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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  Wow! - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By Michael Stevers - June 15 - 10:00 am

  The only thing I can say is, if you havent driven a Mazda RX-8 yet, you are missing out on the car experience of your life...come on, go out and test drive one now, I dare you not to like it.

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  ya mama - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By alityj - June 15 - 10:00 am

  good car i like it a lot i think everyone should get one for christmas

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  best car ever - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By watchung - June 15 - 10:00 am

  this vehicle is the all time greatest

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  Perfect basic transportation - 2006 Mazda Tribute
  By MazdaRob - June 15 - 3:00 am

  I have always owned Toyotas, but hate the redesigned RAV. So I looked at the Tribute and got a great end of year deal. Now, I only require a vehicle with a CD player and AC, so features dont interest me. This car is reliable, economical (I get nearly 30 mpg on the highway and high 20s around town. Ive had no mechanical problems in 45,000 and the tires are still original. Honda CRVs chew up the tires! The Tribute has room to tote lumber, move furniture and carry tools, but its also comfortable on long trips and handles very well. I would buy another one in a heartbeat. Plus, my dealer charge for service is very reasonable. Its a great SUV!

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  Wonderful Car - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By Steph - June 14 - 10:46 pm

  I leased my Mazda3 3 years ago. The lease is up next week and let me tell you Ill miss it. Unfortunately, space wise, its not up to my standards anymore since I now have a 2 yr. old daughter. It was a true joy having this car. Excellent gas mileage, cute, sporty, peppy (I have a manual) and durable. My right front tire leaks air faster than the others but aside from that I havent had ONE ISSUE!!! Whoever is lucky enough to get this car after me is buying a dream!

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  Not on par with other japanese cars - 2010 Mazda Mazda6
  By nestorhdz - June 13 - 8:03 pm

  Nice, agressive looking and responsive. Easy to handle on high speeds. During the first year of combined highway and city use there are major issues that didnt appear on other cars Ive owned (Toyota, Opel, and Chevrolet). Unoccupied passenger seat and front speaker make noise as if I was driving an truck 10 years old. The radiator heat sensor was stuck and the car overheated (covered by warranty). Front disc brakes lasts less than 10,000 miles (its less than 20,000 mi and its the second change). Theres clearly audible noise in the front suspension on irregular roads. Overall, quality is far, far away from that of Japanese and American cars.

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  I love it. - 2007 Mazda CX-7
  By dp - June 13 - 4:30 pm

  This car is fun to drive. I have not had anything go wrong with it yet.

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  2010 CX-9 GT AWD - 2010 Mazda CX-9
  By XTC75 - June 13 - 10:00 am

  Most of these reviews are glowing so Ill just list the faults. Brushed faux aluminum on the inside of the door scratches easily and looks terrible. Plastic coating on the floor runners that the rear seats slide forward/backward on scratch, peel and flake after a few months and look terrible (although still function fine). Getting to the fade function on the stereo is way too difficult (requires 3 different button pushes to change, not intuitive either). Also we have water entering into the passenger floor area beneath the dash when cornering to the left. After some online research this appears to be due to a clogged sunroof and evaporator line from the AC. Pending resolution...

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  Really Like This Vehicle - 2010 Mazda CX-9
  By Bonnie - June 13 - 10:00 am

  We bought this vehicle to replace a 10 year old Ford Expedition. We test drove a Toyota Highlander, Honda Pilot, and Chevy Traverse. The Mazda CX-9 wasnt even on my radar screen but my husband suggested we take a look. It has the look and feel of a luxury vehicle.We were very impressed with the smooth ride, handling, and spaciousness. The inside is much more roomy than the outside would lead you to believe. We purchased the Grand Touring model with all the bells and whistles and still came in well under $40,000.Getting the same features on the Chevy Traverse would have cost us almost another $5,000. Thus far we have been very happy with this purchase.

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  Get into a Zoom Zoom - 2010 Mazda Mazda6
  By Dan - June 13 - 10:00 am

  Cool car. Loving the m6 6man! Got the I sport. No need fog lights (can install after-market later/cheaper) in area. 16" steel rims and tires will be replaced after tire wear with non-stocked 17" or 18" alloy rims and tires at invoice price. No need leather wrapped steer wheel and gear shift head. With that said. Go for m6isport over more expensive m6itour trim, the zoom zoom is the same!