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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  Mazda MPV - 2001 Mazda MPV
  By nutsywheels - June 11 - 12:26 am

  I have owned a Volvo, 2 Audis, a Buick, and 2 Chevy Suburbans. My 2001 Mazda MPV has truly been the best of them all. It currently has 86,000 miles on it and has only needed minor repairs thus far. A big thing for me is that no little pieces have fallen off like in my other cars, and the whole car seems to be very well made.

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  Replaced My Mazda RX-8 - 2007 Mazda CX-7
  By edtb - June 7 - 11:36 am

  Great handling and excellent merging of the 6 speed tranny with the turbo 4 engine. My only complaint - would like a memory power drivers seat that would allow for two different drivers by pushing one button. Manual shifting works well but I miss the paddle shifters on my RX-8.

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  STO2GO - 1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By roknrol - June 7 - 10:00 am

  This is a great car. Ill echo the other review about being careful of the special editions. Its too easy to become so paranoid of getting the car dinged up that youll just keep it in the garage and admire it. However, the car must be driven to truly admire it. I had wanted a true, classic convertible for a long time, but didnt want the maintenance issues of an MG or Triumph. The Miata is the perfect answer.

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  7 seater Sport-Car !!! - 2004 Mazda MPV
  By Raymond Wong - June 7 - 10:00 am

  Got my mpv two days ago. Its accleration surprised me. Also, the 7 seater effortlessly zoomed uphill, it also stopped with precision since the ABS and electronic brake force distribution helped tremendrously. The handling is top-notch in the minivan category. The look of the GFX package is handsome. A must-have minivan for fun driving.

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  Happy First Time Mazda Owner - 2010 Mazda Mazda6
  By Sarah - June 6 - 1:56 pm

  Bought the car about two weeks ago. Its the first car weve bought since we were SUV owners. So far the Fuel Economy is great compared to an SUV. I like how it looks inside and out. It has a lot of interior space compared to other sedans we looked at. You also seem to get a lot more features at a lower price. Love the blue tooth feature. So far I am a happy first time Mazda owner and would recommend this car.

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  I LOVE THIS SUV! - 2007 Mazda CX-7
  By Amy - June 6 - 11:53 am

  I bought the CX-7 in April and absolutely love it!! It is the perfect combination of a car and SUV. I was used to driving a two door Honda Civic and was able to change over to the CX-7 very easily. It drives just like a car but offers the comforts of an SUV such as the roomier interior and higher ride. I love it!!

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  I love my speed3 - 2010 Mazda MazdaSpeed3
  By Jase - June 5 - 11:56 pm

  I cant say enough good about it. My trade in was a 2005 mazda3s... Which I absolutely loved. 40,000 miles on it at trade and not a single issue other than routine oil changes. Buying the speed3 was an impulse buy while on vacation. I could not pass up the offer. I never knew the performance was anything close to what I had "heard" but wow! Its simply an awesome car with true Mazda soul and zoom zoom on steroids.

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  Still Going Strong - 2004 Mazda Tribute
  By scooter - June 5 - 10:43 am

  I bought this Tribute new about two years ago. The styling is very nice, and it really is fun to drive. It has great acceleration, and excellent brakes. It is very easy to park and maneuver. The sound system is fantastic. The only negative I have experienced is the fuel economy. I only get about 17-18 city, and about 24-26 highway. Not bad, but for a vehicle this size it should be better. The build quality is very good. No rattles or other annoying noises after 17,000 miles. Overall it is a very good little SUV.

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  Love my Tribute - 2004 Mazda Tribute
  By Love my Tribute - June 5 - 10:00 am

  This is my 2nd 2004 Tribute. The first one I traded for a Mazda 3 because of rising fuel costs back in 2005. I missed it so much that when I found another used 2004 within my price range, I bought it. It had 68,000 miles on it when I bought it and now has 95,000. The only thing that its been in the shop for is recharging the AC. I love the way it rides and drives. I have a 20 mile commute to work and this past winter, when we had several bad snow storms, I didnt miss a day of work.

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  Good Bang For The Buck - 2009 Mazda Mazda6
  By herb - June 2 - 12:53 pm

  Before I buy I always look at the field of cars in the class. When I came across the 6 I had to knock out the Accord, Camry and all the like. What comes on the car as standard are for the most part options or not even available on competitors (Xenon head lights). Once you pop on a few options youve got a car equipped more like a premium class car. This car really is a lot of value for the money. Ive only had mine for a short while and Im not sorry one bit I bought it. As far as Im concerned Toyota and Honda have some catch to do to match the new 6. This is one heck of a value for well under 30 G.