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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  Grendel, the grey monster - 2014 Mazda CX-9
  By Keith Murphy - September 13 - 3:46 pm

  A good solid SUV that has the size engine I need for towing my boat. However, it is much bigger than my RAV4 and took some getting used to. I got a good deal from Wilson Mazda in Ventura and a payment well within my limited budget.

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  2007 Mazda 3s - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By DonC - September 13 - 7:00 am

  Owned for almost 3 years/33,000 miles without a single problem. Fun to drive/handles great. Love the 5 speed manual transmission. Im tall (6-04, 210lbs and I find the front seats to be uncomfortable on long drives. My 5-04 wife and daughters love the seats. If I drive it easy on the hwy we get at best 30 mpg. I think a car of this size should do better although it does have the 2.3 engine.

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  Zoom Zoom - 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Betty - September 12 - 5:50 pm

  I love my MX-5. This is my second MX- 5. If you are looking for something fun to drive this is it. Hard top goes down in 12 seconds and I still have the same trunk space, amazing! I get 31 MPG! Even though it is an automatic, I have the option to shift manually or with the paddle shifters on the steering wheel. You got to love it, I do.

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  BUY THIS CAR! - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By Uptown - September 12 - 5:06 pm

  I was in search of a car to replace my trusty Volvo for the past year. Hands down, this Mazda3 S 5-speed blows away the competition. I waited for the 2006 Civic remodel (horrible dash design) until I made my purchase. I found a 2004 S model for $12,000 and plan in driving it for 5-6 years selling it for $5-6K. Thats about as inexpensive cost of ownership you can find for driving such a refined car. This car is designed like a Swiss Army Knife ... its really a great value and in most cases worth full sticker. Test drove a Corolla S, 06 Civic, used 325i, Jetta, WRX, and Accord. Go out and test drive one, and youll buy it.

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  My First Mazda - 2016 Mazda CX-9
  By Jamaal Bandele - September 12 - 2:32 pm

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  RX-8 Rocks - 2005 Mazda RX-8
  By BOP - September 11 - 4:06 pm

  The RX-8 is a great car on the curves and is really fun to drive, the main complaint is the amount of torque (too little) and the gas mileage is terrible (I get 16.5 mpg), but besides those 2 issues I wouldnt change it.

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  Best vehicle I have ever owned - 2003 Mazda MPV
  By Myco16 - September 8 - 10:00 am

  The handling and comfort are superb. It is the most practical of other minivans and luxury cars I have ever owned including my 1998 Chrysler Town and Country. I am experiencing about 20 miles per gallon during city driving break-in period.

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  Frustration with the Tribute - 2004 Mazda Tribute
  By Robyn Teigman - September 8 - 10:00 am

  i have had this car for almost three years and have had numerous problems with it from the day we purchased it. It is the second Mazda I have owned, the first being a 626 and I am finding similar types of problems. I have had leaks from the body, have had to replace all four tires, the sun roof and electric seats do not work intermittently, the lastest problem - when the car is cold it sounds as if my power steering is not working. I have had the car in for countless services. It is frustrating as I enjoy the ride and the comfort of the car, but do not trust it.

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  My fifth RX - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By Jim Mortellaro - September 8 - 10:00 am

  Compared with the second generation RX- 7 Turbo, this car is not that far away in performance. I would still prefer the RX-7 turbo, however the overall performance of this latest iteration of the Mazda Rotary is superb.

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  Great Car - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By AL Baljeu - September 8 - 10:00 am

  I looked at 12 diferent cars in the family sedan category and finally settled on the Mazda 6 with a 6 cylinder and the GFX package. Im glad I took the time to test drive all those cars because in the end I believe I got the best looking car and best value in a family sedan . Love the Bose sound system. The car handles like a sports car,with precise steering ,nice qwiet ride, loads of trunk space.Thanks Ford and Mazda.