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:

• 

  A great little minivan - 2004 Mazda MPV
  By SydKenMom - February 8 - 10:00 am

  This minivan is a great vehicle for small families--we have 2 kids and it fits us and all of our stuff very nicely! Its not too big & drives like a car!! Its priced well for our tight budget!

• 

  silver 2.3 sedan zoom zoom seattle - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By seattlezoomzoomsilve - February 8 - 10:00 am

  Can we saaaay! "zoom zoom yaa this car is fun to drive with the manual tranmssion,the breaking system and car safety is pretty good! how can you go wrong with this car if other countrys has name it car of the year

• 

  Head Turner - 2005 Mazda RX-8
  By rklan - February 7 - 5:03 pm

  I have never had a vehicle which gets so much attention. It dares to be different. It strikes up conversations with people who normally care less about cars. The engine runs incredibly smooth, I would rather listen to it than the radio! Incredibly quick and nimble, a great year round driver (even in Wisconsin winters). Plenty of room for back seat passengers, the trunk carries much more than you would expect.

• 

  Pure Joy - 2003 Mazda Mazda6
  By Mike - February 6 - 2:36 am

  Ive had my 6 for almost 3 years now and I love it. It has great power and very smooth, tight steering. A very smooth ride with good suspension and a great transition between gears, even while flooring it. Ive added on a few aftermarket features (performance exhaust and tires, along with street glow and window tint) and Im going to add more in the future (performance intake) but even without the add ons, the 6 had plenty of power and is a great ride.

• 

  Mazda 626 - 2002 Mazda 626
  By Richard Rose - February 6 - 2:00 am

  Ive owned MAXDA 626s since the 1970s and I have always felt they offered great value. One had 230,000 miles on it!

• 

  Worth the Wait - 2007 Mazda CX-7
  By Billly - February 6 - 12:36 am

  I had researched Crossovers for quite some time before discovering the CX-7. Even before it was out I could tell it was the vehicle I was looking for. It has been a love affair since the day I picked it up. Superior handling, great design, sharp interior. Mazda really did their homework on this vehicle!

• 

  Toy Car that can be used for everyday - 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Dwaine - February 5 - 1:26 am

  Test drove all the toy cars and chose this one because of PRHT and trunk space. Quickly discovered that I like to drive it everyday (not original plan) and I can take it almost anywhere due to wealth of usable trunk space compared to other roadsters. This car is not all engine and not rough riding like some others but rather has a great balance of senses. I actually can use my center holders by reaching around right of the cups and it doesnt bother me. Took a 500 mile (roundtrip in one day) road trip and survived the compactness well - I am 74 inches tall. Get 28-30 mpg on 89 octane in combined hwy/city with top up/down as desired and 50 lbs of tools in trunk.

• 

  Best of all worlds - 2005 Mazda RX-8
  By Michigan Mom - February 4 - 5:00 pm

  This car is a pleasure to drive: very responsive and agile, but also comfortable. Fit and finish are excellent, especially for a $30,000 car. The backseat easily accomodates medium-size adults or a car seat or booster seat. My kids (2 1/2 and 5) love riding in it. I also drove the Volvo V40 and was disappointed by the quality of the interior finish as well as the power. I also considered the Audi A4 and the BMW 3-series, but they get really expensive when you load them up with options. With the RX-8 you can get all the options and a thrilling ride at a reasonable price, and also stand out in the crowd.

• 

  i would not buy one again - 2005 Mazda RX-8
  By rx8joe - February 4 - 6:53 am

  when i got my rx8 home, i was looking for the spare tire. lo and behold there is no spare tire.. it is an option. which cost me 477 more. the saleslady forgot to mention that the rx8 uses oil. actually she forgot to mention many things about the rx8. and most importantly she left out the part about these cars are prone to flooding. if you do not let your engine warm up. will i buy one of these again? no... in fact as soon as i can i am getting rid of it.. nothing but problems since ive gotten it..

• 

  Best 7 Passenger SUV out there - 2010 Mazda CX-9
  By JT - February 3 - 12:30 pm

  Had it two weeks. Thrill to drive. You name it, we considered it. Bottom line was MDX, Traverse, and CX-9. MDX offered really no extra value for the money and the 2nd row didnt allow rear entry on both sides! MDX 3rd row terrible. Easy on the CX-9. The Traverse was just too long for our garage. Its half a foot longer than a minivan. For our family, this was the best value and ride. We got every feature and were treated well. No regrets. We were surprised how much we liked CX-9. Always presumed wed buy an MDX (actually disappointed it wasnt as good as wed expected).