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:

• 

  Great SUV - 2010 Mazda CX-7
  By skorste - April 12 - 9:09 pm

  Ive been driving the CX7 for 2 months. Its been driven through a foot of snow-no problem. Iced over roads- no problem. Heavy rain- no problem. The AWD has performed awesome. The leather interior is very comfortable, sound system is good, and the heated seats are nice. Been getting 19-20 mpg with 50/50 city/highway driving. The turbo is a blast. When I need it to move quickly, it does. Handling is as advertised. So far, its been great.

• 

  Dangerous to test drive. - 2005 Mazda RX-8
  By zenmouse - April 12 - 7:03 pm

  I bought my 2005 RX-8 about a week ago, switching from my Audi A4. I never intended to buy the car, but my girlfriend was buying a Mazda 3, and I figured Id give the 8 a spin while I was at the dealership. Hands-down, its the most fun car Ive ever driven. Its light and agile, rockets you faster to 60 than an s2000, and has incredibly good looks. The rotary engine has a beautiful powerband (and sound), and the 9,000 rpm redline is unbelievable! The four-door functionality is definitely a deal-clincher, as it makes this beast actually practical. My only gripe is the mpg which seems like it should be higher for the size of the engine. But if mpg is what I wanted, Id have bought a Civic.

• 

  Excellent Vehicle! A Must Buy! - 2007 Mazda Mazda5
  By Al - April 12 - 8:36 am

  I am in sales and drive about 35K/year,so I can quickly know if a vehicle is going to last and this has been the BEST VEHICLE I have ever owned. After 76K miles this car has been extremely reliable with no repairs other than scheduled maintenance. Also no rattles or odd noises, its a very well built solid car. The domestic car companies should take note! Im averaging about 29-30 MPG mixed driving using a K&N airfilter and synthetic oil (Amsoil). Even though it doesnt have all the bells and whistles and the interior is rather spartan/cheap feeling, it is very functional. I am very confident that I will see 150K ++ from this vehicle.

• 

  2007 Touring - 2007 Mazda CX-7
  By RSSTLS - April 10 - 7:00 pm

  Drives very well with a definite sporty feel. Like the turbo surge. Very comfortable. Gas mileage has been between 19 and 23 in the city which isnt bad.

• 

  great car - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By ys - April 10 - 10:00 am

  fun to drive great car

• 

  A Tribute to Mazda s Success - 2005 Mazda Tribute
  By Meri24 - April 10 - 10:00 am

  This is the first SUV I have purchased and I absolutly love it. I have have been looking for a mid-size SUV for the past 2 years, but nothing really caught my eye... until Mazda released the updated 2005 Tribute. WOW, I love the redesigned interior and overall look. Punchy 3.0, not bad gas mileage for a 6cyl SUV (approx. 22mpg hwy), smooth ride like a car not a truck.

• 

  After testing othwer cars... - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By John Mlyniec - April 10 - 10:00 am

  Being 51, I am not ready to give up fun for a Buick just yet. I tested many vehicles in the last 3 months and gave each one a very thorough review. Honda, Toyota, Scion, and Nissan were included in the mix. The Mazda3 won hands down in a class that used to be dominated by Honda and Toyota. I have owned 2 Hondas and a Nissan before, but they never gave me the rush that this gem does. Its just plain fun to drive and handles like a dream. Zoom Zoom...

• 

  Indiana resident review - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By JayH - April 10 - 10:00 am

  After 3 months of research, this was my choice over a the Civic, Matrix, Focus ZX5, Corolla, and Protege 5 (although the protege was a close one, due to the lower price) Havent regretted it at all, not for anything. Just wish Id had the cash to spring for the Navigation option, as geeky as that seemed at first, after using an aftermarket one for a few months, im completely hooked, even though im just a normal joe- shmoe with a 30k salary. if you can swing it, get the gps navigation

• 

  Perfectly Perfect! - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By love my 3! - April 10 - 10:00 am

  After driving a gas guzzing, bulky SUV for the last two years I was unsure how I would respond to going back to driving a compact sedan again. I couldnt be happier with my choice! I researched several different cars in this category & was preparing to join the carbon copy car owenership world of Hondas & Toyotas. Price was an issue & I thought those were my only options. Thankfully the Mazda 3 passed me on the street during my search. I was thrilled to find out that it fit perfectly into my price range. The design is sleek & original. It turns heads wherever I go. It definitely stands out among the others. Test drive it, you will fall in love!

• 

  Update from "former camry owner" - 2009 Mazda Mazda6
  By Karen - April 10 - 8:13 am

  I still love my Mazda6, but I have to downgrade the build quality(interior only) just a bit as Ive found now, a total of three "fit and finish" issues, all three being on the drivers side(maybe the result of a disgruntled, or "could care less" assembler on that side),e.g., small cover over speaker attached on one corner only, control switch panel "cover" on drivers door bowed slightly in middle, preventing a flush fit, and a 1/2 inch gap between plastic fits near console...None of these things are terribly important, but irritating. There isnt a single issue or problem on the passenger side. The car is still great fun to drive, and everything else about my previous review holds.