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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  Road Car - 2009 Mazda CX-9
  By Traveler - August 4 - 10:10 am

  We wanted a road car to replace three previous Buick Ultras. We drove GMC, Chevrolet, Saturn and Hyundai SUVs. The wife did not want a bus feel and when we drove the CX-9, it hit the mark for size and comfort. We have over 11,000 miles in ice, snow and 100-degree heat and lots of night driving. The Xenon headlights are a true plus. The 20-inch wheels give the vehicle the stance and driving feel that we really enjoy. We have commented several times how much we love our 9 and do not miss our three big Buicks. One minor recall for power seat cable placement - other than that - she goes!!

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  SLOJAZZ - 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By alptah - August 4 - 10:00 am

  "SLOJAZZ" is the custom license on my 2004 Miata, and like a a jazz composition it hums and purrs. This is my 3rd Miata and is the best of the three. While it is hardly comfortable on long trips, the performance and sheer fun of driving it make up for the highway noise and crampted cockpit. If you want a fun drive at a reasonable price you cant go long. The reliability of my previous two Miatas was excellent and I expect the same with this one.

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  Mazda 3 Rocks - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By dwheele33 - August 4 - 10:00 am

  I have had this car for about 6 months and absolutely love it. I am coming from an SUV that sucked down gas. I get about 32 MPG. The pickup is pretty good, going up hills it is best to use the shifting feature. I also wish I would have spent the extra cash for the s series instead of the I.

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  Zoom Zoom Zoom! - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By UVcat - August 4 - 10:00 am

  Ive had this car for a month and its be great driving it around. I love the quick acceleration, stiff suspension and sleek design. Definitely a speed demon! I drove a Honda Civic for the longest time and will never consider driving another one again. The 3 is in a class of its own. Having all the options on it makes it far from being an economy car.

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  studd mobile - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By bsingle - August 4 - 10:00 am

  this car has the oppurtunity to take over the sport compact market place.the only thing holding it back is that mazda gives you no choice in the packaging department.its either all or nothing.some of us want the moonroof,but not at the expense of having to add a body kit.

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  Family Mans Option to the Minivan - 2007 Mazda CX-9
  By Johnny B. - August 3 - 3:20 am

  This vehicle has performed beyond our expectations. The interior/exterior is well designed and build quality is supreme. No performance issues while passing or cruising up the mountain passes here in the Pacific Northwest. The 3 rows of seats pampers 6 full sized adults or 4 adults and 3 kids. Gas mileage has been as expected (17-19 mpg) in a vehicle with 263 hp and 249 ft-lbs of torque. Test drive one of the AWD Touring models on a road with some curves... youll be pleasantly surprised.

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  Great value - 2007 Mazda Mazda6
  By Costa - August 2 - 2:53 am

  We bought this car to have an extra car around. The car feels just as good to drive as my main car but for $15k less. Overall it is a great everyday car.

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  Amazed and delighted - 2008 Mazda CX-9
  By dorenescar - August 1 - 12:56 pm

  This vehicle does it all. We can get 7 full size adults and teens in this vehicle; it is very well ventilated, creature comforts galore, drive is smooth and steering so easy, great acceleration. Never feels like a big car when youre driving. Its the ultimate trip and town vehicle, a true crossover. First tank was 18.9 mpg - amazing for such a huge and heavy vehicle. Bose sound system is first rate, kids love riding in it; tech features very easily usable; endless cup holders and lights are great for car homework. Cant recommend this one enough - its close to perfect!!

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  So far so good - 2006 Mazda Mazda5
  By Cory - August 1 - 8:00 am

  The 5 is a great alternative to a minivan. Six can fit in comfort but with little storage room in the rear. We usually have the rear seats down which provides plenty of space. The gas mileage is not as good as I had hoped. We average around 21-22. We did have problems with the sliding doors not shutting, the grease in the lock mechanism was replaced and it has worked fine since. The lack of a arm rest for the passenger is a common complaint. It is annoying when you are the passenger. The car could use some more storage cubbies. I would really like something below the gear shift. The rearview mirror often gets in the way (in the middle of the windshield).

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  Great SUV - 2001 Mazda Tribute
  By Roth - August 1 - 5:03 am

  Ive had my Tribute for 1 year and its been everything Id hoped for in the 30k miles Ive put on it so far. Its big enough to haul almost anything I need to move, it drives and handles great in any condition, including sand and deep snow, it even does great when pulling a trailer. There are a couple minor problems; wind noise is louder than it should be, and the Ford built automatic transmission shutters if you dont frequently flush the tranny fluid. Gas mileage tops out near 20 even on the highway The gear shift selector blocks the radio controls, but you get used to that. Overall, its a great little SUV for the money.