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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  Motorized Perfection - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By cmdrscotie - August 7 - 11:50 am

  Test drove a used model and decided to give a new Mazda a try (never owned one before). Nice lines, tight chassis, looks like a BMW knockoff. 3.9% financing was a nice bonus.

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  solid ride - 2005 Mazda Mazda6
  By Roberto - August 7 - 5:53 am

  Great car to drive. Handles with best of them. At highway speeds it is quiet and makes lighting quick lane changes. I have the sport transmission (Triptronic) and it is smooth and sporty fun to drive. Great stereo, steering wheel controls are extremely helpful. Interior has great style and quality workmanship. Car was priced right and dealer gave me a great deal.

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  Watch out for bad paint on Mazda5 and no warranty coverage! - 2014 Mazda Mazda5
  By stowevter - August 7 - 4:06 am

  We have a Mazda5 Sport with only 22,000 miles. The paint around both front wheel wells has flaked off to bare metal. And, the paint along the rocker panels on both sides and up the doors 12-18 inches has also flaked off, ruining the finish. Mazda refuses to cover the repair of this and says that something on the roads "back east" used for snow removal caused the paint to fail. Unbelievable but they wont cover a fix. I have filed an arbitration claim with the Better Business Bureau. Beware of Mazda cars "back east" -- they have a paint adhesion problem! see site: my mazda sucks dot com

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  CX9 Sport with lots of Bells & Whistles! - 2010 Mazda CX-9
  By Jules from SoCal - August 6 - 7:00 pm

  Needed to downsize from a 2007 Chevy Tahoe but still needed third row option. I loved my Tahoe! But did not love the $604 monthly payment! We compared the CX9 to the Pilot and the Acadia. The CX9 Sport had soo many more bells and whistles for a base model! It was a NO BRAINER for us! Bluetooth, roofrack, seat warmers, satellite radio, dual zone heating/cooling, nice dashboard finish, power seats and drives beautifully! The first night I had the CX9 7 of us piled in for my birthday! We all fit comfortably!

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  Zoom zoom - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By Tiq - August 6 - 6:26 pm

  For a 160hp pocket rocket, it makes ground really fast. This ride can hit 60mph at 3rd gear. Its effortless when climbing. Never doubt if a car pops in front of you and you have slow down or brake and it can accelerate right back with ease.

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  Mazda 6i Sport Value edition - 2007 Mazda Mazda6
  By mcpopop - August 6 - 10:03 am

  Ive owned may cars over the years ranging from a Porsche to a Focus and also spent 25 years in the car business, mostly hi-line European. We just picked up a 5 speed, Sport Value edition. The 4 cylinder performance with the manual transmission is surprising. Build quality seems very good. The thing that impresses me the most is what you get for the dollar. We had 03 Focus ZX5 with a sticker of $18k and the Mazda is $20380, four years later. For $2300 more the difference is unbelievable. I think the car is on a par with an A4, Saab 9-3,and maybe even BMW 325. If youre in the market for a fun-to-drive, affordable sedan, check this car out. IMHO its probably the most underrated car out there.

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  Fun, practical, could be more efficient - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By 1st time Mazda man - August 5 - 5:03 pm

  This car is fun to drive and the hatchback version is very practical. A few things could have been better, like auto window buttons but this is a fine car and has been very reliable. The average gas mileage is probably only 19 mpg so this is probably the biggest shortcoming I can find.

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  Mazda 2006 - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By shpage - August 5 - 3:56 pm

  We are so happy with our new Mazda. We wouldnt of thought that our Mazda would make such a difference in our lives. We absolutely love driving it and going for car rides. It is exactly of what we wanted from a car and now we would recommend it for anyone to own. We will have this car for a long time. It drives so smooth and has power when it needs to go. It looks sporty enough plus its economical. I drive it to and from work and get about 35 mpg on a 5 speed transmission. We are so happy with it and wouldnt trade it for the world.

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  2008 Mazda CX7 Review. - 2008 Mazda CX-7
  By Edward DEustachio - August 4 - 10:06 am

  Great mid-size SUV. Handling above average but could be better. Fuel economy not good. Plenty of power. Would love to see this model in a hybrid. Would love to have been able to purchase the sun roof as a stand alone option.

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  A RARE CAR WORTHY OF MORE ATTENTION - 2001 Mazda Millenia
  By PAU - August 3 - 10:00 am

  I purchased my 2001 Mazda Millenia in 2002 brand new as a left over. The dealership was discounting this car $10,000 off the sticker price of $35,000 (sticker included chrome wheels, 4 seasons package, heated seats, and bose in dash 5 cd system). This car has been an excellent value to me. I really enjoy and look forward to driving it