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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  Sharp car - 2010 Mazda CX-9
  By hk - November 13 - 8:46 am

  Very nice looking and driving car for SUV wife loves it in black on black leather very plush only complaint is a little better fuel mileage tons of space though! For the money nothing comes close, tried Honda Pilot , what an over rated ride so crappy and plasticy. Toyota cost more and I have more room in the Mazda and it is sharper looking!

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  Very nice little car - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By bellamusica - November 12 - 4:50 pm

  I stepped down from a luxury make to purchase this car. It is a great compromise, with enough luxury features to make me happy, but is still a practical car. The handling is excellent, and the pickup is very good for a small car. The engine is much quieter than other 4-cylinder cars of its type. The gas mileage isnt stellar, but I am still breaking it in. If you want a reliable hatchback that is fun to drive, this car fits the bill. No regrets.

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  A Steal - 2006 Mazda RX-8
  By Paul Bray - November 12 - 3:13 pm

  This car is an absolute steal. I was sold on the 350Z and ready to buy, but felt that I needed to compare to at least one other car. After test driving both, even though it was a cosmic shift, I couldnt buy the Z. The RX-8 is one of the most fun cars Ive ever driven - its my first rotary, and the smooth, almost electric feel of the engine is beautiful and highly responsive. Take a look at the low reviews - they are primarily from people who seem to have trouble red-lining a car that can go to almost 9K rpms. If youve ever driven a stick and/or have normal hearing, this isnt a problem at all - and one reviewer with red-lining problems also complained about fuel economy - correlation?

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  Zoom, Zoom, Zoom - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By NewVoomer - November 12 - 1:36 pm

  This Mazda has earned its slogan. Zoom, Zoom, Zoom. It handles like an expensive sports car. Functions like a compact family car. It has looks and style. Big bang for the buck. I love it more than my Lexus. Need I say more?

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  One of best cars Ive ever driven - 2002 Mazda MPV
  By mazda_guy - November 12 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car a month ago. This is one of the best cars I ever had. Very quiet even at high speeds. At 80 MPH engine rev at only 2300 RPM. Plenty of power with 200 HP. Great acceleration.

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  Buy 2, theyre small - 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By nigel - November 12 - 2:00 am

  If you are now looking at these reviews, chances are you are considering buying a used miata. Here is my advice. Buy it! Fantastic reliability, exceptional handling, beautiful to behold. Average mpg 30. Whats not to like?

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  Zoom-Zoom-Zoom - 2002 Mazda Tribute
  By VanTastic - November 12 - 2:00 am

  I bought my Tribute after test driving a Santa Fe. I liked the Hyudais shifter, but the Tribute beat it hands down in power and ride. The only problem in 5k miles is getting the dealer to make a second key (they lost it)...dealer satisfaction was low, but car satisfaction is high. The ride is smooth and not to stiff. Gas mileage is fine for a vehicle this size. Even the wife creature likes it. I almost wish I got the 4wd, but its not really necessary in Las Vegas. Im thinking of adding the rear spoiler (to help keep the back window clean), mud flaps (should be standard on a SUV), and bug deflector. All-in-all I love my Trib. ZOOM-ZOOM-ZOOM

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  Little Disappointed, transmission? - 2007 Mazda Mazda6
  By Rbader - November 12 - 2:00 am

  Purchased the car brand new. Everything went very well for first 3 and half years. Just oil changes and gas. At around 58k miles we started noticing a cut off or disconnect in the transmission shifting between 3rd and 4th gear. We finally took it to the dealer and we were advised that we need a new transmission. Did that, luckily we had purchased the extended Mazda warranty till 100k, which covered us 100%. Otherwise, the car so far is great.

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  Never Mazda never again - 2007 Mazda CX-7
  By never mazda never ag - November 12 - 2:00 am

  AC went out twice. 30 days after AC failed turbo failed. Mazda will not honor warranties and will try to find anyway they can to back out. If you own one sell it or start saving your money for the inevitable and very costly repairs.

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  Transmission failed - 2003 Mazda Protege
  By t2k - November 11 - 7:06 pm

  The transmission started growling as the warranty expired. Front wheel bearings seized up. Had to replace brake rotors due to rust. Too many problems in its young life. Traded it in on a Mazda6.