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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  I love my Mazda6 - 2005 Mazda Mazda6
  By Manny - July 23 - 2:00 am

  I really enjoy driving this car. Its comfortable, roomy, smooth driving, and I love the gas mileage. I was going to buy an Altima or an Accord till I test drove my Mazda6; I really liked it so I bought it. I recommended it to a friend and she bought one too.

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  Loving my CX-9 - 2007 Mazda CX-9
  By Kathy - July 22 - 11:20 pm

  We looked at every 7 seater available, and decided on the CX-9. It was a great choice. It drives like a car but has the capacity for 7. Compared to all the others you couldnt beat the price. Ive had numerous comments on it in the 3 weeks Ive owned it. I expect to see a lot more out on the road soon.

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  What a great little car! - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By golfprof76 - July 22 - 10:30 pm

  Bought this car just before a Georgia ice storm in Feb of 05, and I have to say that it is a great car on ice! I havent had a single problem with the engine, electronics or any other mechanical aspects of the car. I have only done routine stuff on it, plus whipped on a new set of Cooper tires (opt for anything but Toyo Tires, they are horrible). Tiptronic shifting is fun especially when trying to pass, just pop it into 3rd and youre off. Should have gotten a manual. Trunk space is however a let down, my stand bag fits at an angle and I cant even get my staff bag in at all.

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  gas mileage - 2013 Mazda CX-5
  By robert_suv - July 22 - 11:01 am

  I own a CX5 AWD with a hitch. I have reviewed this car when it was new and I am now reviewing it after one years worth of driving. The most impressive feature for me is the outstanding gas mileage in this car. I recently hyper- tested my mileage for about 100 miles over flat and/or gently rolling country roads with a fair amount of traffic and squeezed about 40 MPG from the car. I average 35mpg normally. The info gauge seemed slightly generous with a reading of about 45mpg. I set the info gauge to averaging mode which is a little confusing as to how it calculates its figure but Im not complaining too much. The handling is outstanding although over bumpy road conditions it is a bit harsh.

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  MPV - 2002 Mazda MPV
  By Toomach - July 22 - 10:00 am

  The MPV is a fun car with reasonable performance, acceptable gas mileage, plenty of stowage space, handles better than many cars and has good safety. Most of the benefits of an SUV without most of the drawbacks. We bought it to travel in. The car comfort with plenty of room makes it ideal for us.

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  2004 tribute to tribute - 2004 Mazda Tribute
  By geebee - July 22 - 10:00 am

  Car is enjoyable to drive, very dependable, with average gas mileage. The V-6 has enough getup and go when needed9 (freeway onramps) and very good braking capabilities. clean ride, and easy to maintain. Parkings not a problem.

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  Lovein it. Zoom-Zoom - 2004 Mazda MPV
  By marieann - July 22 - 10:00 am

  I love my MPV. I will buy another one.

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  fun car - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By romero - July 22 - 10:00 am

  I have has this car for a year now and i am still in love with it. If i were to get in an accident and the car was totaled i would get another rx8. I love the way the car handles. Ifeel safe driving it. You cant spin due to anti slip brakes. I love driving, the 6 speed is a must. You cant be a lazy driver which makes it feel like you have more control of the cars power.

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  This is the Best Econo (Not) - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By Akrais - July 22 - 10:00 am

  This is not an economy car. The 2.3 liter is a joy to drive: Ive zoom zoomed ~350 miles in the three days Ive owned it. The car comes alive in third and the 40-85 mph acceleration is incredible. 52-48 weight distribution and built in roll bars eliminate body-roll and instill confidence behind the wheel. No Honda, Toyota, or Nissan sedan can come close to the 3s performance.

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  best car in its class - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By gmu luke - July 22 - 10:00 am

  people know they spent way too much on their car when they see the mazda 3. for the money, nothing can compare. looked at cars the entire summer and after test driving the mazda3, i couldnt imagine driving anything else. its a thrill to drive. got my 3 with the power package