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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  The best Minivan!! - 2004 Mazda MPV
  By ehdesi - July 27 - 10:00 am

  Just purchased this loaded EX for $27K!!!! Other minivans we were interested in: Toyota Sienna 04 (have to wait 4 months and pay $34K) and Chrysler T&C limited 03 (we had a Dodge for 6 years). The MPV just felt right, smaller size, more nible handling, stylish (with GFX package), kids love it (6 & 9). Everyone has commented on it-saying how great it looks. You cannot go wrong here!!

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  Very good car with some flaws - 2005 Mazda Mazda6
  By Tom L - July 27 - 1:46 am

  Quick for an automatic, but the automatic makes the car a lot less fun. Beware of the bumpy and harsh ride, probably due to low profile tires. If you are 22, maybe it wont matter to you, but Im 42 and find it annoyingly harsh. I bought the 5 door S model with 6 speed auto stick. Its my first automatic in 20 years, so maybe thats why I find it lacking. The car seems solid, and handles great. I wish that I could have gotten the 5 door without the sport package. I also hate the orange gauges (maybe the age thing again). Even with Bose package, the stereo sounds tinny at lower volume even compared to my 98 Maxima SE. Heater never seems to blow hot air even when set at 75.

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  i finally know what zoom zoom is! - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By Khuyenski - July 25 - 7:16 pm

  This is the first mazda that Ive ever driven in my life and Im never going back. I have an automatic and this car is still so fun to drive. The great thing about this car is that its both sporty and comfortable. I drive my sisters BMW 3 series all the time and I actually like my ride a whole lot better. You can really feel the torque when you gas it...so it makes it feel faster than what it is. The interior of the car is very pleasing. The front seats are comfortable enough to go on road trips. The back seats not so much but then again I never have to sit back there! Ive had this car for almost 4 months and over 5000 miles and I still look forward to driving it every day.

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  Make passenger compartment bigger - 2006 Mazda Tribute
  By richard - July 25 - 12:40 pm

  I love the vehicle, however it is clear the vehicle is built for women and small men. I am 6 ft, 220 pounds and to be honest, I dont fit in the drivers seat. My shoulders are jammed against the door and the hip room is adequate but snug. This vehicle is not for most American men.

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  Sad to see the coming to an end - 2001 Mazda MPV
  By Ted - July 25 - 10:00 am

  Probably will have to replace the MPV soon, as it is getting up there in miles. It has been a good, reliable family vehicle for almost ten years. Still wish it had more power and a 5- speed automatic. The Ford engine (from the Contour) was the only mechanical challenge. It has a minor oil leak now, and the exhaust manifolds are leaking a bit, making warm-up slightly loader than normal. The van still looks great and rides and handles great, and the interior is tight and solid with no squeaks, rattles or broken/loose parts. Highest quality car I have ever owned, other than the aforementioned engine. I wish Mazda had not discontinued. Will likely go with the new for 2011 Honda Odyssey.

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  Very Happy Owner - 2010 Mazda CX-9
  By Bob - July 25 - 10:00 am

  I bought the CX-9 GT to replace our 9 year old Odyssey. This time I bought a loaded vehicle (only 2WD though) and am glad I did. Previous reviews are spot on. Performance is good for a vehicle of this type. Interior fit and finish also very good. I looked long and hard at the Chevy Traverse (nice but too expensive), Ford Edge (no 3rd row seat) and the Subaru Tribeca (cheap looking interior and just didnt feel right). MDX was wonderful but couldnt justify the extra $8-$10k more. Sticker was $38,315 and I put $0 down and $630/mo for 60 months @ 0% interest.

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  Reliable, Safe, and a FUN CAR TO OWN! - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By WB3Jay - July 25 - 10:00 am

  I bought this car brand new (coming out of a Mazda Millenia) with 7 miles on it. 5 years and 120,000+ miles later I am still a proud owner. This is one reliable car with nothing needing replacing with the exception of normal wear and tear items (I went 115k on the original front brake pads!). Ive been through 2 sets of tires and 2 rear brake jobs thats it. It is so much fun to drive and that means a lot to someone who spends a lot of time in their car. Gas mileage has been around 25 mpg.

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  ZoomZoom - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By Victoria - July 25 - 10:00 am

  I bought this car after driving a 99 Chevy Cavalier with over 200,000 miles that I constantly find myself sinking money into for repairs. I wasnt sure about the Mazda Sport until I drove the car. The car is fun, easy on the highway, awesome on gas, smooth and a comfortable ride. I love to zoom, zoom and switch it from a standard shift to a manual when I am on the interstate. I am enjoying it immensely.

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  Mazda 6s 5M - 2005 Mazda Mazda6
  By Mike - July 25 - 9:53 am

  Only had this car for 1200 miles ... so far I love it! It could use another 50 HP ... but it moves fast enough to get me tickets. Plenty of leg room for me (60") ... comfortable seats. Overall, just a great car IMO.

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  Good choice for the money - 2006 Mazda Mazda5
  By wolf6561 - July 25 - 7:50 am

  I bought our Mazda 5 earlier this year, we were looking for for an economical alternative to an SUV, and this does the job fine. I am 63", and the front and second row seats are quite comfortable. The gas mileage is great, the handling is first-rate, and it makes a great family vehicle. My wife picks up our son and 4 neighbor kids from school every day and they love the car. Weve also managed to load bicycles, a large dog crate, and have plenty of room left over.