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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  Zoom Zoom Baby - 2009 Mazda Mazda6
  By JessicaD - October 5 - 12:00 pm

  I LOVE THIS CAR!!!! Before I bought the Mazda 6 I looked at the Acura TSX, Lexus, and Saturn Aura. The Acura was too compact in my opinion, and the aura was not worth the price for what you get. I dont have many bad things to say about the Lexus ES other than the Mazda looks almost about the same inside and out. For the same price, I could have picked up a basic Lexus ES or get a souped up Mazda 6 with beautiful leather interior, terrific sound, comfort, and quality. Black exterior and blond Interior. I couldnt be happier with my decision!

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  Ooh, Torque! - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By thebeansoldier - October 4 - 10:00 am

  The 3s (2.3L) is fun to drive! I got the MTX and the torque I feel compared to my previous car (95 base Neon ATX) is very strong. Its very quiet on the freeway- didnt notice I was doing 80mph until I looked at the speedometer.

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  Best car I have ever owned!!!! - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By marib - October 4 - 10:00 am

  I just bought a Mazda6 and It is the best car I have ever bought. Its fun, fast, practical and has a sleek design (inside and out). (I bought the V6 sports sedan w/ rear spoiler. . a must) I would recommend this car to everyone.

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  Outstanding Crossover - 2008 Mazda CX-9
  By Greg - October 4 - 4:20 am

  I have had my CX-9 for almost a year now and we absolutely love it! The only complaint is it could get better MPG (I am averaging about 16 mpg). I researched and test drove about every crossover out there and none felt as good to drive as the CX9. The stereo is awesome, especially the surround sound when playing a DVD. Xenon headlights are great. Anyone who has never been in this car before is surprised how nice it is and cant believe it is a Mazda. The handling and performance are second to none in the crossover segment. The transmission is silky smooth. The GPS with back up camera are great features. I would recommend this car to anyone looking for a sporty crossover.

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  ZOOM-ZOOM-ZOOM - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By SHamptonNY - October 1 - 11:40 am

  After owning two BMWs Its a pleasure to find a quality car at this price that doesnt sacrifice handling or safety. My hats off to Mazda.

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  bang for the buck - 2008 Mazda Mazda3
  By prazvt - September 30 - 4:00 pm

  Interior design is superb, ergonomic, tasteful,. the 5mt shifts nicely, and the engine doesnt sound obnoxious. Climate control is almost too effective. Aux input works beautifully. All available speaker systems (bose and stock) stink. Replaced the speakers (but not tweeters), so thats remedied. Aux input works w/ iPod beautifully. 27 mpg thus far which is awesome! No rattles or initial failures the first month. Corners wonderfully. Thus far, no real torque steer under hard acceleration. Great clutch - not on/off or stiff. Awesome brakes, though sometimes Ive noticed squeaking. Steering wheel controls work well.

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  For the money - cant be beat! - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By Joe - September 30 - 1:13 am

  This is truly a SPORT wagon - handling is truly out of its league and inspires confidence in any driving condition. Throwing it around turns and on-ramps brings a smile to my face every time. Exterior design is fantastic. The fit and finish feels more European with tightly sealing doors, good interior plastics and only 1 rattle - license plate holder (thick insulation tape fixed that). Stereo is more than adequate for a stock system. The fan selector switch malfunctioned but was replaced promptly under warranty. Front fog lights do an excellent job of lighting your way and give the car a rally-like appearance. For the money, the P5 is unrivaled in every way!

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  Zoom-Zoom - 2005 Mazda Mazda6
  By Wayne Ferguson - September 29 - 8:00 pm

  This is a very good looking car which is very comfortable for long trips. Rented a Mazda6 earlier this year and loved it. Now I own one.

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  great ride - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By nubenegra - September 28 - 10:00 am

  is fun to drive, runs great, looks great the only problem is the gas.

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  Buckle up and drive! - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By Marcus Mazda - September 28 - 10:00 am

  I am having so much fun with this car. It gets me in front of almost any car I want to get in front of... People with more expensive cars, and young kids stare at it... (Now thats cool) and its just fun to drive, so buckle up and drive... Gas is a factor, it uses it.. expecially just getting the car.. You always find yourself stepping on the gas pedal (Hard) Big Smile.... Ok, things you should know. Check oil every other gas fill up until the first oil change.. yes it burns oil.. Dont get the synthetic oil... Just get the oil Mazda recommends. In closing.. Oh my god... Zoom Zoom.. worth every penny!