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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  Sports Car - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By Jacque Lantrip - July 10 - 10:00 am

  Lots of fun and you get all kinds of looks.

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  Fun to Drive - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By flyer574 - July 10 - 10:00 am

  As a senior citizen, I always promised myself a little red sports car. This was it. I researched the RX8 online and drove one. Performance is excellent, easy to drive, nice ride considering its a sports car. Good power and the rotary engine is historically super-reliable. Design is more Italian than Japanese and I like that. Looks like its moving fast when sitting still, and doesnt have that roller skate look of the 350Z. We also have a Mazda MPV which has been excellent.

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  My good Mazda - 2009 Mazda Mazda6
  By justmeee - July 10 - 10:00 am

  Good car, handles great, drives even better in manual mode. Very good car overall.

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  An Econo-Car Like No Other! - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By Matt - July 10 - 4:00 am

  Overall, I have to say that I made the smartest purchase, having cross-shopped the Volkswagen Jetta Wolfsburg edition, the Toyota Carolla S, and Honda Civic. More features for the price point and class of vehicle combined with vehicle performance were the top factors in my ultimate decision. Zoom Zoom!

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  Outstanding value - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By John - July 9 - 8:20 am

  I purchased a 2010 Mazda 6 for my wife earlier in the summer -- loved it so much I decided to get a 3 (2.0 i Touring) for myself, as I wanted a little better fuel economy given I drive around 300 miles a week. So far, Im averaging around 34 MPG, which is exactly what I wanted. Was looking at a Honda Civic, but for the money, you simply cant beat the Mazda: a car that has excellent fuel economy, comes standard with too many features to count, all for less than $21k? Great car -- highly recommended.

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  Zoom Zoom - 2008 Mazda CX-9
  By brianm1962 - July 8 - 8:20 pm

  Mazda CX-9 replaced a Volvo XC-90 in September 2008. We have been very pleased - especially with the V6 performance (note 2008 is larger engine than 2007) and comfortable yet sporty ride (even with 19" wheels) . Nav is very good. Bose stereo is pretty good, but not as good as some other high-end factory audio systems. All weather mats from the factory sit flat on the ground and dont really catch the snow and water very well. Volvo is the king of seat design, and it is too bad that Ford didnt steal more of this technology to give to Mazda. Gas mileage is reasonable for a truck this size. Tons of room.

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  Big Zoom Zoom - 2010 Mazda CX-9
  By Drchuck - July 8 - 10:00 am

  This vehicle will fool ya. Its competent on the road, and I can get about 25.7 on cruise at 70-72 mph. I was surprised by that. I stand about 66" and have plenty of room, both head and leg. The tri-zone AC is one of the great features, and it works well. One area that impressed me was the TPM system. I picked up a nail through the sidewall, of course, and the system told me I had a problem very quickly. I am the principal driver (hers is a Prius) and our fleet average on the highway is about 37.5. She wanted me to get the Lexus, but its too tight for a tall driver, and I saved a lot of cash. I look forward to driving this CX at every opportunity.

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  A no brainer! - 2010 Mazda CX-7
  By footy - July 8 - 10:00 am

  Had driven a Mazda 3 hatch for 2 years. Loved the ride, needed more room. Cx-7 was the perfect fit. Best looking in its class, fun to drive, beautiful interior, peppy engine, decent gas mileage etc. Etc. Perfect car for a Young family. You get it all. The most important things to me were looks, fun ride, gas mileage and storage room and this car has it all! You wont be disappointed!

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  Very Good for Family - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By Mark - July 8 - 8:10 am

  We have had very good success with our Tribute. The 6 cylinder engine has sufficient power and acceleration. We previously owned a RAV4 and this vehicle is roomier, handles better and has more power, without sacrificing too much fuel economy.

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  Want to buy another one - 2003 Mazda Mazda6
  By Brian Lenharth - July 7 - 8:06 pm

  I bought my Mazda with 32000 miles on it and drove it everywhere. Havent had any issues, set of tires, brakes, and oil changes, very worry free car. I will probably buy another 6 or maybe a 3, but either way, Im sold on Mazdas brand all around.