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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  Mazda6 5 doors beats Accord and Camry - 2006 Mazda Mazda6
  By martin - August 22 - 9:30 am

  The new 2006 Mazda 6 is lot better than 2005; the seats are better, lateral support is superior, interior is quieter, suspension has been tuned and bushings have been replaced, the front disk are bigger, less fade, electronic height adjustable xenon light is a plus, the front nose, the skirt and the rear lights look more serious. Sure it would use 30hp more, but 0-60 in 8.2 seconds is quite good for a car that does 40mpg. The subwoofer from the Bose system could be better. Overall, for $30g, what car offers you volume, super big trunk with the biggest opening and an interior comparable to BMW, Lexus. I had 18 cars in my life, for the money, this is the best. The road handling is marvelous.

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  04 Tribute LX 4wd - 2004 Mazda Tribute
  By libsdad - August 22 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car only after I was looking at a Mazda 3. Much more usable bang for the buck, never has a suv before, but this one seems great for what I am using it for. Had a snowstorm 2 days after I took delivery and it never even spun the wheels. I went where I needed to go with no problems.

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  AWESOME CAR - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By brian brewer - August 22 - 2:00 am

  THIS IS AN AWESOME CAR THAT WILL TATCH THE LADIES EYES ITS A GREAT CAR AND IT FUN TO DRIVE.

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  Luv it - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By Chet Lowney - August 22 - 2:00 am

  I love just about everything about my RX-8. Especially the suspension. I traded in my 2003 Acura RSX-S because of its harsh ride over poor pavement. This is so much better and more comfortable on top of its sports car performance. Its not as fast but the manual option of my automatic is neat. P.S.: Im a 73 yr old former RX-7 owner.

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  Awesome 8 - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By dgall - August 22 - 2:00 am

  This vehicle is the best! I had another so-called sports car before this one, and there is no comparison. This car is everything I was hoping for and more. Great looking and a great driving experience. What more could you ask for?

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  Roof Rack Blues - 2002 Mazda Protege5
  By Roof Rack Blues - August 21 - 10:00 am

  Overall, a great little car. Sporty and utility at the same time. Negative points for non-standard roof rack. Only rated for 75Kg, not enough to haul around a tandem or recumbent bike. Original car sounded like a drum inside on the freeway before the north-west coast underside treatment as it suppresses the "hollow drum" experience at high speeds. Needs a 6 gear. Stereo is all right for stock. Roof rack not supported by Thule/Yakima mounts (yet), so pretty much eye candy for me. Did I mention I am disappointed with the rack? No adapters available from dealership for Thule components. No specific documentation.

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  Luxury for a non-luxury price - 2016 Mazda CX-9
  By VC021993 - August 20 - 4:46 am

  I have been shopping for a third row SUV for a few months now and have been looking at the Q7, MDX, Q60 and the Pilot. The CX-9 by far has the best look of them all and the technology you get out of it for the money is amazing. Ride is very comfortable, quiet, and sporty. Literally stands behind what is said as being a drivers SUV. It gives you the feeling of wanting to take it out for a spin for fun. Now the power of 250hp is a bit less than the competition but not by much. The torque is at 310lb-ft which engages at 1700 RPM so instant power for your everyday driving. The CX-9 is definitely built for your regular everyday driver which is why this is a BIG score for Mazda. On top of it all none others get the gas mileage this one gets either. 21city/27hwy. Give it a shot, compare it yourself and you will be impressed.

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  Mazda CX9 FWD Grand Touring - 2008 Mazda CX-9
  By SCaldriver - August 20 - 12:36 am

  We purchased a 2008 CX9 Grand Touring FWD 13 months ago and now have 20,000 miles on it. This vehicle has met all of our expectations. We previously owned an Expedition and a Sequoia and like the CX9 much better. The interior in the CX9 is great. The second row seats slide forward for easy access to the third row with a split seat with enough room for an adult. The CX9 is fun to drive with plenty of zoom zoom. We live in an area with hills and the CX9 moves up them. It drives more like a sports car than an SUV. Exterior looks great especially with 20 inch wheels. Whenever someone rides in it they are impressed & comment on how nice the interior is & how well it drives.

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  All fun and no issues - 2010 Mazda MazdaSpeed3
  By Driving can be fun - August 19 - 8:26 pm

  A fun car, with performance and an appealing appearance, has always been important to me. Sometimes there have been limitations that you live with: expensive maintenance (German) ,little storage (Corvette, Miata, 911), low technology (GTO). No more! A dream to drive with some small challenge with torque steer in first and second. A small price to pay for the Zoom-Zoom. Carries my golf clubs without lowering the rear seats and a 47" LCD HDTV, still in the box, with the seats down. Rear passengers have real seats and leg room.

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  Great Car - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By Grant - August 18 - 10:03 pm

  I purchased my Mazda 3 Grand Touring in June and have already put 12k miles on it. It has been extremely reliable and a pleasure to drive. It is surprisingly quick for a little 4cylinder. I have the 5 speed manual and couldnt imagine it with an auto, even with the manual mode on the auto. Brakes are amazing as has been said. Interior quality also top notch.The Rockford Fosgate stereo that came in my girlfriends Sentra is considerably better then the Bose stereo in my car. Gas mileage is better then most have said on here and I drive it pretty hard. I get about 26-28 in the city and about 29-31 highway. Drove the competition and nothing really came close in comparison in this price range.