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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  I Love this van - 2003 Mazda MPV
  By Fan4Life - July 3 - 10:00 am

  I love the versatility of the sliding middle seat and the fold-flat back seat. The ride is smooth and quiet. The kids love the ability to open the side-door windows which really airs-out the van on a nice day. Weve had the van in for service once for a jerky transmission and everyone was very helpfull. If you want a quality van that doesnt cost an kings ransom, this is the one for you!

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  Zoom Zoom - 2004 Mazda Tribute
  By desertdog - July 3 - 10:00 am

  There are a lot of choices out there. After researching and driving, the Tribute takes the prize. This vehicle is fun to drive. It has great acceleration, brakes, handling, etc.... I do agree that the front seat should be more comfortable. It does have a lumbar adjustment which helps. The sound system is great. This thing is so much fun to drive I almost wish I bought a stick!

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  Still happy owner - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By Bowldog - July 3 - 10:00 am

  The car is impressive to drive, with the responsive 160 hp and the braking/handling this is a little go- kart. Had problems with the trans. nec to replace both front axles at 10,000 miles this was the third time in the shop for same repair, p/s front door panel noisey third time also and still not fixed. Do wish the fuel economy was a little better best yet is 26.3 on the auto side of the sport auto trans. Dealer installed larger 18" wheels with 225-40 Z rated tires not that it needed the speed as it cuts out at 118. Overall this car is still the best value for the money in the class. Lots of looks from every type of car and driver. Mazda ZOOM - ZOOM !!

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  Uber good mazda - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By randy - July 3 - 9:33 am

  I got this car to replace my mazda b- 2500 after it was rear ended at 70 mph by a much larger truck, its very roomy, comfortable, controls are easy but the gearbox is a bit notchy. car goes 0-60 in under 5 seconds with after market intake, the red display is cool, I am a VERY aggressive driver and this mazda seems to fulfill my needs. this is an easy car to work on if it develops any problems. the car i have is rock bottom of the 04 mazda6 line but im still pleased. zoom! zoom!

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  "Instant vacation!" - 2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By mimazdaman - July 2 - 4:45 am

  Get off work; throw the top down; let the sunshine; find a winding road and say "aaahhh". Having owned a Miata/MX-5 continuously since 1992 I can honestly say there is no better stress reliever. Although my new one cost twice as much as my 92 it is still an incredible bargain. The new Vette was tempting, but glad I waited. The new Miata/MX-5 gets back to its gen 1 roots (smaller, lighter, better looking) just beautifully updated for 2016.

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  A Mom Who Wanted Style with Room - 2007 Mazda CX-9
  By Laura - July 2 - 1:50 am

  The process of finding the perfect vehicle was exhausting! We needed room for our family of 5, wanted better gas mileage than our Tahoe was giving us but did not want a minivan. We looked at the Lincoln MKX, BMW X-5, Volvo XC90, Acura MDX, none seemed worth the price. Then we test drove the CX-9 and fell in love with it. At nearly $6000 less and with nearly all the same options and even more exterior style, the Mazda was clearly the better choice. We love it.

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  Most Bang for the buck! - 1998 Mazda 626
  By outbreak - July 1 - 10:00 am

  Ive had this car for 4 yrs now and I can tell anyone whos looking for a new or used car that it is extremely reliable. Ive done my oil changes every 6000 - 7000 miles and the car has always run flawlessly. The car is very clean and basic, not too much junk that will break that many cars tend to have. The interior ergonomics are perfect.

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  Great Buy - 2010 Mazda Mazda6
  By DJayhawk - June 30 - 5:53 pm

  Traded in my 2008 Mazda 3 for the New Mazda 6. Great sedan. Powerful V6 Engine. Lots of features. Love the Sat Radio, Bluetooth, keyless entry and push button start. This car has it all. Huge trunk and lots of room for rear seat passengers.

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  Mazda CX 9: Over-achiever of the year! - 2010 Mazda CX-9
  By camp168 - June 28 - 11:46 pm

  We bought this car to replace an 01 Explorer that was going to cost more than it was worth to repair. We tried the Chevy Traverse, Ford Edge, and Explorer XLT...after 5 minutes in the CX 9 it was a done deal! We got the Touring model with AWD, and it blows away anyone elses SUV/CUV! A like vehicle from Acura or Lexus would be $15k more! Fit and finish is exceptional. I am tall - 62"- as is my wife at 58" so we figure the kids will be big, so I sat in the 2nd and 3rd rows...plenty of room in the 2nd row, and even in the 3rd though head room was shorter...but I could see my self in any seat in the vehicle for a 2-3 hour trip with no problem! The engine is powerful and smooth. Tight handling!

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  Makes Sense - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By william - June 28 - 9:53 am

  Got a good model year-end deal on a silver 3 with leather and moon roof. Very happy with car. Everything seems solid and well thought out. Very quick, handling is precise and firm. Not sure about low-profile tires that came on car - they seem a bit noisy and not sure how much they add to performance. Otherwise, car is very quiet, with just the right amount of auditory feedback from engine. Slight flaw on placement of brake and accelerator pedals - a bit too close for large feet. Good for heel and toe but its easy to hit the brake when youre doing normal shifting. Taking some getting used to. Mileage has been less than expected, but the car and I are still getting to know one another.