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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  Mazda5 Notes - 2008 Mazda Mazda5
  By KHS - November 1 - 1:00 am

  Traded my Volvo 940 Wagon for the Mazda5 GT. Use primarily for business. I need cargo room, and hate SUVs. First, the gas mileage is awesome... 39 mpg on my recent road trip. Easy vehicle to work from. Sliding doors help. No mechanical issues, noises, squeaks or rattles. Really solid car. However, I miss the comfort of my Volvo. The seat bottoms are too short, and too narrow. The climate controls are way too complicated. The gas & brake pedals are too close together. As others have noted, the interior plastics are poor quality, and scuff easily. Storage is sparse. Map pockets in the doors are preferred to the bottle holders. There is a storage pocket behind the drivers seat only.

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  Mazda is #1 - 2008 Mazda Mazda3
  By CHERIE - October 31 - 10:33 pm

  I love this car! I traded in my 1999 Ford Escort which made feel like I was trading for an ultimate luxury car. I researched this car for weeks; it’s the best deal you can get for your money. The black interior takes a little extra effort to keep clean. The swifter duster is the best thing to clean the dash with. The carpet and cloth are a little on the cheap side but all the other features make up for it. It has good power and especially when needed and good gas mileage.

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  Best car I have ever owned - 2005 Mazda RX-8
  By Keflavic - October 31 - 9:10 am

  With just a recall for replacement of starter, and spark plug wires, car has been excellent and the best compared to late model BMW 3-series, and Lexus IS 300 I have owned.

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  2010 CX-7 Sport - 2010 Mazda CX-7
  By Dave L. - October 30 - 4:10 am

  The CX-7 is very sporty and fun to drive. The base engine has more pull than you would expect from 161 hp. It also gets decent fuel mileage for an SUV. I love the new exterior design and the upscale look and feel of the interior. The interior in the CX-7 is much more luxurious than the interior in the Saturn Vue I had test driven. The base alloy wheels look great as well.

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  sporty econo car - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By fil - October 30 - 1:16 am

  I traded a 99 Mazda Protege with a Mazda 3 and although the review for the last generation Protege were great, the Mazda 3 is far greater car in handling and driveability. I think the switch to the 2 liter is the key. I can now zoom-zoom with the upscale midsize sedans like the Accord, Camry, and yes the Mazda 6. Great car driving experience for the money. Definitely test drive one; it drives like a big car.

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  Just Plain Fun! - 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Jim - October 28 - 6:33 pm

  If you want a car thats just plain fun, you cant beat the MX-5. Wife and I chose the copper red Touring model with black cloth interior. The car is gorgeous, fit is perfect. As for performance, the 5 speed manual is quick and smooth, flawless. While not exactly fast, the car is very quick. The steering is extremely responsive. Brakes stop the vehicle on a dime. The interior, while snug, imparts the sensation of a cockpit. All controls are at your fingertips just inches away. The top is very well designed and easy to use. I would not recommend the vehicle for primary transportation, but if youre looking for a sensational, affordable second, this is it. This car is a blast.

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  CX-7 Brand New - 2011 Mazda CX-7
  By habsexpos - October 27 - 4:10 pm

  Picked up my brand new 2011 CX-7 last week. Great price and excellent trade-in (2006 Honda Civic) made this an easy choice. Have close to 600 miles on it. Nice smooth, quiet ride. No issues so far. Getting about 26 MPG combined, probably will get better after the "break in" period. Ill come back and give everyone updates.

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  So far, so good - 2003 Mazda MPV
  By KenE - October 27 - 10:00 am

  MPV is smaller than most mini-vans, but I wanted it that way. We have three children in car seats and being 62", I didnt want to climb up and bend down to get to the third row. I can stay outside the vehicle and still reach the third row seat from the passenger side sliding door (when the second row seat is slid toward the other).

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  Best car yet - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By boowana - October 27 - 10:00 am

  I bought this car over the Internet sight unseen several months ago. After I picked it up, I realized that it exceeded all of my expectations. The only minor gripe I have is gas mileage but it is a psorts car and I tend to drive it a little more aggresively so i guess thats to be expected. People stop me on the street just to look at it. It is like a piece of art.

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  Mazda tribute - 2006 Mazda Tribute
  By MIRANDA - October 27 - 8:26 am

  I added the leather seats and they are so comfortable. It is small enough to get in and out of easily but has the handling of a car. I love it and my 2 year old loves it.