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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  best car for the $ - 2012 Mazda Mazda3
  By sorento2006 - March 30 - 11:29 am

  i did a lot of research before deciding on this car,and everything i have read from road tests is almost true.i got my 4-door with fog lights,spoiler,bose/moonroof package.looks great in dark grey.

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  Zoooom Zooooom - 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By 2008RedMiata - March 30 - 11:00 am

  Owned a 1990 Miata that I drove for yrs without any troubles. Decided to upgrade. Glad I did. Much more room than the original design. I just drove it 2000 miles in 5 days getting an avg of 33 mpg (28 mpg in the city). Comfort was better than anticipated for two people plus gear. This is not a "grocery getter". It is a fun car to drive to the drive in or in the mountains for a weekend get away. Zoooom Zooooom!!

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  Excellent overall - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By guinzuz - March 29 - 2:50 pm

  The fit an finish on the car is outstanding. Both exterior and interior styling are top-notch. Car is sporty to drive even with the smaller 2.0. Very practical and reliable. Driving position is very comfortable. Visibility is excellent. I would highly recommend this car.

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  Zoom Zoom - 2005 Mazda Tribute
  By Deb - March 29 - 1:46 pm

  So far, I really love this SUV. It is a really comfortable vehicle and it is a pleasure to drive.

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  Fantastic car and a blast to drive! - 2009 Mazda Mazda3
  By MJ - March 28 - 11:20 pm

  Ive had my 2009 Mazda 3 S-Touring for just 3 wks. and a little over 1,000 miles, but so far, I love this car! I commute 50-miles per day roundtrip to work and traded in a 2004 Ford Ranger for the Mazda 3 in order to save gas money. So far, the car is averaging 29.5 mpg, and on the highway trip home from the dealership, the first tank of gas got 33.5 mpg, which is outstanding. The car is a blast to drive, especially on country back roads with a lot of turns. The exterior is very sporty compared to all the other economy cars. The interior appears very upscale and the seats are quite comfortable. Stereo system is also great & auxiliary jack for iPod is very handy. Great acceleration w/ 2.3L.

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  Sports car fun with practicality - 2010 Mazda CX-7
  By sandy19 - March 28 - 4:20 pm

  Purchased my 2010 CX-7 last week after an exhaustive research of comparable models. Narrowed it down to the Acura RDX or the CX-7. Mazda won hands down, side-by-side. Less turbo lag, better features and styling and much better pricing. CX-7 Bluetooth navi and audio has my husband (who owns an Acura TSX) quite envious. It handles just as good as his TSX also.

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  Best car I ever owned - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By Karl Scharf - March 28 - 12:40 pm

  Had my Mazda 3i for 3 Months, absolutely love it! It handles like a sports car and gets about 30 MPG in mixed driving. The manual transmission is excellent, acceleration is more than adequate. Never had more fun driving since the old days, when I owned a 54 Studebaker Lowe Coupe.

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  Great Value & Still Zooming in Raleigh - 2010 Mazda CX-9
  By Tearlach - March 28 - 2:00 am

  After 8 months: best combination of driving experience, braking, interior space & comfort, technology and safety amongst Highlander, 4Runner, Pilot, Sante Fe,Outback, Tribeca, Vera Cruz & other Asian SUV/CUVs w/ AWD evaluated (Asian quality/value bias after owning 20+ domestic, Euro & lately Asian vehicles). A nearly perfect family of 5 transport design w/ generous 2nd row and a 3rd row even adults could fit into in a pinch - and still have some cargo room. Not there isnt decent competition, but the steering, decent acceleration & AWD, excellent brakes and low road noise compared to even pricier CUVs are impressive. Drive of the CX-9 to others considered or you will be short changed.

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  Great car I love it. - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By jorart1 - March 27 - 10:16 pm

  I have had the car for only 3 weeks but once you drive it youll know that is a great car to own. The quality of the interior is great, i would dare to say that is very close to perfection. I do think like other reviewers said that you get more than what you pay for (at least it feels that way).

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  Fun car! - 2008 Mazda CX-9
  By btm2518 - March 26 - 12:56 pm

  Love driving this car. Im 67" and it it one of the most comfortable cars Ive ever driven.