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:

• 

  The sleeper of Sport Wagons! - 2005 Mazda Mazda6
  By Morton Y - July 8 - 3:40 pm

  This car is the best of both worlds--a true performance sedan and a station wagon capable of hauling asphalt. A total pleasure to drive. The best built US manufactured car I have experienced. Excellent fit and finish. A lot of value for the money.

• 

  anything below 8.0 you people are stupid - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By dapumbanator - July 8 - 2:00 am

  i new this was my new car from the minute i test drove it, the shifting was awsome and and car itself is a nice piece of work. when u dont have the money to buy the 6 this is a really close second. though the color selection for the Mazda 3 s4dr sedan was a bit limited i wanted yellow but never found it other than that great car.

• 

  MomÂ’s car - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By Tooshwa - July 8 - 2:00 am

  My 90 year old mother bought this car 3 weeks ago. She loves the acceleration, interior design, stereo controls on the steering wheel, 17” alloy wheels and dual carbs. Her biggest gripe is that she didn’t purchase the Sport Package as she really would like to have the rear spoiler. When I visit her on the weekends, I leave my Bimmer in the driveway and tool around in the Mazda. My next car could very well be the Mazda 6, 5 speed.

• 

  New, but impressed so far - 2008 Mazda Mazda3
  By timbo - July 7 - 9:00 pm

  I looked at all of the standard compact vehicles. Toyota Corolla, Honda Civic, Ford Focus, Nissan Versa. So far I am impressed with this car. I have always been a Honda and Toyota guy and we still have a Tundra and a CRV as our standard drivers. We needed something for gas mileage and went with this car and so far feel very impressed. First day, one hundred mile mixed driving we got a little over 31 mpg (standard tranny). It drips with quality in the interior. I think the only thing that I dont like the quality of the carpets, but overall I think its fantastic for the price. Hope it holds up.

• 

  Unbeatable for the take home price - 2001 Mazda Millenia
  By Scott P - July 6 - 10:00 am

  This is a vehicle with a elagant and unique look. I quite often recieve favorable comments and questions regarding the car. I bought a fully loaded black/silver s model with spoiler,cd changer and everything else for 26,800. Seems like a steal compared to the Lexus, Acura and Infiniti the Millenia is always compared against. It has performed very well and except for resale value (no problem since I love the car), I am completely satisfied.

• 

  MPV AN MVP - 2002 Mazda MPV
  By RON JOHNSON - July 6 - 10:00 am

  GREAT VAN FEELS LIKE A SPORTS CAR HANDLES GREAT AND PERFORMS WONDERFULLY

• 

  ES Protege Is A Great Choice - 2002 Mazda Protege
  By TAURSHO1995 - July 6 - 10:00 am

  I had the car for a few months now and am very pleased with the choice. Very sporty and stylish with a solid on-road feel and excellent reliability record.Everything is tighly put together....no rattles or squeaks anywhere to be found.Handles like its on rails

• 

  This Car Doesnt Get the Credit Deserved - 2007 Mazda Mazda5
  By Third Mazda - July 4 - 1:33 pm

  I am picky about my cars, and this one seemed like a no-brainer. It handles like a non-minivan, make me look younger than my late thirties, holds everyone in my family and then some, hauls all our camping gear, and gets great mileage. This is one of the hidden secrets of autodom.

• 

  Best in this Class - 2009 Mazda CX-9
  By BV - July 4 - 7:30 am

  I was looking to replace a 2004 MDX. The newer MDX while very impressive is mid 50s with all options....Ouch! The dash of the new MDX has way too much going on. The CX9 was a surprise for sure. For what you get this is by far the best in the larger 3rd row SUVs. Many people actually see this rig and think it is a Lexus. You dont see as many of the cx9s on the road and I cannot figure out why. We have three small children and did not want to go mini-van.

• 

  TALL PEOPLE BEWARE!!! - 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By wkiernan - July 3 - 9:40 pm

  Look, Ive had three Miatas. My first, a 93 that I bought used, got rear-ended by a whisky-drinker in a pickup truck. I rushed out and bought a nearly-identical second one. When it passed 200,000 miles (going strong I might add) I started shopping for a third, which I bought today - now I own _two_ of these things. My last twelve years of car buying expresses how very, very much I like this car better than any rodomontade I might compose. But. Im 511" tall, and this car fits me like a comfortable shoe. What that means if youre 61" or taller, or a likely regular passenger is, Im sorry but you really need to consider cars with a couple of inches more headroom.