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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  Almost got it - 2008 Mazda Mazda5
  By JH - March 18 - 11:23 pm

  Mazda5 is very good overall. Mileage is about what the EPA says it should be; we do a bit better on the highway than their rating. Performance is good. We had the power steering defect for which Mazda has a technical service bulletin and are hoping they will recall it (there is a recall in Canada) because the tab was $600+ for the repair. Uneven tire wear is a problem. They wore unevenly early generating a wowwowwow sound. Wheel alignment must be on the outer fringes of possible to correct this. There is not enough travel for the drivers seat. Another inch or two of driver leg room is badly needed. Overall, it is a very good package and I would buy again esp. if driver position is improved

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  Mazda6 Wagon a great buy! - 2006 Mazda Mazda6
  By BigO - March 18 - 10:43 am

  Great alternative to SUV and not very common. Im 64 and 260 so seating in front is ample. Ive got the Grand Sport and its a great value for its class. Fuel economy could be better. Love the pet barrier. Nice interior/exterior lighting. Im very happy even though I only have 7,000 miles on it.

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  2010 Mazda 3 Grand Touring 4 Door - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By bautenrieth - March 17 - 3:26 pm

  Before buying this car, I spent hours upon hours reading reviews and doing research. Some reviewers complained of excess road noise, bose sound lacking bass, cheap interior materials, etc... Im telling you, do not pay attention to these people. The Mazda 3 GT is a luxury car for those of us on a budget. I could not be happier with this car. If you are having doubts about buying one, take the GT for a test drive and youll find your answer.

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  2003 Mazda Tribute - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By nox - March 17 - 10:00 am

  Great smaller SUV. Unbelievably quiet and comfortable. It Could use more power but 95% of the time is more than adequate. It is equipped with an over overdrive that allows it to tow without much effort. Does have a bit of a truck ride probably because of the short wheel base (I was driving a Cadillac Seville before). Compact exterior dimensions make it fir in the garage with room to spare.

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  Lots of potential - 2007 Mazda CX-9
  By Marky - March 15 - 6:40 pm

  We leased this vehicle as a replacement for our 2005 MPV. Power and styling were the big draws for us. After 4,0000 miles, its a fun vehicle to drive but its starting to show some shortcomings. Two defects had to be corrected during pickup from the dealership and a rattle has developed in the dashboard. A recent snow storm revealed, unlike most FWD vehicles, its terrible in the snow. The tires are the most likely suspect. Gas mileage is disappointing. The expert reviews and changes to the 2008 model indicate the vehicle my have been rushed into production.

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  Great Car - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By Nate W. - March 14 - 4:26 am

  This car is great. There were some problem when we first got it, it had to go back to the dealer 3 times due to computer problems. It was all under warranty and rental fees were covered by the dealer. Its a great car, very sporty. Get the V6 if you can, the added power is worth it. The interior build quality is great, there arent a lot of hard plastics, it feels more expensive than it is with the leather wrapped steering wheel, and shift knob. Manumatic is a fun manual override without a clutch for the auto enthusiast; it significantly give the car more of a boost off the line, and when driving.

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  A decent car.... - 2002 Mazda Millenia
  By Mudbone - March 11 - 11:00 pm

  Got a good end of production deal on the Millenia - 5k rebate w/the dealer taking another 3k off sticker. Great looking car with lots of room. The ride is stiff with the performance tires. Very wide turning radius. The vehicle sits low so its not e-z to get out of.

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  Quirky and Loads of Fun - 2006 Mazda RX-8
  By RX8LA - March 11 - 2:20 am

  I may be a bit biased as I inherited my moms 1984 RX-7 as my first car. It was light on its feet, smooth, high revving and nimble as a go cart - so is the RX-8. The car isnt super fast, especially from a dead stop, but it has lots of pep and is plenty fast as long as winning drag races isnt high on your must-have list. The handling is wonderful and the car looks great inside and out. The nav system can fold away if you dont want the screen to show, and the Bose stereo can get painfully loud. This is the first car where I cant stand to turn the stereo to max. Negatives - fuel economy is SUVish and the car gets hot inside from the engine. The A/C can barely keep up on a hot, sunny day.

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  No keyless entry or alarm - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By Mazda3 - March 10 - 12:10 pm

  If you want keyless entry and alarm upgrade to the turing model. If you are considering getting a mazda3, consider getting the model above the i sport. Overall, this is a really good car. Only other issues so far is this noise on the passenger side of the car, not sure what it is but will take it back to the dealership to have it checked out.

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  In love with this car!! - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By josh259 - March 7 - 5:03 pm

  I absolutely love this car. It handles great, its nice and compact but still has plenty of room, its stylish, quick, and gets pretty good gas mileage which is great since I travely about 300 miles per week just going to and from work.