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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  Solid Family Hauler - 2004 Mazda MPV
  By Hazybeer - March 4 - 10:00 am

  Wow, I am driving a minivan, my previous vehicle was a 2000 Maxima. But, with the addition of one son in 2000 and another in 2002, and a wife who feels we need to bring everything including the kitchen sink along on outings a minivan was needed. Compared every minivan offering at the time plus SUVs. The MPVs balance of handling, power, comfort, space and style sold me and my wife. It is also a capbale hauler. I can tow my 16 feet boat (have towing pak), kids, dog and cargo, and still feel I have enough power and space. Overall love this van and would buy another.

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  Caryns sweet ride - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By caryn - March 4 - 10:00 am

  I love my new car, its sporty yet it has the additional seats in the back ,and it seats four rather comfortably.It is super fun to drive ,handles very well .Lots of storage spaces ,and double consoles which is great for the back seat travlers.

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  Great SUV - 2005 Mazda Tribute
  By bporse - March 4 - 10:00 am

  Bought the S with the 3 pkg, that loads up this SUV with Moonroof, heated Leather seats, upgraded 6 CD radio. Only 150 miles but having fun driving it. Checked out all the smaller and midsize SUVs and this is the best! Much nicer than Escape. Great visability, power, comfort. A must test drive before buying anything else.

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  nikos - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By nikolas - March 4 - 10:00 am

  awesome compact car

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  new 3 for me - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By tree101 - March 4 - 10:00 am

  Smart design, spirited performance, and great price. This car hits the trifecta. One would be hard pressed to find a car that is as fun to drive and as easy on the eyes for the same money.

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  Good - not great - 2014 Mazda CX-5
  By dougal1098 - March 4 - 12:30 am

  I have been driving my 2014 CX-5 Grand Touring for a couple of days now. I got the base Grand Touring model with a remote start and a trailer hitch. The car itself is nice with good handling and styling. The car just looks nice. The 19" wheels are a distinctive feature that really makes the car unique. The handling of the car is nice but not dramatically different than other cars in its class. And really, why buy this car of this class for handling anyway?

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  Unbeatable - 2009 Mazda Mazda6
  By Sliver93 - March 3 - 7:36 am

  I drove 16 different cars in my quest for my next car. I came down to the 09 G35x, 09 Maxima and the Mazda6. The "fun to drive" factor really pushed the Mazda to the top of the list. The dated transmission on the m35 made it feel like a grandpa car, and the Maxima engine didnt feel as punchy as my old ones. I have always driven Nissans because I love to drive. Now I love my 6!

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  Stands Out in the crowd - 2009 Mazda CX-9
  By Mr. T - March 3 - 12:43 am

  I have 09 Copper Red GT AWD. Looks way more luxurious than its price. Interior space and comfort is excellent even for the 3rd row. We fit 8 easily. Interior is comparable to Lexus. probably Only crossover SUV having leather-trimmed dashboard with Wood trims (not just plastics). Many High-end features are standard (tri-zone climate control, bluetooth,18" alloys, sunroof/Bose option) for even basic trim levels but High-end Trims missing some basic features like Anti-glare side mirrors, compass, rear-view camera on mirror(i.e w/o Navigation). This is my only complaint. Overall, Great Pickup Great Style.

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  BAD AC EXPERIANCE - 2003 Mazda Truck
  By J C - March 2 - 10:00 am

  (YEAR 2002 B2300) IVE HAD IT FOR A MONTH AND I AM TOTALLY DISGUSTED WITH THE PERFORMANCE OF THE AC UNIT. IT THUMPS ON AND OFF ABOUT EVERY 06 SECONDS. IT JERKS THE ENGINE SO HARD IT FEELS LIKE I HIT A SMALL POTHOLE EVERY 50 FEET OR SO. NOT FUN AT ALL. IVE BEEN (VERY HAPPILY) DRIVING MAZDA TRUCKS AND CARS FOR 16 YEARS (2 TRUCKS 2 CARS MADE BY MAZDA, NOT FORD). THIS WILL BE MY LAST MAZDA. FORD HAS RUINED THEM.

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  An Excellent Choice for The Perfect Car - 2002 Mazda Protege5
  By Corey L - March 2 - 10:00 am

  I personally feel that this is the car to have. I traded in my 2001 civic with 43,000 miles on it. Anyone with a new civic should get RID of it, they are GARBAGE, my tranny went at 26,000 miles. Wheel bearings went at 35,000 miles. If you have a new civic, trade it in for this car, trust me!! The P5 is such a smooth ride, sporty look, great handling, quiet on the inside, fun to drive, especially with the sport mode tranny, and the perfect car for just about anyone.