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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  Great Value - 2002 Mazda Millenia
  By Victoria - October 24 - 12:56 pm

  I am just about to finalize the purchase my second Millenia today. My first was a 1999 (2.5 L, not the S) which had 30k miles when purchased, used as a daily driver and sold with approx 130k miles, still strong expect for bad rear mail seal. Wonderful car aside from eventually developing the leaking rear main seal which these cars are notorious for. Luxury at a fraction of the cost and very dependable for the most part. If you can find one with low miles that hasnt been abused BUY IT.

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  Easilly Comfortable - 2014 Mazda CX-9
  By Angie Koenig - October 24 - 11:18 am

  I like it , it is very nice handles very well so far only owned for a couple weeks. Only thing I wish is for better gas MPG but thats to be expected as it is a fairly large size SUV. Love it so far.

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  Fun for Trips - 2004 Mazda Tribute
  By LHaas - October 24 - 4:40 am

  I have had good luck with this vehicle. No service issues at all. I had a class 3 hitch installed and a transmission cooler and have towed my camping trailer all over the Rockies. It should be considered for towing small-medium loads. I threw away roof rack and installed tracks to accept Thule sliding bars. I can carry two 16canoes with the 78" bars!

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  Great Wagon! - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By Jahnu - October 24 - 2:50 am

  I bought the sport wagon Auto. few days back with lxry pkg, sport pkg, bose audio, side airbags anad pwr mnrf. and I love the way it handles. More space, easy ingress/outgress, comfortable seating position, more leg room for back passengers than the Subaru Outback. Got a great price $4500 below invoice. Also considered Accord but the dealers were so arrogant did not even acknowledge my internet pricing request. Great Saleswoman and was very impressed with the dealership. No hassles and transaction was very smooth. Great car for a great price, camry, accord, altima dont even come close. Outback is too pricey. Great Styling. Easy to use controls. Cant believe a wagon can look so sporty!

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  Great vehicle - 2008 Mazda CX-9
  By gahogs - October 23 - 9:36 pm

  After test driving the 08 Honda Pilot, 09 Honda Pilot, 08 Toyota Highlander, 08 Ford Edge, and the 08 Mazda CX-9 twice on two different occasions, it was clear to us the CX-9 was a great fit for our family. The storage behind the 3rd row is actually usable, and the leg room is great. The ride is more sports car like than the rest, and it is a sharp looking car with a superb feel behind the wheel. We think the CX-9 looks great! If in the SUV / CUV market, give the CX-9 a test drive and look.

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  Fun sporty fuel efficient and reliable - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By 89lx5o - October 23 - 8:03 pm

  Ive now owned this car for two years now and its been phenomenal. Its very fun to drive with a sporty suspension, pretty powerful motor and very smooth trans. To top that off I get 28 mpg in the summer and 26 mpg in the winter the reason comes with the different gas formulas. I have not had ONE reliability issue yet (knock on wood). It has very comfortable seats, but is definitely not a luxury car. It has a decent amount of road noise, and is a lil harsh on bumps. When you get nice roads to drive on road noise is a lot lower and the handling aspects of this car come out. If you’re willing to sacrifice a smooth ride for some sporty handling I would recommend this car to anyone!

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  Perfect Size - 2008 Mazda Mazda5
  By kb - October 23 - 6:40 pm

  My wife and I bought a Copper Red Touring model just two weeks ago, after I spent almost a full year researching the 5. We have two young boys and only occasionally need to carry extra passengers, so this vehicle will be perfect for us. We leave the third-row seats folded flat, and it provides more cargo area (and more versatile use of that area) than a typical sedan. I find the ride rather comfortable -- a little stiff on pavement seams, but I think thats a deliberate trade-off Mazda made to achieve the sportier handling in line with its corporate image. And it does handle very nicely. This is our first Mazda, so were hoping it will be as reliable as the Hondas weve had. So far so good.

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  The Golf Wagon - 2002 Mazda Protege5
  By Kayse Nix - October 23 - 12:06 pm

  Upon retirement I wanted to replace my Explorer with a sporter car. One that would carry 2 sets of clubs, a push cart and luggage. Vacation and golf were 2 things that was on my mind. I found that in my 02 Mazda Protege 5. I could not have been happier. I dont know if I like the body style of the new 5, but I love the looks of my car.

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  Mazda MPV - 2002 Mazda MPV
  By indricothere - October 23 - 10:00 am

  I bought an 02 MPV and I thouroughly love it. Very nice styling,it is just the right size for kids. It drives and feels like a car, and is much more responsive than dodge,ford, chevrolet. It also is a good used deal, not as expensive as the pricier Honda, and Toyota with comparible options. The optional sliding doors have been perfect and very convient. The ES is nice with leather. I was most impressed with the second row seating options. I never thought I would enjoy a minvan however, I love this one.

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  What a great deal!! - 2004 Mazda MPV
  By ldl20 - October 23 - 10:00 am

  The wife and I finally purchased one after two years of mulling it over. We couldnt pass up the deal--LX with 4-seasons, Traction-side airbags, LX Plus, roof rack, for $20,500 plus tax, and 3.9% financing. Its ride is unlike any other minivans. In fact, the suspension is downright firm (surprising, almost BMW-ish?), and it handles great. On top of that, its the best looking mini out there, inside and outside. The size is just right, power is just right, and Im glad I made the purchase. P.S.--did they change the console from 03 to 04? The gear shift lever only blocks the temp wheel and a/c button--it never blocks the radio for me.