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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  Zoom-Zoom-Zoom - 2001 Mazda 626
  By pcannon - June 25 - 10:00 am

  Second Mazda 626 LX V6. Gets 21 mpg on average. Elegant style and acceptable craftsmanship so far. Added simulated wood grain trim really makes car look classy. Very nimble for sedan hard to believe! Fun to drive, great for midlifers and above! A very happy Mazda Owner. Only complain so far is paint around fog lamp plastic bezzel peeled off when I power washed car to get bugs off in coin operated power bay at 3500 miles. Dealer agreed to fix after consulting with regional service manager.

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  Too bad for wind noise! - 2000 Mazda 626
  By pcannon - June 25 - 10:00 am

  Rented 626 and thrilled to drive so bought one. Very elegent driftwood color and alloy wheels makes car look classy. So fun to drive hard to believe its a sedan. Drives great and perfect for mid lifers. Get the V6 for todays driving. However, the actual vehicle I took delivery of had an annoying and unrepairable wind noise from rear upper cornet of drivers side window. Dealer did not spend a great deal of time and dismissed or minimized condition so I had to unload it and get another unit. Must have been a Monday or Friday car. Averaged 21 mpg. Caution, remote keyless entry will not unlock door if keys in ignition with vehicle running! Snowbirds beware!

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  Great Crossover - 2007 Mazda CX-9
  By TLL - June 24 - 9:26 am

  Have been looking to replace our minivan with another 7 seater for over a year. My wife and I drove or looked at about 10 minivans and crossovers. Were going to wait for Buick Enclave to come out before buying anything, But after test driving 3 CX-9s we drove home a CX-9 Touring with Rear Entertainment the same day. The interior is first class. The ride and handling are excellent. For overall value the CX-9 is a very good vehicle, plus its fun to drive. You can feel the strips on concrete roads and visibility out rear sides is limited, but you would have to put in more glass and kill the looks and handling would take a hit with taller tires.

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  awesome - 2005 Mazda RX-8
  By na - June 21 - 1:36 pm

  This car is amazing. Fun to drive as long as you got the gas money.

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  Flawless - 2002 Mazda Protege
  By Viener Vanker - June 21 - 2:56 am

  Purchased new. No problems whatsoever. At 72,000 miles, still on original brakes. They never wear out.

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  Great car - but be aware... - 2011 Mazda CX-9
  By gwg_columbus - June 20 - 3:43 pm

  Like most reviewers, I looked at a lot of cars in this class. Right now, the CX-9 is the best deal, hands down. For around $32K, you get a lot more features for the dollar than almost any competitor, foreign or domestic. The CX-9 has been around several years, so the reliability should be terrific. It may not have every bell and whistle, but its got the ones that really matter.

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  Im in heaven - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By Cheri Belcher - June 20 - 2:06 am

  This was my first time to make a large purchase on my own. After I saw my Tribute it was all done but the signing. I have a bad knee and wear a brace so it was very hard getting in and out of a small car, especially a stick shift. That clutch was killing my knee. Now I feel like a Queen and I can just slide right in and out of my new baby! And no clutch... Whoopee. The heated leather seats are better than "sliced bread" . I have to watch my speedometer because she runs so smooth my speed will sneak up on me. Of course my 7 grand kids all have different rules now. No feet in the seats, no food and no drinks, Ive become Grandma the Grouch..LOL. Anyway, I love my new baby.

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  Love It! - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By blm - June 20 - 2:00 am

  I had an 89 Mazda MX6, bought new, that went through two babies...children, car seats, strollers, trips etc. Needed something bigger and loved the look of the small SUV...Escape as well as Tribute. The Ford dealer wouldnt move on the Escape price they tried to sell me an Explorer, ended up at Mazda and they worked with me. My heart was ultimately set on a Mazda having such great experience in the past and this was the perfect transition from a small car to an SUV. It surprisingly has lots of space and is really fun and easy to drive. Its very comfortable and its easy to see when driving (Im a small person). I love the stylish look as well.

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  Zoom-Zoom in Yellow - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By Bartow - June 20 - 2:00 am

  The perfect middle-age crisis car in "Lightning Yellow." The high RPMs of the rotary engine make this car sooooo much fun to drive. It corners like it is on rails and though not so fast on the straights it proves itself in the twisties!

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  I love my Mazda! - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By rogrocco - June 20 - 2:00 am

  I traded in a 1989 323 with 125K miles for the new Mazda 3. The 323 still ran great but my wife was feeling insecure in such an old car. The Mazda 3 (Velocity Red Mica) is styled beautifully in and out. There is plenty of power with good acceleration. The ride is firm with excellent handling and braking. The AT can be shifted like a manual transmission. Its loaded with upgraded luxury and safety features. It looks and feels like a much more expensive European car. I hope it is as realible and long lived as my 89 323. So far, Im very pleased with this car!