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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  My First Miata - 2010 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By rdb - June 13 - 11:03 am

  We have wanted a Miata ever since first pulling up behind one in Louisville 20 years ago. Really glad we waited until the 2010 since the power hardtop is great to have and much less outside noise. The Miata is beautiful in every regard and corners and drives like a dream. Naturally, being a small sports car and low to the ground, it doesnt have the ride of our LS-430 or Avalon Ltd. but it is also good to have the feel of the road. Actually, I think it rides better than a Corvette. My nephew liked it so much I arranged for them to buy the Liquid Silver from my dealer even though they live in another state. Great car and the only one that has survived in this Class.

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  A Great Car - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By Driver Lover - June 12 - 3:33 pm

  I have only had my car for a week, but Ive never enjoyed driving more! I was looking at a Mini initially, but it was just a little out of my price range. I then found this online, and chose it because of its looks. Im telling you, Mazda doesnt play when they say Zoom- Zoom! Just to give you a taste of how awesome the gas mileage is: it was filled up and driven 250 miles with the air conditioning on the entire time, and it still had half a tank left in it! Dont take the price for this "beginner" model for granted; you get a lot of bang for your buck. With gas prices as high as they are, Id recommend this to anyone who wants a car that has plenty of horsepower and is on a tight budget....

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  Excellent - didnt need the minivan - 2007 Mazda CX-9
  By amcdad - June 12 - 10:23 am

  With 2 kids and occasional visiting parents we were looking at Odyssey or Sienna. But the cargo room, third row (parents fit comfortably), accessibility to third row (brilliant design) and excellent handling and power (for its size) of the CX-9 convinced us we could avoid the minivan. Two months later, we love it - it beats the the Pilot, the Highlander and the Acadia/Outlook. We got leather, DVD, NAV, 300 watt Bose, Sirius, and 20 inch wheels!

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  Awesome SUV - 2008 Mazda CX-9
  By SC Bill - June 12 - 2:13 am

  We looked at Pilot, Highlander, Volvo C-90, Lexus and others. CX-9 Grand Touring, in my opinion, blew them away. Only have 200 miles on it, so there is still much to learn. It was immediately comfortable and familiar to drive. Very car-like, "zoom-zoom philosophy" is very evident. It is easy and fun to drive, and size is not apparent until it is time to park it, or wash it! Dashboard at night, for gadget-freaks, is like piloting the space shuttle. Nav is to a large degree voice activated, some dealers didnt seem to understand that. I currently own a 6 sp Acura CL- S and find every excuse I can to borrow my wifes CX-9. Do yourself a favor - test drive it!!

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  Great vehicle for large families too! - 2008 Mazda Mazda5
  By jill reed - June 11 - 6:56 am

  We are a family of six and went from an Expedition to the Mazda5. Great car, we all fit very comfortably, no complaints there. The gas mileage rocks, very hard to find a sporty vehicle that fits the whole family and gets great gas mileage! Love it.

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  Fun Car - 2005 Mazda RX-8
  By mark - June 10 - 9:40 am

  I traded in a Maxima SE for this car because I wanted something fun to drive. The RX8 delivers in the fun department. Enough cant be said about the 50/50 weight distribution and the rotary power curve. It is not the most practical car, however, having low gas mileage and limited cargo space. As with any car in this category, consider that you may need a second car/truck to accompany this very fun vehicle.

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  I love this car! - 2003 Mazda Mazda6
  By Christine Sullivan - June 10 - 6:10 am

  Ive had my Mazda6 for 3 years and, after all this time, I still feel like I GET to drive it! Its a blast to drive, is extremely stable in turns, has been completely reliable and its gorgeous! This car handles like a dream.

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  No Go in the Snow - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By RN17 - June 9 - 8:30 pm

  I had this car for three years before trading it in for a WRX. There were a couple of reasons for this. First, the WRX is much faster. Now the speed 3 is probably just as fast, but its only offered in a hatchback, which I just dont like. Second, driving in the snow just plain stinks! From a dead stop I could barely get half way through the intersection before the light would turn red again! Tires make a little bit of difference, but not enough to install confidence while driving in the snow.

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  A Fun Ride - 2008 Mazda Mazda5
  By Joe Fagan - June 9 - 5:23 am

  Shopped around extensively, came back to the 5. Have a family of 5, 2 tweens, 1 teen fit just perfect. Good for new families and existing. Parked the Suburban for now. Have had the 5 for two months and cannot keep the wife out of it. For you guys that dont want to be seen in a mini van, this is the way to go. Great value for the price.

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  HANDS DOWN - BEST IN CLASS!!! - 2010 Mazda CX-9
  By Mazzy - June 9 - 3:56 am

  Had to do my research and Im glad I did! The CX-9 is by far the best value for your $. Bought the GT w/Bose/Moonroof & Power Liftgate pkg. At first i thought i didnt need a power liftgate. Boy was i wrong. Its a must especially with a baby. I also own a Lexus ES300 and i didnt think i would find a more comfortable ride..until now. The CX-9 is all i had hoped for & more. Personally, the CX-9 destroyed the Highlander(3rd row impostor),Pilot, Murano. Skeptics out there looking for a roomy, styling, SUV check out the Mazda CX-9. Youll see and feel the difference. Lastly-Mazda is not owned by Ford. Fords stake in Mazda is 13% & every CX-9 comes from Japan.