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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  Solid and Fun - 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By gfrawley - November 28 - 4:40 pm

  I bought the 2007 MX-5 Grand Touring in 2007 and sold my original year 1990 Miata to a friend. That car had 202,000 miles on it. He still drives it. I have plenty of experience driving this vehicle to know it is reliable. If you want to get from point A to B and have a blast doing it this is your car. This is one of those cars that when the weather is right and top is down on the car you can get in a zone driving and you dont want to stop. The word fun is thrown around a lot with this car and perfectly fits what this car is. For the money its like getting a much more expensive sports car. About the only con is this rear wheel drive vehicle is not meant for snow. If you live in a cold climate have another car to drive during those months.

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  Outstanding car - 2005 Mazda Mazda6
  By Lenora - November 27 - 8:56 pm

  I traded in a Toyota Camry on the Mazda 6 wagon. This car is a load of fun to drive. It allows me the feeling of owning a sports car again when I now have four children. I cant believe what a great solid car it is for the money. Congratulations to Mazda for the new generation Mazdas.

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  ZOOM ZOOM FOR REAL! - 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Sandy - November 26 - 6:23 am

  This car is a blast to drive! The fit and quality of the exterior and interior are very good to excellent. The road noise at highway speed is acceptable, you can still have a conversation with your passenger. The car has plenty of power, you dont even need to down-shift when passing at highway speed. The short shift close ratio gear box is precise and easy to use. The cup holders in the center console are pretty useless as anything in them will impede shifting. Gas mileage has averaged about 25MPG but that is with a lot of city driving. And .. ITS FUN TO DRIVE!

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  Still Having Fun - 2003 Mazda Mazda6
  By Peaceflmeadow - November 26 - 2:00 am

  I bought my Mazda 6 in Sept 2003, and 5 months later am still having fun. Notes say that it is lacking power, but I find it quite decent except maybe out of the starting blocks. If I switch over to the manual ability, I can get a better reaction time. The handling is awesome, and I love the tight steering. Overall, I was looking for a 4 door car due to a growing family, but wanted to stay sporty and Mazda has filled the bill perfectly. Also, I didnt want to be in just another 4 door family sedan, and I still feel I have avoided that. Overall, very satisfied, especially for the money I spent.

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  3rd Mazda - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By CJ - November 25 - 2:46 pm

  This is my third Mazda, and probably not my last. As always, I am quite impressed with their product. Tons of fun to drive, and fairly economical. Averaging 26 MPG thus far with "spirited" driving, have reached 31 when taking it easy. Not bad for a car that is this fun to drive.

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  Very Surprised!!! - 2002 Mazda MPV
  By tgaines14 - November 24 - 10:00 am

  I must say that I am one of those guys who said that he would never own a minivan. Well, three kids later, and theres just not much that I could do about it. I researched the minivan market for quite some time, and ultimately chose this van. I have been very surprised with it. It has definitely exceeded all of my expectations. It is simply a great vehicle to drive.

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  My Mazda PR5 - 2002 Mazda Protege5
  By Sol - November 24 - 10:00 am

  I purchased this Pr5,as i liked the styling,and the look.It is almost nine months and have no complints,except one.The quiteness of the interior leaves a lot to be desired.Gas mileage is good,twenty five to the gallon.It handles and responds well.I have had a Mazda Millenia[lease]in 1997,and had very satisfactory experience,which led me to purchase this Pr5.

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  Love My CX-9 - 2011 Mazda CX-9
  By pure_hp - November 24 - 8:26 am

  We test drove on the same day the following vehicles: Ford Explorer, Toyota Highlander, Hyundai Veracruz, and the CX-9. For the price, content and fun to drive factor, we couldnt go wrong with the CX-9. Its quick, agile, spacious and well built. Aside from poor fuel economy (still waiting to see if 17city/24hwy for FWD is really true), we have no complaints.

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  I LOVE THIS CAR!!! - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By J3susLiv3sInM3 - November 22 - 10:00 am

  This is my favorite car ever, and i have loved it since the second i bought it. I love how it handles every turn so smoothly and i love just turning down the music and listening to the sound of the rotary motor just spinning away. It is so peaceful just to sit there listening to it i could almost fall asleep. This car IS a dream come true.

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  Just purchased - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By Oscbert - November 22 - 10:00 am

  Was checking out Subaru Impreza. Then dealer recommended me to test drive the Mazda 3. Loved it. Bought it. Been running smoothly. Lot faster then I expected. Gas mileage doesnt seem so great, but not bad. It came with afterstock Rims. Make it look really sporty get a lot of looks.