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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  Get one! - 2000 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By WB in Va - April 24 - 5:46 pm

  Great car! Surprisingly powerful engine really takes off. I had an 77 MGB & its fun to recall that ride, but nicer to have A/C, rear glass window & mechancial reliability. I drove it compared to Honda S2000 & BMW Z3, thinking Miata wouldnt compare & would toss it out. It won hands down. Maintenance = none. Had to buy new tires since I burned the stock ones off!

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  So close to fantastic... - 2010 Mazda Mazda5
  By New5er - April 24 - 7:53 am

  Bought the vehicle just over a month ago to replace a 2005 Elantra (great car btw). Was immediately struck by how great it is to drive; from the drivers seat, you really feel like youre driving a Mazda3, NOT a minivan! Kids loved the mid seats (captains), and considered it a cool looking car. Fantastic view all around, and handles amazingly. After a bit of time, though, some things have started to gnaw: no hidden cubbies to hide GPSs, spare change, etc.; turning on the auto climate control automatically kicks in the a/c (its January... in Canada... cmon!). Overall, though, no regrets in getting this vehicle; if you can overlook the lack of cubbies, itll serve the avg. family well!

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  Keep mama happy - 2007 Mazda CX-7
  By robert ballard - April 24 - 5:46 am

  My wife wanted a car that was higher off the ground then her 03 Honda Accord coupe and more room. She wanted an 05 Lexus RX 330. I suggested she test drive the 07 CX-7 also. She liked it so much, she bought it that day. She loves it and even I have been seen driving it to the golf course. Its a kick!

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  Best mini van I ever owened! - 2004 Mazda MPV
  By emsoccermom - April 23 - 7:35 pm

  I bought this all most new it had 6000 miles on it. I have 230,000 miles on it. The miles were split between stop and go and highway miles. I have only had minor things brake like the drivers side window motor. I have had nothing mojor, knock on wood.

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  LOVE IT! - 2011 Mazda CX-9
  By gabswiss - April 23 - 6:33 pm

  We traded-in our 2007 CX-7 and are not looking back (lots of problems with it) This car handle as good as the CX-7 even being heavier/bigger so I was pleansantly surprised by that. The interior is of high quality as you can see on the stitched leather seats. Its nice having extra room and all these cool options (rear view camera,blind-spot monitor,power lift gate,Bose Audio,GPS...) Only 2500miles on it so far so I cant comment on the reliability. We got the Black GT FWD model with Navigation/Bose audio/Power lift gate/Moonroof/Towing prep packages. Real cost was ~$36500 after all taxes/fees (we ended up paying a little less with the trade-in)

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  Fun to drive, practical, has shortcoming - 2006 Mazda Mazda5
  By chaika - April 23 - 6:50 am

  I bought a 2006 with almost all the options. We have 2 children and regularly carpool two others to school. I like driving the car. It is small and peppy. I love the 5 speed on a minivan.

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  After 5 years of ownership-Great Car! - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By Diane - April 22 - 8:10 pm

  This is a great car. Love making u turns, awesome handling, braking, steering. Keep good Michelin tires and have them rotated every 3,000 miles or youll wear tires. So far my Michelin and rotations are keeping it in check. Have 68,000 miles on car.

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  Kims MPV - 2005 Mazda MPV
  By Kim - April 21 - 8:40 pm

  I absolutely enjoy driving my MPV. With the features of DVD, sunroof, and leather seating, it is comfortable, stylish, and the kids enjoy the space and DVD player. I absolutely love taking road trips now and with the back folding seats and roll down back windows the kids enjoy that too. Great car for anyone!

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  Very good car for the price - 1999 Mazda Protege
  By ben - April 21 - 2:00 am

  Very spacious small car, engine a little small for its weight but excellent fuel economy, very good visibility from drivers seat, picks up a lot of noise from the road. Have not had any problems or expenses, other than regular oil changes, paint coat is too thin. Definitely meets my expectations.

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  Best all-around sport compact - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By Lamsock - April 21 - 2:00 am

  Ive had this car for over a year, and its been great. I havent driven that many total miles (<10k), but its been rock-solid. Not one problem. Unlike Mazda3 (Ford), Protege5 is made 100% in Japan, and it shows. Quality is so far beyond anything made in America- even at much higher prices. I find the Dunlops are adequate, as long as you drive with care in inclement weather. In dry, trust me, theyre like glue. EXTREMELY fun to drive! Not that fast, true, but since the revs are high most of the time, you almiost always have a decent amount of power on tap. Ride is firm, but never harsh.