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 - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By duane - July 14 - 5:00 pm

  Had to return to the dealer twice for the same problem with the front end. Dealer was great.

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  Love It So Far!! - 2007 Mazda Mazda6
  By Owned Many Cars - July 14 - 2:40 pm

  I love to drive this car!! Its like a go cart on steroids. Zoom Zoom Zoom!!! From handling to get up and go it has plenty to keep it interesting. I also get a lot of "cool car" comments. Brakes and handling are also pretty nice (hence the go cart comment). I used to go through cars a lot, but so far I think Ill be keeping this one.

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  A question of Mileage - 2008 Mazda CX-7
  By Hedonistic - July 14 - 3:10 am

  Bought my cx 7 in March and I am happy with my purchase. The exterior and interior are wonderful and innovative. However, the gas mileage is atrocious. Turbo lag takes away from the performance, and the car has a very slow pick up without the turbo kicking in. Mazda has yet to prove its reliability in the crowded Japanese market. They offer a six cd changer but no ipod jack?

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  great awd ride for $18,900 dollars - 2005 Mazda Tribute
  By mazdajerry - July 13 - 9:50 pm

  Most bang for the buck for an awd suv, the Kia Sportage would be close behind. 200 hp and still 18-19mpg in town, and 23-25 on the highway is fine by me. In my opinion it is the best looking suv, with the MDX close.

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  Great if you love to purchase tires !! - 2006 Mazda Mazda5
  By kd3004 - July 13 - 6:23 pm

  I was excited about this car at first because of the manual option with six passenger seating. That was short lived once I realized that this car gets horrible gas mileage for a 4cyl. I average around 20mpg. This is a 50/50 combo of highway/city. Then, the tires/suspension/alignment problems... I am at 67,000 and bout to purchase my 3rd set of tires! This will be the fourth set on the car itself. I had suspension problems right away and it was taken to the dealer 5-6 times. The last time I thought it had been fixed!! The noise was gone!! But the tire wear was unreal!! Buyer beware!! Factor in yearly tire replacement!!!

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  The Most Fun and Value in a Compact. - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By gamerguy73 - July 13 - 5:00 pm

  I had such a good experience with my 2004 Mazda 3s 4 door that I eagerly awaited the announcement of the 2010 version. Heard it was going to be released March 2009 back at Nov. 08 LA Auto Show. So a few weeks ago on March 8, I bought a 2010 M3 s 4 dr Sport with Tech and Moonroof/Bose packages. I am super pleased with everything, the fun to drive/performance and everything that made the previous gen. is all here, with a major amount of refinement and additional standard/optional features. If possible, consider getting both the Tech and Moonroof/Bose pkgs; the Tech pkg has several great features like advanced keylees entry, push button start and the Nav (small but vibrant screen).

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  GREAT CAR! - 2002 Mazda Tribute
  By michst2789 - July 13 - 1:10 pm

  This is my second Tribute, before this I had a 2003. This a great car that could last for a long time. Reliability is great, gas mileage is lacking, but that is expected with an SUV. Comfort is really good and it really gets up and goes with that V6 engine in it. GREAT CAR OVERALL!!

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  Great car - 2009 Mazda Mazda6
  By Edward - July 13 - 11:56 am

  This is an excellent car to have. Great value for the money, lots of standard equipment, rides and handles great. The car is comfortable to sit in and great on space. This is my second Mazda and I dont regret buying this car, as the last one was a reliable car.

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  RX 8 Lover - 2009 Mazda RX-8
  By ZoomZoom210 - July 13 - 8:06 am

  I bought my RX 8 to replace my Mazda6 that was totaled in an accident. I am a car enthusiast that was looking for something sporty and fun to drive. Well, I got both in this car. I bought the 6 speed to add to the enjoyment of driving a sports car. I also picked the Crystal White Pearl which I absolutely adore. I find this car fun and sporty! Just know that you are getting basically a two seater with suicide doors. Dont expect to haul the family around for the back seat has very limited leg room. I am averaging about 16 mpg in the city so if you cant afford Premium fuel, this car is not for you. Overall I am thrilled with my RX 8 and am a true RX 8 Lover...

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  Bye bye minivan - 2007 Mazda CX-9
  By hernandez fam - July 13 - 4:46 am

  Weve had a minivan for six years more than anything for the space. With two kids car seats plus grandma, we certainly use all the space. We looked at everything out there but for the money we could not find more space and comfort. Wwe love the ride and all the features in it. Mazda has put out an awsome crossover. Thank you.