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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  Still running after 164,000 miles strong - 1998 Mazda 626
  By Diane - February 16 - 10:36 pm

  We bought our 626 new 98 we have had no major issues with this car. Routine expected work and we have had more issues with cars with less mileage then our Mazda. The car is still beautiful rides like its 4 yrs old and have just had super performance from this car. We bought a Mazda CX9 as well this year and again very pleased - we only drive Mazda now.

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  My MX-5 GT - 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By John - February 16 - 3:13 pm

  My wife and I decided to get rid of our motorcycle and buy a small sportscar, convertible. We bought our Mazda MX-5 the day after selling the cycle. This has been the best buy we ever made. We both love driving it and we drove it to the Great Smoky Mountains a couple of weeks after buying it. Had a ball driving in the Smokies with the top down. Cant compare with the motorcycle. No hot, wet, uncomfortable days with this toy. Should have bought one years ago.

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  Remarkable Car - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By ppudgem - February 16 - 2:03 pm

  Just got a fantastic deal at Duncan Mazda outside Blacksburg, VA. Purchased 2010 Mazda3 iTouring with 0% financing for 60 months and $500 loyalty cash for $16,500 out the door. It is a sweet ride with all the amenities. Our 1999 Mazda Protege ES has 259,00 miles and runs like a top although it has rust. Bottom line, the iTouring is the current generation of reliable, fun-to-drive and economical Mazdas. We compared ours to Honda Civic LX, Ford Focus SES, Suburu Impreza, and Toyota Corolla, and believe we got the best value.

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  CX-9 hits the spot - 2012 Mazda CX-9
  By tomlovescars - February 16 - 4:55 am

  Ive had it for 3 years......almost perfect....I wish you could get the grand touring without the 20" wheels....the ride is a little harsher, but the bigger problem is the constant TPMS light turning on every time you hit a decent bump. Just too finicky and pretty pointless given the vehicle.....I had a sport for a loaner and the 18" wheels ride much better and cant really tell with the handling

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  Love my Tribute - 2002 Mazda Tribute
  By LeeAnn - February 16 - 2:43 am

  I have had my Tribute for 4 years now and have never had a major problem. It does seem to get good gas mileage as compared to other SUVs Ive had and is a lot of fun to drive. I love the way it looks - classy but kinda sporty. The only thing I dont like is the big bulky obtrusive gear shift handle. It looks clumsy and unusually large - kinda ugly. Otherwise, you cant go wrong with this SUV for the money.

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  Loving My Miata - 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By sodiscool - February 16 - 12:16 am

  I absolutely love my triple black Miata. After 2.5 months I still look for reasons to drive it. I was nervous about the suspension package but it handles amazingly and is still very smooth and controlled over bumps. Top operation is really fast. Cruises at 90 on the highway all day long. I am 511 and I fit just fine. This is a car for people that really love to drive. Take one for a test drive, youll take it home.

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  Newbie Owner - 2002 Mazda Protege
  By Docnshine - February 15 - 2:00 am

  So far so good. Protege has been a pleasure to drive and is beautifully appointed within. Engine is relatively peppy (hey, its a four cylinder). Handling is crisp and responsive.

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  2 years 5 months still very satisfied - 2002 Mazda Tribute
  By MatthewM33 - February 15 - 2:00 am

  I purchased the Tribute in October of 2000. At that time there were barely any other Tributes on the road. Im glad to say that even with more on the road its styling still stands out from all the other SUVs. The value for your dollar is incredible with Tribute. The only negatives I could say about the SUV are in the interior. The shift nob on my ES model blocks the radio volume, the cruise control on the steering wheel does not iluminate at night and the door has no padding to rest your arm.

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  Very delighted owner - 2010 Mazda CX-9
  By Salmod89 - February 15 - 2:00 am

  We bought this car after testing several others like the Highlander and Traverse. The former lacks cargo space behind the third row and this third row is intended for children or small adults only. The later has its seats on the second and third rows too close to the floor that it makes it uncomfortable for long trips. We cannot be more pleased with our choice, its riding and performance are awesome, feels solid and its interior and exterior satisfy our taste. Weve got so far 23 mpg, mainly on highways.

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  best looking sedan on the road - 2005 Mazda Mazda6
  By ddm1 - February 14 - 9:46 am

  Just reached the 5000 mile mark and not one defect noticed. Car is very quiet even with 17 inch wheels and 50 series tires, Gas mileage last week on 500 mile trip with 4 adults, four sets of golf clubs and luggage that all fit in the trunk was 29 mpg U.S. gallon or 35 mpg. CDN Imperial gallon. Cruise was set at 70 mph, air on and strong headwind both ways on trip. The manual shift mode on the auto transmission is perfect for highway passing and great fun around town. My car has no rattles or squeaks and makes Camrys and Accords look boring. Handling is excellent.