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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  Amazing, Gorgeous Car! - 2007 Mazda CX-7
  By mstennille - February 21 - 10:20 am

  I waited about 7-8 months to finally be able to own my CX-7 because of various reasons...first because I had to wait for it to be built! Then following a recent career transition, I went and got my GORGEOUS Crystal White Pearl Mica Mazda CX-7. Mine is the Grand Touring AWD model with the Technology Package. Other than occasional verbal matches with the voice recognition on the navigation system, I have ZERO complaints. I love this car (turbo rules!) just as much or probably even more than I thought I would. I cant help but stare at it and think up any excuse I can (late night snack runs!) just to drive it. In fact, its about Midnight on Saturday. I could go for a Diet Coke. ZOOMZOOM.

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  Over-rated, Highlander better choice - 2008 Mazda CX-9
  By BDW - February 21 - 7:53 am

  The transmission noise/uncertainty and lurching is a continuing source of annoyance. The visibility is just fair at best. The fuel economy isnt close to EPA estimates and its hard to get in and out w/o banging my head on the too low entry/roof. My favorite passenger isnt happy about ride comfort either. A very over-rated vehicle.

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  Ownership update! - 2006 Mazda Mazda5
  By Dave - February 21 - 5:00 am

  Weve owned our 5 for about a year and a half now and I thought I would give a word on a 5 thats been used since were over the new car excitement. We have 3 kids in car sears and it is used in mainly city traffic or long road trips. This car still drives and handles amazingly. It is a U-turn king and parallel parking is a walk in the park. We have taken multiple road trips from LA to NY in it and it has proved worth the money (that were still paying) time and time again. We had even packed it up with 7 people and their luggage for a 1500 mile trip and it still drives strong.The cartridge oil filter is VERY easy to change since it is right on the bottom of the engine. Mazda is amazing!

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  I pretty much hate this car... - 2012 Mazda Mazda3
  By watyf - February 20 - 12:26 pm

  I had to drive my 98 Civic today because the wife needed the Mazda, and I was literally relieved to not be driving this car. Mainly because its incredibly uncomfortable. The seats are rock-hard, the whole cabin is cramped, there is NO rear legroom if the front passengers are normal-sized, the steering wheel never stays straight (apparently "sporty handling" means "have to make constant adjustments to the steering wheel even when driving straight"), the headrests are awkward and stiff, and you feel EVERY bump in the road. The little things about this car, like cupholders that a cup gets lost in and a trunk that DOESNT pop open (unlike every other car Ive ever owned), just add to it.

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  damn good car - 1999 Mazda Protege
  By hi ther - February 20 - 2:00 am

  best car i have ever owned

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  a WONDERFUL car to own - 1999 Mazda Protege
  By jonette rorigas - February 20 - 2:00 am

  most wonderful car i have ever own i would buy nothing but this ever again

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  Worst Performance ever for truck - 2001 Mazda B-Series
  By William Bartusek - February 20 - 2:00 am

  Often cannot go more than 35-45 mph city, 55 mph highway driving. Against 15-20 mph wind on interstate, max speed is 65-72 mph. Dynomometer test shows 27% power/torque (109.7 hp, 135 ft-lb torque--35% greater drive train inefficiency than competive trucks. Fuel consumption is 12-17 mpg, averaging 14-15 in winter and 15-16 in summer. Mazda notified me that fuel consumption sticker values were determined by mathematical algoritms and had no empirical evidence to support the fuel consumption claims. Mazda claims that the vehicle "performs according to specifications", which is the only answer that I ever get from them.

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  Great vehicle - 2001 Mazda Tribute
  By Rob Ellis - February 20 - 2:00 am

  Ive had my 2001 Tribute for over three years now and I am very happy with it. The engine performance is very adequate and I have had very few problems. The few problems I have had were covered under warranty. The service plan under the waranty has been great because it includes rental car coverage.

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  SO far so good - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By NDAL25 - February 20 - 2:00 am

  So far I love the car. I traded in a 2000 Jetta and it was the best decesion I have made. 10,000 miles today and no problems besides a few recalls. Could not say that about the VW. Great buy

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  A fun car for people who like to drive - 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Drino - February 19 - 9:10 pm

  This car was designed for people who love to drive. It has a firm suspension and perfect balance. No body roll, and very direct steering. This thing corners like its on rails and stops fast. More trunk space than other convertibles. Trunk space isnt taken up when the top is down - it goes into a separate pocket. Can put the soft top up or down with one hand from the drivers seat. No luxuries in the cabin - its a sports car. If it hasnt got it, you dont need it. Excellent build quality.