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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  Best handling car - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By Gentleman Jim - May 28 - 10:00 am

  The RX-8 is a tight, smooth handling car, easy to play with on back country roads, and yet, fun to drive in the city, and to be seen in. The unique styling turns heads left and right. I have found it to be a road hugging sports car, and the automatic/manual transmission makes it versatile for any type of driving.

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  Zoom Zoom Zoom!!!! - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By SLYeates - May 28 - 10:00 am

  This is awesome riding vehicle. Extrememly smooth on the interstate. Beautiful body design.

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  my review - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By bondman20 - May 28 - 10:00 am

  Fun to drive, fun to own. What a gas!!!

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  So much fun, so little compromise - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By ambivalence - May 28 - 10:00 am

  I cant say enough how much I love this car! I know there are no perfect car for <$50k (or above?). But its amazing to me how little you give up for how much you get in this sexy 5-dr hatchback! I can go to a $50k budget and there isnt another car that can beat out this package in every major aspect. The holistic approach that Mazda took to driving pleasure really pays off (see below for highlights). Beneath the aggressive exterior is a car that blends in the handling (and good looks) of a sports coupe, the luxurious ride of a lexus and the utility of a compact suv. Simply unbelievable!

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  Great price, good entry-level SUV. - 2008 Mazda Tribute
  By MAA - May 28 - 6:16 am

  Driving is great especially considering the choices if you want an entry level SUV from a foreign car maker. As expected pick-up is slow. Even thought its Japanese, it reminded me of my 1995 Ford Taurus, design seemed very similar to Ford. And as expected instruments in the car are not as sturdy and are more of Ford quality. But its too soon to say anything, its only been driven 350 kms!

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  This is one pimp car - 2003 Mazda Protege
  By SupaFunkyKid - May 26 - 10:00 am

  Toyota, Honda, Nissan, Ford, and Chevy cant touch this car. The perfect definition of what a small sedan should be.

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  Great Crossover - 2010 Mazda CX-9
  By Zion Isabelle - May 25 - 2:56 pm

  This is our 5th vehicle purchase. We owned Toyotas ever since but the recent recalls made me think about their quality and reliability. Ive always been curious about CX9 but never had the chance to test drive one. Once I drove it, instantly fell in love! The quality is above average. Interior is beautiful so as the exterior. Very quiet on the road. Handling is great. A lot of space even with the 3rd row up. Became a Mazda fan immediately. Thinking to trade in my Corolla for a Mazda 3!

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  Exceptional Car - 2015 Mazda Mazda6
  By cajone - May 25 - 3:39 am

  I love my 2015 Mazda 6 Grand Touring with ieloop. Great handling and very responsive. Tons of safety features, which won me over. The Mazda 6 is very comfortable and gives you somewhat of a sporty feel. Touch screen is a little dated but all in all a fantastic car with great gas mileage without being a hybrid. I chose this car over the Mercedes CLA250. Its absolutely exceptional with huge trunk space. Test drive one and you will see for yourself.

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  Decent Enough - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By Joey - May 25 - 12:33 am

  Bought new in 04. 60K miles so far. Replaced all 4 tires and brakes and changed the oil regularly. Luckily no big problems. Its a good looking car thats fun to drive. I have the sport package with the automatic tranny (wish I got the manual). I like the car but the rear tires get cupped if you dont rotate them often enough. You also have to be careful washing it that you dont break off the cheap antenna (oops). When shes clean she gets lots of looks. There is also a little hesitation with the automatic tranny when you punch the throttle and its very annoying. But still, a nice family car that doesnt look like one.

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  Love our SP 2.3 Sedan - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By pats1 - May 24 - 7:30 pm

  Bought this car 5 weeks ago and have 2500+ miles on it already - lots of highway driving. What a great car!! Love the carbon gray mica with the black leather (dont see any like it) and this one is loaded with most everything except NAV. Last tank was 29.2 MPG. Very fun to drive - handles like a dream. Acceleration was a pleasant surprise. Added another SP 2.3 badge to the trunk lid - makes it look that much better. Bose is awesome. The rain-sensing wipers work great. The car rides and handles much better than the Toyota Corolla and Honda Civic (yuk) we test drove.