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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  Best Bang for the Buck. - 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By btshephe - September 30 - 8:16 am

  In my opinion, when you compare this car to other similar "2 seaters", you will find that the MX-5 is the overall better value for the long haul. Given the fact that this cars reliability and "fun to drive" factor is what really matters its hard to beat the basic sport, with the power top. In this tight economy, you dont have to sacrifice basic zoom-zoom bliss.

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  Unique and Stylish - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By Battleaxe - September 30 - 6:06 am

  This is the first Mazda Ive owned. Its been a great car for the past 2 years. I love the performance and styling. I get comments all the time asking what kind of car it is. Ive only seen a few others on the road. Mileage isnt great, but at 220HP, I dont expect a lot, especially the way I drive. I really like the internal components in that the vents close completely, the controls are easy, auto temp AC, seat heaters. Theres tons of room when the seats are down. Just a great car.

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  So Far, So Good - 2010 Mazda CX-9
  By gk - September 28 - 6:13 pm

  This car runs well, looks great, and is fun to drive. I like the blue tooth feature as well as the ability to use my Ipod. The Bose system is also very powerful. I put the third seat down to create LOTS of room for cargo. This vehicle turns tight in narrow lanes as well. It looks good, and is fun to drive plus you are sitting up so you feel safer.

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  Love my Tribute - 2001 Mazda Tribute
  By bevhath - September 27 - 10:16 pm

  Ive had this 2001 for little over 2 yrs now, over 105K miles. ONLY problem Ive had is running rough when you first start it and occassionally rough "surges" at stop lights/signs. Any idea what that can be? Fun to drive, radio not very good, was hoping for a little better gas milage - gets around 18 around town & 24-25 long haul driving (interstates, etc). Looking for another in addition to this one now!

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  The Best SUV/Crossover in the market! - 2010 Mazda CX-9
  By RAFAEL MASSA - September 27 - 11:50 am

  I have owned minivan, small utility vehicles, sedans and sports cars. I have to admit it, the Mazda CX-9 is the most fun, beautiful, enjoyable, pleasant vehicle I have ever driven in a long time. Our MB ML320 was not as comfortable of a ride, it was almost perfect but I didnt like the AWD all the time feature. Prefer the FWD.

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  cool van - 2002 Mazda MPV
  By AZ driver - September 27 - 10:00 am

  Needed more room and versatility. Tried the Sienna but was unimpressed for the price. MPV met our needs and with cash back incentive, we got a lot for our money. Dealership was very easy to deal with during purchase. Have only had for 2 weeks, so cant really comment on reliability. Could use more storage bins (lose one in back due to additl speakers in ES). Could also use a place to put jumper cables etc...without having to remove when reconfiguring back seat (Honda has a little recessed area to put these items w/net).

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  2002 Mazda Pro5 - 2002 Mazda Protege5
  By flgardner - September 27 - 10:00 am

  This car is awesome! This is my second Protege (first one a 93). Fun to drive. Definitely top quality build. I have the silver car with silver wheels, and it gets lots of looks and comments...

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  Great Mini-Van - 2003 Mazda MPV
  By Animator - September 27 - 10:00 am

  Love the interior layout and body styling. I know its a minivan but, it does have a sporty look. It drives great. Appears to have plenty of power. Ive had it loaded with passengers and it drove as if there was only the driver. I got a great deal. You would think you would see more MPVs on the road. Fun to drive and easy to park.

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  Fun to Drive - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By Doug Stimpy - September 27 - 10:00 am

  I waited almost 6 months to get this. I have one of the first ones. Zoom Zoom is accurate and fun to drive. Had transmission problem. Dealer was very quick and curtious, I am impressed.

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  Great Car - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By James C - September 26 - 6:30 pm

  My wife and I bought our 04 used, it had 90,000km on it, Weve had it for about 3 weeks now and its been a dream driving it. We shopped for over 1 year and found this to be the perfect car. We have a 9 month old daughter and needed a car that was big enough for everything we had to lug around, as well as be fun to drive. The 6 hit the mark. With the car seat in the center of the back seat (due to side airbags deployed from front seats) there is still enough room to put the front seats all the way back. The 3L V6 is a little big for what we wanted, but with the 5 speed manual, its a lot of fun to drive and so far the fuel mileage seems to be good, even in cold winter driving (Canada).