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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  Love this car! - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By gman - January 18 - 10:00 am

  This by far has been the best drive I have ever had. Just got out of a 2009 Acura TSX, and could not wait to get out of it. Mazda 3s is by far a better ride, and $10k less. This car rocks and even with less power then the TSX, the handling compensates. I have only driven the car for two days, but already love it. I hear people complaining about road noise, I dont hear it, all I hear is the fine tone of the exhaust. In The TSX, I could hear the engine noise, by far worst then anything I hear with the Mazda 3. I will never look at any of the other competitors in this segment, dont see how they will be able to compete.... This might be the best car ever built for the money....

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  The Drivers Car - 2007 Mazda Mazda6
  By Cory - January 17 - 6:36 am

  I bought this car after owning a 1995 Mazda MX-6 as my first car. I wanted a bigger and more efficient car without giving up ride fun. The Mazda6 sure exceeded my expectations. I love being able to take curves on the interstate without dropping don to 45mph. The acceleration and braking are 1000 times better than my moms Accord. It fits three others comfortably. I recently drove a friend to Atlanta and he was amazed about how much leg room he had. Hes 65" by the way... I have driven Hondas and Toyotas and they are fine for those who just need to get from A to B, but if you are one of those who enjoy the ride a Mazda is for you!

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  Fantastic Vehicle - 2007 Mazda CX-9
  By SandyF - January 15 - 9:40 am

  The CX-9 is a wonderful departure from my long-standing SUV days. Smart styling,crisp handling, and all the bells and whistles that I could wish for. The AWD GT model is responsive, quiet, and refined. This crossover is a head-turner wherever I go. The cargo space is cavernous, especially if you have golf equipment rather than kids. After test-driving numerous crossover vehicles, I knew that the CX-9 stood head and shoulders above the competition after about 5 minutes on the highway.

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  MP5 more than I expected - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By Jesse Unger - January 14 - 2:00 am

  This car is solid. ROCK SOLId. It has so many amenities that other japanese manufacturers can seem to peroduce. th eoptions are wide- ranging and the stiff suspension is awsome.

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  Mazda RX8 - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By Glenn Lappe - January 14 - 2:00 am

  Owned the car for 2 weeks now. Love to drive it as much as I can. It calls my name during the night. Mazda did a great job on this one!

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  Great Car - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By stevesteve - January 14 - 2:00 am

  Ive owned my Mazda 6 Classic sedan i4 for over 9 months and couldnt be happier. Styling inside and out is superb, handling, ride and engine performance are all fantastic.

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  My review from Maryland - 2003 Mazda Mazda6
  By Marylander - January 13 - 3:03 pm

  Great car. Got some satisfaction from having more midrange pickup, better handling & trunk room than brothers more expensive Audi and!! unlike his, my Mazda (6 cyl) can run well on regular gas! Agree that the fake metal interior finishes - esp around the shifter scratch too easily. upgrade on this is neccesary for ownership & re-sale satisfaction. Driving & satifaction w/ appearance awesome. Didnt get sports exterior but had upgraded interior & sun roof - great. Needed good driving, good looking, not too expensive drive foir work w/ room for family. GOt it. Negative: my automatic doesnt seem to downshift quickly enough for city/non- hwy driving. Great on hwy. Manual override great too.

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  Zoom - Zoom! - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By C. Cox - January 12 - 11:30 am

  Excellent vehicle. Well built, reasonable room for four adults, reliable, economical, very responsive steering and excellent acceleration in a four cylinder auto (2.3L). Just plain fun to drive. Will buy another if its possible to wear out this one. Zoom-Zoom!

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  "Cheapest Super Car" - 2001 Mazda Protege
  By PY - January 12 - 10:00 am

  Trying to push this car to its limit but seem like this car have no limit. The MP3 body is good enough to handle a 300 hp or up engine.

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  Good MPV - 2002 Mazda MPV
  By Chop100 - January 12 - 10:00 am

  We sold a 96 Jeep Grand Cherokee to buy the 2001 Mazda we bought. So far its a great vehicle. By far the easiest vehicle to drive Ive ever owned. great visibility, handling and roads manners. The off the line performance is not great, but generally lack of power is not that noticeable.