes, stops, and steers very well, and its a blast to drive down a mountain road. It also has plenty of room for cargo, and can seat 4 medium sized adults comfortably. I only wish it had a better sounding stereo and about 30 or 40 more hp. I get great gas mileage, better than the 25 city 31 hwy rating. I average at least 30 mpg doing about 80% city driving. I would recommend this car to anyone who wants a sports car but needs the interior space of a hatchback.

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  Love my Miata - 1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By SUSAN - January 27 - 6:46 pm

  Last weekend we went to Panama City Beach in my Miata with our dog. It was great. Loved not putting my money in the gas tank. We have a Navigator that we use to travel in, it cost over $100.00 to fill it up now. Only about $42.00 to fill up the Miata and can go over 340 miles on one tank. What more could I ask for from an 11 year old car with 48,000 when I bought it.